Fridays are for Fun

Gosh, I am just so excited that it is Friday! We have been some busy bees over here, our weekdays full of so many great things: *Hung out with little Carsten quite a bit this week. He is the sweetest and always makes me smile.

*Decided to brave a run with the little man on Tuesday evening; just me, Carsten and the jogging stroller. No judging if you saw me struggling through this run. I have so much respect for all you Mom's who do this all the time, including my sister: You're amazing!

*Planned and cooked two really good dinners this week. Among my favorite thing: A fresh taco salad with homemade guacamole and brown rice from our friends, the Lundbergs. Good news was: I didn't even burn the rice :)

*Decided to start doing sit-ups and push-ups before bed each night. Sadly, this lasted one night. Better luck next week.

*Found a grey hair -- on Kenny. While I still constantly get mistaken for a teenager, it looks like one of us may be starting to look more like a thirty year old. He's so good looking :)

*Had a really good visit with my friend Katie this week. Friends are the best.

*Found out that Kenny prefers not to share his nightly bowl of cereal with me. So sad.

*Painted my toe nails while watching and celebrating the Seahawks victory on Monday night. I know there is much contention around this win, but thank you refs for letting us think we cheer for the best team in the world.

*Turned 30 last week. Kenny planned such a fun dinner with some of our friends on Friday evening. Feeling spoiled and a little bit old :)

*Most of all, feeling very blessed. We have the best family and friends and work with the kindest people. We know that our life is full, but we wouldn't trade it for anything. So thank you to everyone who encourages and walks beside us in this life.

AND... For the first time in ten weeks, we have the weekend off! Best days ever! While we love our jobs, we are super thankful to have a weekend to regroup and just be together. Oh yes, and let's not forget, we will also be celebrating Carsten's first birthday on Saturday and awaiting the arrival of our newest nephew or niece anytime  :)

Happy Friday -- have some fun. And for all my friends who don't live in Chico -- please enjoy some cooler weather for me. It looks like we are about to have another one-hundred degree weekend :)

Oh yes, and just in case you didn't know, I love this man!

Chico Wedding Photographer: Wordless Wednesday

All day long, Ben would hug Lauren just like this... And when I see these kind of moments, I know for sure, that words aren't always need to say I love you.

Chico Wedding Photographer: Time

Time. Our time is precious because it is so short. Isn't that true?

And so there is one thing I have learned about time: that the way we use it matters. How I spend the moments of my day, matters. The purpose for which I live my life, matters. And how I use the gifts and resources that God has blessed me with, matter.

Because at the end of the day, I believe my time is made for a purpose much greater than myself. I want people to see God working crazy miracles in our life. I want to love well and live with few regrets as possible. I don't want to waste my time.

And I pray that you will live a full life as well.

Much Love friends! We are excited to spend this weekend photographing two amazing weddings! There will be much to come!

K and K

Chico Wedding Photographer: Next Week

Just one frame from this stunning wedding. So much more to come next week. For now, Happy Friday friends! Go on a date this weekend, eat some good food and sip something yummy. You can bet we will be doing the same here at the Stone home:)

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 Wedding Photographer: Andrew and Emily

Dear Andrew and Emily, Ever since your wedding I have had the words of Blake Shelton's song stuck in my head: God gave me you. It was the perfect song for your first dance. As we celebrated alongside your friends and family, we both knew there was something special about your relationship. You are going to have a big impact on this world, together. So thank you for letting us share that celebration with you. You are wonderful people; full of joy and adoration for one another.

Much Love, K and K

Emily, you are so beautiful! A stunning bride! You are both look wonderful!

Their reaction to seeing one another for the first time...

The bridal party hung out with us while we took portraits of the bride and groom -- Let me tell you, they were quite a fun group!!

These two frames were taken with some gorgeous fall light in the fields near the church.

These guys like to pretend they are really serious, but we laughed a lot with them! And the girls were so sweet!

The rings are absolutely stunning... So much fun to photograph..

The ceremony was held at the EV Free Church of Chico. This happens to be the church where Kenny works and we attend -- so that was a treat for us.

This little one may have stolen the show... just for a few moments.

The reception was held at Chico Event Center in downtown Chico. Quite an amazing facility! Loved the pomegranetes! Such a great addition to the table settings. Upper Crust provided the beautiful cake!

The reception was grand! Seriously, a lot of fun for us to capture! Here are just a few photos of the good times had by all :)

To All My Sisters Out There: A Post on Perfume

Something to consider on your wedding day is what kind of perfume you will wear. Is it the same kind that you have worn throughout your dating relationship? Will you choose something different and new for your wedding day? Either way, I say don't forget this special detail. Perfume has been around since the ancient times. I did some research for this post and it was quite interesting to read about the history of fragrances. You see, scent, paricularly the scent of perfume, can do a number of things for the human psyche. Obviously it creates desire, as a smell can definitely stir all sorts of emotions. But you know what else I discovered? There is a strong connection between fragrances and memory. The perfume worn on your wedding day, will actually become a memory, a memory of scent. It is much like the connection between the smell of homemade cookies. For me, this brings back memories of my childhood, as my Mom loved to bake. A groom will not forget the perfume you wear. And everytime he senses that perfume, he will be reminded of the memory of your wedding day.

I know, kind of crazy post, huh? For me, I just think it is special when a bride prepares to see her groom and gives attention to the smallest of details, including the perfume that she will wear. These things are thoughtful. And the perfume becomes nostalgic. It is a scent that your husband will remember for years to come.

So I say, go ahead and parouse the cosmetic counters next time you are at Nordstrom. Splurge on a special perfume for your wedding day. And after you do, I will be there to capture that perfume so that it can be a photographic memory as well. Because let's be honest, I also happen to love photographing a bride's perfume of choice.

Cheers to Tuesday! Have a great day friends!