You’ve been browsing the galleries, hopefully oohing and ahhing over some of the imagery. Ever wonder what it’s like on the set of a shoot with Kristen Mittlestedt? This post is dedicated to giving you an exclusive behind the scenes look at the award winning photographer running with her crazy imagination; creating the dramatic imagery you see in galleries, publications, and established blogs such as WeddingDay Magazine , Bridal Guide, and The Knot.
Special Thanks!
None of this would be possible without my amazing assistants, who are also fantastic photographers themselves. I also come up with some insane idea and tell them to take a leap of faith, and without hesitation they ask “how high”. If you happen to book KMP for your wedding, you’ll likely meet Katie as she is my second shooter! The occasional experiment glamor photos I post? Well that’s usually done with Brenna in her studio. These two ladies are my A team! I also of course need to thank my husband, Steven Mittlestedt, who helps build sets and is also an unwavering support in my passion.
Brenna Dehaven & Matt Dehaven of Eligan Photography and Eligan Boudoir
Katie Eckelbarger of Katie Osborn Photography
Now Let’s Do This!
Sleeping Beauty
First up, we have the Sleeping Beauty inspired Styled Shoot. My vision was to have a princess bride resting in a bed of flowers, and then receiving the kiss of true love by her groom. The biggest problem? Well, it was April but it was FREEZING. So of course there were no flowers to be found. I ended up panic buying every fake flower you could get from Walmart the night before the shoot, after the flowers I ordered arrived dead. We did have an amazing florist make a bouquet, which complimented the vision perfectly.
MODELS: Ashley Doepke & Walker Holdeman
VENUE: Bailey’s Place
HAMU: Jennifer Evans, The Obie
FLOWERS: Fleurish Floral Design
DRESS: A Moment in Time Bridal
View the full shoot here.
Celestial Elopement
This shoot has been my favorite creation by far. We had a dream location, a historic mansion! Something you should know about me, I am completely in love with everything celestial. The original concept was a New Year’s Eve Lunar Elopement, with dark and romantic vibes for an alternative couple. In my head, I had a vision of a moon alter with light beams bursting around the bride and groom. So of course I went to my team and exclaimed, “I need an 8ft moon!”, and we made it happen! To achieve my vision, we used atmospheric aerosol to temporarily fog up the mansion. When light is added, it creates beams, and my vision came to life.
MODELS: Shelby Jessup/William Lingle
VENUE: Laurel Hall
STYLIST: Kristen Mittlestedt
FLORALS: Fleurish Floral Design
RENTALS: Violet Vintage
HAMU: Simply Blue
GOWN: Sophia’s Bridal, Tux & Prom
The WeddingDay Magazine Cover Shoot
Back in October I had the honor of photographing the Cover shoot for WeddingDay Magazine’s Winter 2018 issue. In the Windy City, Chicago, we explored the rooftop of the Kimpton Palomar with a team of amazing vendors. The skyline was to die for, and we could not have asked for better models or weather! I’m extremely excited about the results, and can’t wait to pick up this issue in print. You can view the digital magazine here.
PLANNING, FLORALS, LINENS: Unveiled Weddings & Events
VENUE: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago
MENSWEAR: The Groomsman Suit
DRESS + JUMPSUIT: Jenny Yoo Collection Chicago
HAIR: Elegance by Kim
MAKEUP: True Beauty by Dana
CAKE: Designer Desserts-Valparaiso
STATIONARY: EJD Design
MODELS: Kayleigh Andrews & Faizan Seedat
Real Weddings
Now let’s take a quick look at a few behind the scenes from real weddings and sessions of 2018!
What’s it like working with Kristen?
What past clients are saying
“No matter how shy are unsure of what to do she’s there to guide us. Our pictures are right out of a movie.” – Lily
“She has a great personality and an eye for getting the right shots. Her passion for photography is evident in every photo she takes.” – Britney
“Kristen is a freaking magician behind the camera. She’s a master at editing and arrangement and her composition is pretty flawless.” – Paige
