“If you want something, you must speak it first.”  - Matthew Jordan Smith

Steve + I have been talking for over a year now, how much we would like to have a film made for us that helps introduce who we are, how we think, and how we work. In the beginning we didn’t have the budget, then we didn’t know anyone to work with, and then we just didn’t make time to make it happen.

One night the stars aligned and on a whim we met Tom + Jenny of XO Pictures at a local wedding vendor mixer. We immediately connected with them and how passionate they were about their work. Prior to our meeting, the thought of acting on our idea to have a film made for us was not even on our radar. However, when the offer came to the table to work together, it was something we couldn’t pass up. We admired the art they were creating and knew it would fit well with our brand.

Steve + I wrestled with the fact that we were headed into winter – with unfavorable weather taking center stage. We decided, however, to take the risk and go for it; and my-oh-my were we blessed. Blessed not only with the weather, but to work with an amazing team. Even though we had this idea floating around of one day having a video made – we had NO idea what we wanted it to say or what exactly we wanted to do. Thankfully Tom + Jenny had a vision, and understood our brand so well, that they created a beautiful story and helped us formulate into words what we are all about. We really can’t say thank you enough to Tom + Jenny of XO Pictures for capturing our work and the quirks of our personalities perfectly. :)

A huge shout out goes to Earl + Sierra who were the perfect couple to showcase for our film. You were amazing sports to shoot in the cold rain. Your ease and comfortableness together, and in front of the camera, made our jobs a breeze. :)

So, without further adieu, check out our film! [A]

 

We are beyond excited today because we have been dyyyying to share these images!  We have really been pushing ourselves to shoot more lifestyle/editorial work this year and are so excited to show all of you the fruits of our labor from our first one of 2012!

‘A Fortunate Valentine’ celebrates love, memories, dreams, and appreciating the simple things in life with your other half.  It is also featured right now on 100 Layer Cake so make sure to check that out as well!  Here’s the story we are telling:

“It’s a bright sunny morning and nothing beats lounging around with the one you love. It happens to be Valentine’s day, but there won’t be any red roses, chocolates, or teddy bears gifted today. This year, for Jaime and Patrick, it’s all about celebrating their relationship, their memories of times past, and looking forward to their future. 

After being together for many years, Patrick wanted this year to be different, to be special and to show Jaime just how much their relationship meant to him.  He decided that, instead of giving Jaime a traditional card, his ‘valentine’ would be to make an old school paper fortune – with a twist.  Hidden inside were favorite memories he and Jaime share, as well as an upcoming surprise.” 

Anne + I wanted to create something that is outside of the box – that is creative, yet relatable.  We hand-drew onto our photos to create the ‘dream’ imagery and carefully chose an atypical “Valentine’s” color palette.  The shoot was a total blast which had a lot to do with our great team of people.  We thank Jaime, Patrick, and Shelby for all of their hard work – you guys were wonderful!  We hope everyone enjoys this shoot as much as we do and wish you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day! [S]

Photographers: Steve + Anne Truppe of trü studio

Styling: Steve + Anne Truppe of trü studio

Hair/Makeup: Shelby George Smith

Talent: Patrick + Jaime of LTA Chicago

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drumroll please! …. We are excited to introduce our newest choices for our custom designed coffee table albums.  We recently discovered Madera Books and were blown away by their incredible product.

The first option, a leather bound book, offers 33 leather colors and choices such as calf, lamb, snake and crocodile in top grain leather, premium leather, and premium faux leathers. They are expertly bound, hand-made books, that lay flat when opened. The pages are cut down the middle with an almost imperceptible gutter down the middle, which still allows for pictures to run across two pages and nothing gets lost like in a traditional magazine style fold! Options such as imprinting names/initials on the cover or spine, as well as, including an inset photo on the cover are also available. Each of these album comes with a black leather presentation box at no additional cost!

The second option, called the ‘Portrait Book’, is bound with a photo-cover. These differ from the leather-bound books in that the pages are thinner (yet still sturdy and lay flat when opened!) and are folded instead of cut down the middle. The result is a high-quality, lower-cost album that is perfect for an engagement book, sign-in book, parent book or even a wedding book.

No two albums will ever be the same.  Each spread is custom designed by us and tailored specifically for each project. If you are interested in our albums or have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment or email us at – info@trustudiodesign.com [A]