I recently had the honor of being named the 2011 3rd Best Photographer by WISN’s A-list. That covers Milwaukee and a lot of southeastern Wisconsin. I’m so touched by the support from clients and friends. Your backing has been so encouraging and humbling. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

You can check out the finalist’s slideshow here:
http://wisn.cityvoter.com/best/photographer/weddings/milwaukee

Congrats to the other wonderful photographers in the top 5!

In 2012, I will be walking across the state of Wisconsin to raise money to fund clean water wells around the world, supporting a great organization, Living Water International. You can find all the information over on the website: walkforcleanwater.org

Please, head on over and check it out. I need your help to make this a success. I look forward to partnering with you!

Well, I’m getting involved. And in a big way (at least for me).

Not today, but soon. It’s in the works. I’m going to be announcing it in the next few weeks or so. Until then, here’s a little trailer that hints at it:

Heading into the Capitol was amazing; the sheer number of people and voices made it LOUD.

Walking around the outside of the Capitol, I noticed a large crowd walking around the square. I ran over and jumped in front for some shots when I realized I was standing in front of the Rev. Jesse Jackson. I’ll be honest, it was very nerve racking and for a moment I didn’t know my shutter button from a hole in the ground.

There was a rally at noon and one at five. Waiting around for them to start offered a chance to capture some of the signs in the crowd.

Former Senator Russ Feingold showed up to the chants of “Russ for governor.”

After the rally at noon, the firefighters (who are not effected by this bill yet are standing with the other unions) marched through the capitol to much fanfare and graditude.

The day was very peaceful and non-violent. Even some cops offered hugs to the protesters.

I admit, I needed a friend to explain this next one to me (but knew it had to be a good nerdy joke – I love those!)

Maybe the best sign of the day (the bright yellow one…)

The evening rally was started by a local folk duo leading the crowd in some songs. A few people spoke and then the Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke. He called this a “Martin Luther King, Jr.” moment.

Regardless of political affiliation or thoughts, this is no minor gathering. Today, Saturday, more people are expected as are a variety of supports for Walker’s bill. My prayer is that all sides remain peaceful and graceful, even in the midst of disagreement.

What was the surgery she had? In short, her kneecap doesn’t track in the knee groove (thems thar be medical terms) and causes pain when she walks (not fun as you can imagine). So, they cut the nub on the tibia (the shin bone) where the tendon that attaches to the kneecap connects and then move that over and bolt it down again. A little snip of some muscles in the area (which will grow back in the new location) and “viola!” the kneecap now tracks in the right place.

We had the procedure done at Elmbrook Memorial the other day and I brought my camera along to document things as I could (I so wanted to be in the OR – I used to work in an ER and miss the medical stuff now and then). Here are some shots from arriving that snowy morning through getting ready to leave the hospital.

I’m trying to answer email and work as I can. It’s such a blessing to work from home and be here to take care of my wife though. A HUGE thank you goes out to all of those who have prayed, called, sent food, sent well-wishes, etc. Jessica and I are overwhelmed by your love!

Oh, and Jessica’s siblings loaned us some fun DVD’s to pass the time:

Congratulations! This year brought us more entries than ever before, and we want to thank everyone who entered and helped to get the word out!

Here’s a little from the email Sarah sent us:

After seeing each other only a handful of times from October until April, I developed a crush on the guy who’s name is a candy bar. I was expecting a summer fling, and Heath was ready to meet someone special. To celebrate the end of the semester, I decided to let him know that I was drawn to his funny stories and had a crush. He was taken by surprise, because he had been waiting for the right time to mention the same to me. That night we stayed up and talked about growing up, family, hobbies, our passions, and everything else until 5:00 a.m. There was a spark that grew throughout the summer.

In the fall, his parents told me that if it didn’t work out with this son, they had another one available. I spent Thanksgiving with his family since mine now lives far away in Florida. Heath told me later on that his dad offered him a loan for a ring, saying, “When you know, you know.” He knew, but wanted to make sure I felt ready and couldn’t live without him. (Secretly, I knew too.)

Heath’s a pilot, so they’ll be having the reception at the EAA AirVenture Museum where his grandpa is in the Hall of Fame. They’re also planning on creating lots of meaningful details, put together by Sarah and her family.

We’d also like to announce that Jami Jenkins, an amazing wedding coordinator from Details, a professional planning company has offered the winning couple a special gift as well. She’s given them their choice of either half off her planning services OR 100 custom made invitations or thank you notes. Thank you, Jami! We highly suggest checking out her services to help make your day run more smoothly.

Jamie Swanson and I want to thank everyone who took the time to enter this year. We have really enjoyed reading your stories and wish we could shoot all of your weddings! And again, congrats to Sarah+Heath!

It’s that time of the year again! No, it’s not holiday, it’s time for the 2011 Wedding Photography Giveaway!

My good photography friend Jamie (of Jamie M. Swanson Photography) and I are giving away a free day of wedding coverage to one lucky couple, just like we did last year! You can see my blog post for their wedding here and Jamie’s here. I can’t believe it’s gone by so fast – it’s now our 3rd year doing this!

Want to know the details on how to enter, check out the information below:

Why are you doing this?
We love photographing weddings and count it a blessing to participate in so many wedding day celebrations. We want to be able to give back some of that blessing by lending our time and talents to one lucky couple.

What does the couple get?
A full day of wedding coverage from the two of us. We’ll be with you in the morning when you get ready right through to the reception where everyone lets loose. We’ll then edit the photos and get them to you on disk, ready for printing. We’ll also upload the files to an online gallery that you can share with family and friends.

How will this work?
The couple, a family member or their friends submit the couple’s story via email to freewedding (at) andystenz dot com. The stories will be read by us and our spouses. Among the four of us, we will choose a couple and announce the lucky couple on November 13th. If you aren’t the couple submitting an entry, please confirm with them that they don’t already have a photographer before you enter them in the contest.

Are there any rules?

• The couple must be getting married in 2011. The date must be open on our calendars. If there is a conflict in dates (if we both aren’t available for your wedding), we’ll let you know right away.
• The wedding has to be in Wisconsin within approximately 75 miles of West Bend. Think mainly Madison to Green Bay to Milwaukee. If you’re not sure, submit it anyway, that’s just a rough guideline as we are based out of different cities ourselves.
• We can’t already know you (we don’t want to show favorites). And we can’t have already been in contact with you for a wedding next year.

What do I need to include in my submission?

• The bride and groom’s first and last names and their contact information.
• The couple’s story (how they met, got engaged, and why they should be chosen for free wedding coverage, anything fun you want us to know about them – creativity is encouraged!).
• The wedding date and locations (of the ceremony, reception, etc – whatever may be known).
• A digital picture of the couple. This will be used when we announce the final couple.

Where and when do I send my Submission?
Email entry submissions and any questions you may have to… And remember, submissions are due by November 11th, 2010 at midnight CST. Entry for the 2011 Givewaway is closed.

    -Andy

Dear friends and family,

About two years ago, Andy’s sister Aimee received a life-altering diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Aimee already knew that she got sick every time she ate; what she didn’t know until the diagnosis was that she must take long-term steroid medications and immune-suppressing drugs daily in order to absorb nutrients from food, and that these medications have dangerous side effects and will be extremely expensive. Some patients require surgery when medications no longer control the symptoms or complications such as obstruction or fistulas arise. Currently, there is no cure for this disease.

Two years ago Aimee went to Guatemala to serve in the midst of her own discomfort and was changed by her experiences there. She dealt with the daily regimen of pills, enabling her to digest food and be nourished. Aimee is back in the US now, but she still feels called to minister to others, perhaps in a culture other than the United States. It will be difficult with her medical condition. Any progress toward better treatment or a cure will benefit not only Aimee, but those whom she will touch with her service.

Last fall, Andy and I walked 14 miles here in Wisconsin to raise funds and awareness for CCFA. This coming July, it is our family’s goal to walk a half-marathon (13.1 miles) from Napa to Sonoma, CA. We are trying to raise $16,000 for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America to fund research toward a cure. We can’t do this alone, and we need your help! We would love if you would donate at least 0.2% of our goal ($32 – we would need 5,000 people to donate at this level to reach $16,000). But any contribution is greatly appreciated! (All donations are tax deductible.) Donations can be made through my website: www.andystenz.com/napa2010 or by sending a check made payable to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation to my home address:

    CCFA c/o Jessica Stenz
    1907 Woodburn Rd. A
    Waukesha, WI 53188

Several local businesses have generously donated items which we will raffle off! If you send a donation of $50 or more before May 15th, you could win a gift certificate to Devon Seafood Grill at Bayshore (it’s excellent, if you haven’t been there), hand-crafted jewelry (made by Jessica), and more! Anyone who sends a donation of $32 or more will receive a pair of hand-made earrings.

I am always happy to answer any questions regarding Team Challenge and can be reached best at jstenz7 [at] gmail [dot] com. If you know others affected by these conditions who may want to make a donation or participate in Team Challenge, please feel free to share this message with them.

Thank you for your time and support. I am hoping, through our efforts, we can come closer to a cure for IBD! Because no one should live in embarrassment or without health insurance, due to a disease that is beyond their control.

Sincerely,
Jessica Stenz

I am excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year by announcing the winners of our 2010 free wedding photography giveaway! I just wanted to start by thanking everyone who entered the contest! Jamie (Jamie M Swanson Photography) and I have really enjoyed reading all the stories and were finally able to narrow it down to our winners!

The winners are…. [Drum roll, please!]

…Bethany and Daniel!

Bethany and Daniel met on the other side of the world on a completely different continent. After four years, mostly spent far from each other, they are finally together and are getting married this fall. We are SO excited to photograph your wedding! Congratulations you two – we look forward to capturing your wedding day with beautiful images!

Happy New Year! Let’s start with a bang, eh? To that end, my good photography buddy Jamie (of Jamie M. Swanson Photography) and I are giving away a free day of wedding coverage to one lucky couple this year – just like we did last year! Want to know the details, read all the information below. Here’s to a wonderful 2010 for you and yours!

Why are you doing this?
We love photographing weddings and count it a blessing to participate in so many wedding day celebrations. We want to be able to give back some of that blessing by lending our time and talents to one lucky couple.

What does the couple get?
A full day of wedding coverage from the two of us. We’ll be with you in the morning when you get ready right through to the reception where everyone lets loose. We’ll then edit the photos and get them to you on disk, ready for printing. We’ll also upload the files to an online gallery that you can share with family and friends.

How will this work?
The couple, a family member or their friends submit the couple’s story via email to freewedding (at) andystenz dot com. The stories will be read by us and our spouses. Among the four of us, we will choose a couple and announce the lucky couple on February 14th. If you aren’t the couple, please confirm with them that they don’t already have a photographer before you send in the entry.

Are there any rules?

• The couple must be getting married in 2010. The date must be open on our calendars. If there is a conflict in dates (if we both aren’t available for your wedding), we’ll let you know right away.
• The wedding has to be in Wisconsin within approximately 75 miles of West Bend. Think mainly Madison to Green Bay to Milwaukee. If you’re not sure, submit it anyway, that’s just a rough guideline as we are based out of different cities ourselves.
• We can’t already know you (we don’t want to show favorites). And we can’t have already been in contact with you for a wedding next year.

What do I need to include in my submission?

• The bride and groom’s first and last names and their contact information.
• The couple’s story (how they met, got engaged, and why they should be chosen for free wedding coverage, anything fun you want us to know about them – creativity is encouraged!).
• The wedding date and locations (of the ceremony, reception, etc – whatever may be known).
• A digital picture of the couple. This will be used when we announce the final couple.

Where and when do I send my Submission?
Email entry submissions and any questions you may have to… And remember, submissions are due by January 31st, 2010 at midnight CST. Entry for the 2010 Givewaway is closed.

The filming started at about 5:30am and it wasn’t quite warm yet…

The whole morning crew was there: Chris, Diane, Robin and Sam.

The local ABC affiliate was on hand to interview the GMA anchors.

And they brought along Rodney Atkins and his band. The bassist got a kick out of the Racing Sausages which showed up to promote the Brewers.

If you are interested, you can check out http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/YourHouse/ for the video segments from that mornings shows.

Miley is a 1.5 year old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel who came to us by the same breeder as our first Cavalier, Oliver, did. Oliver meet with an untimely death a few years back and we miss him so. Kim, the breeder, was gracious enough to set us up to adopt Miley after her owner also met with an untimely death. Perhaps he is looking out for Oliver and we’ll look out after Miley for him!

We are very thankful to Kim and excited to have Miley at home with us. I hope you get the chance to meet her sometime. She’s got a lot of energy but will drop everything for some affection.

They are preparing to build a house here in Waukesha for Army SPC Jason Schulz. Jason’s truck was struck by an IED in Mosul, Iraq and he lost both of his legs. The house they will be building with be handicap accessible and help meet his specialized needs.

If you are interested, they are looking for a variety of volunteers and donations – from skilled tradesmen, people helping with meals, community communication teams, materials and monetary donations, etc. The house will be built over a 3 day weekend a few months from now (why take 7 days when you can do it in 3? Take that Extreme Home Makeover!) Anyway, if you are inclined to help or donate in anyway, you can visit their site for more info (link).

They just finished building a house in Sun Prairie for another injured vet. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote a nice article about it which can be read here.

Here are some photos from the registration/information meeting they held this week.