M.V. Composing Portraits BLOG

BRAND NEW BLOG!!!!!!!!

2010-03-17T12:42:00.003-04:00

Alright everyone, I'm ecstatic to SHOW YOU MY NEW BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!!!!! MvComposingPortraits.com GO HERE FOR ALL UPDATED POSTS!!!!!!!!!!!

Spain Inspired Nora & Scotty {CT Engagement photography}

2010-03-15T02:32:00.031-04:00

We traveled to festive downtown Hartford to shoot Nora & Scott's engagement session. Nora lived in Spain for two years and speaks the language fluently, and thus a Spanish theme for Nora & Scott's wedding, flamenco dresses and all!!! Amazing!!!! I shot this session with my new assistant Amy Trahant from Clinton, CT, my new second shooter for 2010!!!
Our shoot started at City Steam in downtown Hartford, a FANTASTIC place for shoots!!! It's a bar lounge atmosphere, with a fantastic menu, they also have a variety of options for Bachelor parties, Bachelorette parties, and Rehearsal Dinners. We ended our sessions at the beautiful Barca Restaurant & Tapas Bar, an amazing restaurant with creative decor and delicious cuisine! It was an honor you two, GOD BLESS!!!!

So the day we were downtown Hartford, there was a tournament happening the same day at the excel center, we encountered a cop on a horse, 3 most likely "college freshman" and their cases of beer. I didn't think I got the "shot" until I edited my pics....WE GOT THE SHOT. LOVE IT!!!!

above: these are some my favorite images, they are different, and almost weird, but in an artsy way, and that is why I LOVE THEM!!!!

above: these two are SO CUTE, I just love them, they are such a sweet couple.

Katie & DJ Album Design Preview {Galleria Vivid Album Design}

2010-03-13T08:38:00.001-05:00

Enagagement Signature Album {Galleria Vivid Products}

2010-03-10T08:53:00.001-05:00

3 image above: example of the engagement signature album from Nick & Cary's wedding this October.

Wedding Product Stylings {Galleria Vivid Shopping}

2010-03-10T08:38:00.006-05:00

Below are a few images of the products I carry for wedding clients! To see more information, go to: http://mvandermause.photobiz.com/cart/index.cfm?start=products.

Above: The 10x10 finao album, with an ICE cover, designed for Sal & Lori!
I photographed their wedding last summer in Middletown.

3 above: an example of the Fine Art Proof Box, it is an amazing way to display your images, and have a 4x6 of every image. In the digital age, we often forget the value of a printed proof. These printed proofs are beautiful, they come with a retro white border, basic retouching, & an art paper finish.

New Products {Galleria Vivid Shopping}

2010-03-09T23:28:00.009-05:00

NEW Mini-books, WAY COOLER options for the traditional Brag Book!!!! To see the prices and a few more details go to: http://mvandermause.photobiz.com/cart/index.cfm?start=products

Shown below is the 20 page, 5x7 pearl paper album, perfect for any session!!!!!

FINAO ALBUMS {Galleria Vivid fine art albums}

2010-03-09T12:51:00.006-05:00

These are samples of the NEWEST album company that I'm working with, It's called FINAO! It's funky, hip, and retro, WE LOVE IT!!!!! So will you!!! They have a million and a half cover options, finish options, and sizes!!! Let me know if you would like anymore information.

My Cross Project {art show inspiration}

2010-03-05T21:46:00.010-05:00

I'm SO excited to tell you all about my cross project. It is one of the many projects I'm working on for my art show coming up in fall at Bethany Lutheran College, in Mankato, MN, my alma mater of course!!! I'm am ecstatic! When presented with the idea of having an art show, I was a bit overwhelmed to think of putting a whole show together. However, every time I turned around I was thinking of themes, words of advice for art students & of course the images that I wanted to "show off." SO HERE IT IS the first set of images for my art show! The series is labeled: "I once was blind, but now I see." Notice the abstract crosses at the beginning and follow it as the last cross is bold and powerful. I hope you will enjoy this little preview of the show!!!! Also, the images below were entered in a competition at MLC, in New Ulm, MN. It's the WELS ministry based school. I hope to hear this month if the prints received any recognition!!!!!

"I once was blind, but now I see" a series created for the blc art show coming up this fall. I am going to go further with this concept, I plan to shoot this month, expanding on this series.

Uptown Girls, Lacey, Gabby, & Liana {Glam sessions, Hartford, CT}

2010-02-22T15:17:00.011-05:00

Last November, I had the honor of photographing 3 beautiful women for the Calendar charity!!! It was cold, raining...pooring and we were running around downtown Hartford, shooting their glam sessions. Considering the conditions, I WAS THRILLED with the fun fashionesque images!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day {Galleria Vivid fine art photography}

2010-02-16T00:30:00.007-05:00

Hello everyone, Happy VALENTINES!!!!! Enjoy this little slide show, it is something special from Brevinn to ALL of his wonderful Grandmas!!!!

November Nici {West Hartford, CT Glamour session}

2010-02-15T22:25:00.016-05:00

Nici was one of my "Calendar Girls" this year and she came all the way down from Boston for the shoot in West Hartford! We had a blast and found some great photo ops even though it was quite dark by the time we started shooting. Nici is a really good friend of my good friend Aleta from Minnesota. Aleta saw my post on facebook, about the glam sessions for the Home for Mothers charity, and told Nici about it. How cool! It was a pleasure working with you Nici, I hope Boston is still treating you well!!! ENJOY!

Mario & Hailey's snowdate {West Hartford, CT wedding photography}

2010-01-16T12:47:00.014-05:00

Last Saturday we ventured out to Blue Back square in West Hartford, and braved the cold temperatures! Mario & Hailey are getting married this August, I met because they inquired about my ESPN promotion I have available for all ESPN employees! I was SO ecstatic about the fun photographs that we came up with. It was a gorgeous day amidst the cold! We traveled to the New Britain Museum of American Art for the second half of the session. The NBMAA is a FANTASTIC location for photographs, as well as a very entertaining art museum that includes traveling pieces, and the staff is wonderful! I had a blast you two....I cannot wait for your big day at Jonathon Edwards Winery!!!

Photobooth Time {Melissa Vandermause, CT photography}

2010-01-13T23:24:00.005-05:00

Alright, so everyone cannot help but love the funny, goofy childlike side that is brought out in you when you have your photographs taken in a photo-booth, right??? So this is a simpler version that I have seen implemented from several other photographers, and it is a GREAT way to liven up any party! We had a ton o' fun with it, as you can see! I decided to use a pattern for the background, to bring out a funky vibe! Potentially, by special request, I would be able to bring the Photo-booth set up to my weddings! Let me know Brides!

Family Fun in West Hartford {CT family photography}

2010-01-02T14:21:00.010-05:00

The day after Christmas I photographed Lynn and her family. Photographing outside without jackets was a little bit chilly for them, especially because most of Lynn's kids flew in from Arizona. However they did great, and we've got some awesome family photographs that they will remember forever!!! We photographed in the Blue Back square of West Hartford, which is a very photogenic location this time of year. Lynn, Hannah, Mike, Emily, Oliviah, Nick, Harrison, & Sylviah, it was SO FUN, blessings for 2010.

I hope you like the Nutcracker:)

Happy 5th Anniversary Baby!!!!

2010-01-01T22:16:00.004-05:00

Greg James, I cannot believe it's already been 5 years. I have so much to say and could go on for hours, but I'll try to keep it direct, the way you like it. We really are living the dream, thanks to your hard work, passion, & ability to make me laugh at any given moment, even when I'm fiery mad at you! I love you SOOOOO VERY much. Especially now, that I have a mini-clone of you to also love, I am doubly(I'm not sure if that is a word) in love with you.

I knew you were the one for two reasons:
1. you inspired the artist in me &
2. I could never stay mad at you.

You are still the calm to my storm. Life with you has been a celebration. Thank you for being you, I can't wait to celebrate for another 5 years. -Miss Thang

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

2009-12-25T12:18:00.004-05:00

Much Love on this beautiful white Christmas!!!! We took a few imac "photobooth" pictures!!!! We are standing in our diningroom nook!!!! MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Mitch & Morgan's Winter Wedding, Lit Up {National Wedding Photography, Elizabethtown, PA}

2009-12-21T20:00:00.021-05:00

As soon as we arrived back from Arizona, we regrouped and headed straight for Elizabethtown, PA. Mitch & Morgan were married on the rainiest day of the winter, but they were blessed with clear skies for several hours after the ceremony!!!! This was a huge blessing BECAUSE....they wanted to have a sparkler lit exit from church, and it HAPPENED!!! YEY.....also, we were able to do photographs in front of the marquee where their reception was held! How exciting! It was a winter wonderment wedding, with a candlelit ceremony, the sparkler exit & the reception held at an old theatre decorated to the hilt with Christmas decor! Also, their last name is Hummer, so they drove off in a Hummer and also Hummer trucks were used as center pieces. Very nice! Mitch & Morgan's families were SO WELCOMING and truly wonderful people to work with, it was just an honor to be a part of this occasion. Mitch & Morgan, it was a blast!!!! Enjoy the photographs!!!! Merry Christmas, Missy

Miss Mykayla {CT children's photogrpahy}

2009-12-21T11:56:00.011-05:00

The Sunday before we left for our Arizona trip, I had the pleasure of photographing Mykayla! Her mom, Susan, had earned a FREE SESSION through my promotion with "MY NEW WARDROBE" of Avon. Mykayla is full of spirit and sillyness as most her age are!!!! Susan, it was such an honor to meet you all and I had blast photographing your little Mykayla.
Many Blessings, Missy

Jenny's glamorous head shots {CT professional head shots}

2009-12-16T18:28:00.014-05:00

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we had a visitor from Boston. My friend Jenny, who I went to high school and college with in Minnesota, and who actually sang at my wedding! She is so talented, her voice is memorable and angelic. Jenny is attending grad school to be a voice professor. Jenny needed photographs for professional head shot purposes, resumes, and creative artist portraits for future promotion. I am so ECSTATIC about what we captured, Jenny is a natural in front of the camera, and her eye just POP. What a beauty!!!!! Jenny also willingly agreed to be involved with the calendar charity, so we used the first image shown for her glamor shot. Jenny, it was such an honor to be a part of this milestone in your life. You are welcome to CT anytime, please know that!!!! MUCH LOVE, Missy

Back by Popular Demand!!!!! Calendar available until MONDAY DECEMBER 14th.

2009-12-10T11:09:00.006-05:00

You still may purchase calendars until next week MONDAY!!!!! I've had allot of inquiries and questions about the timing, so I'm extending it a little longer!!!!! If you have any questions you can contact me on my cell, 507-380-7867. Otherwise order TODAY: http://mvandermause.photobiz.com/cart/product_list.cfm?categoryID=18564

Happy 50th Anniversary Grandma & Grandpa {married December 5th, 1959}

2009-12-10T00:02:00.005-05:00

Hello Everyone, we are currently with our family in Arizona to celebrate a very special time in the lives of my Grandparents, Beverly and Bill Grams! We celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this week. The party was this past Sunday and was it a very special time!!!! A lot of tears, happy, sappy and sentimental. My brother, Matt, put together an amazingly personal and beautiful slide show presentation. It was phenomenal. He is great at choosing music to fit the story line, it was very touching. I hope he can put it on his blog, and I'll link you to it at that time. For now, this is his blog: http://sbgstudios.blogspot.com

I cannot say enough about how my grandparents have greatly impacted my life. Grandma and grandpa Grams are always ready for a party, an adventure, a trip to the mountains or a trip to Italy!!! They are a couple that exceed expectations in many ways, such as volunteering for everything from vacation Bible school to homeless shelters, they really set the bar high. I've loved and respected them always and truly hope that I can not only be as active as them throughout my life, but also be as loving and giving as they are. My grandma always has more treats than you can imagine waiting for me. Favorites being: choc. chip bars, cheesecake(all flavors), & pretty much anything she makes is delish!!!! She is also a cheerleader for me and all of my siblings and cousins, always excited and proud of us even with all of our different interests. Also, I have a grandpa Willy who is the funniest person I know. Really, he just keeps us rolling. I can't get enough, he is just so wonderful, now the best part is he gets Brevinn laughing and giggling too!!!! I've been so blessed to have grandparents who spoil me rotten with love and laughter!!!!!

Grandma and Grandpa's formal wedding photograph

Grandma and Grandpa with their 3 sons, Mike, Tim, & Neal. Tim is my dad, he's in Bill's arms. I absolutely LOVE this photograph, Beverly is just a knockout, she is so beautiful, looking like a movie star, just like she always is and has been!!!! Also, love the matching jackets and outfits, they are SO stylish!

This picture was taken at Jim Thorpe, PA, this fall. I took it intentionally for the anniversary...it's not fitting because they are wearing jackets. They live in Arizona for half the year and Arkansas the rest of the year, so jackets are foreign objects to them....Ha!!!! However, when they come visit us in the east, they must wear jackets!!! I know grandpa said he doesn't like this photograph, and I'm sorry gramps.....but I LOVE IT!!!!! To me it's a great picture because you are always smiling and I wanted to captured one of your REAL smiles. You know so many times we pose for pictures and are smiles are silly and fake...well I have several shots of you and grammy looking at my camera not very candidly, if you know what I mean. Then I asked for an anniversary kiss so I can take a picture, and this great expression is what I caught after the little kiss!!! Ha, I'm pretty tricky!

WE LOVE YOU BOTH SO MUCH,
Hugs and Kisses,
Missy, Greg, & Brevinn

Congratulations Andrea & Brian {CT Wedding Photography}

2009-12-09T10:22:00.005-05:00

On November 20th, I had the pleasure of photographing Andrea & Brian's wedding day. Dennis Milewski joined me to photograph this beautiful day at an amazing location. The reception was held at the Society Room in Hartford. This is a mini preview of Andrea & Brian's wedding from late November!!!! Enjoy!!!!!

Charity Calendars on SALE NOW, 1 week only!!!!!! DEC 9TH LAST DAY!!!!!

2009-11-30T18:48:00.003-05:00

Galleria Vivid's Most Eligible Calendar on SALE FOR 1 WEEK ONLY
TO PURCHASE NOW go to http://mvandermause.photobiz.com/cart/product_list.cfm?categoryID=18564

This year has become my "YEAR of GIVING." I really wanted to do something to give back. So this year I photographed 12 Eligible Ladies in 12 months and created a 2010 Galleria Vivid's Most Eligible calendar!

I was truly honored to meet and get to know ALL of these fantastic women involved in the project!!!! This calendar is not only about helping mothers from New Beginnings, but it is also celebrating women.

All proceeds go to New Beginnings, a home for mothers www.homeformothers.com
This is a very small charity that needs our help. They provide a home for single mothers who are in need of a home and guidance. New Beginnings also stays in contact with these women after they have left the home.

Baby Nicolas & Family, 2 weeks old {CT Newborn Photography}

2009-11-25T10:33:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, I photographed baby Nicolas! Sandra and Lou found out about me through my ESPN promotion and they were able to take advantage of the offer!!! Lou is a director and Sandra works in promotions at ESPN. They also have a daughter Camila, who is cute as a button!!!! Sandra and Lou, it was an honor to be able to photograph you and your beautiful family!!!

Baby Liam @ 7 weeks {CT Children's Photography}

2009-11-25T10:26:00.010-05:00

This week I had the pleasure of photographing baby Liam! He is the nephew of one of my bride's for next year!!! Aimee(the auntee) gave this session to Emilie as a gift!! To see his Auntee go to Aimee and Richard's engagement session!
Liam is such a handsome little man, and really did well with all of the pictures taking, it can be overwhelming at such a young age, but he rocked it. What a Heartbreaker!!! Emilie and a Lance, I had a blast while photographing you and your new bundle of joy!!! Congrats!

Tessa is 1 {CT children's photography}

2009-11-24T12:48:00.008-05:00

Last week I had the privilege of photographing Tessa who just turned 1! She is a doll as you can see and such a happy girl!!!! We lucked out and had a GORGEOUS DAY for mid-November!!! We photographed outside at Gillette's Castle, an amazing place to take photographs!!!! Enjoy the photographs Beth!!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Night Life with Kyle & Andrea {CT wedding photography}

2009-11-17T19:34:00.008-05:00

Ok, so I'm so amazed at the awesome night shots we captured in downtown Hartford for Andrea & Kyle's engagement session! I've gotten to know Andrea really well as of late, because she has been helping with Brevinn ALLOT, and she is GREAT with kids, to say the least she has been a God sent to our family. I have just been so swamped with work and I don't know how I would have gotten through November without her!!! Anyways...back to Andre & Kyle, they met at a bowling class in college...hence the bowling alley pics...which was a blast by the way....a ton of artistic directions can be taken there...I could have shot the whole session there, I had so many ideas! When in Hartford, it progressively became really cold, but Andrea stuck it out and I'm glad she did, like I said, I am so happy with the night scenes we captured!!! YEY!!! Congrats you two and I can't wait for the big day!!!!

Fall Fun with Brevdog {CT photography}

2009-11-06T18:26:00.008-05:00

These images are a combination of October times in the life of Brevinn!!! I took a few photographs in the leaves in our backyard, because it was just a gorgeous fall day, and above 60 degrees in late October!!! The images in the bath, were something I wanted to capture for a LONG time and finally had the time to to get him in all his glory and birthday suit! The packer outfit was a day we had family pictures taken at Elizabeth Park and I grabbed a few shots of him in his Aaron Rodgers Jersey....I just love football season!!!!

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My Baby is 1 {CT Photography}

2009-11-06T18:14:00.003-05:00

Finally, I am posting pictures from Vinn's 1st birthday, he is now almost 14 months!!! We thank everyone who has played a role in celebrating his birthday!!! We had one party in WI at Greg's mom and dad's and one party in Bristol!! What an amazing year....God bless you my baby, you have brought us so much joy and laughter, I really don't remember my life without you!!!!!

An afternoon at Harkness Momorial {CT family portrait photography}

2009-11-06T16:47:00.014-05:00

2 weeks ago now, I had the pleasure of photographing the Singer family at Harkness Memorial in Waterford, CT. We also photographed them in their backyard in Niantic, CT a bit before our drive to Harkness. I know this wonderful family from my church in South Windsor, CT, Messiah Lutheran. Lori organized the vacation day camp for our church this year, it's a week long ALL DAY bible camp for kids!!! She does an amazing job organizing this huge event!

On the day of this shoot it looked like we were going to get rained out as I drove to the coast! However, it was just a perfect day for photographing! Greg and Brevinn came with me for this shoot as they were graciously invited by Rob and Lori for lunch. At Messiah, our church members are spread out all across the state, so it's wonderful seeing them out side of church because it doesn't happen that often!!! Thank you Rob and Lori, for the lunch, and for choosing me to capture your family memories of 2009! God's blessings!

Joel & Susan, for the Love of Vino {CT engagement photography}

2009-11-02T10:16:00.009-05:00

I'm crazy abut the sky and the amazing colors that were available to us this day....I feel like all fall it's been just plain yucky out, however the days that I go to shoot a session, God is shining on me and it turns out to be another gorgeous day!!!! This day was especially amazing because the days surrounding it were horribly cold and rainy! We shot Joel and Susan's engagement session at Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford, a beautifully crafted vineyard that has a ton of events happening all of the time. I connected with Joel and Susan through two friends of mine. Marianthy and Nia, who were both involved in my calendar project, "Galleria Vivid's most eligible." It was so wonderful to meet you two, I know you'll have a beautiful wedding!!!

Fall in Love with Mike & Kristen at Kent Falls {CT engagement photography}

2009-11-01T15:19:00.021-05:00

All I can say is WOW....I'm so happy with these photographs....it was a gorgeous day in Northwestern CT, and I drove with Mike and Kristen to Kent falls and the remote areas surrounding the falls for photographs! Kristen and Mike, it was sincerely an honor photographing you, I look forward to the wedding!!!! I met Kristen and Mike through my good friend Heewon, who works at ESPN in the same department as them! Kristen & Mike, I hope you love the pics as much as I do!!! ENJOY

Ok, so everyone calls my husband Moose at work...because of our last name Vandermause!!! - So often people take photographs of things that say moose or an actual moose and tag him on facebook....SO this one's for you Greggy!!!

A Perfect Eclectic Wedding, Congrats Nick & Cary {Connecticut Wedding Photography}

2009-10-31T20:07:00.020-04:00

Hello everyone!! I am so excited to post these FUN images from Nick and Cary's wedding at the Golden Lamb Buttery in Brooklyn, CT!!! An amazing place for any occasion! I felt like I was driving into a new country as I approached the scenic fields with stone walls surrounding the Golden Lamb! This place is definitely a destination worth visiting. If you are looking for a great view of Connecticut, don't miss this! On their wedding day, October 17th, 2009, it was a little chilly. However, it was a gorgeous day for photography, with perfect light peaking through the clouds. Cary & Nick, we had a BLAST photographing your wedding, I was so inspired by your passion, the scenery, and the details. Enjoy the photographs! Much Love & Many Blessings, Missy

October Snow, with Morgan & Padriac {CT Engagement Photography}

2009-10-26T19:57:00.014-04:00

I recently had the extreme privilege of photographing an autumn snow....amazing to say the least! On our way to Mass, we were unsure how the day would unfold in terms of weather, but the closer we came to our destination the more the sun decided to peek out of the clouds! We drove to Bash Bish Falls located in Mt. Washington, MA. These falls were amazing truly! On this day I was photographing Morgan and Padriac, one of the first couple's to book me for their wedding in 2010. These two are unbelievably sweet! I know I seem to say that all of the time, but seriously the couples that I get to know through my work, WOW, I cannot say enough about them, they are GREAT!!!! For some reason, Morgan and I seemed to have clicked right away, I feel like I've known her forever. Morgan and Padriac, it's always a pleasure!!!! Blessings & Bubblegum! Much Love, Missy

Baby Max & family {CT newborn photography}

2009-10-24T17:55:00.017-04:00

Last week, I was able to photograph, newborn of 2 weeks, Max! His mom Gina had won our monthly contest from "Over the Moon" of Avon! Congrats Gina and thank you to "Over the Moon" for participating in my "Year of Giving"!!!!! I had so much fun capturing Max with all of his dark hair and ever so handsome smiles!!!! What a ladykilla! I suggested using a GIANT pumpkin so we could get him sleeping on top of it....well that plan fell through a bit....max was a trooper!!! However, the images of him in front of the pumpkin...they are priceless....SO FUN!!!!!!! Gina & Matt It was an honor to be able to come into your home and photograph your brand new baby bundle! Blessings, Missy

Enzo & Christine rockin' Middletown {CT photography}

2009-10-23T20:05:00.013-04:00

Hello everyone!!! I'm excited to show off these image from Christine & Enzo's engagement shoot! We went to Middletown and didn't have to look far for some fun grungy urban funk backrounds...which is my favorite look to rock out!!! We had a blast, I can't wait for the wedding, it's going to be a fantastic, sorry I can't say much more tonight....but as you can see this couple is stellar, and I loved shooting for them!!! Blessings and bubblegum(this greeting is a copied concept...but hmm it's cute right), Missy

Aimee & Richard at Lyman Orchard's {CT wedding photography}

2009-10-21T09:00:00.012-04:00

Almost a week and a half ago now, I had the honor of photographing Aimee & Richard at gorgeous Lyman's Orchards in Middlefield. Aimee and Richard are so romantic and fun to work with. You can see their sincere and deep love for each other! Aimee was a little worried, because they hadn't been photographed like this before! However, she was a natural, honestly Aimee you are completely photogenic! It was not hard to capture reality and beauty, these 2 are 4 ever! Cheesy I know, but when it's true, it's true!!!! I met Aimee and Richard through Erica at Ambiance Chic Wedding Planning, Erica does fantastic work and is the sweetest ever. Find her online at http://www.findambiance.com

Fall in love with Saratoga Springs NY & Frank & Melinda McCann {National Wedding Photography}

2009-10-15T11:48:00.021-04:00

I am very excited to post these photographs from Frank & Melinda's wedding ceremony on October 3rd, 2009 in Saratoga Springs, New York. We know them personally through Frank's brother Jim, who we are good friends with from our time in Mankato, MN. Melinda is one of the nicest people I've ever met, she was constantly making sure everyone was satisfied on her day! What a hunny! Frank and Melinda's families love to laugh, so it was a blast to be a part of such a comical crowd! It was a beautiful fall day in up-state New York, with a few clouds and a ton of color!!!! God bless you two, it was an honor to photograph you!!! Much Love, Missy

These photographs with the painted flag mural are some of my FAVORITES of the year!!!!

Their piano man was awesome, he played and sang for at least 2 hours straight!! Unbelievable!!!

Baby Owen {East Coast Children's Photography}

2009-10-14T23:37:00.010-04:00

This is beautiful baby Owen. His parents Courtnay and Kyle are REALLY good friends with my good friend Marianthy! Marianthy, Brevinn, and I traveled to Deleware to photograph this wonderful family in their home! We planned to do this in route to a time share in the poconos, where my grandparents Bev and Bill were staying. So we photographed Owen and family on Monday around 7pm, ate pizza and headed north back through PA to Lake Harmony to stay for a week with my grandparents!!!! It was a pleasure to capture your family's portraits!!! Thank you for inviting us into your home!!! ENJOY Much Love, Missy

New Proof Box

2009-10-13T02:02:00.003-04:00

The versatile, affordable and trendy proof box is just one way for you to keep all of your images!!!! Check out more information at: http://mvandermause.photobiz.com/cart/product_list.cfm?categoryID=2782

Kayana Couture Tutus Logo {CT graphic design}

2009-10-13T01:53:00.007-04:00

This is the logo I've designed for Kayana Couture, it's shown below as I designed it for her business card!!! It's also featured on her site at http://kayanacouturetutus.com/
ENJOY!!!!

Kayana Couture Tutus {CT Commercial Photography}

2009-10-13T00:28:00.011-04:00

OK, so I AM THRILLED to talk about Kayana Couture!!!! Amy Coachman, a GREAT friend of mine, started a "handmade tutu and bow company." She is so talented. Her work is amazing and she is constantly innovating! All of the tutu's are handmade and all custom! CHECK out her site: kayanacouturetutus.com
The photographs below are the images I took for Kayana Couture. Amy chose to use these for her website that I was able to have a hand in designing as well, certainly an exciting time!!!! I've already photographed several sessions with these tutus and they photograph AMAZING!!!
Here is a link to the other sessions I've done this summer:
http://galleriavivid.blogspot.com/2009/09/ryley-is-one-ct-childrens-photography.html
http://galleriavivid.blogspot.com/2009/09/baby-kennedy-ct-newborn-photography.html
http://galleriavivid.blogspot.com/2009/06/smash-session.html

Photographers CHECK THIS OUT!!!! Also, these tutus will look FANTASTIC FOR YOUR FLOWER GIRLS of 2010!!!!

Andrea & Brian {Hartford wedding photography}

2009-10-06T18:58:00.010-04:00

We just got back from a wedding in upstate NY and I am finally posting pictures from an engagement session 2 weeks ago!!! This is Andrea and Brian, a fantastic couple! We met near the Society Room in Hartford and walked around the downtown to get some fun Urban shots! I LOVE shooting in Hartford, it's one of my favorite locations of all time to shoot! Andrea and Brian's wedding reception is going to be at the Society Room in Hartford, it is an old bank that was completely restored, it is an AMAZING venue, I can't wait to shoot there again! I shot there last year when it was Joe Blacks, since then it's changed names. Looking forward to the wedding in November you two! Much Love, Missy

Hayley is 10 {CT children's photography}

2009-09-27T18:12:00.010-04:00

This is Hayley, she is 10, she is a cheerleader, and she had a fantastic smile!!!! I had the honor of photographing Hayley last and now again this year at age 10, how exciting! I know Hayley and her parents through our church in South Windsor, Messiah Lutheran on Buckland Road! I don't have too much time to say more today...I'm heading to PA to meet my rockin grandparents, YEYYYY, then I have a wedding in upper New York state on Saturday! Blessings and Bubblegum!

Into the mist, Justin & Ashley {CT wedding photography}

2009-09-24T23:08:00.012-04:00

Hello Everyone, I am so thrilled to blog about this amazing couple and their wedding almost 2 weeks ago now. Ashley & Justin are some of the sweetest people I've ever met, and are they ever photogenic! I photographed this wedding for Nikki Nicole of Nikki Nicole Photography, I'd met with them when I was 9 month pregnant and they book me, WOW!!! Pretty cool!
I hope you had a fantastic honeymoon, enjoy the photographs!!!! MUCH LOVE!!!! It was an truly an honor to capture the real moments of your big day!

the Raabe's

2009-09-19T11:23:00.004-04:00

These are a few snapshots of the Raabe's and their new home!!! Greg and I went to college with Nate and Richelle and now they have a daughter Mattea who is almost 2 and a brand new home in Eden Prairie!!! Brevinn and I crashed there all weekend, it was a blast, of course, as usual!!!! Thanks for all your hospitality!!! Much Love!!! I wanted to do a full out session of the fam, but Nate and Mattea actually flew to Chicago for the weekend!!! Richelle just wanted a quick picture of them in front of their new home, because they are going to send out "we've moved" cards!!!!

Baby Noah {CT children's photographer}

2009-09-19T10:17:00.016-04:00

These are our GREAT friends, Beth & Mark, and their baby Noah!!!! He is a doll, he is so handsome!!! It was just a blast to be able to hang out with them for an extended weekend, unfortunately Greg had to work...boohoo...but Brevinn and I thoroughly enjoyed our time hanging out with them. I don't know if we had spent that much time together since college, it was so much fun! Beth's & Mark's parents were also there, and it was really great to see them again too! Beth was the maid of honor at my wedding....just another little tidbit!!! ENJOY, we miss you guys!!!!!!!!

Ryley is ONE {CT children's Photography}

2009-09-18T00:56:00.014-04:00

Ryley has the sweetest smiler ever. This one year old Ryley was just a doll, she was so good, I couldn't believe all the smiles and outfit changes she gave me. And her eyes just popped, what a cutey! Lisa and Kieth, it was a pleasure working with you, I hope you enjoy the photographs! We definitely captured some great expressions!!! YEY!!! Also, thank you to Amy from KAYANA COUTURE, who gave us the tutu's and headpieces for this shoot, amazing work Amy!!!! KAYANA COUTURE's blog will be up and running soon!!!

Baby Kennedy {CT newborn photography}

2009-09-17T23:28:00.018-04:00

Last week I had the honor of photographing baby Kennedy and her entire family, if was a blast, a house full of excitement and energy! Baby Kennedy is 3 weeks old and she is just a peanut! Heather, baby Kennedy's mom, worked at Starbucks and that is how I met her. I met her when she was pregnant and asked her if I could take newborn photographs for her...I needed to desperately update my portfolio!!! Of course we had to include photographs of the whole family as well as the kids!!! Also, the tutus and head pieces are compliments of KAYANA COUTURE!!! YEY!!!! Thanks Amy for letting us experiment with your wonderful tutus!!! Amy's blog is almost up and running...look for it soon!!!!

My Baby is ONE

2009-09-16T13:03:00.007-04:00

Happy Birthday Brevinn! God has sent you to me, and I could not be happier! Much love, and may you grow in God's grace in wisdom. Blessings, your mommy Missy

This is Brevinn's first official photo session with mommy....a little flash back view at Brevinn 3 weeks:

Jeni & Brandon, art meets e-shoot {Galleria Vivid - MN wedding photography}

2009-09-10T10:15:00.019-04:00

I am ecstatic about this session, I really I can't contain myself! So last week I was in Minnesota staying with some friends for fun and photographs. This couple is Jeni Novosad & Brandon Meyer. I was in the art program at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN with Jeni, in college we traveled to Italy for 2 weeks and roomed together, it was phenom!!! Ok back to Jeni & Brandon, their wedding is next year and their themes are, in Jeni's words: antique, gallery, old Hollywood glamor, black & white, and Fuchsia as an accent color, black and white ostrich feathers, beta fish, art, all white flowers. FUN.... is all I can say! We took their engagement photographs at the sculpture garden outside of the Walker Art Institute, a few streets down from the Walker, the MIA, and a commercial cruise boat on the Mississippi! I had a blast, thank you Jen & Brandon, I CANNOT WAIT for the wedding!!

ABOVE: This was one of my favorite locations of the day, it was the last place we went!!! Thanks to a recommendation by Brandon's groomsmen (he works for this cruise company and was able to get us in to the cruise boat for photographs) Thank you again!!!

I LOVE shooting in art museums!!!

ABOVE: ONE OF MY favsssss, so sweet & LOVE the color

Unionville for a morning {CT portrait photography}

2009-09-03T07:11:00.013-04:00

This Monday, the day of the ESPN picnic, I photographed Bob and Chelsea! Bob works in the same department as Greg at ESPN! We traveled all but 5 miles to Unionville, CT. It was a gorgeous day, as we were shooting on the Farmington River....Gorgeous!!!! Chelsea is a nutritionist and lives in North Carolina. They met through friends, and had gone to college together, 2 months in and there having professional pictures...I think this is the real deal!!!! Hah!!!! Enjoy these pics you two, it was a pleasure getting to know you! Much LOVE!!!

Glam Session Amy at the Beach

2009-09-01T17:45:00.013-04:00

Next session on the beach!!!! Amy it's always a pleasure!!! ENJOY!!!!!!

More fun, commercial/editorial type stuff!!!

Love this last shot, it is STRONG!!!!!!

Jamie, Glam Session {Rocky Neck State Park, CT portrait photographer}

2009-09-01T14:55:00.009-04:00

It was an overcast muggy Wednesday, in late July, as I drove to the coast debating the whole way if this would be a wash....by this I mean attempting to create modelesque portraits in the rain. Don't get me wrong I LOVE working with the rain, however, at a beach in a state park, if it were to thunder, we would all be kicked out! I was thinking to myself about canceling the whole shoot the entire drive down. Knowing that I really had no other dates available to shoot this session, I kept driving. When I got to Rocky Neck State park to my surprise, it was PERFECT conditions for shooting at the beach....no wind, nice mild temperature, and the sun was coming in and out of the clouds! YES!!!! So this is the 2nd session I shot that day of Jamie Thom, she was so amazing to work with, and we had a blast(if you can't tell from the pics.) I apologize because the order they were take in is a little mixed up, the "wet and wild" images were taken at the end of the session, these are some of my favorite images of all time, I was trying to create a bit of a dramatic action type scene with these images(commercial or editorial imagery is what I was shooting for), that what these GLAM sessions are all about experimenting! Thanks Jamie for getting involved with this Calendar Girl project & your awesome attitude and stellar beauty!!!

I need to enter this one in competition, I know it would do well!!!! Thanks Jamie for having so much fun with this!!!!

Hayden is 2!!!!

2009-08-28T11:40:00.012-04:00

Greg, Brevinn and I were all part of this session in New Holstein, WI! I had the honor of photographing Hayden, who is actually a 2nd cousin of ours! Scott(who is Greg's cousin) and Marissa have a son named Hayden! They were married this past spring, and our gift to them was a photo session!
The session was late evening and we went to a park, just down the street from their home! We had Parker John's pizza before the photographs were taken. It a very casual session, which are my favorite, and really fun to hang out with Scott and Marissa! Hayden is a great kid & he is quite the ham!!!! Can you tell?

CONGRATS KATIE & DJ {Milwaukee, WI - Wedding Photography}

2009-08-23T12:28:00.006-04:00

I am uploading a quick preview of a wedding I shot yesterday in Milwaukee! We had a blast, DJ and Katie were amazing to work with and their love was so real!!! God's blessings you two and more pictures to come of course!!!!

M.L.Y.G Camp Out {Messiah Lutheran Church, South Windsor}

2009-08-20T19:15:00.007-04:00

Greg and I are the youth leaders at our church, Messiah Lutheran, in South Windsor! We organize several events every year, this was a huge event as far as planning purposes! It was a huge success due to ALL of our volunteers who contributed their time and talent!

The slideshow is made up of pictures taken with my camera, but a ton of people were able to use it and take some GREAT PICTURES, thanks everyone for helping capture this event, it's fun to be on the other side of the camera a little bit!!!

The Gran Brothers, College Grads {Old Wethersfield, CT}

2009-08-20T09:39:00.016-04:00

A couple weeks ago I photographed Jarrett & Justin. They are brothers who are graduating from college a year a part and their mom wanted to get some creative photographs of them. We needed head shots for Justin who is studying to be a minister We also needed some portraits of Jarrett in his cap and gown, because the day of graduation he had a pretty bad black eye, from what I understand. These boys are all about the extreme sports, like snowboarding, skiing off
extreme vertical cliffs, and Jarrett evens flies his own planes. During the session we talked about taking photographs of them while they are skiing, as well as Jarrett giving me a plane ride to capture aerial photographs of CT & NYC!!! AWESOME!!! I'm up for both of these ideas & I know in both cases we'd get some rad photographs of you two!!! Hopefully this fall and winter we can make it happen!

Class of 2010 Seniors {Micah, MLS}

2009-08-19T22:10:00.019-04:00

So, last week I had the pleasure of photographing Micah, who goes to school in Michigan at the Michigan Lutheran Seminary, a WELS H.S.! He is our Pastor's son at Messiah Lutheran in South Windsor and that is how I got connected with him, saying this because I don't advertise in a high school seniors market. Frankly, I just don't have time to advertise!!! I guess that is a good thing!!!

Micah plans to go to school for engineering, fantastic! He could also have a solid career modeling....but I HIGHLY DOUBT he wants to do that!!! Thanks again Micah, God's blessings on your last year in H.S.!!!

Johnny Rocket's is a GREAT Place to shoot!!!
Of course, I'm obsessed with RED, so that may be a reason I loved it there!!!

FUN FAMILY 4th {Wisconsin 4th of July}

2009-08-16T23:57:00.012-04:00

I'm excited to post pictures from our visit to Wisconsin from the 4th of July weekend. It was really special because we usually NEVER see family on an actual holiday!!!! I realize I STILL need to post pictures from our spring ARIZONA trip...ughhhhh...it never ends!!!! BUT I LOVE IT ALL!!!!

These photographs were taken in Karen & Jerry's (Greg's parents) beautiful backyard in there NEW home in Kiel, WI!

Thanks to my good friend Jen Plisch, I composed the image, and she was able to snap the picture!!!

This wasn't the best time to photograph the 3 grand kids...but I don't know if anytime is perfect.....in these pics Brevinn was SO ready for a nap and I believe Ava was just ready to be done with all of the nonsense!!!! Overall I was happy with the outcome...it's so amazing that in 2 years there are 3 cousins...boom, boom, boom!!!! YEY, it will be such a joy seeing them grow up together!!

NEW product, Artist Series

2009-08-16T23:25:00.005-04:00

Ok, so I have this product FINALLY!!! It's a really fun gift idea, and VERY economical!!! Check it out!!!! For more information email me, missy@galleriavivid.com and I'll send you a PDF of all of my updated products!

ERIN rocked Hartford {Calendar Glam Session, M.V. Photography}

2009-08-08T23:52:00.018-04:00

Ok, so this week I had the pleasure of photographing Erin, a friend of ours that also works at ESPN. She is getting involved in our calendar for charity, so exciting!!!! As well as we needed to take "head shots" for her potential future opportunities, long term, to be doing some on-camera work. Erin, you would be great, you are such an honestly sweet person, I wish you all the best for always, wherever life may take you!!!

These shots look sooooo vintage to me, I love them!!!

THE GOLD BUILDING, I FINALLY SHOT THERE!!!! YEY!!!!

This was taken at a very cool, chill coffee shop on Pratt Street called JoJo's!!

City Steam rocks for many reasons: 1. is the beer 2. the atmosphere YEY!!!

Farmington River, CT {a day in the life of the Howard family}

2009-08-07T15:55:00.013-04:00

Ok , soooo this week I had the pleasure of photographing Hannah, Jack, Hollyn, & Landon, 4 amazing kids, with vibrant personalities!!! We went to the Farmington River near Unionville and Lana, their mom, showed me the BEST, COOLEST spot ever for picnics and pictures!!! Our family will definitely back for our own fun! It was a pleasure and an honor to photograph such a wonderful family, much love Lana!!! God's blessings and have a GREAT vacation!

gotta love these silly faces:)

I love this feet shot, lets call it....."Me TOO"...as Landon's one foot is grasping to be a part of the big kids picture!!!!

"I LOVE THIS" it reminds me of Full House when Stephanie has a boy that like him that always makes this kissy face and quacks like a duck after her. I don't know if you remember this episode but it was classic!!!!

Ok so I'm obsessed with flare...can't help myself!!!