My name is Emily.

I love people in love.

I cry at every wedding.

I own a striped umbrella. Everyone should.

I love my pug. His name is Edward.

I dream of having a house with enough closet hooks for my scarves and hats.

Laughing is great.

I believe there is nothing better than a day with the people you love.

And I absolutely love to take photos.


And this is my blog. Expect to see people in love, expect to laugh and read, and expect to see what I love and why I love it! Welcome to my blog. I am glad you are here.

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09.22.09
Who doesn't just *love* spending a few hours with the cutest, most outgoing 4 year old princess on a Saturday afternoon!?!?! Well, I DO! Frankie and I had our adventures together on Saturday as she showed me just how fun it is to twirl and dance, how necessary it is to wear pink accessories around the house and how singing at the top of our lungs is a *must* in her bedroom!

Frankie is a bundle of energy that I would be thrilled to play any day of the week (that is...if she can slow down long enough for me!) With her beautifully curly blond hair, dark eyes and stunning personality, this little 4 year old sure is a REAL PRINCESS!

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GOL. I just can't get over how beautifully she is at 4 years old.
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*WINK WINK* Momma....
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And what little girl doesn't love to jump on the bed with pink jewelry on and the music as loud as it can go?? :)
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I love you Frantas! (especially Frankie the princess....)      :)
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Jessica Albers says:

Oh my goodness! How beautiful is this little girl! She looks like so much fun. Some one right up your alley, Em! Great photos :)

(09.23.09 @ 9:48AM)
Melissa Bart says:

Stunning child! I've never seen such gorgeous hair on a little girl. Amazing. And her bedroom seems perfect for her, too.

Once again, Em, you captured the essence tremendously!

(09.29.09 @ 10:55AM)
Kerry "Best Uncle Evar" Bart says:

AS ALWAYS, beautiful pictures, Emily. I would not guess that this is a 4-yo girl. Well done, well done.

(09.29.09 @ 3:33PM)
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09.16.09
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This wedding was the most fun, amazing and down-right most beautiful Irish wedding I have *ever seen*! The details that Colleen and Brian pulled out were not only beautiful but amazingly thought out---they had a bagpiper at the ceremony, amazing green decor at the reception and Irish tea to send guests home with after the festivities!

Colleen and Brian are the life of any party....I found that out real fast at the rehearsal dinner Friday night. :) They are both funny, outgoing and very genuine, so, needless-to-say their wedding reflected every inch of their attractive personalities! With live music all weekend long to entertain their guest, they threw a party that was out of this world (that I am sure will have people talking for MONTHS)!

With the gorgeous backdrop of Colleen's family home, the stage was set for the Irish wedding of a lifetime...
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I just *adore* how exciting Colleen's Mom is to see her in her wedding gown....
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Brian surprised Colleen with a  hand-written note before the ceremony.
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The flower girl got a little antsy during the ceremony and started making designs out of the pedals in the floor. Hey...what else do you do if you are bored right?!?!?!
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 Some wedding party lovin' at a local B&B...what a GREAT spot for photos!!!!!Colleen-and-Brian-058.jpg Colleen-and-Brian-065.jpg Colleen-and-Brian-071.jpg Colleen-and-Brian-066.jpg Colleen-and-Brian-067.jpg Colleen-and-Brian-069.jpg
My *absolutely favorite* from our time together......
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The party was *a hit* with a KILLER LIVE  band. The dance floor was full the entire night while people laughed the night away with the newlyweds.....
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Colleen and Brian, you are ROCKSTARS! Your wedding was unbelievably amazing with touches that were so personal and perfect! I wish you the best of time getting a tan on your honeymoon and starting your new life out together in Omaha!!!!! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect and fun weekend away in Waupaca, WI!
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kristine says:

I love the colors and patterns and lines of this wedding! Go Meg!

(09.16.09 @ 7:49PM)
Laura Biebl says:

Such a pretty wedding! I love your dress shot in the woods :)

(09.16.09 @ 10:22PM)
philip says:

incredible images, emily. your captures are so full of life and beauty. looks like the happy couple are off to a fantastic start.

(09.16.09 @ 11:19PM)
philip says:

incredible images, emily. your captures are so full of life and beauty. looks like the happy couple are off to a fantastic start.

(09.16.09 @ 11:19PM)
Miranda & Adam ~ Reminisce says:

Love the flower girl shot! So timeless.

(09.20.09 @ 8:13AM)
TBentler says:

Wonderful pictures! It was a grand occasion! You did an awesome job capturing the day!

(09.20.09 @ 5:07PM)
Colleen & Brian says:

Emily, YOU are the rockstar!!! Thank you for your kind words.... Not only did you beautifully capture our favorite details of our wedding in your typical Emily fashion, but you and Katie were an absolute joy to be around all day! Thank you, thank you, thank you.... Mr. & Mrs O!

(09.22.09 @ 2:35PM)
Kelly says:

WONDERFUL, Emily! What a stunning job! You completely captured the happiness of the day.

(09.29.09 @ 10:47AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Colleen + Brian . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://emilysteffenphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/88
09.13.09
Ms. Caroline is the sweetest, most beautifully genuine girl you will ever come across---she is only a senior in high school and already has it all together! She came all the way up from DC (to be in her sisters wedding of course) and we decided to make it a two-fur and get her senior photos done all at the same time!!

Caroline is outgoing, energetic and darn-right fun to be around....I caught her giggle many times on camera as well as her RADIANT smile and model-sque smirks! :) With her red hair and hazel eyes, this young lady is stunning (as I am sure you can tell)....

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Caroline-walking.jpgCaroline's gorgeousness + radiant morning light = my favorites.....
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And anyone who wants to take some photos with their Mom is *HIGH* on my list of cuteness!!!! Aren't they both adorable....and I don't even know what is getting them so cracked up.....
:)
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Again, Caroline....with your hotness...
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Devin Joesting says:

Future Anthropologie model perhaps? Lovely photos em! You don't disappoint!

(09.13.09 @ 9:34PM)
Karen Ehrhard says:

Wow, Carly (aka Caroline) is beautiful! All Cindy's girls are beautiful and these pictures are amazing!

(09.14.09 @ 6:09PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Caroline . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://emilysteffenphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/87
09.11.09
Danielle and Rick were surrounded by only their closest family and friends as they tied the knot in their intimate and extremely beautiful ceremony at the iconic Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul! They were both grinning ear to ear as they placed the rings on one another's finger as they had been anticipating this day and COUNTING down the seconds until this moment would arrive.

The day was classy, charming and full of Danielle's giggle anywhere that she went! Both Rick and Danielle have unbelievable smiles and we saw not only the smiles but the bursts of laughter as we walked around St. Paul snapping photos...they are truly made for each other! :)

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I *adored* this moment. Danielle and Rick opted not to see each other before the ceremony, therefore, when Danielle entered the room with her Dad she HAD to take a quick glance at the alter where Rick was standing! :)
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My fave...
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Their St. Paul hotel reception was classy and beautiful! They chatted the night away with friends and played cards until all hours of the night with family....what better way to spend your wedding day? :)
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Danielle and Rick I wish you all the happiness in your new home in OHIO! :) Your days are already filled with laughter and I hope that only grows as your new life as husband and wife!
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09. 9.09
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I have been waiting to show the world this wedding since we photographed it last Thursday....so hold on tight folks because I could gush about Erin + Jake all day long! :) They are both spunky, genuine and not to mention beautiful people that are honestly, madly and deeply in love! They met out in DC (where Jake had been stationed since he is in the Marines...hence the awesome dressed blues attire!) and the rest has been history.

Walking around the gorgeous grounds of Camrose Hill Farm with them on their big day was nothing short of fun....real smiles, passionate kisses and giggling moments are spontaneous between the two and they are the most laid back couple in this world. Surrounded with their closest family and friends the day was just a *perfect* way to start their new life as husband and wife!

The backdrop of this gorgeous wedding was gardens, sculptures, old bed frames, billowing trees, old barns, and flowers flowers flowers galore.....I only dream of living in a space like this.
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*GORGEOUS ALERT* Erin was absolutely radiant and stunning the entire day...Jake was in awe! :)
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It certainly is *very cool* that Jake serves as an active Marine! I was thrilled that he chose to wear his dressed blues and show off how stellar he is in that uniform---hats off to Jake for being a Marine and serving our country!!
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What a family, huh!?!?!? Ava is a simply GORGEOUS 4 year old and they are one smokin' family if you ask me! :)
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The wedding party couldn't have been better...
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Ms. Ava has everyone in stitches right as we were gathering family for photos...she grabbed little Logan's cheeks with her cute, girlie, finger-nail-painted hands, pulled his head towards hers and gave him the biggest kiss on the lips I have EVER seen from a 4 year old!!! I think that nearly everyone standing around saw it and literally burst into tears with laughter out of her aggressiveness with little Logan! :)
*this moment made my day!*
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one of my favorite moments after the ceremony....*gosh, so cute*
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And everyone knows that I can't resist the golden rays of light at sunset...... :)
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Um...yeah, Erin you are STUNNING!
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The rest of the evening not only included a smore-friendly bon-fire but a hoppin party that kept guests giggling the night away with the newlyweds! :)
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Jake and Erin...I am head to toe thrilled that I was able to play a role in your wedding day and I am stoked for your new journey out in San Diego! I wish you many warm memories, spontaneous nights and days filled with laughter and true joy as you start your new lives as husband and wife....you guys deserve every second of it! :)
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Cindy Chabolla says:

Emily - I am speechless. That does it, when the other two get married I'm flying to in to be our photographer! Erin and Jake's wedding day was truly so special and now to relive it through your photo's is nothing short of wonderful!
Cindy (Proud Mother of the Bride).

(09. 9.09 @ 4:03PM)
Jerry & Sandi Dillon says:

Absolutely beautiful...the couple, the location, the family and friends and the photographs. What beautiful memories for years to come. Erin & Jake - God Bless You both and remember to always put each other first. Love, Jerry & Sandi Dillon (old family friends)

(09. 9.09 @ 5:20PM)
Laura Ivanova says:

Gorgeous!!

(09. 9.09 @ 9:32PM)
Audrey says:

Emily, I just can not even tell you how truly talented I think that you are... The pictures and their beauty never cease to amaze me and it just makes me that much more excited for next July! You are amazing, and this couple is beautiful, you could not have captured them better I don't think :)

(09. 9.09 @ 11:28PM)
Aunt Mary says:

Emily, you did a fabulous job! I sure wish I could have been there. Erin, you and Jake are a beautiful couple - Congratulations!!! I can't wait to meet you Jake. Much Love, Aunt Mary

(09. 9.09 @ 11:43PM)
Ginger Murray says:

Ummm.... HOLY SMOKES!!!! :D This was a FANTASTIC wedding, and you took gorgeous photos of it! I can't get over the color scheme. Absolutely perfect.

(09.10.09 @ 1:10AM)
Annette Bissinger says:

I loved these pictures! They made me cry. Especially Steve dancing with Erin. It was precious. Beautiful couple

(09.10.09 @ 9:02AM)
Montez Arnold says:

Hello all you Chabollas, past and present. Cindy, how did we know when I came to visit just after Erin was born that we would be here at this point in our time knowing each other. I still have the pictures of us in the airport and I am telling Erin goodbye, holding the little girl, and then the years later when they all three came to see me in Arkansas. Sunny looks great. I found her in one of the pictures. God has blessed both of us with our families. Love to all, Montez. I will figure out how to do pictures on facebook, hopefully so I can share with you Chabollas and Nelsons. (if you want to send hints, please do)

(09.10.09 @ 9:03AM)
Tony Barlow says:

WOW! Awesome shots Emily! You captured that amazingwedding perfectly. You are very talented!!!

(09.10.09 @ 6:24PM)
Jess says:

Emily, these are amazing!!! You captured the wedding so perfectly, as well as showing what a beautiful and happy couple Erin and Jake are. You were also such a joy to work with on the wedding day, and I have a wonderful picture of you and your assistant! Let me know if you want a copy. Congrats to Erin and Jake!! Jess (Maid of Honor)

(09.11.09 @ 11:45AM)
Kelly Scheuneman says:

Absolutely beautifu!!!! Erin and Jake, I'm so happy for you! You looked so happy and gorgeous! Truly a fairytale wedding!

Great photos!!!

(09.11.09 @ 12:02PM)
Susan & Michael Goodman (old friends of the groom) says:

SIMPLY AMAZING PHOTOS! You obviously LOVE your career! I haven't seen photos this PERFECT in many years......you captured the hearts, and the moments of a special day for Jake and Erin. Hats off to a Spectacular Photographer!

(09.13.09 @ 9:30AM)
Paul & Yukie Baldasari says:

Heartfelt congratulations Erin & Jake. Beautiful couple and awesome photos
of a very special day! Keep the fire burning--Charles Dickens wrote, "Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts."
Paul & Yukie Baldasari

(09.13.09 @ 1:14PM)
Paul & Yukie Baldasari says:

Heartfelt congratulations Erin & Jake. Beautiful couple and awesome photos
of a very special day! Keep the fire burning--Charles Dickens wrote, "Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts."
Paul & Yukie Baldasari

(09.13.09 @ 1:19PM)
Angie O says:

Hi Emily- I am sooo looking forward to next month...Your energy always brings an instant smile to my face..and I wanted you to know I was checking out your blog, (as I consistently do every week :), and I came across the amazing pictures you took of the Jake and Erin wedding and The Irish wedding and I felt like a feel, tears filled my eyes...they were so breathtakingly creative...Looking at the world through your eyes is one of my favorite things to do! Thank you for being you! Love Ang

(09.25.09 @ 11:43PM)
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09. 8.09
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When a bicycle shop owner ties the knot with an artistic, spunky girl the wedding is bound to be spontaneous, colorful and fantastic! Job and Tira chose the beautiful setting of the Round Barn Farm Bed and Breakfast in Red Wing as a perfect backdrop for their outdoor wedding. With their friends and family close by to share in the job and laughter, the day was perfect and of course, full of bicycles!!!

We caught up with the girls getting beautiful at the salon downtown...
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"WHAT?!?!? Today is THE DAY....I'm getting married!!!!!!!!"
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Meanwhile the guys were getting ready all calm, cool and collected! :)
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I *adore* this moment between Tira and her Mom as they are both screeching with excitement that TODAY is THE DAY for Tira to become a wife! :)
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And Tira's Dad was adorable when he first saw her...he literally burst into tears! :) How cute!!
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And now off for some portraits in the beautiful landscape of Red Wing, Minnesota!!
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And how can we do some portraits without a bike in some shots right?!?!?! :)
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Job and his BFF's being themselves...
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This is probably one of my *most favorite* wedding party things we have ever done! Kudos to the wedding party for going along with my crazy idea....
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They couldn't have been more excited to be husband and wife!! :)
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And of course they rode away on their tandem down the driveway to have some alone time!
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The 2 love birds spent the next few hours mingling with family and friends as they laughed and shared some drinks....the party was hoppin' and the place was filled with love for these 2! We did manage to sneak them outside for a fun shot before the night was over...
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Happy biking you 2 love birds!!
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Cindy says:

love the colors, love the flip flops and bikes, what a memorable day! And that photographer-they don't come any better, do they?!

(09. 8.09 @ 6:37PM)
Devin Joesting says:

LOVE That tandem shot! I love the whole bike theme, and how you captured it!

(09. 8.09 @ 10:27PM)
Devin Joesting says:

LOVE That tandem shot! I love the whole bike theme, and how you captured it!

(09. 8.09 @ 10:27PM)
Anonymous says:

Crazy FUN color palette! Awesome!

(09.10.09 @ 7:47PM)
Melissa Bart says:

I absolutely love the rainbow-theme concept. The effect really worked well with the bridal party standing next to them at the ceremony.

Looks like a fun, fun group of people!

Great shots, as always, Emily.

(09.14.09 @ 12:29PM)
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