a classic wedding in downtown Milwaukee (Lindsay + Dave are married) – Milwaukee wedding photography

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Kaia Calhoun

I shot this wedding for Cornerstone Photography – hence the logo.

This wedding happened a while back. Obviously still back logged on photo blog posts! CLICK HERE to see the full blog post of their pictures!

To see their engagement session CLICK HERE.

To see more wedding photography CLICK HERE.

location, location, location…

CEREMONY VENUE St. Mary’s Church

RECEPTION VENUE Marcus Center for the Performing Arts

vendor details…

HAIR Loreen Farnier of Studio 890

MAKEUP Jacqueline Patten of Perfecting Faces

WEDDING DRESS Stone Manor Bridal (Justin Alexander collection)

FLORIST Flowers by Jan

CAKE The Gingerbread House

ITALIAN COOKIES AND CANNOLI Scordatos Italian Bakery

GELATO BAR Cold Spoons Gelato

DJ Sounds by Design

Book your wedding with me by filling out my contact form up there or email asunshinemoment@gmail.com (SUBJECT “wedding photography”. Looking forward to meeting you!

* about me CLICK HERE or HERE * pricing info CLICK HERE *

Client Disc Cases

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Kaia Calhoun

At the beginning of 2013 I started gifting my clients a very special, custom disc case for their wedding digital files. The idea behind these gorgeous products is that the disc will live on their bookshelf or DVD shelf instead of getting lost in a file cabinet or storage pile. These cases are magnetically sealed and come with an image panel on the inside and my “a Sunshine Moment” DVD on the other. These were all the cases I designed for my 2013 clients. Which is your favorite?

To see any one of these weddings’ full wedding story click on their image. (Note: second to last disc case doesn’t have a wedding story link)

To see more wedding photography CLICK HERE.

Surprise Pregnancy Reveal #2

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Kaia Calhoun

Bemusings of a Baby Life

– Written December 13, 2013 at 14 weeks pregnant.

– Story takes place November 28, 2013 at 12 weeks pregnant.

Before you read this blog post I recommend you read Surprise Pregnancy Reveal #1.

My second surprise pregnancy bomb drop happened on Thanksgiving and this time I got to experience the element of surprise with Joshua.

We went about Thanksgiving as usual in the Calhoun house with the addition of my parents and my brother: mingling, watching football, cooking, and playing games. When the food was ready we all gathered in the kitchen to sing the blessing together. Then we simply loaded our plates and sat down. It is a tradition in the Calhoun clan to go around the table and say what we are thankful for. We started with Gigi so we could end with Joshua.

The responses were all so emotional and many tears were shed. When it was my turn I sounded dull, but what more can a girl do when the biggest things she’s thankful for are related to a pregnancy her husband is about to announce? Anyway, my response was lame amidst all the emotional and heart wrenching thankfulness outpourings. I don’t think anyone remembers my lack luster thanksgiving because right behind me Josh said something like, “this year I am so thankful for my wife and for the baby we are having in seven months.” Everyone erupted out of their seats with screams and shouts of surprise and joy. I have never been good at being the center of attention so I sat there stunned until their continued reaction broke through my strained tear ducts. I laughed with tears in my eyes as I watched Alison desperately attempt to reach me on the other side of the table for a hug. Finally, she simply crawled under the table.

No more words necessary though, you may now watch the video I did not know was being recorded 🙂

Featured on the cover of BRAVA Magazine!

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Kaia Calhoun

My boudoir photography is featured on the cover of BRAVA Magazine this month! Take a look 🙂

A few more of my photos are featured within the magazine in the article Great Sexpectations. CLICK HERE to see that!

The Day I Almost Blacked Out

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Kaia Calhoun

So unfortunately my next couple of chronological blog posts have to be postponed. It is essential I obtain the videos that will go with them before I share. So, for now, lets skip ahead a couple of weeks to our next story…

Bemusings of a Baby Life: The Day I Almost Blacked Out

-Written December 13, 2013 at 14 weeks.

I have an incredible opportunity this Christmas season to use my photography talents to make a difference among the homeless. Tomorrow I am giving my time to take family portraits of some residents at House of Mercy. And, actually, I only reveal my gift to you because it is important to the ridiculousness of the scenario I ended up in yesterday.

Anyway, as a part of the gig I decided to donate new clothes to the residents. So, at 4:30pm yesterday we all showed up at Target to pick out their photo shoot outfits. First, I set the requirements: everyone was to get one whole outfit for their shoot. Then I set them loose and checked in periodically to see if they had any questions or concerns – I figured they would feel freer if I didn’t hover the whole time.

On one of my check in encounters I was chatting with one of my new friends when I flashed over with heat and sweat. My world spun rapidly and my heart pounded dangerously. In an instant I stopped my chat in the middle of a sentence as my world was sucked into a black hole. I crumpled my upper body onto my shopping cart and waited for the world so slow down. It didn’t. I cautiously worked my way around my cart, sat down in the middle of the men’s section, and put my head between my knees. I laughed at myself as I realized the hilarity of the situation. One one end, my homeless friend was nervous for me and amidst my haze I heard him tell me he was some sort of medic so “I was in good hands.” At the other end, I could feel the stares of the other passers by, especially since me and my cart were in their way. I felt no shame. Even if they didn’t know it, I knew my choice was either to crouch on the floor like a lunatic or actually pass out.

Finally, the danger subsided. With my head screwed back on straight I was able to feel my stomach rumbling angrily. Moral of the story, clearly an empty stomach for this pregnant lady is more dangerous than just risking turning into The Hungry Hungry Pregnant Lady… if left unattended too long I will actually black out from the hunger. Also, now I keep granola bars and apples in my purse at all times!