I could write a novel about the Dori family. They mean a lot to me for many reasons. I met Roee about 4 years ago, shortly after they moved to MN from New York. I was assisting him on a wedding and brought along more gear than him and I'm sure he was wondering if I even knew how to use it. Fortunately for me, he kept asking me back. Over the years a great friendship developed. We've photographed 30+ weddings together and experienced both highs and lows together. I've learned so much from him and was blown away when he asked me to photograph his family. His wife is a rockstar designer for IKEA and because of this, the family was moving to Sweden. We spent our time hanging out in their St. Paul home and along the parkway nearby. I dearly miss this fam and I'm so grateful to have this collection of photographs to remind me of them. If you are interested in booking a family portrait session and want more info, check out my new investment section. Winter is a great time to book a session in your home and it might be warm enough to venture outside as well. I'm currently offering 10% off during the months of February and March. Thanks so much for your support!
Ryan A Stadler Art Photography
2014 / Year In Review
2014 was my biggest year, yet. I was the busiest I've ever been with photography...had more portrait and family sessions and weddings in a single season ever. It still wasn't enough, though. I want to work harder. I want to drink more coffee and stay up later. In 2014, I started shooting more film than digital and started developing all my black and white film at home. This was the first year I worked outside of Minnesota. I traveled to Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Texas and South Dakota. All for photography. I'm so stoked about this. Help me make 2015 even better! Thank you thank you thank you…for the support, encouragement and inspiration. Love you guys. I couldn't do this without you. Here are some rad photos from this year.
my amazing wife.
Caleb. Who has already had multiple heart surgeries.
Hannah. My first styled/modeled shoot.
Leah. She's a local barista.
Chuck + Jessica / PA engagement
Andy + Amy's engagement
Chris + Elaine / Kent, Ohio
Rob + Lindsey / SD engagement
David + Carly's Engagement
Jeff + Jessica / for their new website.
Devin + Melissa's Wedding
David + Carly's Wedding
Andy + Amy's wedding
Dave + Holly's Wedding
Sylvia + Bethany / MI
Abramson Family
Fuentes Family / PA
Lewis + Maddie. My favorite 1-2 punch.
Barnes Family / possibly my favorite family photo of all time.
Rafferty Family
Maddie + Chloe / cousins
Kalscheuer Family / MN, TX
Ouachita National Forest, AR
Stroth Family
Mogensen Family / first instant film family session
Finn.
Stadler Family
Heim Family
Dori Family / Roee is a pro.
Brent + Lauren's Wedding / it was on an island.
Chuck + Jessica's Wedding / MN
Tim + Kathy's wedding
KD Painting softball team
Dorn Family
Another first for 2014…having a professional photographer grab some photos of our crazy, growing family. Thanks so much Jeff!
Brent + Lauren's Wedding / Stout's Island Lodge / Birchwood, WI
When Lauren contacted me, she mentioned her wedding was taking place on an island in Northern Wisconsin, in the city of Birchwood. I replied, as giddy as can be "oh, you mean the Bluegill capital of the world?" For those that don't know, a Bluegill is a fish and I love fishing. The excited inner child in me came out as a flood of memories resurfaced…fishing the creeks near my grandma's house in Rice Lake, spending summer afternoons at our family cabin, so appropriately named "the shack", located only a few miles from Birchwood. We explored the woods and got into all kinds of trouble. These memories and this place never leave you and I was reminded once again at how much I miss it and need to let my own kids experience life apart from a big city. Shortly after Lauren mentioning the location and after I calmed back down...we had another conversation about why she chose this location and what type of wedding and photography she desired. As excited as I was about the potential of photographing a wedding on an island, in the woods, I was more excited about what I heard her say about photography. Simply put, she wanted someone who would be a guest and take photos of the event as it happened. And here is what happened on this "Island of Happy Days"...
And then it was still. A beautiful calm. I sat and waited for the ferry to pick me up and bring me back to my car, while the day and all its emotion and energy was left ringing in my head. Exhale. What an amazing job.
Venue : Stout's Island Lodge / Birchwood, WI Florals : Forever in Bloom / MN Hair & Make Up : Joee Nelson Videography : Little Village Films Brides Dress : Blush / Hayley Paige Bridesmaids : Adrianna Papell Grooms Suit : Michael Kors Band : Ol' Yeller Catering : Stout's Island Lodge