Red Gecko Studio

Hi, I’m Mandie…

It is an absolute blessing in this world to love what you do for a living- and I am truly blessed this way. Since beginning my journey as a wedding photographer and independent business owner, I've become completely enamoured with photographing couples on their happiest day.

If I had to pick my favorite part of the wedding day to photograph, I'd be hard pressed to choose. I love capturing the details, big and small: the dress, the shoes, the rings, the flowers, the placecards, the socks- all of the things you've brought together through months of thought and care. I love the excitement in the bride's face as she sees herself all put togehter. I love the moment the groom sees the bride for the first time. I love the last moment of the father-daughter dance. When you're dealing with people who are engulfed in love and happiness, you can't help but be happy right along with them.

I'm a giant softie and I'll admit it: I tear up at some point during every wedding I shoot. Waterproof mascara and autofocus are a must!

As a newlywed myself, I know just how much effort you've put into the orchestration of your perfect wedding day. I want to capture it for you so that you'll remember it always. So please- take a look around my blog, visit my website, and send me a message or give me a call. I look forward to hearing all about your big day and how I can be a part of it!
…and I’d LOVE to be your photographer!

Katy & Joey :: Fun & Frozen! :: Wisconsin Wedding Photographer

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 Posted in Weddings, trash the dress

A couple of weeks ago I had a VERY fun opportunity to photograph two lovely friends of mine, Mr. & Mrs. Katy & Joey. It was not until after Katy & Joey were married (and their wedding photographed by the fabulous KB Images of Milwaukee) that Katy & I reconnected after working together a few years ago. I loved Katy’s dress, and it turns out she liked my photographs- so when I put a shout out for some couples to have fun in the snow in their wedding attire I heard from Katy right away! This couple, whom I’m lucky to consider friends, were a blast to work with. They were such good sports in the cold, too!

We started right outside the Memorial Union, where Lake Mendota was frozen over enough to traipse around on the surface with ice fisherman and a group of people reconstructing the sunken Lady Liberty statue from a 1970’s prank.

As interesting a backdrop as that was, it wasn’t what we were expecting…the finished sculpture. Guess they fell behind! But it turns out that the frozen tundra look was fun all on its own!

Mmmmm, toasty looking…it almost seems like it could have been a nice, warm day!

The scene was enhanced by the castle-like figure of the red gym.

And even more amazing is the Union Terrace as a backdrop…you don’t get that very often.

The dip…not so easy on a frozen lake…

I was super lucky to have Mike and Luke from The Visual Soundtrack accompany us on this shoot. It was great working with them! Here’s Luke in action…

I love the architecture of the Union.

A cover of white snow is reflecty. Fun to shoot on!

I love that you can’t tell here where the pier ends and the lake begins… And if you’re not a Madisonite, it might not even be obvious that this IS a pier (if not for the no diving sign).

I even got Katy to sit in the snow. Go Katy!

One of the things I really admire about Luke & Mike’s work is that they know their stuff about studio strobes. They set up an off-camera strobe light and got some fantastic shots…then they generously turned over the cord to me so I could grab a couple well-lit shots!

I’ve been a teensy bit action-heavy lately, I’ll admit it…

After all was said and done, we revisited the scene of the crime: The Orpheum. Katy & Joey’s wedding reception was held here barely six months ago!

To Katy & Joey: Thanks so much for being troopers through the cold and snow for this shoot! I know all three of us photographers had a wonderful time. Hopefully we can do another portrait session soon, perhaps for a one-year anniversary? He he he! You guys are just too fun.

For details about hiring Red Gecko Studio as the photographer for your upcoming wedding, please use the Contact section of this blog! Red Gecko Studio proudly serves weddings and special events in Madison, Milwaukee, and southeastern Wisconsin. Travel to any other location in the world can always be arranged,so don’t hesitate to ask about your destination wedding! Thanks for visiting, and please take a moment to leave your thoughts as a comment!

no comments

Best of 2009 :: Wedding Dances :: Wisconsin Wedding Photographer

Sunday, February 28, 2010 Posted in Best of 2009

Well, everyone, I’m on the verge of catching up with several projects, and that includes the Best of 2009 series. One last fun category to go, and that is DANCES!

Wedding dances always bring a little moisture to my eyes. They are filled with such tender moments. In the midst of a very public day, the first dance between a husband and wife is just a little more intimate than any of the other events of the day. The smiles that bounce between them, the whispers exchanged that nobody can hear, the spontaneous laughter or stray tear that escapes an eye… These are quickly becoming some of my favorite parts of the day. Even a touching dance between a bride and her dad or a groom and his mom can steal my breath.

And so, as at the end of every wedding comes the dancing, here I’ll close our Best of 2009 post series by sharing some sweet dancing portraits. Enjoy!

#1:

Melanie & Joe's First Dance (with Studio Noveau)

#2:

Scott & his Mom at Songbird Hills Country Club

#3:

Carolyn & Chris's First Dance at the Eisner Museum in Milwaukee

#4:

Julie & Matt at the Hilltop Resort in Wisconsin

#5:

Marianne & her Dad at Blackhawk Church in Madison Wisconsin

#6:

Another Father-Daughter, Megan and her Dad in Verona Wisconsin

#7:

Ashley & Jason Break it Down Destination Wedding Style in Mexico!

#8:

Katie & Greg at the Madison Concourse Hotel, with Jessica Kempen Photography

#9:

A Sweet Kiss at Alli & Mike's University Club Wedding

#10:

Beth & Dan's Wedding at the Monona Terrace

Thank you everyone, for following this series and sharing your comments. Please take a few moments to vote on the other Best of 2009 posts and share some love. All voting will be closed on THURSDAY of this week, March 5, leaving me just enough time to post winners before I leave for a week of photography networking, inspiration, and education in fabulous Las Vegas.

To ensure your vote is counted, leave the NUMBER of your favorite image in the comments section below! The couple belonging to the winning images for each post will receive a FREE 8×10 of their featured image!

For details about hiring Red Gecko Studio as the photographer for your upcoming wedding, please use the Contact section of this blog! Red Gecko Studio proudly serves weddings and special events in Madison, Milwaukee, and southeastern Wisconsin. Travel to any other location in the world can always be arranged,so don’t hesitate to ask about your destination wedding! Thanks for visiting, and please take a moment to leave your thoughts as a comment!

8 comments

March 5, 2010 - 12:06 am

Melissa - #5

March 4, 2010 - 9:32 pm

bev hertz - #3 – It’s the lighting and whole ambience of the pic.

March 4, 2010 - 1:40 pm

Heather Holterman - #6

March 3, 2010 - 10:24 pm

Mariah - #3 for sure.

March 2, 2010 - 7:03 pm

Tia Barrett - This is a tough one (like usual!) but I’m going to go with #3. I love the lighting!

March 1, 2010 - 10:19 pm

Katy - #5!!!

March 1, 2010 - 7:29 am

Jesse Nelson - #3 love the smile, love the light.

February 28, 2010 - 11:54 pm

Sarah - #3

Sneaky Peeky :: Winter Bride & Groom Shoots! :: Wisconsin Wedding Photographer

Monday, February 22, 2010 Posted in Weddings, trash the dress

It has been a BUSY busy few weeks, but what fun! Coming up soon: the last Best of 2009 post. But very quickly, here’s a peek at what’s coming up on the blog!

A very snowy Replay session on the frozen Lake Mendota:

A fun in-home professional portrait session with a local Personal Trainer:

And finally, a daring bride & groom on ice skates at Milwaukee’s Red Arrow Park:

Until then, please check out all of the Best of 2009 posts and cast your vote before winners are chosen on Sunday, February 28!

For details about hiring Red Gecko Studio as the photographer for your upcoming wedding, please use the Contact section of this blog! Red Gecko Studio proudly serves weddings and special events in Madison, Milwaukee, and southeastern Wisconsin. Travel to any other location in the world can always be arranged,so don’t hesitate to ask about your destination wedding! Thanks for visiting, and please take a moment to leave your thoughts as a comment!

no comments

Best of 2009 :: Details, Details! :: Madison Wedding Photographer

Friday, February 19, 2010 Posted in Best of 2009, Weddings

Winter has passed its peak and here in Wisconsin, we’re eagerly awaiting spring. I’m so thrilled that by the time I return from Vegas in just a few short weeks, March will be nearly half-over and my favorite season will be on its way.

Along with spring comes a very exciting wedding season. I’m thrilled to begin! However, before that happens let’s finish up our Best of 2009 series so we can announce some winners and award some prints. YAY!

As you already know, I LOVE details. So, let’s take a look at some bouquets, rings, and other things from 2009’s lovely weddings. Remember, vote by telling us what your favorite image is in a comment on this post. The couple whose image gets the most votes gets a FREE 8×10 of that image!

#1:

Anne's Beautiful and Colorful Bouquet at the Capitol in Madison

#2:

Anne's Grandmother's Locket

#3:

A Combo Rings-&-Bouquet Shot from Gwen & Scott's Wedding

#4:

Wedding Rings with Boat Motor Propeller at Carolyn & Chris's Wedding

#5:

Cute Planter Placecards at Julie & Matt's Wedding

#6:

Megan & Darcey's Wedding Rings in Red Boxes

#7:

A Lovely Bridal Bouquet from Ashley & Jason's Mexico Wedding

#8:

A Bridesmaid Bouquet from Jesse & Bridgette's Wedding

#9:

A Stunning Cake from Katie & Greg's Wedding with Jessica Kempen Photography

#10:

Another Lovely Cake from Alli & Mike's Wedding

#11:

A Pair of Ring Shots from Beth & Dan's Wedding with Studio Noveau

#12:

A Unique & Beautiful Necklace from Alicia & Jason's Wedding

Don’t Forget to vote for your favorite by leaving a comment below… Thanks for voting!

For details about hiring Red Gecko Studio as the photographer for your upcoming wedding, please use the Contact section of this blog! Red Gecko Studio proudly serves weddings and special events in Madison, Milwaukee, and southeastern Wisconsin. Travel to any other location in the world can always be arranged,so don’t hesitate to ask about your destination wedding! Thanks for visiting, and please take a moment to leave your thoughts as a comment!

10 comments

March 5, 2010 - 12:04 am

Melissa - I vote for #10

March 4, 2010 - 1:42 pm

Heather Holterman - #2

March 1, 2010 - 10:21 pm

Katy - #2 fo’ sho’

March 1, 2010 - 7:39 am

Jesse Nelson - You know I am unbiased if I am voting for #2 (#8 is 1A however!:))

February 23, 2010 - 11:38 am

Morgan - LOCKET !!! I looove it.
: )

February 22, 2010 - 11:11 am

Tracy Schwartz - #8

February 21, 2010 - 10:59 pm

Mariah - I’m lovin the last photo!!

February 21, 2010 - 8:06 pm

Tia Barrett - Super hard choice, but I think I’m going to have to go with #3!

February 19, 2010 - 9:52 pm

cammie holterman - I love the picture of the locket, but I’m sentimental! Hard choice to make. That’s my pick.

February 19, 2010 - 3:35 pm

Sarah - The locket!

Always More to Learn :: A Posing Workshop in Madison :: Wisconsin Portrait & Wedding Photographer

Monday, February 8, 2010 Posted in Random Fun

Education is priceless. There is never a point in life where you can sit back and say, “Now I know it all.” Of course this is true in any profession, including photography. As a professional photographer, it’s my job to make sure I am learning all I can to improve my art. Keeping myself aware of learning opportunities is important not only to me, but to you- my clients! I want to give my very best to my brides & grooms.

Here in Madison I’m finding that we have a wonderful network of local photographers who I can call friends. Pierre of Pierre’s Portrait Art is a great artist and dedicated to sharing his knowledge and inspiration with all of us. On Superbowl Sunday I had an amazing time attending Pierre’s workshop on posing. We got to photograph another fellow photographer and her hubby, who have been married for five years this year. They were fun to work with and did a great job of putting up with all of us!

Here are some of my images from the day, both portraits and candids of my fellow classmates and our mentor in action. Let’s start with our beautiful couple. Even a hotel hallway can provide a portrait backdrop:

Pierre’s lovely wife Anna showing us how to instruct our subjects:

Pierre in action, too – they make such a great team!

Larger workshops mean that you don’t always get the greatest angle on the subjects, but you work with what you get.

This one is absolutely my favorite from the day…

Yummy window light:

An exercise in perspective and size:

Gotta tell both sides of the story, of course!

I just adore this hallway. And ya gotta love a classmate who’s ready to go model when it counts! Thanks, Mike!

The fabulous Pierre shows off his mad posing skills!

Thank you, Pierre, for being so generous with your time and your expertise. It is photographers like you who push and enable all of us to become better photographers and business owners- and that in turn has a positive impact on all of our clients and couples! To all my friends from the workshop, I hope to see you guys again!

For details about hiring Red Gecko Studio as the photographer for your upcoming wedding, please use the Contact section of this blog! Red Gecko Studio proudly serves weddings and special events in Madison, Milwaukee, and southeastern Wisconsin. Travel to any other location in the world can always be arranged,so don’t hesitate to ask about your destination wedding! Thanks for visiting, and please take a moment to leave your thoughts as a comment!