The New LuxeBySM2.com

After weeks of hard work, we are proud to debut our new website!  Now you can branch out to Teens & Seniors, Weddings or Families & Kids for a more custom experience and as all of our clients know, we are all about the experience!

See all of our labor in action at LuxeBySM2.com and let us know whatcha think.  Enjoy!  ~Sindi

Art Gumbo, December 2011

Luxe Photography was thrilled to be the photographer for the latest installment of Art Gumbo!

In case you haven’t heard the buzz yet, Art Gumbo is a non-profit organization that hosts a quarterly soup dinner to provide funding to artists/artistic organizations in the Dubuque area .  Patrons of their dinner donate $10 for dinner and a chance to vote on artist proposals.  The winner gets money to help fund their artistic idea and everyone else wins because art can grow where there may not have been the opportunity.  Paula Neuhaus and Megan Starr are the founders of Art Gumbo and descended upon the EB Lyons Interpretive Center with 5 great proposals in hand.

The food was awesome, as always:  Squash and Vegetable Soup and delicious breads by  Trusted Earth Farm & Forage CSA & Catering, along with sweet treats by Carla Heathcoate.

We decided to contribute  more this round by setting up our photobooth for the patrons to play with…..and boy, did they play!

Gail Chavenelle pitched her “Project Courtyard Sculpture”.

Tim Connery vied for the funds to benefit his film, “Easton’s Article”.

Julie Greenberg submitted “Dubuque Fun-A-Day in February”.

Lauren Siebert presented her proposal “A New World in Our Hearts: An Audio and Comics Documentary of Consensus Process in Occupy Movement.

Jessica Teckemeyer told of her proposed sculpture, “Repressed Desires”.

Hempstead High School, represented by Brad Manternach and students gave an update to their winning proposal which funded their Community-Based Art Club, Renegade Arts.

The runner up and recipient of $10 (pizza money, haha) was Tim Connery.

The big winner and recipient of $750 for her project was Gail Chavenelle!

As is tradition, Brad Manternach passed the torch to the new winner, Gail Chavenelle by presenting her with a handmade coffee mug.

You can see all the great memories from the night by visiting HERE.  Don’t forget to become a fan of the Luxe Photography Fan Page to keep up to date on all our current happenings!

Congratulations to Tim and Gail and make sure you don’t miss the next Art Gumbo!!~Sindi

In Loving Memory of Cpl. Zachary Reiff

Sometimes a tragedy hits so close to home that it rocks you to the core.  Although I never met Cpl. Zachary Reiff, or his family, I feel so much pride, sadness and appreciation for all of them.  Cpl. Zachary Reiff grew up in Preston, Iowa, a tiny town of less than 1,000 people.  Cpl. Reiff joined the Marines out of high school and was serving his 2nd deployment in Afghanistan when tragedy struck.  He was on patrol when he stepped on an improvised explosive device.  Cpl. Reiff passed away several days later, November 21, in Germany with his family at his side.  The outpouring of support and love from the community and surrounding area has been inspirational and beautiful.  You can view a wonderful video celebrating Zachary and showing the love from his hometown here.  A Facebook Prayer Page has been set up in his memory and can be accessed here.  A video from WQAD-TV can be seen here.

My oldest son, Cody, has wanted to join the Military since he was very young and now at age 17, he has made his final decision to enlist in the Army after his graduation in 2013.  Although I cannot fathom the grief Cpl. Reiff’s family is feeling, I do understand the fear they lived with while he was away.  In an effort to give back every thing I can to Military Families, Luxe Photography will provide a complimentary Family Session for any family who has an active duty or reserve soldier and include a 16″x20″ framed wall portrait.  Please share this gift with any Military Family you may know.

Attention High School Juniors!!

Luxe Photography is now accepting applications to become one of our 2013 Senior Models.  If you are looking for the most amazing, unique Senior Portraits and would like to earn some cold cash and amazing prizes like iPods, iPads and MacBook Airs in the process, we can hook you up!  Just complete the application and we will notify you if we think you would be a good fit for us.  After we have chosen our models, we will do a complimentary mini shoot this winter and provide you with custom rep cards featuring an image from your shoot to pass out to all your friends.  Your real, complimentary 2 hour session will happen in the spring and I promise that we will rock your Senior images like you can’t even believe.  Just visit our Facebook page and see the quality of work we are pumping out for our seniors.  So, what are you waiting for?  Become the talk of your friends and get ready to become one of Luxe Photography’s beautiful people!  ~Sindi

The Organic Bloom Framing now available from Luxe!

Luxe Photography is proud to be a retailer for The Organic Bloom framing.  There are 49 different styles, 54 colors and 4 glazes.  These frames are truly custom and unique and can be ordered in sizes from 2×3 to 30×40.  Our wall display will be up by the first week in December so you can touch and feel the quality that goes into this product.  If you are looking for a unique way to display your treasured photographs, definitely consider these frames.

 

Give the Gift of Custom Photographic Art!

This holiday season, give the gift of custom photographic art from Luxe Photography!  Certificates are available in denominations of $25, $50 and $100.  There is also a Certificate available for our fabulous Baby Plan.  The Baby Plan includes 4 sessions (usually pregnancy, newborn, 6 months, 12 months) and half off all prints and canvas from those sessions.  This is a great deal and such a fun gift for that new Mommy.  Visit the Online Ordering Form to purchase Gift Certificates.  You can pay by all major credit cards or check.  Certificates will be packaged in our signature boutique packaging and delivered to your door within 1 week of payment.  Call/text 319-521-3044 or email info@luxebysm2.com if you have any questions.  ~Sindi

Couture Holiday Card Sessions at LUXE!

Gather the family and come to Luxe Photography for a Couture Holiday Card Session.  Your cost is only $79 and includes a mini session with your choice of 2 sets, Winter Wonderland or Peacock Paradise.  In addition, you will receive 50 custom, 2-sided Holiday Cards, and reduced print pricing.  You will be able to order prints online at the following rates:  8×10 – $20, 5×7 – $15, 4×6 – $10 or 8 wallets for $10.  This is a Limited Edition Set and is only available November 12-19th.    You will receive your prints and cards no later than November 30.  Call/text 319-521-3044 or email info@luxebysm2.com to reserve your appointment time or have any questions answered.

Peacock Paradise

Winter Wonderland

Luxe Photography DIGS Art Gumbo!

Thankfully, LUXE Photography was the photographer for the latest Art Gumbo  event, September 29, 2011 at Voices Warehouse in Dubuque, Iowa.  In case you haven’t heard the buzz yet, Art Gumbo is a non-profit organization that hosts a quarterly soup dinner to provide funding to artists/artistic organizations in the Dubuque area .  Patrons of their dinner donate $10 for dinner and a chance to vote on artist proposals.  The winner gets money to help fund their artistic idea and everyone wins because art can grow where there may not have been the opportunity.  Paula Neuhaus and Megan Starr are the founders of Art Gumbo and descended upon the Voices Warehouse with 5 great proposals in hand.

This call for submissions yielded five organizations/groups that vied for the big money.

The Medicine Band, represented by Dean Wellman

Julien International Film Festival Dubuque, represented by Michael Coty

Ruix, represented by Ryan Werner

Dubuque365, represented by Mike Ironside

Hempstead High School, represented by Brad Manternach.

The food was awesome, as always:  Potato Kale Soup and Greek Bean & Carrot Soup by Green Dubuque, Beer Bread by Trusted Earth Farm & Forage CSA & Catering.  Potosi Brewing Company‘s “Good Old Potosi” lager was on tap.

Katie Duffy gave an update to her prior winning proposal, “Generation Y”, an art installation currently on display at the Voices Warehouse.

          

Runner-up and winner of $100 to help fund their “JIFFD Film Screening Series 2011: SIXTEEN FORTY-NINE” project was Julien International Film Festival Dubuque, represented by Michael Coty.

The big winner of the night was Hempstead High School, represented by Brad Manternach and they walked away with $750 to fund the Afterschool Community-Based Art Club and “The Super Pottery Bowl”.  Some of Manternach’s students were on hand to support the cause and celebrate the victory.  Katie Duffy passed the torch, along with a voodoo doll that she claims he need not worry about because it’s a “good one”.

The Voices Warehouse was an amazing venue for the soup dinner/grant competition and I loved photographing there!  You can view the entire album of images HERE.

Make sure you mark your calendars for Thursday, December 29, 6-8 p.m. for the next Art Gumbo!!~Sindi

My Favorite Dubuque Wedding Venues

There are numerous choices, but a few stand out from the rest and each have their own unique qualities.

The Meadows, 15766 Clover Lane, Asbury.  

Who to Contact:  Lindsay Theisen, 563-583-7385.

Website:  http://www.meadowsgolf.com/t-corp_events.aspx

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Meadows-Golf-Club-Banquet-Hall/130845467005277

The Meadows can accommodate up to 300 guests in their banquet room, which overlooks the club golf course.  Right behind the venue, there is a beautiful pond and giant tree that make a perfect backdrop for your wedding images.  The layout of the room is perfect for your small to medium sized reception and there is a great wraparound deck for your guests to enjoy the amazing scenery.  You will be surrounded by lush greenery, trees and beautifully manicured grounds.  Autumn would be an ideal time to photograph a Wedding at the Meadows because of the gorgeous trees and reflective pond.  You can have your favorite meal catered by area vendors and decorate the room up to 2 days before your event on most dates.  A shining star of the Meadows is Lindsay Theisen.  She is super friendly, professional and completely dedicated to making your dreams a reality.  I guarantee you will want her to be your friend long after your wedding day has passed.  Another great attribute about this venue is that there is only one wedding happening at a time, so you are literally the center of attention for the entire day.

The Hotel Julien Dubuque, 200 Main Street, Dubuque.

Who to Contact:  Mary Kay Hurm 563-588-5568

Website:  http://www.hoteljuliendubuque.com/index.php/weddings/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hotel-Julien-Dubuque/280528169196

If you long to visit an era of  grand style and charm, The Hotel Julien Dubuque is the clear choice!  After completing an impressive $32 million renovation, the hotel has been restored to the original splendor of 1915.  Every detail of the lobby, including the moulding and lighting was replicated in great detail.  The Hotel Julien Dubuque is rich with heritage and history and an absolute dream for your Wedding.  The downtown location is wonderful and surrounded by numerous photographic opportunities to create stunning Dubuque themed images.  There is a full service spa, Potosa, to accommodate any wedding morning salon services needed.  Several rooms are available for your event, all equally beautiful and full of character.  For your meal, the Hotel Julien Dubuque has a Culinary Chef who offers numerous selections for your menu and will even entertain custom requests.  Martha Stewart Weddings selected the Hotel Julien Dubuque as the #1 Reception Venue in Iowa in the magazine’s 2010 Travel Issue.  Couples are provided with a complimentary Suite for the evening of their wedding and your guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations as well.  In addition to the Reception, Mary Kay can help plan space for your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner and gift opening.

Grand River Center, 500 Bell Street, Dubuque

Who to Contact:  JoAnn Lavenz, 563-690-1345

Website:  http://grandrivercenter.com/Weddings/tabid/64/Default.aspx

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=688366832

Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, stands the majestic Grand River Center.  This modern structure provides an elegant backdrop to your Wedding Day with several room options available.  The River Room is probably the most well known with its 30 foot glass walls and floor that extends over the Riverwalk and towards the Mississippi.  Grand River Center has Award-Winning Chefs dedicated to providing your guests with a meal to remember.  The Grand River Center is connected via skywalk to the Grand Harbor Resort, so overnight accommodations are only steps away.  Grand River Center was recognized with a 2011 Bride’s Choice Award from WeddingWire.  Winners are are determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds.  JoAnn has been with Grand River Center since it opened and is an expert at coordinating all aspects of your wedding to create the perfect event.  Grand River Center can service any sized wedding, all the way up to 3000 guests in the Exhibit Hall.

With amazing venues like this, you just need to pick your date and enjoy the ride!

~Sindi Mueller, Luxe Photography

His and Hers Bridal Bash!

Join us for the His & Her Bridal Bash, Thursday, September 15, 2011,  at the Holiday Gardens, Potosi, WI.  The time is 6-8pm, with registration beginning at 5:45. This is the Tri-State’s premier event for wedding couples.  This bash is just as much for the men as for the ladies!   This FREE and fun event features a runway show, tour of the Potosi Brewery, complimentary appetizers, games, and visits with over 20 wedding professionals, including LUXE Photography. Register today at Cheryl-Ann Bridals & Tuxedos on Facebook, under the “Bridal Show” tab or stop in at Cheryl Ann Bridals.  Cheryl Ann Bridals is located at 980 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa.  Come see why Luxe Photography’s images are in such high demand!