After months of planning, we finally opened the doors to our brand-new Photography Studio and Boutique in Wausau, Wisconsin!

The studio had been mostly done for a while — but a few key projects kept lingering, waiting for the right moment (or the right burst of inspiration). So I picked a date two months out and figured, “Plenty of time to finish things up!”

…and then life happened.

Those final projects? Yep — they stayed right where they were. In limbo.

But somehow, in true last-minute, make-it-happen fashion, everything came together.

Four days before the grand opening, we color-matched my logo and painted the studio door the perfect shade of coral pink.
Three days out, my husband was building the LED light wall I’d been dreaming of — only to discover the lights had an awful green hue. After buying out the Menards in Wausau, we ended up driving to Plover to hunt down the rest.
Two days before, he patched up an unsightly hole in the wall like a champ.
And with one day to go, the tools were finally put away, the sawdust was swept, and I shifted into full prep mode: cleaning, styling, setting up, and making sure every detail was just right.

Was there a little panic along the way? Oh, absolutely. There was a moment where I felt completely overwhelmed, sure I wasn’t going to pull it all together in time. But my husband (hero that he is) talked me down, reminded me how much had already been done, and helped me breathe again. (Just don’t tell him I said that- it’ll go right to his head!)

He worked incredibly hard to perfect the last-minute details — from building that light wall to making sure the space was ready for tours — and I’m so grateful for all he did to help bring this dream to life.

And in the end? The grand opening was beautiful.

This day marked the beginning of something I’ve dreamed about for years — a space that feels playful, welcoming, and full of heart. A place where families, seniors, pets, and everyday magic can be captured and celebrated. I’m so proud of the space I’ve created, and even more proud to share it with the Wausau community.

Highlights from the Day:
🎉 A fun confetti selfie station in the main studio — bright, bold, and joyfully chaotic
📸 A second simple branded selfie station, also located in the main studio
🖼️ Vibrant canvas displays of my family, senior, and action portraits
🍽️ Delicious food catered by Mosinee Café, cupcakes from Caked It, LLC, and sprinkle cookies lovingly brought by a friend from Jen’s Java
🖍️ Kid-friendly coloring pages for the little ones
🎟️ A raffle for a free session and discounts on landscape prints
💬 And so many great conversations that reminded me why I do what I do

I’m so grateful for everyone who stopped by — whether you went home with some new artwork, admired my photography, or just chatted for a bit — I appreciate you. 💛

To everyone who helped behind the scenes, sent a kind message, or just showed up with a smile — thank you. Your support made this dream real.

If you missed the open house, you’re always welcome to stop by during studio hours or book a visit — I’d love to show you around!

This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to create more memories together — in the studio, on location, and wherever your story takes us.

Here’s to new beginnings, last-minute chaos, and the kind of magic that’s absolutely worth it.

Oh, and that confetti I had to clean up? What a beautiful mess — and one totally worth repeating.
I’m now offering confetti mini sessions, so you can get your own set of fun, playful portraits just like these. 🎉
Spots are limited — contact me to book or learn more!

~Carissa