About Sugar...

Sugar Mill Productions was designed by women, for women in a fashion that clarifies self-image and enhances lifestyle with an empowering experience. At Sugar Mill Productions, our mission is simple… EMPOWER, ENRICH & EDUCATE. We exist to inspire and encourage every woman, man and child to love themselves. Sugar Mill is a STYLE. Vintage Couture. A little old mixed with a little new. Whether visiting the Photography Studio, Pin-Up & Boudoir Studio, visiting our Salon, purchasing from the boutique or attending an event, clients are immersed in the STYLE that will linger indefinitely.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Book for our 2012 Boudoir Marathon

The countdown to the Sugar Mill Boudoir Marathon is on! Starting today (December 26th) through 

December 30th, we will be giving away some great gifts when you or a friend books. $199.99 includes 

hair, makeup, photo session and a "custom magazine cover".  We still have some openings left but don't 

wait any longer!  Get your Valentines Day shopping done early!  Follow us on FACEBOOK to see the 

deals. 







Have questions or concerns? Watch this video and let us put your mind at ease.


Thursday, December 1, 2011

Gallery Wrap One Day Sale

We have added an AWESOME item to our lineup at our Sugared & Spiced Holiday Boutique on Sunday, December 4th, for all of our 2011 photography clients.  This day and this day only, you can purchase our Gallery Wraps at 25% off PLUS receive a FREE 8x10 image of that print!  Take 25% off the prices below.  

Wallets            N/A 11x14 $240.00 20x30 $500.00
5x7                   N/A 11x17 $270.00 24x30 $520.00
5x10                 N/A 12x12 $250.00 24x36 $680.00
5x30                 $300.00 12x18 $280.00 30x30 $640.00
8x8                   $210.00 12x24 $300.00 30x40 $720.00
8x10                 $210.00 15x30 $440.00
10x10               $220.00 16x20 $300.00
10x13               $240.00 16x24 $320.00
10x20               $270.00 20x20 $380.00
10x30  $370.00 20x24 $380.00

**It is our goal to fulfill these orders before Christmas but there are no guarantees due to the limited amount of time between now and then.  Thank you for your understanding.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Sugared & Spiced Holiday Boutique

Forget Black Friday! Shop local on Sunday, December 4th! HUGE sales, gift sets, stocking stuffers and more! Shop while you enjoy cookies and coffee... YUM! Our boutique features awesome products and local artisans Crocheted Creations, The Paisley Pear, Rachel Dawn Designs, Renaud Naturals, Aquage, That's Sew Cha Cha, Scentsy, Poppy Couture and more!



Sunday, November 13, 2011

Sugar Mill Girls perform at Hoopla for Hope

The Sugar Mill Girls performed at Hoopla for Hope on Thursday, November 10, 2011.  The event was put on by eSQUARED Events for the Matthews House in Fort Collins.  The Matthews House empowers young adults who lack significant family support to transition successfully to adulthood by providing the resources and support necessary for them to take control of their lives and shape positive futures for themselves.  This event was sponsored by Realities for Children.  The Sugar family had a great time at this event!  


Don't forget to inquire about the Sugar Mill Girls when planning your Holiday parties and events!





Saturday, November 12, 2011

What the holiday season means to our sugar family

Don't worry folks we aren't decking the halls just yet here at the Sugar Mill.  However, we understand and value the importance of the holiday season as individuals, families and friends.  Before the season kicks off ahead of us we wanted to take the time to share a little from our hearts about what the holidays mean to us.  First up are professional photographer, Marcus, and stylist and model, Monica.  Thanks again for being loyal customers and family to Sugar Mill...Happy Holidays!




What the Holidays mean to me...... Love, Happiness, Sharing and Giving. (Monica)


Love~ To have a day when our entire family is together. We Laugh, cry, hug, tell stories, and watch all the love that surrounds us. Aunts, cousins, dads, Uncles, sons, daughters, Moms, Grandmas, Grandpas, husbands and wives..... a room full of LOVE

Happiness ~ The Holidays mean peppermint mocha lattes from Starbucks, and getting up at 3 am on Black Friday and laughing about how stupid it is.... then doing it again next year.

Sharing ~ Sharing the joy and laughter with the ones we love and care about the most

Giving ~ Not only do I love to see the faces of my family light up when they open a gift they just love, watching them play and laugh. My favorite part about sharing during the Holiday and a family tradition is to help out at the homeless shelter, watching my kids share in the joy of helping those most in need. Their selfless hearts and open arms in interacting with the homeless is the best gift I can share and receive during the Holidays


(Marcus)
Queue the music...
Queue the soft warm lights....
Queue the fireplace....
Queue the dog to come in and lay at my feet...

(lighting a pipe and gently rocking in the rocking chair)

Zoom in, - I'm ready for my close up....


When I was a kid, I lived in Dallas. And every year when Thanksgiving would roll around, we'd pack up the car and take a 5 hour ride to San Angelo where my Grandmother lived. She had a little house on a corner right next to a park.
My dad and I used to walk across the street to the park and toss a baseball back and forth enjoying the down time and enduring the chilly air as we just made time to hang out.

Grandmother had a huge pecan tree in her front yard and we'd all spend time out there picking up the pecans. They don't make them anymore so most of you probably haven't seen one of these, but what we used to pick them up with was a rectangular box attached to a pole. The box was open on both ends but the bottom had a few thick wires stretched across the base of it. What ya do is walk around and then kinda push down on the pecan sitting on the ground and it those wires would spread wide enough for the pecan to slip into the box and then they'd bounce back to normal, holding the pecans in. We'd get huge amounts of pecans for Grandmother's homemade pecan pie - and it was delicious!

In the evenings, we'd all just sit around in the living room, watching the seasonal shows on TV while Grandmother made dinner. And she would make a huge spread. There was hardly any room on the table for our plates. Then we'd all cram around the table and eat till it hurt and return to the living room to sit around and complain about how we all overdid it.

Now Christmas....let me tell you about that!

My mom LOVED Christmas. As soon as we got back from Thanksgiving with my Grandmother, out came the decorations, and she had a TON of Christmas decorations. She'd have stuff hanging off the doors, the mantle, stuck to the windows, little Christmas knick knacks everywhere. It was like Christmas exploded all over our house.

And from Thanksgiving to Christmas, mom would break out all of her Christmas records and play them over and over and over again, singing along and just really getting into it, building up the whole event. I can still hear my mom singing off key to those old songs and it still makes me smile when I think of it. - And now I know almost every word to those old songs. And yep, I sing along now too - but I make sure nobody can hear me cuz I can't carry a tune at all!

And I wish i could show you her Christmas tree! She made all of the ornaments herself. She'd get these white styrofoam balls and just COVER them with beads, lace, and all kinds of stuff. Different colors, sizes, and everything. We had so many lights and ornaments on that tree that it took HOURS to put it on there. - But it was all worth it. You've probably never seen a tree like my mom's.

So now I LOVE those old Christmas songs from back in the day. Whenever I hear one come on the radio now, it really takes me back to those great times during the holidays with my family.

And that's what it's all about. Family and friends. Spending time with them, enjoying each others company and even each others quirks.

Along the way of life we gain family, and sadly we lose family as well.

It's memories like these that help bring them all back.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Valentine's Boudoir Marathon: Early Bird Special Starting 11/11/11!




{A non-refundable retainer of $170 is required to reserve your photo shoot. The entire session needs to be paid at the time of booking and is non-refundable.  The boudoir session does not include digital negatives or products other than the digital custom "magazine cover".  Our average client invests $500-$2,000 from start to finish.  We have an array of options to fit your budget and lifestyle.  The boudoir marathon includes same day viewing!  Any products purchased will be packaged to perfection before Valentine's Day.}

**Payment options include cash, check, Visa & Mastercard.  CLICK HERE to book your session online Contact us at (970) 481-3249 to pay over the phone.  Visit us at 407 N Lincoln Avenue, Suite 106 in downtown Loveland to pay by cash or check.  Please contact us at (970) 481-3249 with any questions or comments.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

SMP's On-Site Salon at NPC Western Regional Competition in Arizona

What a fun weekend!  I was ecstatic when a long time friend, Megan Hoover, told me she was going to compete in her first NPC (National Physique Committee) Bikini Competition.  Megan has always been my "fitness buddy" and my inspiration to live a healthy life.  I was honored when she asked Sugar Mill Productions to come out to Arizona to do her hair and makeup for the competition.  You are beautiful inside and out Megan!  We are so proud of you for your discipline, drive and dedication to getting to this point all while maintaining a healthy approach!  {Janie}




{Sugar Mill Productions On-Site Salon provides hair, makeup and wardrobe services for weddings, photography sessions, editorial, commercial, theatre and events.}

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Salon Special November 2011: FREE Biomega Firm & Fabulous Hairspray

Biomega is the breakthrough for healthier hair and longer lasting hair color.  Styles stay fabulous with firm, pliable hold. This innovative conditioning hairspray has a layerable, extra-fine mist that builds body and amplifies hold. Omega-rich nutrients leave hair brushable, ultra-shiny and frizz free so styles comb out easily without leaving any residue. Excellent for refreshing style throughout the day and reshaping voluminous looks. UV protectants help keep color vibrant.


The first haircare system that is able to suspend a functional dose of Omega-rich oils within a water-based system and infuse them into the hair.  See more details here.   


At the Mill, we are all about being FABULOUS!  So come on in, mention this post and receive a FREE 10 oz. Firm & Fabulous Hairspray with purchase of any Biomega Shampoo & Conditioner Regimen during the month of November.  (A $62.00 Value for $40.00)



Thursday, October 13, 2011

Dirty Girl Mud Run

When my sister (technically my cousin but really she is my sister) asked my sisters and me to do a "Muddy" 5K, I was all for it. Especially when these girls in my family said yes... it made my year! You see, a few years back my mom broke her back in a car accident while traveling to her mother-in-law's funeral and has been living in chronic pain since. Two years ago, my sister Karen's life changed drastically after her husband's aorta burst and he suffered a stroke. And of course, all of us ladies have faced life changing events, trials and tribulations over the past few years. You may say, "What does this have to do with running a 5K?" Well, as many of you know, when life suddenly throws you a curve ball, you think you will get back to "normal" but in all reality you have to adapt to a new "normal". It's easy to feel sorry for yourself and hear the voice of failure, defeat, depletion, and hopelessness. You are not alone! And sometimes what you need is a "pick-me-upper". As Rosie The Riveter says, "WE CAN DO IT!"

I am so proud of my Mom and sisters for many reasons. I have learned a lot from them. I have learned that God gives you strength when you are weak. I have learned that when you fall, you get back up. And I have learned to enjoy life, enjoy your loved ones and enjoy God's playground! On September 24, 2011 we did just that.

Dirty Girl is unlike anything you’ve ever done. This female-only, 5K mud run is designed for women of all fitness levels. The 11 military-inspired obstacles are fun and unique but with just enough hell to keep your palms a bit sweaty. And the entire event is designed to be organic and eco-friendly.

If that’s not reason enough, get dirty for a good cause. A portion of all proceeds goes to support breast cancer research, awareness & education.

Come join us next year. What's your reason? Let's do it Sugar Mill style, shall we?


www.godirtygirl.com



Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Featured Holiday Gift Idea: That's Sew Cha Cha Aprons

With the holiday season rolling ahead, it is important to start sugarizing your accessories.  Today’s boutique product highlight is just that:  That’s  Sew Cha Cha Aprons.


These adorable items are available in store only at the Sugar Mill boutique.  They are a wonderful addition to your holiday wardrobe and certainly add a classy, sassy, and retro feel to your holiday party hosting plans.  That’s Sew Cha Cha Aprons are a wonderful holiday gift idea for 2011.    For you or as a gift these aprons are sure to make the statement this year.  Call or stop by for details and to see more.  Mention this blog and receive a special offer from the Sugar family. We will be rolling out an entire Holiday Collection soon...

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Session Highlight: Rylee Johnston's Senior Pictures Experience

High School senior pictures have got to be one of the most fun and rewarding experiences for our photographers and stylists at Sugar Mill Productions. For a senior and his/her family, it can be a time where one door closes and another opens. It is a time where there are many emotions. A time of reflection and celebration. While some investments haven't lived up to our expectations, the one investment that never changes is family. We invest in the things that will help our kids become productive adults; we invest in the things that will provide them safety, security, and comfort. We still invest in the photos that show their progress over the years, their triumphs, and their tribulations.

Rylee Johnston and her family came in for her senior shoot, SMP's RITZ Senior Session, which is our deluxe package. We were absolutely touched by this young lady's story from her accomplishments, her drive, her passion for life, her trials and tribulations and her will to carry on and succeed. It is always our goal at SMP to empower, enrich and educate but this family has done that for us



Saturday, October 8, 2011

Halloween Costume Contest Photo Shoots October 29th!


As mother nature so kindly reminded us this morning, fall is here in Colorado. With such comes the festive and spooky season ahead. One of our favorite holiays at Sugar Mill is just around the corner and we are throwing a costume contest bash to celebrate.

As part of the 10th Annual Halloween Family Fun Festival in downtown Loveland on October 29th Sugar Mill we be hosting two costume contest photo shoots.

Bring by your sugar snaps for a complimentary photo in the Sugar Mill studio and “like” your way to prizes during the facebook contest.

For those with rockin’ adult costumes we are hosting a separate contest from 7-9 that evening.

The Sugar family suggests a $5.00 donation during the event as 100% of the proceeds will benefit Breast Cancer Awareness.


{Your $5.00 donation, or whatever your heart and pocket book will allow you, will support a local family that has currently been diagnosed with breast cancer. 100% of your donation will be given to this family to help with their medical bills and personal needs.}

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Family Portraits Feature: Two Favorite Sugar Families of 2011

 If you haven't noticed, family is HUGE to us here at Sugar Mill.  With the collective family we embrace as a team and our individual families at home, we are immersed in the value that comes from those special connections between one another in life.  We’ve loved, lost and remember many…

These are the motives that implore us to share with you and tell our favorite stories about some of the families that have touched our lives.  Let’s jump right in with one of our favorite family portrait sessions thus far in 2011:  The Tonsing Family. 


We absolutely love this family! They are full of love for one another and exude it in every shoot we’ve have done with them. This is our third year photographing them and every year we look forward to it!

As on-site photographer, Christy, explains, “Angie loves pictures and values them; she literally cannot wait to see them every year. She too has lost a parent over the last year or so and knows that you can never get those moments back! Loren, dad extraordinaire, always tells me how he never really had family photos growing up and wishes he had those moments captured. And well, Miss Paris is just fun, beautiful and full of charm and life!” 

The Tonsing Family is highlighted because they are such a trio of love and inspiration to us. Their pictures really speak to us as does the love they have for one another.


Last week, photographers Marcus and Christy met the Parsons family on Pawnee Butte before the sun arrived.  The Parsons were hoping to add their own unique flavor and style to the memories captured and Sugar Mill was happy to partake and facilitate.  Below are some results from the early morning session.  Remember when designing and planning you family portraits session add your style and you will love the results.  


The images above highlight the love here at Sugar Mill for post-shoot creative results.  Capturing the memory is half the job, sharing it will family and friends for the holiday season is the rest.  This year’s special even includes 24 custom greeting cards to get you started.  If you are interested in learning more or booking your 2011 season now, Click Here.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Salon Special October 2011: Free Hair Color Gloss


With autumn abound it most certainly is a ripe time for a little fashion change.  What better way than a little color shift.  Whether you want a subtle or drastic shift in your locks, October is the month to set the stage for the season shead.  Check out a few popular trends in hair colors for the Fall 2011 season below.
 
But remember, Colorado falls and winters can be harsh.  With the dry air, shifting temperatures and more, remember to protect your new style.  It’s easy with the Sugar Mill team, this month we are offering a free color gloss with any hair color in our salon.  Make sure your new color lasts longer than the aspens….
 

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Bringing Style to Your Family Portraits 2011

We all remember, or still have, one of the horrendous results to an annual family portrait.  Whether it’s the denim on denim curse or a picture of some of the worst Christmas sweaters to see the light of day, we’ve seen bad, we know bad and we DON’T want bad results for our family legacy moments. 


With the season for family portraits upon us, breathe easy, Sugar has your back.   Here at Sugar Mill our goal is to make sure each of you has the tools and knowledge to bring style to your family moments and pictures this season.
 

The perfect family portrait starts with you.  It is a vision you create that highlights everything you love about your family to share and brag about with gifts, holiday greeting cards and more across the coming months.  Start with style.  Start with a wardrobe design for all members of the family that will create incredible results.  Throughout this post are five consortia of wardrobe options full of fashionable 2011 trends.  We have a feeling these will help get those creative juices flowing…




 Remember the annual tradition of capturing a moment in time as a family heirloom is about a fun, friendly and exciting experience.  In fact we believe so much in this tradition we are offering a smoking deal for you from October 1st through November 12th.  Sessions are still available for just $150.00 (reg. $285.00!!).  This package includes 30 minutes with a professional family photographer, 24 custom designed holiday greeting cards, a Facebook holiday picture and all the support you need from the Sugar Family along the way. 

To learn more or book online now Click Here

Family is important to you just as it is to us.  Let’s work together and create the perfect family portrait this fall that you will love for years to come.  Your Family, Your Style, Your Holiday.



PS...For those fashionistas of you out there that are looking for more inspiration here are few links to what some of our favorite fashion resources have to say about fall trends…

Sugar Mill Family Expanding, Growing, More to Come!


Excitement is most certainly in the autumn air here at Sugar Mill.  Our grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this month were a huge success thanks to our loyal family, friends and customers.  Special thanks to all involved.

With the buzz of our expanding facility comes a growth in the Sugar Family as well.  We are very excited to announce the addition of three incredible young men to the Sugar Mill team, Marcus Edwards, Richard Krammes and Chris Kline. 

These three “Men in Pink” are Sugar approved and will be working diligently to expand our abilities to enhance your lives with our products and services, as well as an empowering and enriching experience. 

Marcus (bottom left) hails from a background of professional family, style, journalistic and commercial photography.  His expertise, portfolio and talents are second to none and are an incredible addition to our photo repertoire.  Marcus looks forward to adding a special mix to the Sugar experience.

Across the past thirty years Richard (bottom right) has developed and refined his professional talents in salon, fashion and wig making.  His resume and credentials are vast and expansive which makes him the ideal addition to the Sugar family as a Denver-based stylist for our on-site salon services.  Richards also sits as a national educator and platform artist for Aquage / Salon Quest.  If his charm and wit don’t catch your attention, his talented results most certainly will. 

Chris, our new marketing director (bottom center), is a native son of Colorado. As a growing professional in new media and advanced marketing, his optimism is a welcomed addition to the family.  Don’t let his baby face fool you folks, he looks forward to enhancing your Sugar experience with valuable and consistent communications of our growing offers and specials in the months ahead. 

With these three and the rest of the team here at Sugar Mill Productions we are thrilled to announce a series of growing opportunities to sugarize your lifestyle.  Stay tuned to our facebook, twitter, youtube, website and more for amazing offers and events ahead.

 A little sneak peak at the next six weeks…
  • Fall Family Portrait Session Specials (Did someone say ½ off?)
  • Holiday Season Extravaganza Savings…
  • A Valentine’s Day gift he will die for…
  • New Year’s Resolutions that include Sugar???

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Don't Miss It!!


Sale Includes...
50% off Boudoir Sessions
20% off Hair Products
Free Prints with Family Sessions
Free Haircut with Color Service
50% off Classes
*Services not offered that day.  Purchase September 9 to receive sale.  Can use within 3 months of purchase.*

Plus TONS of Give Aways!
Family Session
Haircut & Color
Aquage Gift Bag
One-On-One Makeup Lesson
Night On The Town with the Sugar Mill Girls

-AND-


Saturday, November 6, 2010

Family Photo Time!

Perfect weather, perfect lighting, beautiful family... Here's what we were up to today and loving every minute of it.  We're not sure how we got so lucky but the Colorado weather has been simply divine this fall and we're all about taking advantage of it.

A video montage is in the works- can't wait to share this gorgeous family with all of you.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Kalie & Emily's Photo Shoot

Kalie and Emily are the daughters of our AMAZING & EXTRAORDINARY accountant Julie Aydlott. Kalie and Emily are both beautiful girls inside and out. So polite, grateful and as you can tell... photogenic. Be sure to check out Kalie's music site at www.kalieann.com. Here are some pics from the shoot...