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welcome to the ae blog.

ae photography is Eric and Ashley Hintzsche.  We are a husband and wife team based in Northern Illinois.  We've been up and running since 2002 and love it more as each year passes.  Our style is fun, expressive and natural.  We have three young kids, a new studio, and each other : ) We are excited to get the new blog going! Browse, follow, stalk, whatever!

recent applause:

shootsac blog post with photo of Ashley shooting Eric's senior session 

chicago RedEye (tribune) feature of Pete and Liz's backyard wedding & Chicago reception

offbeat mama post with featured photo of our little rockstar Finn

rock 'n roll bride feature of Pete + Liz's backyard wedding

smitten the blog feature for Pete + Liz's backyard wedding

wed*share daily feature for Pete + Liz's backyard wedding

smitten the blog feature for Maggie's fashion bridal shots

offbeat bride feature for Zaq + Amber's wedding 

featured display at Cypress House in Rochelle, IL for 9.11.09 open house

photography exhibit up at borders in DeKalb, IL for the month of August

featured on Brides Bliss blog for Zaq + Amber's wedding in 7.09

exclusive featured photographer for Cypress House in Rochelle, IL

 

inspiration post | miss avacado’s etsy cake toppers

When I planned on doing these “inspiration posts”, I immediately thought of all the amazing stuff I’ve been inspired by on Etsy.  I stumbled upon these toppers quite awhile ago while searching for unique things to have in the shop part of our studio. I thought they were quite adorable, and definitely not your typical cake topper!  They are so fresh + fun looking and Abigail offers them in such a great color variety.  I always get excited by things I know I would LOVE to be able to photograph at an actual wedding.  Hint Hint ; )  ; )

Just picture the pink one above on a sweet cake like this:

Name + Esty Shop:
Abigail Halpin :: http://missavocado.etsy.com

Where are you located?
Southern Maine, near the ocean

How long have you been making the toppers?
I started making the toppers in 2008, following a few months of trial and error prototyping.

When did you open your Etsy shop?
I opened my Etsy Shop Summer of 2005. I was still in school at the time and had just taken up crocheting, so was looking for a venue to peddle my wares. As time went on though, I switched the focus of my shop to art.

Where did you get the idea to make the toppers the way you do?
I’d read an article about a wedding that used a vintage paper wedding cake topper to decorate cupcakes with and was really inspired. I went hunting down vintage toppers online and decided to try designing my own version. I was intrigued by the idea that it was relatively flat and would be easy to store after the wedding.

How many colors/styles do you offer?
Each year I’ve designed a different style. In 2008 I’d designed one that had a 1930’s feel, this past year I featured toppers that were more in keeping with the bright colors of the ’50’s and did offer color customization for brides with this option. For 2010, I’ve just started sketching ideas.

How much time does it takes to make each topper:
Initially I draw the topper, scan and then digitally color. Once printed, I create the crepe paper background, add glitter, a veil and other embellishments, then cut out each bride and groom. Not including the illustration time, I’d estimate each topper takes about an hour to assemble, plus drying and pressing time.

Advice on planning a unique wedding:
Be true to yourself! I helped my sister with her wedding a few years back and everything from the boutonnieres to the dress was made by a family member. It was a lot of work (and definitely not for everyone), but the wedding fit my sister and brother-in-law to a “t.”

And here is a lovely cake idea for the fushia topper:

And for the green:

That last cake is stunning.  Wow.  I love it.

As a little “goodie” to our readers, Abigail is offering free shipping for one cake topper to the first person who orders and mentions our blog post!  So head to her Etsy Shop and order one!  I hope I see some of these lovelies at our 2010 weddings!  Thanks, Abigail, for sharing your sweet toppers and advice with us : )

All cake photos copyright theknot.com

Rock 'n Roll Bride · Thursday Treats – 14th Jan 2010 - [...] Do you miss the Summer? ♥ Table ideas to inspire and intrigue ♥ These are quite possibly the cutest cake toppers I’ve ever seen ♥ Bowie Bride kicks ass with her laid back, Rock n Roll attitude! I want to be one of her [...]

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