sarah jane – Page 7

August 24, 2017August 24, 2017

| Payton | Argenta-Oreana High School Senior Model | Class of 2018 | Decatur, IL |

The first of our class of 2018 senior model s to make their debut on the blog is our very own Ms. Payton!

2017-08-17_0003 You may remember her first moment in the SJP spotlight way back for her sophomore year prom when she won the Neuhoff media prom package which included a prom-day shoot with her date Austin (and we included him in a few of her senior portraits too)!

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From there it wasn’t long before Payton was working as my assistant and modeling for me on a few projects including our parachute dress class in downtown Indianapolis with the Reset Conference. She’s even charmed our own little #BabyB and got to be her swim lesson teacher at fairview pool this summer!

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So basically Payton has become a pretty awesome part of the SJP family (at home and work!) so it seemed fitting she be the first one up on the blog to kick off the class of 2018’s senior year.

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Do you guys remember the ‘trash can image’ ?!? Austin joked when we got out of the car at the park that we had a great location right by the dumpster soooo I accepted that as a challenge to create something fun by it and this was the result:

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Things have been BUSY around here all summer and I have SO many awesome things to show you from all our seniors… so let’s not wait! Check out all of Payton’s favorite images right here right now.

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This year Payton was even named All American Cheerleader! Big congrats for kicking off your senior year with such an achievement.

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And don’t forget to head over to her facebook album to give her some love.

August 17, 2017August 17, 2017

| Liz & Justin Conn | Millikin Homestead Wedding | Decatur IL |

Today I’m beyond excited to share Justin and Liz’s wedding day with you. I met Liz’s momma YEARS ago when we first moved to Decatur and I worked with a local Mary Kay line to create headshots of all the ladies and I was thrilled when her and Liz got back in touch to tell me that she was getting MARRIED and they wanted to talk to me about photographing the big day. I cannot tell you how sweet these two ladies are and their close relationship reminds me so much of my momma and I every time I see them and watching Liz and Justin come together so full of love and joy was just amazing.

These two have no shortage of people in their corner and friends and family gathered together and stood by their side to share in their joy together on an absolutely gorgeous day this May.

After the session Justin and Liz (and us) got away from the hustle and bustle for just a bit to head over to the beautiful Scovill Gardens and the one special request Liz had was to work in some smoke bombs in someway so, of course, we obliged and it was so much fun.

And then it was time to party! I can describe the epic fun had at this reception with just a few words for you… donuts, caricaturist (yes I had to google how to spell that dang it), locked up toss bouquet and arm wrestling! This was no ordinary reception you guys, we had a blast. But with all the fun and games one of my favorite parts, as always, was the speeches. There was laughter and tears and so so much love.

Congratulations you two, it was an absolute pleasure to be a part of your big day.

Wedding Venue: James Millikin Homestead

Reception Venue: Mt. Zion Convention Center

Dress: Michelle’s Bridal in Urbana

Cake & Cupcakes: Three Twigs Bakery

Select Decor (including the altar, ceremony doors, cake table, and dresser for cupcakes): Rustic Love Rentals

August 10, 2017August 11, 2017

| Ashley + Nathan | SURPRISE We’re Married! |

I’m so excited today to share a little secret I’ve been holding onto! These two Decatur love birds are not only engaged but as of this past weekend they are MARRIED! While it will be just a bit before all their wedding images are ready to share with you (check our facebook/instagram for a sneak peek).

These two planned an intimate ceremony in Chicago (on a boat!) and a couple months ago contacted me about creating some engagement images to celebrate this milestone. I’ve known and worked with Ashley through my work with the Avon Theater creating their annual staff portraits and I was thrilled when she called me to share the news and invite me to create their portraits. And you all know I was even more excited knowing Huck would be on session (I love people, but DOGS… well that’s just next level).

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Be sure to stay tuned in the coming weeks for a closer look at their big day too…. just a peek for now!

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May 11, 2017September 22, 2017

| Paw Prints Ministries | Comfort Dogs Get a Close Up | Pet Portraits |

This year I’m really excited to be adding a charity aspect to our Senior Model Program! I remember high school being a time when my world revolved around the halls of my own school, the volleyball court, weight room, homework, grades (college applications/ACT scores) and Friday night plans. And the bulk of my community and the rest of the world was unknown, or at least went unthought of most of my days.

Yet that was also a time when I COULD have made a lot of impact on my world. For at least 1/2 my high school career I wasn’t working and at least my summers were fairly unscheduled so I had a lot of time I could have been using to learn more about my community and create impact where needed. So this year I thought I’d try to give my senior models the chance to do just that this summer! And the most eager charity I reached out to was one run by one of my very own family clients the Dahns.

Though we haven’t had our work days for them yet we did just host a few session days in the studio to get some of their comfort dogs updated headshots (#corporatelife). Our goal was just a single headshot of each pup but OMG I was overloaded with cuteness and just couldn’t stop!

Ms. Mabel was the first up and she was quite the model, posing perfectly even with the fabulous little head tilt and hand in her paws poses all on her own!

Then it was time for Finn! This guy has the smile AND puppy dog eyes down pat.

And next it was time for Zoe to make me WORK. Check out her outtakes which will show you what she thought of our plans to start… look at those sly puppy dog eyes, attempt to ignore the treat and escape plans… finally just one big yawn before she put on her model face for some PERFECT puppy portraits!

And then Mr. Enzo! This guy was a little shy to start and didn’t let his personality shine until we cleared out Hazel to give him his own stage but then those ears finally came up and he was a champ!

And we ended everything with the lovely Ms. Hazel who just like Mabel was quite the natural in front of the camera with perfect smile and head tilt she was done in about 30 seconds with plenty of options!

My favorite thing about pet sessions is that, just like toddler sessions, they are ALL personality and 100% unique. Sure all these sessions were in the same place on the same backdrop but not a single one was the same. These pups brought a big smile to my face on session day and I’m so glad to know they are out working in our community daily to bring smiles to all of you. New transmittable diseases are becoming more common with our canine companions, top rated dna test can usually predict if you have an at risk dog. You can find out MORE about Paw Prints Ministries, what they do, who they help and how YOU can help support them on their website here! And linked above each official PawPrintsPup has their very own facebook page you can follow.

I look forward to getting our seniors involved with them this summer and sharing more of that fun with all of you here.

April 27, 2017April 28, 2017

Paco’s Sol Bistro | Small Business Feature

A day late on our monthly small business feature since yesterday was #BabyB’s second birthday so I wasn’t in the office, but I promise it’s worth the wait for the delicious local business! It’s our date night fav.

The Details: Pack’s Sol Bistro | Paco Greenwell, Owner | In Business: 7 years

Hours: Tues – Thurs, 11am-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm Mondays 11am-8pm beginning June 5th! | Location: 237 N Main St. Downtown Decatur

Tell us about your business… What do you do? Full service bar and restaurant that features 2 private party spaces.

What makes your business unique/special? Unique, made-from-scratch menu featuring all original recipes.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? Everyone should try the chicken meatloaf or southwest egg rolls. And guacamole if you are a fan.

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We have made a special food feature for several of our regular guests for their birthday. (Actually did this today) We also have Tervis cups for our most loyal bar regular with their name on them. We have also featured art from several local artists.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? When hosting a charity event, some regulars purchased a painting they knew we liked and gave it to us to hang in the restaurant.

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? My staff! They make it all happen.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? I would rather not single out any. We always try to support any and all that we can.

Tell us about YOU… WHY did you choose to do what you do? I love to make people happy. There’s no better way to the heart than through the stomach.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? I didn’t choose it. It chose me. I needed a job at 18. I started as a server and had my first management job at 18. I just took to it naturally. Thru my time I discovered my passion and ability to cook and come up with recipes. I love the combination of art and science in cooking.

What are you passionate about outside of your business? My wife and I are avid pool players and St. Louis Cardinal fans.

Describe your PERFECT day… 85 degrees without a cloud in the sky, hanging in the pool with my beautiful wife, my dogs, our family and friends. Music blasting, food on the grill and laughter all around.

See the latest news at:

http://www.solbistro.com/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

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If you’d like to have YOUR small business featured for FREE on the SJP blog (or know a small business we should feature) you can find details HERE!