Chico Newborn Photographer: Little C

Oh dear, this post is very, very late. Infact, I wasn't sure I would even post it. However, as I sifted through the photos of Carsten's birth, I knew they were too breathtaking not to share, even when it is five months late. Baby C was born in the middle of our busiest season. While I finished his newborn photos long ago, the photos of his birth were never completed. Until now. That is not something that I would ever do with clients, but in this case, it just kept getting pushed behind a lot of other projects. And being that it was my sister, I knew she would understand. Thank you sister, times one hundred, for all of your patience. You and your boys are the best!!

For the sake of their privacy, I am only sharing a few. But oh my gosh, it is amazing to look back on the thirty hours of labor and the joy that results. I may be biased, but he is an incredibly handsome newborn baby!

Just a few details...

The first few moments of little C's life... He didn't really cry much and he was so alert -- just checking out this new world.

Brandon was overjoyed!

All of his little features... so amazing!!

So perfect. He is a beautiful boy for sure!

Kenny and I have been concentrating mostly on weddings this year, but if you ever desire photo journalism like this, please don't hesitate to ask. It is not everyday that we get to photograph miracles and we are honored to do so :)

Chico Maternity Photographer: Megan and Her Sweet Family

Ok -- You are going to love this family of three: soon to be four! We are so grateful for them -- They are genuine people who serve others endlessly! Here is just a tease from their session. Happy Monday Friends!

Megan and Kyle are super sweet to each other. A blessed marriage, for sure.

And their son, Blaine; he is too cute!

Chico Wedding Photographer: Self Portrait...

Kenny took this photo last evening. I know, kind of strange to post a photo of myself. I guess I just hope the photo tells something about who we are. Kenny brings out the best in me. It is a different side of me -- different than who I was before being married. I have changed a lot in seven years. And I am still changing. Every day. Because that's what loves does. I am still outgoing, but quieter. I am still outspoken, but learning to hold my tongue. I am still ambitious, but enjoy down time now, more than ever. I am still impatient, but growing more content. I am still happy, but know that true joy doesn't come from my circumstances. I still move the furniture around in my home all the time, that may never change. I still sing at the top of my lungs, but now I know that the voice lessons in junior high may not have helped. I still make grilled cheese for dinner, but only once a week. I still process life outloud, but have grown to appreciate silence too. I am still a wife, but have gained a best friend.

And one thing that hasn't changed. Love. Yes, love deepens with time. It is richer with each memory. But love remains. And this kind of love, that pours out of a person because they have encountered God, this kind of love changes the world. One person at a time. I am one of them.

More than anything, I hope you will be loved, by God, through people, because I know this will change your life...

Chico Wedding Photographers: Christmas on Valentines Day

Well friends! It is Valentines Day, which means that Kenny and I drank a Starbucks together this morning and cheered to another sweet day! And we may have made a little trip to Roseville for some great shopping on our day off yesterday. Oh the things Kenny does for me -- He is amazing! A little crazy, really good looking and yes, amazing!

So today, in honor of Valentines day, I wanted to share this video from the last holiday we spent with our family: Christmas :) I kow, it is a little late and unfitting being that it is February 14th, but we finally got around to finishing the video this weekend. And it is too cute not to share. Plus it includes our family -- whom we happen to LOVE, a lot!

So cheers to love.  And just so you know, we are a  pretty silly family -- and we like to hang out in our sweats, drink Mimosas on Christmas morning and have snowball fights like we are kids again.  

Have a sweet Valentines Day Friends. Don't take for granted the ones that you love and the ones that love you. They are a gift.  

Chico Photographer: Megan

cour·age   /ˈkɜrɪdʒ, ˈkʌr-/ Show Spelled[kur-ij, kuhr-]noun 1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

Megan is courageous. She has faced incredible challenges in her life and yet she believes with everything in her that God is good. She loves her husband well and never stops giving to her little son, Ethan. She is compassionate and pours into the people around her. And, she has blessed my life as a friend.

Megan, thank you for being courageous in the way that you live your life. You are so beautiful.

Love you friend, K

Chico Wedding Photography: Creating Memories Together

Well, we may have escaped real life for a couple days. And it was just what we needed. Kenny has been working long hours right now with ministry, while I have been trying to catch up from our busy January. So when we were given the opportunity to take two days off in a row, we took it. And we knew we wanted to get away.

We packed up our little CRV and headed to the mountains. We had never seen Tahoe, never rode a gondola together and never stayed in a cabin burrowed into the forest (Many thanks to our friends who let us stay for free). We ate gummy worms by the fire and shoveled the snow off the driveway. We got up early to capture something beautiful and sang to Maroon Five as we drove around the lake. We dreamed about staying for weeks and skiing for days. We laughed about how I get cold way too easily.

And at the end of the day, I have a bunch of new memories tucked away. The best kind. Because they are us, together.

So even though life is crazy, take time to create memories with the ones you love. These kind of adventures, while sometimes unexpected, make you realize how blessed you are to share life with people who love you.

Just a couple photos from our little trip...

And brilliant creations like this, stop us in our tracks. God is so powerful to create something this majestic!

Our self portrait inside the Gondola... LOVE this man!

And there you go Honda, proof that your 1997 CRV is still going strong! Not sure why we took this picture, but let's just say those mountains make our car look good :)

Chico Wedding Photographer: Worldess Wednesday...

The rain is about to fall here in Chico and it is just that kind of day. Pensive, yet content...

Chico Wedding Photographer: This is Our Story...

We looked at each other yesterday, and didn't have to say a word because we knew. We were both exhausted. And, it wasn't the kind of tired that could be fixed with a good nap. This kind of tired requires some good old fashioned r and r. In the fall, we decided to take on quite a few projects. For one, we wanted to rebrand ourselves. And that meant a whole lot of work, on almost every front. The deadline for each of these was this past Sunday, in time for the January Bridal Show.

So here we are -- so many projects completed and much to be thankful for. And we are plumb tuckered. This week, if you hear us saying that our evenings consist of curling up on the couch, eating gummy bears, just know that it is true. And yes, we will probably start watching a movie and fall asleep before it is over. This is our life -- and we love it.

Oh, and here we are in front of our booth this past Sunday. Many, many thanks to the people who helped us with the construction of the wall (this photo does not do it justice). Thank you to my sister and her hubby for helping on Sunday. Thank you Kenny, for all of your sacrifices to make this happen. The bridal show is just one of the ways that we love to meet couples. It energizes us. We are so grateful for the opportunity to represent the wedding industry, along with so many other amazing vendors.

Have a great Tuesday evening everyone! Feel free to eat a gummy bear or two! Much Love, K and K

Photo courtesy of our iphone :) Oh, and you may notice the vase with tulips in the middle of our booth. I better stick with photography, as I am not quite sure what I was thinking in arranging those poor flowers :)

Chico Wedding Photographer: Opening A New Door

You know, sometimes I have a hard time writing blog posts. I think melding our personal life with this business can seem tricky at times. How much can we share while still maintaining our professionalism? This year, Kenny and I want to be more candid on this blog, especially about marriage. We are HUGE advocates of marriage. We know that a strong marriage comes with both incredible moments and challenging ones. Most of the time, it is the day to day stories that make up the pages of our life together: It is the three month stint that we spent living with other people. It is six moves in six years. It is chasing our dreams until one o clock in the morning. It is the stubborness of two people and then finding out we were both wrong. It is the spontaneous trips to the coast and our inability to sing on tune. And sometimes it involves bigger things, like walking through cancer with family members, but knowing we serve a powerful God. These are the stories of our life.

In this next year, we will tell some of these stories, right here, on the blog. Mostly because our adventures in friendship and marriage mark our life, and in a lot of ways, our work as wedding photographers.

So, here is to opening a new door. We hope you enjoy the journey along with us.

Much Love, K and K

Chico Wedding Photographer: Happy New Year

Well I can hardly believe that Christmas is over. Oh my gosh, I feel like it was just yesterday that Kenny and I were sitting in the Portland airport, anxious to get on our final flight to Spokane for Christmas. It was the best week and a half. So good to reflect on the past year and be with the sweetest family a girl could ask for. As we say goodbye to 2011, I am going to hold onto this christmas break -- for just a couple hours longer. Here is a look at some of my favorite memories from christmas time. Some of the looks from our kiddos on the morning of Christmas. Even baby Carsten was excited for all the day would hold :)

How fun is it to watch children open presents -- and the best part, they start using the gift right away.

Spokane brought us a white christmas (the only real kind of Christmas :) ) and so we had to get outside and enjoy that! So glad Kenny was sporting his flannel christmas sweats for you all to see:)

Benjamin is just too sweet here...

Indeed this cup says it all -- and what's inside is too delicious for words!

I think this photo should be on a christmas card! They are the cutest!

We might be one, crazy family -- but we love each other a lot! Cheers to an amazing Christmas!

And with that -- it is time to get back to work. Tomorrow I will be back in the office. But I am excited -- there are so many wonderful things to look forward to in 2012!

Merry Christmas

Well this is it friends! Merry Christmas from us to you! Enjoy every moment with your family and friends. So grateful for each of you. Signing off for the holidays! Much love, K and K

Chico Wedding Photographer: Something Delicious

I think we all know that during the holidays, food is just better. The stores are stocked with treats, dozens of things to tempt me to eat less fruits and vegetables. Last week, my sister introduced me to these pretzels. Just imagine a salty pretzel, mixed with sweet white chocolate and a hint of peppermint to tie it all together. Yes, I know, simply delicious! I like them so much, that they have actually become a christmas present for some of my friends :) So, when you see me at Costco with a cart full of these, please don't judge. In January, I will start eating my fruits and vegetables again:)

Happy Friday Friends! We are excited to shoot one more beautiful wedding tomorrow! And to start celebrating this Christmas Season with our family next week. Don't worry Mom, I will bring some pretzels!

K and K

Chico Portrait Photographer: Happy Birthday Sister

Having a sister is one of the best things that ever happened to me. And today, is her birthday. I am so grateful for who she is and for the amazing things that she has accomplished. Sister, thank you. Thank you for always laughing with me Thank you for listening Thank you for playing dolls with me until I was way too old Thank you for being so good at piano, that Mom let me quit Thank you for inspiring me with your work ethic (and your sense of fashion) Thank you for moving to Chico -- I cannot imagine this town without you Thank you for letting me stop by, anytime, anyday Thank you for marrying Brandon, what would Kenny do without him? Thank you for being so courageous as you trusted God with some crazy adventures this past year Thank you for giving birth to sweet Carsten Oh yes, and thank you for letting me burst into the delivery room the moment Carsten was born Thank you for never giving up on me Thank you for letting me be myself Thank you for standing by me

Most of all, thank you for being one of the greatest friends a sister could ask for. I love you so much! Happy Birthday Marissa!

K

PS: Isn't she beautiful? This was just a quick snapshot after some family photos the other day.... Love her!

Chico Photographer: Our Thanksgiving

Oh gosh, we needed a break. It has been such an incredibly busy fall -- nonstop with weddings, ministry, the birth of our nephew and an entire overhaul and rebranding of K Stone Photography. By last Wednesday, we were tuckered. Plumb tired. But Thanksgiving Break revitalized our souls. God blessed us with some awesome time with friends, family and just the two of us. It was wonderful and reflective. And like all road trips, there were some stops along the way...

After work on Tuesday, we were able to drive to Bend, Oregon and stay with one of my roomates from college. Kaitlin and Reed are the sweetest people. They are such good friends to us and it is always refreshing to be with them. And this time, we got to meet their daughter, Lucy. As you will see, she should be entered into a cutest baby contest. Look at those cheeks and blue eyes!

Then we traveled further north to the town of Almira, Washington, where Kenny's family lives. It is a wheat farming community and very rural. It is so different than where I grew up or anything that I know. Yet there is something quiet and unarming about this town. Life is simple here. The days were spent together and the evenings at the Almira High School gym, playing old school basketball and doing jazzercise. And no, I am not joking. These are just a few of the historic buildings on Main Street in Almira. I would love use these as a backdrop for an engagement session. Anyone want to roadtrip to Almira?

And as for the family -- well we had an amazing time together! So many memories and laughing until my side hurt. Love these people!!

Hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving. And if you didn't get a chance to see our new website, we would love to show you and hear your feedback. Cheers to Tuesday!

Chico Wedding Photographer: Contentment and a Beautiful Bride

We have three more weddings this year and then we are finished for 2011... What an amazing wedding season! Each year, we learn so much. With every weddding, we continue to see what we love and where we can improve. Wedding photography is ever changing -- there are always places to grow, always something up and coming in this industry. And yet, the same is true with life. Life is always changing. The culture around us never stays the same and moves at an incredibly fast pace. It always has, and it always will. The challenge for all of us, lies in accepting our circumstances while also pressing forward to what is ahead.

There will always be tension in these two places. Acceptance and Ambition.

It is something that we wrestle with quite often. Kenny and I realize there is a lot to keep up with and a lot more we want to do, yet there are only twenty-four hours in a day. We have to know what we are striving for. And we have to accept where we are. If we look around and compare ourselves to others, than our vision becomes blurred. This is what we are learning.

God has a purpose for all of us, and no two lives are the same. We will all make a difference in this world, in very different ways. Discover your passions and talents and hold fast to the things that God places on your heart. Look forward. Otherwise, you may find yourself looking around, trying to keep up, and only growing tired and ineffective.

Not sure where this post came from today. This is always a season of reflection for me, as we look to the new year while also finishing strong right now.

Ok and I had to post some of my new favorite portraits from the wedding I am working on right now. I only had a few moments with Ashley, before her wedding ceremony, but isn't she stunning? The rest of her wedding will be blogged later this week.

Much Love Friends! K

Chico Photographer: Sweet Baby C...

Just in case you were wondering why I can't get enough of this little guy... He is beautiful, absolutely perfect! This week we will take his newborn photos... but in case some of you needed a pre-tease of those, here you go... Carsten Jeremiah, you are amazing. We love our new nephew so much!

Chico Wedding Photographer: Today I Woke up Before the Sun...

You know what, sometimes I just get too excited! Today, has been one of those days. I got to wake up early and work with some amazing people on a really unique project! So, this Friday post is a shout out to the team that I worked with today. Stephen Diaz, you are among the most brilliant videographers out there! And, Kenny Stone, well you are just the best husband in the whole wide world and such an amazing photographer!

And, while I can't quite share the project that we worked on today, I will say, you should get excited too!

So cheers to Friday! To our waking, far before the sun came up, which I may have to try again soon...

This is his "I'm really excited you are taking a picture of me" face :)

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Being.Together.

What's better than pretzel M&M's, runs through the park, homemade grilled cheese, swimming at dusk, renting a movie for .49 cents, and having our own dance party with SugarLand in the background? Being.Together.

And in case you were wondering what we look like when we get home from our runs... Actually, this is quite a bit later, but you get the point... And yes, we are both wearing Adidas hats, because we still think it is cool to match :)

Chico California Photographer: The Beach...

There is nothing like the beach. Nothing.like.it. And in the busy months of the summer and fall, I definitely look forward to the time when Kenny and I will get back to the beach, our beach. Because when we are at the beach together, we dream and we rest and we reflect and we are grateful. So cheers to the things in life that bring us rest and joy. I can't wait to share more of what I am up to soon. For now, here is proof of what the beach does for my soul! And please forgive the lack of fashion -- sweatpants and boots -- but seriously, what could be better?

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!