Emily Steffen . Wisconsin and Minnesota wedding photographer . Textile Artist |

November 27, 2013 : My story

Community thankfulness…my KNITCH! :)

Because we knit together. Because we share our stories of baby-meltdowns, mommy-meltdowns, and husband-meltdowns together. Because we LOVE wine together. Because we indulge in delectable chocolate and delicious cheese together. Because we laugh together. Because we cry together. Because we helped bury a husband together. Because we helped bury a Dad together. Because we helped adopt three kids together. Because we battled HUGE sickness through prayer together. Because we are sending one of us off to a 2nd beginning together. Because we are MORE than a knitting group.

We’ve been together for over FIVE years (which seems like an eternity since many of were in a completely different stage of life without kids that long ago). It’s been a mini-lifetime of stories, joys, griefs, celebrations and unexpected circumstances together. And we’ve been TOGETHER through it all. We meet every other Thursday without fail to share our lives, our latest knitting projects and a glass of wine (or two); it’s a bit of sanity through our weeks. You see, knitting is our common bond, but life is what keeps us together. We need each other. We grow together, we hold each other accountable, we love one another, we pick each other up and MORE importantly, we are there. Without fail.

It’s proven that community is where people feel safe and where LIFE happens. Where change is initiated and where meltdowns are reality. Where love is encouraged and loss is lifted up. People thrive in community. We were made for relationships and for hugging each other when times are hard and when times are super amazing. Community works. And everyone NEEDS to belong to one! Community has changed me. The KNITCH has changed me. Being an only child with the tendencies to do things on my own isn’t what is best and I’ve learned that over the years….I can’t always solve my own problems or understand life ONLY through my lens. Perspective and advice and accountability…though hard, are necessary for growth. Necessary for MY GROWTH! :) In grief, I need my friends. In joy, I need my friends. In celebration, I need my friend. In tears, I need my friends. Simply put, I NEED MY FRIENDS! :) I need the KNITCH! :)

So, thank you LORD for an amazing group of friends that make me feel safe and help me cultivate what is important to me! :) And a double hooray for our 5th annual knitting weekend away in October at the AMAZING Pond View Lodge! :) YAY! :)

knitting group, knitting, textile arts, Emily Steffen, community, Thanksgiving, thankful

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November 25, 2013 : Weddings

Eden and Gabe :: Shattuck St. Mary’s wedding! :)

HOLY MOLY was it an amazing weekend of wedding celebration with Eden and Gabe! Their smiles and their warm heart…..I felt as though I had spent and celebrated with a few close friends all weekend! :)

Eden’s vision started out with lush texture and amazing details in her dress. She had a vision of what she wanted her dress style to be and couldn’t find it, so she took it into her own hands, but cutting 2 dresses in 1/2 to form a custom gown by both Melissa Sweet and Priscilla of Boston! :) I mean, amazing, eh?! :) Her day started out with her closest girlfriends as they got ready and beautified themselves at the bed-and-breakfast of a few of her childhood birthday parties! :) After a short Trolly ride, everyone was greeted to the GORGEOUS scape of Shattuck St. Mary’s school (where her Mom attended) and chapel in the woods! :) It was STUNNING! :)

Guests were greeted with incredible greenery outside the chapel from Sadie’s floral (Melissa is a genius with flowers) and the smiles of some of Eden’s closest girl friends as they played the part of usherette (a great way for her to incorporate all of her college girlfriends)! :) An emotional entrance from Eden had Gabe, the military man, in tears as her smile beamed SO BRIGHT walking towards him! After a meaningful ceremony and some intimate vows, the couple greeted guests in the courtyard outside with drinks and appetizers! :)

And the reception site…..oh man! Melissa did it again! Mismatched chairs, ceiling high drapery, custom chandeliers, beautiful garland, barn wood harvest tables and candelabras galore….it was STUNNING! I think each guest (including me) gasped as we entered the gym space of Shattuck School (and nobody could tell it was a school gym, that’s for sure)! :) The rest of the night was full of dancing, hugs, smiles and super amazing desserts! :)

A perfect way to end the night was with a sparkler exit (YAYYYYY, I just LOVE sparkler exits)! :) They hugged their parents, waved their hands and were off on their honeymoon vacation as Husband and Wife! :) I mean, a wonderful and beautiful and perfect way to begin their marriage together! :)

And a DOUBLE HUGE thank you to Style Me Pretty for featuring this wedding in their latest Fashion and Beauty magazine that came out a few weeks ago! If you haven’t already seen it, be sure to check it out…it’s amazing and chalk full of fashion and beauty tips for brides-to-be and wedding guests! :) (Eden and Gabe are on pages 54-63! :)

Eden-and-Gabe-shoes Eden-and-Gabe-reworked-005 Eden-and-Gabe-getting-ready-2 Eden-and-Gabe-027 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-195 Eden-and-Gabe-getting-ready-1 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-105 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-103 Eden-and-Gabe-080 Eden-and-gabe-surprise Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-007 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-004 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-001 Eden-and-Gabe-102 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-199 Eden-and-Gabe-flowers Eden-and-Gabe-flowergirl-02 Eden-and-Gabe-people-02 Eden-and-Gabe-solo Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-327 Eden-and-gabe-flower-girl Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-318 Eden-and-Gabe-entrance Eden-and-Gabe-reworked-001 Eden-and-Gabe-291 Eden-and-gabe-ceremony-02 Eden-and-Gabe-374 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-032 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-035 Eden-and-Gabe-reworked-006 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-156 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-250 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-223 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-252 Eden-and-Gabe-metal Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-179 Eden-and-Gabe-girl Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-218 Eden-and-Gabe-kiss-ceremony Eden-and-Gabe-043 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-165 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-215 Eden-adn-Gabe-trolly Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-175 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-288 Eden-and-Gabe-FILM-154 Eden-and-Gabe-562 Eden-and-Gabe-482

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Ceremony and Recption: Shattuck School
Rentals: On Solid Ground Vintage Rentals
Videographer: Pinstripe Weddings
Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet and Priscilla of Boston – top from one, bottom from other (cut 2 dresses in 1/2)
Flowers: Sadies Floral
Cake: The Confectionary Shop
Invitations: The Print Shop
Bridesmaids Dresses: The Wedding Shoppe
Coordinator: Melissa of Sadies Floral
Hair and Makeup: Brow Chic
Bridal Accessories:Anthropologie

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November 20, 2013 : My story

A little boys best pug friend!

Ya know, when we had to put pug down in June, our hearts were broken. We didn’t think that anything or ANY pug could replace what pug (aka Edward) was to us. A pudgy, food-loving, snoring, lazy, loyal one-eyed companion that followed me around the house ALL the time. He was with Aaron before we were married, agreeably moved into many houses with us, layed beside me in comfort while I was grieving the loss of my parents and grouch-illy accepted both a new pug (Gwen) and a baby boy into his house! The day we had to say good-bye to pug was the day that a GIANT pug-shaped hole appeared in our hearts!

But, along comes Norman! A 8 week-old, fawn colored little pug with loads of energy and the fetching-ability that Edward never had! :) He waits outside Zeke’s door every morning and eagerly greets him waiting to play when that door opens! He chews on Edwards favorite Watermelon toy, runs and runs and runs with Zeke, plays tug-of-war with Gwen and has started to repair our pug-shaped hole! We love him. He’s perfect for our family.

Welcome to the family Norman Linus! :) You are already a little boy’s best pug friend with adventures that are only beginning! :)

pug, pugs, pug family, pug puppy, Emily Steffen