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: 2011

It has been an incredible year. Thank you! Thank you to everyone who has let us into your lives. We are humbled and blessed. Being a wedding photographer is among the most amazing and challenging things we have ever done. It is the people that keep us inspired and God that gives us strength. So, we look back at 2011, knowing it changed us. You have made an impact on our lives and we will never be the same. Merry Christmas Friends and Much Love, K and K

David and Casey -- your wedding day was full of incredible moments because you two are amazing leaders. So proud to be involved.

Paul and Bethany -- We laughed and cried along with you as you braved the "sideways" rain with joy. Thank you!

Adrian and Adree -- Your passion for life and serving the people around you is so evident. We wouldn't have wanted to miss your day!

Jeff and Julia -- You are among the most joyful people we have EVER met. We are so honored to know you.

Scott and Rebekah -- What a great day and celebration. We felt like friends among friends. Thank you!

Chris and Mallory -- Oh gosh, you are heroes to so many of your friends and that was obvious on your wedding day. So thankful to know you!

Chris and Katie -- Love abounds with you two. You are amazing people and we were humbled and grateful to be a part of your wedding day.

Brent and Jade -- What a grand wedding day! You two have so much style and class. Thank you so much for being you!

Jared and Ashley -- You two are just so much fun! Capturing your love story was an incredible joy for us. Thank you!

Dennis and Linda -- Thank you for adding the two of us to your intimate wedding day. You are wonderful people.

Levi and Heidi -- Can two people have any more fun together? Thank you for letting us be a part of your day. We are honored to call you friends.

Matt and Crystal -- It may have been the warmest day of the year, but gosh it was one of the best. You two are just perfect together!

Billy and Bri -- You live with passion and joy. So grateful to be invited into your lives. It was a breathtaking day.

Simon and Veronika -- You two are incredible people with so much talent. Thank you for sharing your life with so many people, including us.

Bobby and Lauren -- What can we say? The love and joy that you two share is changing this world. We were honored to capture a part of your story.

Danny and Bridget -- Your day was stunning and it was very inspiring to see how loved you are. Grateful to have captured your wedding.

Aric and Cinnamin -- There is something quiet and wonderful about your love story. We will never forget your wedding day.

Zack and Ashley -- You two are amazing, perfect together! Thank you for letting us capture your day, even as we anxiously awaited the birth of our newest nephew.

Jon and Moryah -- You are the sweetest, and treat others with such kindness. I hope you know you are looked up to by many.

Andrew and Emily -- You could hear a pin drop as you said your vows to one another this November. It was beautiful and inspiring. Thank you.

Josh and Katie -- I just keep remembering how grateful you were to everyone, including us, on your wedding day. That speaks louder than you will ever know. We love you!

So cheers to 2011! You have been amazing and we look forward to the stories that 2012 will bring.

Chico Maternity Photographer: Rachael and Brandon Tease..

Life is beautiful and the miracle of pregnancy is quite amazing. Today, I got to capture sweet Rachael and Brandon. They are expecting their first little daughter in just about three weeks. Here is a tease from our late afternoon session. Thank you so much Brandon and Rachael! Much Love, K

Chico Wedding Photographer: Josh and Katie Tease...

Josh and Katie's wedding was absolutely perfect for them, full of style. I honestly had a hard time figuring out which photos to post today -- so many to choose from. Here are two of my favorites with many more to come. Cheers to Tuesday -- I am off to take my first round of friends to the airport!

Ok, they are just beautiful people!

Chico Engagement Photographer: Kevin and Denise Tease...

In the midst of a great weekend, we got to work with Kevin and Denise today. What an amazing couple! Seriously, aren't they stunning? Cheers to Christmas week! I will have a tease from Josh and Katie's beautiful day tomorrow!

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!

Chico Engagement Photographer: Justin and Julie Tease...

I got to work with this sweet couple today. It was a bit chilly and our toes were cold, but sometimes a good picture is worth the sacrifice :) Justin rocked his carhart style while Julie braved the chilly weather in her dress. They are awesome people! Cheers to this weekend! We are hosting a christmas party tonight -- and so I am off to peel pounds and pounds of fruit for our dessert.

Chico Wedding Photographer: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas always kind of sneaks up on me. Really. It does. I find myself wishing December were much longer because there is just so much fun to be had in preparation for Christmas. There are cards to be written, cookies to be baked, food to be eaten, gifts to be bought and wrapped, christmas carols to be sung (you wouldn't believe the kind of vocals we have ;)), parties to host and parties to attend. I know these aren't the point of Christmas, but it sure is fun! The crazy part is that we must do all of this, while living out our normal lives. I think someone should declare the entire month of December a holiday. Don't you think we should all have 31 days off of work?

I guess for now, we will all sleep a little less, eat a little more and enjoy the time that we do have with family and friends this Christmas Season.

So cheers to the start of a sweet holiday! Drink some eggnog for me and take time to savor these wonderful moments. Oh yes, and we would love to hear some of your traditions for the Christmas season. Just leave us a comment below.

Much Love friends! K and K

As for our decorating, it all started this past weekend...

Chico Wedding Photographer: Jon and Moryah

Dear Jon and Moryah, As I edited your photos, it was clear that you have a beautiful relationship. The two of you are so kind to each other and the people around you. You are loved, by a lot of people, which was evident on your wedding day. Kenny and I were so priveleged to see all the moments play out on your wedding day. You were never stressed when the rain started to come down. You knew in your heart what was most important on your wedding day. Thank you for sharing your laughter and joy with us. Congratulations friends! So glad to know you and be a part of your special day.

Much Love, K and K

Jon and Moryah chose to see one another before the wedding. I was so glad, because just as we finished all of their portraits, the rain began.

The teal and yellows and golds were so beautiful together.

We got a smile out of Paul here -- I am sure it was one of Kenny's amazing jokes.

The ceremony was supposed to be outside, but the night turned very rainy on us. So they held the ceremony on the balcony indoors the Palms Pavilion.

The details were put together by a team of people, friends of the bride and groom. It turned out absolutely beautiful.

Moryah's Grandma made the cake, and all of the cupcakes. Is that amazing or what? These hung from the ceilings...

And the evening was so sweet. Clearly, they love and are loved well!

Probably one of my favorite moments of the night. Moryah is the oldest of her siblings and first to get married. It was quite a sweet moment between her and her Dad.

Always the sign of a great celebration.

Vendors for the Evening: Venue: The Palms Catering: Chico Catering Company Dress: David's Bridal Cake and Cupcakes: Grandma

Chico Wedding Photographer: The Waiting Process

We live in a "microwave" generation. The world is at our fingertips and it seems that waiting for anything can almost be unbearable these days. And so I just want to say thank you to my clients who wait so patiently for their wedding photos. All photographers are different, but most of my wedding clients receive their photos within six weeks of their wedding. That can seem like a lot of time to some, or maybe not so much to others. Either way, thank you for waiting. This gives me the opportunity to carefully select the best images, work diligently to edit those images, write a blog post, prepare them for print and package your photos. Among this, I am also photographing other weddings, editing other sessions, responding to emails and phone calls, and simply trying to run a business well. Sometimes it can all feel a bit overwhelming, and I put a lot of pressure on myself to get things done quickly. Yet I am learning that a job well done, often takes time. So again, thank you, thank you!

And because this couple is busy waiting for their photos, I wanted to show them what I have been working on. A full blog post of this wedding is coming up next week.

Much Love and Happy Weekend! 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 Engagement Photographer: Kyle and Jackie

Dear Kyle and Jackie, You have a sweet affection for one another. Thank you for letting us capture that. Spending the morning with the two of you on acres and acres of property was so much fun. The fact that you are high school sweethearts, makes your story that much better. Keep wearing that hat, Kyle, because it is perfect on you. And Jackie, we love your boots! Thank you so much friends! We look forward to your wedding next summer!

Much Love, K and K

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: A New Look

Today is the big day, we are launching our NEW website! In celebration of this sweet day, we are having a Black Friday Giveaway. And the prize: A 25.00 Starbucks Gift Card.  To enter your name into the contest please complete the following simple tasks.

1. Go to our NEW website and complete the required fields on the contact page, don't forget to click the submit button.
2. Like our Facebook page, if you haven't already.
3. Share our most recent status from our Facebook page.

Once completed with these tasks you have entered yourself into our Black Friday Giveaway.  We will be collecting names through the weekend.  On Monday, we will draw a name at random and announce the winner.  The winner will receive the Starbucks prize via email. Thanks so much for participating, see you on Monday!

And here is a screenshot of www.kstonephoto.com. 

Chico Photographer: W Family Tease...

I got to work with these little cuties last week! Their entire family session is yet to be edited, but I am pretty sure this will put a smile on your face! Happy Tuesday everyone!

Oh yes, and we will be launching our new brand right around Thanksgiving. Look for a fun post on Friday!

Chico Wedding Photographer: Andrew and Emily Tease...

For those of you who know this couple, you will understand just how meaningful their wedding day was. Andrew and Emily, you are inspiring. Thank you so much for letting us witness and capture your wedding day. Cheers to this Thanksgiving Week! We can't wait for Thursday!

Chico Engagement Photographer: Jarrett and Megan

Dear Jarrett and Megan, Thank you for being so nice to us. We noticed that from the first time we met. You are genuinely kind people with a sweet love for one another. You had shared how quickly you both knew that you wanted to marry one another and we can tell, you are perfect for each other. We look forward to celebrating your wedding! What an honor! Here are just a few of our favorites from your engagement session.

Much Love, K and K

Love the emotion from this photo: