Chico Wedding Photographer: Aric and Cinnamin Part One...

Dear Aric and Cinnamin, Your wedding day just felt like home. It was so down to earth; so relaxed and full of joy. It was fun to watch you interact with each other before the ceremony, to see how calm you really were and how steadfast your love is. The day was beautiful, probably the first hint of fall weather here in Chico. Thank you for letting us come into your lives, to get a glimpse of what your home feels like. We are so thankful!

Much Love, K and K

And, here is a look into the first part of their day...

M Creations did the beautiful floral work for their day...

If you know Cinnamin at all, then you know that she is full of joy!

Cinnamin, you are beautiful!

Love this dress!

We met Aric moments before he was about to see his bride for the first time... He is a great man!

Moments before seeing her groom...

And as for the first look and the rest of the wedding... Coming next week!

Chico Engagement Photographer: Stephen and Kelsey

Dear Stephen and Kelsey, I have so much respect for your relationship and love the way you treat each other. The fact that you have lived apart from one another for your entire dating relationship is quite amazing. And when Kelsey moves to Chico this January, it will be sweet bliss. Thank you for letting us into your lives.

Much Love! K and K

This is their "serious" look... But let's be honest -- they have the world's best smiles!

Um...I just like them so much!

I really like this next set of photos...

We ended the session in a gorgeous field, with beautiful light. Thank you so much Stephen and Kelsey!

Chico Engagement Photographer: Stephen and Kelsey Tease...

In between the excitement of baby Carsten's birth, we also had the opportunity to work with these two amazing people this past weekend! Stephen and Kelsey, you are so, so wonderful! This is one of the first photos from our time together... I cannot wait to look at the rest! Cheers to this Monday rain and another very full week!

Chico Wedding Photographer: Zach and Ashley Tease...

Whew... It has been an incredible two days! My sister went into labor yesterday, we photographed a wedding, we held an all nighter at the hospital last night, and today, we celebrated the birth of our newest nephew. Does it get much better than this? What an amazing weekend! Tonight I wanted to share a tease from this gorgeous Friday afternoon wedding. Zach and Ashley, you are perfect together. Thank you so much for letting us share in your day, and thank you for letting us check our text messages ever so often, as we were giddy with excitement at the thought of a baby being born!

So cheers to hardly any sleep and the amazing miracle of childbirth!

And I have not had time to look at many of their photos yet, but I do love this shot of Ashley...

Chico Wedding Photographer: Bobby and Lauren Part One...

While he studied for Medical School, she spent her evenings working the night shift as a nurse and the days planning her dream wedding. The day came together beautifully and I am so thankful to have captured it.And today, here is part one of their sweet wedding day.

The two were married at Bidwell Presbyterian, followed by a private backyard reception. The day was warm and held so many beautiful details. Here are just a few from the first part of the day.

Cheers to Thursday! Tomorrow I will be getting up before sunrise for a new project, to debut soon... And yes, I am still waiting for my nephew to be born :)

Lauren had two pairs of shoes that she chose for her wedding day... How can you not love that?

She wore the pair on the left for the ceremony...

The ornate details of this dress were completely stunning.

Lauren, you are gorgeous! Such a stunning bride...

Bobby, you are so great! And make the perfect husband for Lauren!

Would you like the tiniest peek into their reaction to seeing one another for the first time that day?

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Danny and Bridget Tease...

Ok Bridget and Danny, you two are stunning! So thankful to have captured their day this weekend... Cheers to a new week and pumpkin spice lattes!

Chico California Photographer: Too Exciting...

It is true. I absolutely, hands down, no doubt about it, like my job. And among some of my favorite things about being a wedding photographer, is the time that I get to spend photographing a bride. She is always stunning and always unique. She is also always patient, as I take way too many photos, proceeded by high pitched squeals of delight. It is simply too exciting... I really believe that every single bride is beyond beautiful -- and as she prepares to see her groom, there is a glow and sweetness about her.

So cheers to my brides! Thank you so much! And as for Veronika, her entire wedding will be blogged tomorrow! Isn't she beautiful?

Chico California Engagement Photographer: Mike and Andrea

This couple is just the sweetest! Together they are stunning and they have a zeal for life. Mike is a baseball player for the Boston Red Sox Minor League. He is strong and a protector to his girl. Andrea works for Enloe and is so full of joy. She adores Mike. I love how they treat one another and working with them, even in one hundred and seven degree weather, was absolutely wonderful! Cheers to these two! Your wedding will be an unforgettable affair!

We started at a family farm, as the two grew up close to here and Andrea's Dad is a dairy farmer...

Andrea, you are gorgeous!

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Bobby and Lauren Tease...

Bobby and Lauren are married and what an amazing day it was! We were so honored to capture this sweet couple on Saturday! Cheers to this tease and a day off for us...

To All My Sisters Out There: Your Wedding Day Shoe

When I saw on my calendar, that today was going to be a "To All My Sisters Out There" post, I knew exactly what I would write. When you see the pair of shoes below, you will know exactly why I was inspired. I like shoes. I don't own a lot of shoes, but I love to photograph shoes. So, I am already biased as I write this post. Every weddding, I look forward to photographing a bride's shoes. Give me a good pair of heels to photograph, and I am all over it. They make for beautiful photos and a perfect addition to a wedding album.

Ok, now that we got that out of the way, let me tell you why I think a bride should give thought to her pair of shoes.

When I meet with a bride, we often chat about their wedding day vision. And along with this, what is their personal style -- what kind of dress will they be wearing, will they wear a veil, and what kind of accessories will they choose. Then we get to the shoes. I don't know why, but there is something about shoes that makes women swoon. We get all giddy. This is the point in my meetings, where most women, bust out their iphone and show me a photo of the shoes they have chosen for their big day.

And so this tells me something. It tells me that the shoe a bride chooses, has significance to her. It is her way of sharing more of her personality and style. I have never photographed the same shoe, and so perhaps this is why they are an important part of a wedding day. The pair of heels or shoes that a bride chooses, are certainly unique and telling.

In the end, I realize that it is just a pair of shoes. And while these are small details to a wedding day, it is still once in a lifetime. So consider what story your pair of shoes will tell.

Cheers to the Thursday! And the fact that I now want to wear heels tonight!

PS: Don't you love this bride's choice of shoes?

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Simon and Veronika Tease...

I think this photo says it all! These two were married on Saturday and it was among the most joyful celebrations ever! Cheers to Simon and Veronika!

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Holding Onto Summer

We are holding onto every last bit of summer in this household and treasuring the sun and the slower pace for one last week. So hold on with us, and know that next week will be all things weddings and engagements once again...

Chico California Photographer: Will the Real Baby Einstein Please Stand Up...

You will have to excuse me if in the next week or so, you see a lot of photos of these guys. But honestly, how could I not show the world all of this cuteness? I am taking the next week and a half, before another big wedding season, to plan and prepare for the fall. It will be a bit more quiet on my blog, but not to worry, there is so much to come and LOTS of stories to tell.

And... just in case you were wondering, my nephew Benjamin, may in fact, be the real Baby Einstein! At least his hair points to that fact.

You are so cute...

May your Tuesday be wonderful!

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Billy and Bri Part Two

When I first met Bri, here in Chico, she was planning her dream wedding to Billy for this coming January. However, Billy is in the military and when he was told of a possible deployment early this fall, they quickly moved the wedding to August! I am so glad their date was still available for me because I can't imagine not photographing this wedding. Seriously, it was such an honor. Kenny and I got to road trip back to Washington and together, we loved being a part of their day.The wedding was gorgeous and meaningful and a whole lot of fun. Thank you so much Billy and Bri! We are so blessed to work with people like you.

Their first look was so sweet, followed by more sweetness...

My view...

Kenny's view...

Seriously, just so thankful to work with these two!

Bri, you are gorgeous and Billy you have the best smile!

Such a fun and stunning bridal party!

A few candids from the ceremony....

I could tell that Bri and her maid of honor were the best of friends -- here they are right after Billy and Bri tied the knot!

The details were beautiful!

Some of my favorite beach photos with the couple!

Yes, I like you two!

And these happen to be the paddles to the kayaks that they rode away in... Yes, are they fun are what?

Rather than traditional cake for everyone, Bri and Billy chose a bonfire with smores!

And as the party wore on at the end of the evening, this ring bear still had enough energy to celebrate! Cheers to Bri and Billy!

Have a great Thursday everyone -- I am out of the office for the next few days, so I will see you on Monday!!

Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Lately I have been meeting with quite a few couples, and I have begun to wonder how I could help more -- how can I help people make a good decision about their wedding photography? And when I say that, I do not assume that we are the best choice for everyone, because we aren't. There are so many choices and good choices. So what are some helpful things for couples to discern about the wedding photographers that they meet with. How can they make the best choice for themselves? I would say more than anything -- make sure the photographer is a professional. Ask them about their work, look at their photos. View a variety of their photos to see how they look in different situations, are they consistently producing high quality images? Interview them about their experience.

Once you are able to discern whether or not a photographer has the experience that you want, then I would say the second most important thing to determine, is whether or not this photographer makes you comfortable. Do you get along well with them and do you think that they will be able to put you at ease on your wedding day? A photographer spends a great deal of time with you on your wedding day and it is important that they are someone who you would want to invite into that day. Can you envision this photographer as part of your day? Kenny and I love the relationships that we get to build because of our work. You almost want your photographer to feel like a friend. At least that is how we want our clients to feel -- because this will give them the freedom to be themselves.

Obviously photographers have different styles, and you will see that, in the images that they produce. So make sure that their work matches what you envision as an end product. Also, does the kind of work they do, have a timeless value to it -- so that in ten years you will still love your photos?

Perhaps there is more I could say on this subject. Perhaps there is less I could say. I want the kind of clients who cannot wait to see what images we produce and trust us to the fullest. At the end of the day, if you can feel this way about the photographer you choose, then that is certainly the right choice for you.

Cheers to decision making (which I am slowly improving on). And because I am steadily working on this wedding, I thought I would show you at least one more photo -- because I can hardly wait!

Chico California Photographer: Two Thumbs Up...

Well friends, in case you didn't notice, I have been MIA for the past week and it has been wonderful! We shot a wedding in Seattle last weekend and then drove even farther north to my hometown, Spokane. We have been soaking up every moment we can with family! But like all good things, this too must come to an end. Well, as you would have it, I barely took any photos on our quick trip. However, this self-timed photo is the inspiration for the this post and the following things that I give two thumbs up...

Matt Kearney's new album, "Young Love" that carried us on our fourteen hour drive north. Photographing weddings with my hubby The sweet town of Gig Harbor Amazing hospitality at my parents home A fresh haircut My Dad's treager grill and the cooking skills to back it up The best tasting steak this girl has ever eaten My Mom's fresh home cooking Beating my Dad at hearts Coffee with my Mom The Rockwood Bakery in Spokane Spending 7.00 on a pair of jeans at Nordstrom Rack

Mostly, two thumbs up to quality time with the people that I love. I am so blessed!

Oh yes, and finally two thumbs up to the fact that I will be back in my office tomorrow. See you soon!

Chico California Wedding Photographer: A Seattle Coast Affair Wedding Tease...

We made the trek on Thursday -- to the gorgeous Pacific Northwest. And on Friday, we photographed a beautiful wedding on the beaches of the Seattle Harbor. Congratulations Billy and Bri! We are so blessed to work with you! Here is a tease of the beautiful Bri! More to come this week....

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Sometimes They Steal the Show

Well, there are bound to be a few cuties who steal the show at every wedding. This little man turned out to be just that on Matt and Crystal's day... And look for the bride and groom on here tomorrow :)

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Levi and Heidi Part Two

Alright friends, as promised, here is part two of Levi and Heidi's wedding day:When I met Levi and Heidi this past spring, I just knew that they would be an awesome couple to work with. Levi is a bit sarcastic, and we all just love him. Heidi is sweet. Together, they dance beautifully... Their wedding day was full of laughter and love and teasing. It was a pleasure for Kenny and I to join. Thank you so much Levi and Heidi. We are blessed to know you!

I am always taken by details. A wedding day goes by so quickly, and so I don't want my clients to forget exactly what their celebration looked like. Perhaps this is an inspiration for a blog post soon...

They were so happy... wouldn't you agree?

The flowers and rings were stunning...

Let me tell you, they nearly had a food fight with this cake :)

Ok, now here is the story behind the dancing.... Levi and Heidi are exceptional, ball room dancers. For their first dance, they began in the middle of the dance floor, and ended up dancing through the crowd, around the tables -- it was magical. I am tellling you... This is only a couple of the photos from their first dance.

I really appreciated Heidi's Dad -- he was so kind to us and you can tell he adores Heidi. (Here is my angle) (Kenny's angle)

More portraits of the two of them.... They are so awesome!

Ok, just a few more... Loved being a part of this wedding day!

Levi was so proud of this "get away" car! Cheers you two!

Some of the Vendors: Venue: The Palms Lighting and DJ: Dream Lighting and Sounds Dress: David's Bridal Wedding Coordination:Naomi from Your Perfect Day Wedding Coordination

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Jared and Ashley

I met Jared and Ashley at Starbucks -- they were so eager to get married. Jared is full of charisma and energy. Ashley is a little more reserved and adorable. When they booked me for their wedding, I was thrilled. Here are two people, who met in Junior High about to be married. The wedding ceremony held many stories of their romance and friendship. The day held laughter and tears and celebration.Again -- I stood in awe of the amazing stories I get to capture, this being one of them. Thank you to the Bracewells and Fosters for letting me into such an amazing day. Thank you for making Kenny and I feel like family. We left with hearts full and lots of memories.

Oh yes, and wouldn't you agree that any wedding day that begins with red shoes, is going to be a great day?

Ashley got ready in an old choir room... The photos may tell a bit of that story too... Her accessories were so personal -- each holding a different story or pasttime.

A gorgeous bride for sure....

Jared -- you are awesome!

Ashley and Jared chose not to see one another before the wedding..

So, here is their first look...

Some of my favorite portraits of the two of them...

The details inside the reception were awesome -- and yes, the candy station did have chocolate covered corn nuts...

The cake was beautiful...

The reception began with their first dance and ended with even more dancing... I wish I could blog the entire thing, but enjoy these last few glimpses of their amazing day!

Wedding Information: Venue: Neighborhood Church Flowers: Chico Florist Catering: Italian Guy Gown: David's Bridal Cake: Mim's Bakery