Chico Engagement Photographer: Will and Olivia Tease...

Well it is true: Yesterday, I got to combine my affinity for all things Starbucks with an engagement session. And being that Starbucks is now delighting my senses even more with the red cups and holiday drinks, I would say it was a dream come true. We worked with Olivia and Will, who happen to serve us all the time at Starbucks as Baristas. Um, they are quite amazing! Here is just a tease of our time with them. Are they so sweet? Makes you want to go to Starbucks and hug your barista, huh? Thank you so much Will and Olivia! We appreciate you more than you know!

Chico Engagement Photographer: Max and Kelsey

Dear Max and Kelsey, Ok, what can I even say? We like you guys so much! I think we both agreed, we could have spent hours together, as friends. You are both so happy and so adventurous and so photogenic. I am pretty sure that these photos speak for themselves. You are beautiful people! Thank you for everything. Thank you for letting us into your lives. What an honor!

Much Love, K and K

Ok, Kelsey, you are gorgeous!

For weeks, I had been eyeing the patio at Fifth Street Steakhouse. Thank you so much for letting us use your beautiful setting.

Are they so great, or what?

We headed out to the fields of Bidwell Park to finish the session, once again these two are just amazing!

One of my favs from the day...

Chico Wedding Photographer: Jon and Moryah Tease...

The weekend has been full and sweet. Here is just a tease of the beautiful bride from Friday... I have not even begun to sort through our work, but this one just struck me from the start... Moryah, you are so pretty! Happy Sunday evening!

Chico Wedding Photographer: Zach and Ashley

Dear Zach and Ashley, I am not sure we will ever photograph a wedding under the same circumstances as yours. My sister was in labor, and yet I knew this day was once in a lifetime for you. What an incredible day as we ran on so much adrenaline, yet loved every moment of it. Thank you for being you. You have the kindest adoration for each other and your day was very sweet. Thank you for letting us capture that. You are such wonderful people.

Much Love, K and K

Ashley got ready at a beautiful studio loft, right in the heart of downtown Chico.

The wedding ceremony took place at the Bidwell Bowl Ampitheater. So pretty this time of year!

These were captured moments after the two walked back down the aisle. Do they look so happy or what?

The reception was at the Chico Women's Club and catered by Bacio. Sometimes we are hired for limited hours and this was the case here, but we still enjoyed every moment of this celebration.

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 Engagement Photographer: Mark and Emily

Dear Mark and Emily, It is not very often that we get to photograph people that we know very well. So this is so special for us -- seriously, know that this is a huge blessing for us! We have watched you guys grow stronger in your love for each other and the Lord. You have been incredibly patient -- and I just know that will pay off. God has great plans for you two, together! And that is the best part, knowing that you are made for each other -- and you will be married so soon! Thank you for letting us into your lives as friends and as your wedding photographers! Wow, we are excited. You are beautiful, beautiful people -- on the inside and out!

Much Love, K and K

Goodness, you two are so gorgeous!!

Can you tell that they love each other? So sweet!

Mark and Emily are from the Bay Area, but went to school at CSU, so we spent just a bit of time on campus.

Then we headed to the fields, as the sun began to set...

The sun had turned into an orange glow, and yet, I didn't want to stop photographing...

Emily, you are too pretty... and Mark, you are also looking very dapper.

Cheers you two!

Chico Photographer: R Family Tease...

Dear Heather and Jonathan, What can we say, we just fell in love with your family! Here is a tease from our time together on Saturday, which was such a blessing for us. Thank you for letting us get a small glimpse into your life: Your joy is infectious!

Much Love, K and K

Um... not sure you can get much cuter than this!

Caed, you are an awesome big brother!

And you two, just perfect together! Cheers to seven years and two amazing children!

Chico Photographer: Baby Dylan

Dear Dylan, You are one now. That was a very quick year. I can hardly believe how fast you are growing. There are so many cute things about you -- although, I am not sure that your Dad would want me to call you cute. You are one handsome boy! Thank you Leah and Yancey for letting me be a part of your lives. I have gotten to know you over the past year and consider you friends. You are so kind to Kenny and I. Thank you so much! So cheers to Dylan's first birthday! He is so awesome!

Much Love, K and K

He has had a full head of hair since the very beginning! Pretty amazing stuff!

I am pretty sure he was laughing here -- but I love this expression! It kind of sums up how we all feel sometimes.

Definitely walking now...

And while this last frame doesn't show you his cute face, I really love it. Pure happiness between a Mom and her son!

Chico Wedding Photographer: Aric and Cinnamin Part Two

Dear Aric and Cinnamin, Again, we cannot thank you enough for your authenticity, for giving us a glimpse of your life together and letting us be a part of your wedding day. In finishing your photos, we continue to see such joy in your relationship. You have simple, yet elegant style and that definitely came through on your wedding day. Like we said before -- your day just felt like "home". The two of you bring out the best in people, putting them at ease. So thank you, Aric and Cinnamin. You guys are wonderful!

Much Love, K and K

If you didn't see part one on Friday, you may want to scroll through those first. Here is their reaction upon seeing one another....

Seriously, they are so fun! And they are so beautiful...

Aric graduated from the Physical Science Program -- so he asked if we could take a photo in front of the building. These turned out to be some of my favorites...

This was just a candid, between portraits, and I love the composition and their expressions.

The bridesmaid dresses were from Nordstrom... Now I know why I liked them so much!

Even the programs went perfectly with their simple, yet elegant theme....

The ceremony took place at the Bidwell Bowl Ampitheater on a gorgeous fall day!

The reception details were again just so simple, yet lovely!

Upper crust did a great job with the cake once again...

And as the guests made their way to the Arroyo Room for the reception, we took a few more photos right here in the park...

Cinnamin added these details to her look, for the reception. I love it!

And we will end here -- a look at their first dance...

Vendors: Ceremony Venue: Bidwell Bowl Ampitheater Reception Venue: Arroyo Room Cake: Upper Crust Florist: M Creations Videographer: Stephen Diaz Productions

Chico Photographer: B Family Tease...

On Friday, I worked with this sweet family. They were together, to celebrate Great-Grandma's 95th birthday! I am realizing more and more how many unique stories there are for me to capture. I went away Friday morning, honored to have met this family and witness a bit of their story.... Here are just a few photos of our session... Are they one, happy family, or what?

Amy had contacted me about this session, and her family is so sweet!

I fell in love with this little man! He was all smiles for my camera!

Chico Engagement Photographer: Jarrett and Megan Tease...

Wow -- we have been working with some amazing couples lately. We love engagement sessions, because they give us the opportunity to get to know our clients better, and to just have fun together.Here is a tease from our time with Jarrett and Megan this weekend! They are just stunning people, wouldn't you agree? I can't wait to finish editing this session and all of the amazing engagement sessions we have had lately!

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: Andrew and Emily Tease...

Andrew and Emily are the type of people that make you feel right at home. Watching them interact yesterday and hearing more of their story, was such a blessing for us. Really, they are perfect for each other. Another love story, pieced together by God, and we are so excited to see them married next month! Once again it is Sunday evening and I am SO looking forward to a day off with Kenny tomorrow!

Chico Engagement Photographer: Max and Kelsey Tease...

I am so thankful to work with the people that I do. Really, I can't say it enough -- thank you! Yesterday we had the opportunity to capture Max and Kelsey. Working with them was such a treat for us!And as for their engagement session... Well, they are just adorable! So many more sweet moments to come...

Cheers to Friday and I hear the Almond Bowl is tonight... I wonder if my hubby will convince me to go.

Chico Wedding Photographer: Danny and Bridget

We don't always get to work with our clients prior to their wedding day. This was the case with Bridget and Danny. And yet, we felt like friends. Their wedding day was filled with so many creative elements and everyone laughed and cried tears of joy from the moment the day began. I am so thankful to have seen all of the emotions of their wedding day through the lens of my camera. Truly, it was an honor.Danny and Bridget, I hope you know how thankful we are for you two! You are a stunning couple and it was so obvious how many people just adore you two!

Cheers to the Newlyweds!

Ok, is she just so beautiful?

The girls are gorgeous!

I love this photo of Bridget -- because you can actually see the tears of joy coming down her face... And I am pretty sure Danny had the same reaction...

The details were amazing! Bridget had spent months drying the Manzanita branches...

Mindy, with Special Times Catering, did a fantastic job of putting everything together. Just beautiful!

Upper Crust provided the cake, which had their names and wedding date written in arabic.

Cambray Rose Florist provided the amazing flowers for the day. This ring was a family heirloom, and Bridget wore it the entire day as well..

And as for the rest of the evening, there is more to come. For now, thank you Danny and Bridget. What an honor!

Chico Photographer: Baby C

Ten days ago, my little sister went through the most agonizing thirty hours of her life and God blessed the world with baby Carsten. We have been on cloud nine, loving on our newest nephew. My sister allowed me in the room seconds after the delivery of baby and so I was able to document those precious moments. Those photos are for them, something special that they can remember for the rest of their lives. It was honestly amazing to see back on film. Last week, we were also able to spend some time taking his newborn portraits. I want to save most of them for her to show off and to keep as a surprise for her birth announcements. For now, enjoy this little man. He is so cute -- perfect lips and a full head of hair! We just love him!

My sister purchased this hat long before Carsten arrived, so we had to use it in his portraits... Is he amazing or what?

Chico Engagment Photographer: Mark and Emily Tease...

Ok, I love these two! Mark and Emily, you are such wonderful people. Getting to be a part of your life and capture your wedding this spring is such an honor for us! Thank you for all of the laughs and sweet memories at your engagment session yesterday. Just a tease for now... And yes, I would say based on all of the teases lately, I have my work cut out for me :)

Cheers to a new week!

Emily, you are gorgeous.... So beautiful!

Chico Engagement Photographer: Josh and Katie Tease...

Dear Josh and Katie: You are beautiful people! I can hardly wait to see more of your photos. Thank you for letting us be a part of this season of your life; we are totally blessed by you! And as for this afternoon, I will photograph one more sweet couple and then I plan to watch the Amazing Race tonight, and cuddle with my newest nephew...

Chico Photographer: Baby Dylan Tease...

Currently, I am getting very little sleep :) My days consist of so many great things -- but my oh my, can it make a woman tired. When I looked at October, knowing that the cutest of newphews would be born this month as well, I just knew. I knew it was going to be a "hold on for dear life, God give me energy" kind of month. So that is what we are doing. And trying to savor every moment as well. I am so thankful for all that is happening in our life! And, I am so thankful that Starbucks is still making great coffee for times like these :) And yesterday, I had two photo sessions. Here is one tease, from one session, for now. Baby Dylan, you are one! What an incredibly fast year! I love working with his family!

So, cheers to Friday and the fact that my Dad comes for a visit today! It's going to be a great weekend!