Spring Break 2015

I realized I never gave the full scoop on what went down Spring Break 2015.

Honestly, most people would probably consider what I did for break boring. I didn't go anywhere cool or exciting. I went home to Green Bay.
This was really nice for me. I had not been home since December 29th, so it was almost three full months since I had last been there. It's crazy realizing next year I'll probably only be back for Christmas during the school year.
Anywho, here's what happened Spring Break 2015:

Friday: March 6
Trevor and I left Saint Paul around 4 pm. I drove for part of the way, but my knees get irritated from long drives, so it was only for about an hour and a half. That gave Trevor time to finish typing up a paper he had to finish for that night.
When we arrived in Green Bay we stopped at Smart Cow. While we're in Saint Paul, we discuss how we need to find a new froyo place to go to. But it always go back to how nothing will ever beat Smart Cow. So we made sure to stop first thing back in town. Then we brought Trevor's things to his place and watched an episode of Bob's Burgers. By the time I got dropped off it was about 10:45.

Saturday: March 7
Originally I was going to see Kammerchor, a choir from CUW, at Pilgrim. But I decided against it. I headed down to CUW around 4 pm and made it down at 5:30. It was so great being greeted by my friends there! We walked to the bluff and went all the way down the stairs and back up.

Then we headed to the Nest for dinner. After dinner we went back to their room and played Quelf and Cards Against Humanity. It was probably one of the weirder groups I have played CAH with..they took out a lot of the really funny cards due to inappropriateness. But we made it fun nonetheless. After games we watched Baby Mama, which is like my all time favorite movie. After that we all went to bed, clocks had to spring forward an hour and I already knew I wasn't going to get enough sleep!

Sunday: March 8
Karlee and I woke up early to go to church. I have missed that beautiful chapel. If you are ever on campus, be sure to visit the chapel because it is breathtaking. The others met us for brunch afterward at the cafeteria. I forgot how delicious CUW's food is. And now they have a waffle maker and iced coffee machine! Why did I leave that place?! After stuffing our bellies full we headed to Lion's Den Nature Preserve. We went there last year and it was fun to take my camera along and get shots now that my photography has improved.

After some fresh air, we went to Goodwill. I got some good deals! I purchased two new books, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and a Hillsong CD for right around $8! Emma then suggested that we go get shamrock shakes, which I am always game for! After MickeyD's, I headed back to Green Bay.

Monday: March 9

Monday was the day of appointments. I had a dentist appointment and an eye appointment. I hate the dentist. But I love my hygenist. Claudia is the best. And she knows Trevor's family really well, so she was asking me all about the wedding. My eye appointment is enjoyable as well. My eye doctor really cares about his patients and takes time to get to know them well. After finally making it home, my family and I went to Pizza Ranch! We walked in the doors, and Trevor came out from in back and very bluntly asked, "What are you doing here?" Not the sweetest welcoming. At least Alexis was excited to see me!

Tuesday: March 10

Trevor and I treated ourselves to our favorite Mexican place: Margarita's! We then had our first session of pre-marital counseling! It went quite well, at least I would say it did. After leaving Pilgrim, we visited Lambeau field. We explored the newly renovated pro shop. And dang. The Lombardi Trophy statue is quite impressive.

Wednesday: March 11

Wednesday was my free day. I left it open in case I needed to just sit and do homework, which never happened. In the morning, Trevor and I went and shot photos for a band playing at Washington Middle School.

Later in the day I had another dentist appointment.. I tell ya, I hate the dentist.

Thursday: March 12

Thursday was ladies' night! I got to see some old friends from high school again! It's crazy how time flies by. I had a wonderful time with some lovely ladies. If you want more of the details, go to Rae's blog. She's got the inside scoop. But I will add in that I drank two full size Arizona Raspberry Iced Teas and have probably never peed so much in my entire life.

Friday: March 13

Friday was an exciting day! Ana and I went on a photoshoot! We first headed to Josten Park. I wasn't sure what type of shots we'd get, but I was satisfied.

Our photos downtown, however, were even better. These photos are honestly my best work thus far. I love working with Ana. She is so easy to direct and she makes my job so much easier!

After we were done shooting, she dropped me off at Fonferek to help Trevor and his friend Eddi shoot a music video. We were there forever. I was cold and hungry. You can sure bet I complained a lot. 

Once they finally finished, Trevor and I met Bekah at Cup O Joy to see Loftland! It was one crazy dance party. They're super good live. Trevor is there newest fan girl ;)

Saturday: March 14

We left Green Bay at a decent time and made it back to Saint Paul with enough time to hit up Mall of America. I have never been so disappointed in my life with Charley's Subs. They let me down. I wanted a chicken california sub, but their grill was broken! However, I did get an adorable top and the comfiest sweatpants in the world from CottonOn.

Sunday: March 15

The final day of Spring Break. Always a sad day. We went to church and then headed to my aunt and uncle's for lunch. We had burgers and good conversation! I love their insight on life and wedding planning. My uncle is hilarious. And Trevor loves their dog Wrigley! I'm so excited to babysit for them April 17&18! The evening concluded with me working a shift at Noodles & Company.

All in all, I had a lovely break. I got to see so many friends and have a lot of laughs.

Back At It

Coming back from a break from school is always difficult. I'm not the only one, right?
For some reason this bounce back seems even more difficult than usual.
Getting back into the swing of work, having a real schedule, and classes just isn't feeling right.

I recently did a little renovation on my photo blog. And I'm loving it.
Now you can view more of my photo collections-which means more views of my work.
Even better yet-today I noticed a new referrer link- http://exploratorius.us/
My photo is under the "My Faves of Yours" portion toward the end! How awesome, am I right?!
I'm so glad my work is getting out there!

However, it's getting me thinking. Possibly overthinking.
Maybe I want to do more in photography than I am willing to admit right now?
Could I see myself in the future just working part time at a daycare and doing primarily photo work instead of being in a classroom all day? Possibly....

Maybe I'm just stressed about my upcoming interview into the education program....

Picture Perfect

So today I spent over an hour and a half working on my photo blog. Yes, procrastination at its finest!
I finished editing pictures last night from my shoot with Ana on Friday. I can honestly say this is my best work yet!
I love how they all turned out!

Here are my top five favorites:

To see the rest of the photos click HERE

Just In Case...

I am loving photo blogging.
Being able to showcase my photography work somewhere is awesome to me.

So if you haven't, or even if you have,
please check it out!

Elisebeth Anne Photography
My latest post: Film

2014 Recap

Wow! It's already New Years Eve!
I cannot believe 2014 has already come to a close.
It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming it in.

2014 had lots of events for me.
I got engaged, transferred schools, got a few different jobs, began taking a lot more photos, and started my H&M shopping addiction.

Amidst the big events, a lot of little stuff happened too.
Some I am not proud of, but others I am really proud of.
I am not going to go into specifics, but all in all--2014 treated me well.

I know 2015 will be even better and I cannot wait to see what is in store.
The key event on the radar: the wedding!
Lots of planning and decisions are to be accomplished over these next few months since the wedding is early August.

I wish you all the best in 2015.
Love from Elisebeth :)

(details about Christmas to come soon-i promise!)

Elisebeth Anne Photography

So, I took a dive into the deep end this afternoon.
I created a blog/website for my photography.
I have officially branded myself as, "Elisebeth Anne Photography".
I didn't want to use my last name as I am getting married in less than 8 months and will no longer be a "Hovland".

Basically, this site will be filled with my work.
I won't post anymore on here, except maybe a preview and a link to the rest on Flickr or my new site.

I hope you check it out and like it!

Elisebeth Anne Photography

Thanksgiving

If there were ever a year to be thankful, it would be this year.
I have so much love in my life right now and I cannot begin to name off those who have been so wonderful to me.

I think this picture sums up pretty well what I am thankful for.

My fiance. Thanks for being here for me no matter what. I appreciate all you have done for me. I am so excited to start our lives together in August. Thank you for being such an understanding person.

My best friend. Thanks for giving me not just any advice--but telling me what I need to hear. You're such an inspiration.

My sister. Thanks for all of our long talks and rants we have had in the kitchen, for the weird photos, for the bike rides, for the jam sessions.

My puppy. Thanks for snuggling with me when no one else is home.

My passion. Thanks for giving me a way to express myself: through photos. 

Nikon Adventure: KATRINA

Yesterday my roommate, Katrina, and I had some free time. It's been a while since I shot with my DSLR, so I thought it'd be fun for the two of us to go take some quick shots.

She was an awesome model!
So natural!
Also, the lighting was prime. It reflected her personality so well, and the pictures turned out fantastically in my opinion..

Here are my favorites...
To find the rest, click here: KATRINA

Meet Me

As I am reinventing my blog, I hope to gain new followers.

While many of you probably know me from high school and the like, some things have changed about me since then..After all that was about two years ago since we went to school together!

I am going to do a few introductory posts like this to start things off.
If I did go to high school with you, I would love to hear how things have changed in your life too!

The Little Things

Well, followers..
The time has come for me to redo my blog.

I've begun to feel bored with it, so I thought I would try a few new things.
To start things off, I am going to blog more regularly and use more graphic grabbers.
What's a graphic grabber, you ask? Look up.

Thanks to Canva, I designed that little beauty! I absolutely love the site.

Back on track now..
So the blog that has truly inspired me to change my look is Absolutely Arkansas!
Kylie is a newlywed and one of the craftiest people that I "know".
I aspire to someday reach her level of DIY projects, but for starts, how about I just run a semi-decent blog?

So, in order for me to do this, I am going to be refocusing myself.

As a college student, it is so easy to get caught up in the stress of assignments and projects.
As a new adult, it is easy to get overwhelmed with bills and payments.
As a newly engaged woman, it is easy to be swept away with wedding plans and the million tasks to accomplish before the big day gets here.

Right now I fill a lot of roles. I am trying so many new things and experiencing so much.

How to avoid the stress?
I often ask myself this..normally after I am already overly stressed..

The little things in life.
Who is there for you when you are sick and don't want to do anything but lie around?
For me, I instantly think back to last winter when I had mono. Trevor would come over nearly everyday of break and sit by my side as we watched Netflix. I seldom felt like doing anything, but he was there nonetheless.
What do you have to drink before class, or you'll die from exhaustion/thirst/hunger?
I can't leave my apartment without a Chai Tea Latte in hand for my 8 am class.
Who is there when you come home from breaks?
I love being greeted by Buddy, my family's maltipoo, even though he often runs right past me to say "hi" to Trevor. 

There are so many other little things we don't even realize are there.
Two days ago I drove up to Institute, WI in Door County. My sister had a volleyball game at Sevastopol High School.
I had an amazing time driving up alone. I jammed to music and stopped in Sturgeon Bay to take some photos.
The little things I enjoyed then: alone time, music, God's wonderful creation, fall colors, the open bay, volleyball, and time with my sister.

All in all, we need to remember to step back each day and reflect on the little things we have been blessed with. Despite all the doom and gloom we may be experiencing, there is so much good in our lives too.

Upcoming Excitement

I have so much to look forward to in these next few weeks!
October begins tomorrow, which is exciting in itself. I love October--there is beautiful leaves, brisk autumn air, and a reason to drink warm beverages. PLUS everything is pumpkin flavored!

Thursday (10/2), my history class will not be meeting. This is a common occurrence for this class on Thursdays, which means I often have no classes those days! Also! It's Packers v Vikings Game Day! I'll certainly be wearing my Rodgers jersey here!
Friday (10/3), Trevor and I will be setting out bright and early to return to Green Bay. We're photographing a wedding for two of our Pizza Ranch managers. We have to get there by noon, so that means I will be doing my hair at an ungodly time in the morning. Also, I don't know that I have heavy duty hairspray here, so hopefully my hair feels like holding a curl that day!
Saturday (10/4), I will hopefully be making the journey from Green Bay to Mequon! I really hope that I can use one of our cars and go see my friends at CUW. I miss them! It would be wonderful to be able to catch up with my ladies again.
Sunday (10/5), Trevor and I will be returning to Saint Paul. We will most likely be meeting up with my grandparents to give them their purchases from my sister's most recent fundraiser. It will be exciting to be able to see them again! And for my grandma to finally see my ring.

Wednesday (10/8), I will be missing my night class and driving with my roommate, Katrina, to Wausau. She's able to get me that far, and then my mom is picking me up! I am excited to be able to go home two weekends this month.
Thursday (10/9), I don't have much on my agenda for this day, but I will probably just relax and maybe have some wedding discussions with my mom. That evening I will be driving up to Sevastopol to watch my sister's volleyball game! Also, I will have Trevor's 70-200mm lens along, so I am going to try to take some pictures of her.
Friday (10/10), I'm hoping that I will be working this morning at Pizza Ranch. Since I'm home, I might as well take advantage of making money! Then that afternoon, I will most likely be taking the beautiful Maddie's photos and we'll be sure to grab some coffee to catch up over.
Saturday (10/11), I am doing a surprise photo session this day. SURPRISE! I'm so excited about it honestly. I probably shouldn't say more, or I'll give away the secret!
Sunday (10/12), I will make my way back to Wausau with my mom to meet up with Katrina to head to Saint Paul.

I have a lot coming up. An absolutely crazy amount honestly.

Yesterday's Boredom

I'd like to think that my "high school fashion" has left my system.
Those were days filled with tee shirts, jeans, and hair in a messy bun. Literally--that was all I ever wore.
Now I try to be a little more fashion-forward..however, Saturdays allow me to lax back into that high school look, but with a twist.

Yesterday was a completely lazy day--I didn't leave my apartment at all. How fantastic! I wore my old softball tee shirt from freshmen year of high school, a button up, and leggings (which are my fall essential!)
I even had a little fun with my camera..

Freshly painted black nails--love

Barely brushed hair-felt so natural yesterday

Labor Day Ramblings

Ah, yes. The first holiday of the school year.
So no classes for me today.
I slept in until about 9:30, after being awoken by the alarm I forgot to switch off. Hated myself for that.

What better thing to do today than explore the city!
I feel a lot more comfortable on the metro now that I've taken it multiple times.
First I headed to the Capitol. It's beautiful, except for the fact that it's under construction.. That's rather unfortunate.
However, I did still get some cool shots from around there.

 In the above photo, you see leaves. Yes it is an edited picture, but not those colors.. Sir, Ma'am. THOSE are leaves beginning to change!
It is September 1st, but I didn't expect to see changing leaves already!
I was so flabbergasted that I had to take a photo to show you all!

Anywho, then I walked around a bit and got back on the metro. This time I headed toward Minneapolis. I had yet to venture over yonder, but I did a little today. I didn't make it too far though because my phone was beginning to die.

In Minneapolis I stopped for some Caribou Coffee! I ordered an iced pumpkin chai latte. It was delightful!
One of my favorite parts of fall is all of the assorted pumpkin-flavored items!
Also, I loved Caribou's cups. "Life is a blank canvas."
What better way to start September than with that in mind!

I hope you all have enjoyed your holiday thus far.
Tootles from Saint Paul :)

Day One: DONE

So, today was my first day of classes here at Concordia Saint Paul!
I was super nervous and woke up like three hours before my alarm was supposed to go off.
I think it will certainly be an interesting semester.
Today seemed to drag on forever.

Mondays and Wednesdays I have:
Lutheran Confessional Writings (THL 441) from 8-8:50
Educational Psychology (ED 336) from 9:15-10:05
Introduction to Psychology (PSY 101) from 11:35-12:40
then a bit of a break...
and finally...
Photography 1 (ART 241) from 6-9

Fridays are the same except I don't have Photography.

Tuesdays and Thursdays I only have:
Introduction to History (HIS 212) from 9:40-11:10


So like I said, it will be an interesting semester. Taking to psych classes is going to kick my butt. Especially because one has evaluative reading assignments at the end of each chapter and the other has a quiz every Friday. In addition to the combination of these two classes, I haven't taken to of the pre-reqs for THL 441, so I'm going to struggle a bit most likely. I've taken both OT and NT, which are half of the pre-reqs, but not Church History or Our Living Faith.
Oh boy, it's going to be a long semester.

Good thing I get to throw in the fun of wedding planning into the mix too!
Oh and I'm second shooting for a wedding in October and possibly shooting for something else in October too!

Time to go work out and hopefully some of this unnecessary stress floats away!


P.S.
If anyone wants to send me mail, here's my address!

Elisebeth Hovland
275 Syndicate St. North
St. Paul, MN 55104

Letters & Love are appreciated!

Nikon Adventures: KAT

I just realized I never shared photos from my photoshoot at Fonferek with my sister, Kat..
She was a bit more of a challenge than when I shot with Ana. Ana is a natural, of course. Anyone who knows her, knows that. So it was nice to have the opportunity to go out with someone who didn't know what to do. I learned a lot in the short shoot I did with Kat.
Here are some of my favorites!
To check out more, visit the album on my Flickr: Kat

As I am now living in Saint Paul, I would love to take your pictures if you live in the area or are even just visiting! Let me know! 

Weddings Galore!

I am a sap for a good ole wedding.
Seriously.
I bawl my eyes out.

Even with the extreme emotion high I get from a wedding, they make me feel old.
Yes, I know..I'm only 19.
So young, right?

Well the past two weekends, two couples that I went to high school with have gotten married! WOW!
Now the totals are in from those I went to high school with...
From the Class of 2010: Married: 5(Bo&Rachel, Matt&Steph, Kyle) Engaged: 1(Sarah)
From the Class of 2011: Married: 2(Spencer&Lindsay) Engaged: 0
From the Class of 2012: Married: 0 Engaged: 1(K'Leigh)
From the Class of 2013: Married: 1(Chelsey) Engaged: 2(Nick&Ana)
From the Class of 2014: Married: 1(Nikki)

I think that's it, at the very least--it's the minimum. How crazy.
It's so exciting that so many of these people have started their lives with the ones they love already!


On another note, but that is still wedding related...
Trevor has booked to shoot two weddings this coming fall!
He's asked me to second shoot with him!
I'm so excited.
Pinterest will be heavily monitored by the two of us as we hunker down and learn the ropes of wedding photography. And better yet, we can do that together!

One of the weddings he's shooting is for two Pizza Ranch managers! It'll be quite interesting seeing people from work in such a different environment..especially that of a wedding.
Regardless, I am looking forward to the challenge that will be presented in second shooting these weddings with him. I know it's going to be difficult, but it will push me to become much better.

Nikon Adventures: ANA

As the summer has progressed, I have been indulging myself in the wonderful exploration of photography. Once upon a time, I wanted to spend my life doing photography. And now I'm dipping my toes back into that puddle. AND LOVING EVERY SECOND OF IT.
So I wanted to take some "real" pictures with one of my dearest friends from high school: ANA!
Here is the link to my Flickr page to check out more than these few: Ana

Ana was a simply amazing model and we will hopefully be getting together again soon for some more photos. She is such a natural model and her sense of style shines so brightly in these pictures. 

If you live in the Green Bay area I would love to take photos of you, so feel free to contact me! I'll be here until about the third week in August. After that I will be in Saint Paul, so if you live there, I'll be there through May!