Photographic Memories by The Oberstadts: I guess it's time to play catch up...

I admit it, I've been a bad blogger. I take full responsibility. :(

However, the organized Virgo in me is ready to make up for lost time. Please- pop some popcorn, grab a soda, sit down, and get ready for a whirlwind tour of the summer so far. :)

We will start way back in May, on the 15th, at the lovely wedding of my dearest friend Tiffany Balz to Mr. Handsome, a.k.a. Jason Clark. I've known Tiffany since first grade in Mrs. Gifford's class... so, needless to say, we have many, MANY memories together. We traveled to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for this event. I did some shooting in the morning, with the ladies at the salon, and I did the cake cutting, but my main role was... brace yourself... lead ukulele player. :) Brian and I played all the music for the ceremony, so there was ukulele and saxophone, some Sigur Ros on piano, and a little guitar and vocals.

It was a beautiful day with good friends, although it is taking me a long time to get used to the name Tiffany Clark. :) We love you guys!!

The next big event of the summer is a pretty serious one.

On June 29th, I had a total thyroidectomy. I've had problems with my thyroid for about five years, but the complications reached the point of no return, so I went under the knife.
It has been a somewhat tricky recovery- due to the size of the incision and the hormonal changes as I switched to synthetic thyroid hormone. The scar makes me feel like one tough cookie! Luckily, I am on the upswing, and almost back at 100%. I've resumed my training for the Fox Cities Marathon on September 19th, and I am able to continue working hard on this wonderful photography business! :)

A couple short weeks later, we were able to shoot the wedding of Katie and Jason Folwarski in Wausau, Wisconsin. They were married at the beautiful St. Therese in Rothschild (where WE were married!), and it was a gorgeous wedding day. We found a covered bridge to play under, and a stretch limo is ALWAYS fun!

Congratulations, Katie and Jason!!

Shortly after the Folwarski celebration, I had an opportunity to reconnect with the LaVigne family. Katie has started our summer of Delta Omicron photos... she is one of our Delta Omicron sisters! We have a history with this beautiful couple... here is a recap, from wedding to maternity... :)

Well, as it turns out, that little baby is a BOY! Welcome to the world, baby Lee! And what a beautiful doll he turned out to be. Take a peek!

You're right, Leon... I think he's going to grow up to be a great ball player! :)

Congratulations, LaVigne family, we're so happy for you!

Next stop on the Oberstadt summer tour took us to DeForest, Wisconsin on July 24th, for the wedding of Delta Omicron sister Becky Schultz to John Rush. This wedding was altogether too much fun! I had a wonderful time with the ladies while they were getting ready, and Brian had fun with the gentlemen- playing with their portable disc golf basket!!

The music was provided by a wonderful chamber quintet, and the reception was filled with really personalized details of the couple.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Rush, we send lots of love from your Delta Omicron siblings, and thank you for inviting us to share your day!

...And then there was Brendan and Luda. Brendan is one of my most admired and respected professors from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. When I found out he was marrying Luda, the gorgeous and hilarious sweetheart from overseas, I jumped at the chance to capture their day. Their hot, August wedding was was on the 7th and 8th, in Waupaca, Wisconsin. This wedding brought friends and family from all over the country to celebrate in the Caldwell style! The music was astounding; it brought together musicians from different areas and backgrounds to perform and connect in a way that words can't describe- I hope our images speak for themselves. :) Saturday's party was hosted by the Buchman family, Sunday's ceremony was at Red Mill Chapel, and Sunday's party was brought to us on a boat on the beautiful chain of lakes.

As you can imagine, I was one wiped out photographer after this party!

Congratulations, Brendan and Luda, we are blessed to have shared your big day with you.

Avery and Davey. Even their names are adorable together. Avery Cance is another Delta Omicron sister, and she graced our presence on our wedding day with her beautiful horn playing in a quartet. We got together this week, on an INCREDIBLY humid day in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to play in the park and capture some engagement portraits...