Open Hands

This post was originally published last year, but with a new year and new season upon us, I wanted to share it again because it encompasses so much of what we believe:

Not one of our lives is the same.

No one else will have the very same experiences as you. No one else will influence the exact same people as you. No one else will get the same opportunities or face the same trials. No one else will be in the exact same place and time. The combination of your personality, abilities and talents is yours alone. No one else will make the same mistakes. No one else will learn the very same lessons. And not one other person will tell the same story as you.

So live your life with open hands, accepting all that God has given you. Don't spend your time wishing you were someone else or comparing yourself to the people around you. Take your chances and opportunities and challenges; take your gifts and heartaches and experiences; take it all, unafraid to get messy along the way, and write a story that no one else will ever get the chance to write.

And yes, I love these hands of our sweet nephew Benjamin...

Chico State Engagement Photos: Ryan and Kathryn

I first heard from Kathryn last year. Even by her emails, I could tell that she was a very sweet person. And Ryan is the same way. They are the kind of people that make you comfortable in your own skin. The kind of people are excited about life. I just love that.

And because these two met in the music department of Chico State, it seemed only fitting that we document some of their engagement session right where it all started. We have definitely used this campus often, but it seems like every couple brings a totally different personality and look to the campus.

Ryan and Kathryn, you are wonderful people. Your thoughtful notes over the last few months, have encouraged us so much. Thank you for laughing with us and sharing part of your life with us. Thank you for  being willing to work with us and for making beautiful photos! You bless us!

We can't wait for your wedding, friends!

Much Love,

K and K

Kathryn, you are beautiful!

And among the 101 reason why we get along: We all love Starbucks!

Fridays are for Fun

Well, here we are, Friday again, and the first day of February. I love Fridays -- and always have. Growing up, it meant Full House, Family Matters and no school :) Today it just means everyone seems to be happier. And like every Friday, here is my rundown of the week:

*Feeling a bit normal with most Saturdays off of work lately. We love wedding season, but this is a good season too. We all need rest.

*Kenny officially finished his "weight loss challenge" which means two things: 1. He is now very skinny and 2. I now have someone else to blame when the gummy bears disappear.

*Not to talk about the weather, but it has been amazing. I mean, I can almost envision myself with a tan. Almost.

*Attended the Chico State Basketball games with friends last weekend. It made us all feel like we were in college again.

*And speaking of age, was mistaken for a high school student this week. Really? I mean, I know I look young, but there's a big difference between 16 and 30 :)

*Hiked/went for a run in upper Bidwell Park this week. It was beautiful and made us feel all "outdoorsy."

*Still recovering from the Seahawks loss a few weeks ago. However, since we live in Nor Cal, we are getting excited for the Superbowl. Go Seahawks! Just kidding friends, go Niners!

*Attended a four and a half hour CPR/First Aid class on Tuesday. Passed with flying colors.

*Made homemade granola on Sunday while watching a cooking show. Made me feel really domestic.

*Learning to accept the fact that days feel like weeks and weeks like months when you are waiting for news on the adoption.

*And on that same note, not wanting to miss out on the moments that Kenny and I have as "just us".

Feeling thankful. Have a great weekend everyone. We are looking forward to another engagement session this weekend and my brother in law's amazing superbowl food on Sunday!

Cheers! K and K

Ranch Engagement: Levi and Tanna

Last Saturday, we had the opportunity to work with Levi and Tanna. They are nearly high school sweethearts, who adore each other. It is so energizing for us to spend time with each of our clients. Every couple's story is different -- and their chemistry is unique as well. And our job is to get to know them, laugh together and create genuine moments that are captured.I would say that Levi and Tanna are really happy people. Levi looks at Tanna so sweet and she just adores him. They kind of smirk at one another, with knowing eyes; they don't have to say much. And we definitely loved how they brought their own sense of style to this session. It was a lot of fun.

Thank you so much Levi and Tanna. We are blessed to know you and so excited for your wedding day.

Much Love, K and K

Featured: A Paper Proposal

Oh my goodness, what a great day! We are SO honored to have the Lundberg Wedding featured in A Paper Proposal today. We work with the best clients ever and love networking with people like Sarah, from A Paper Proposal. If you aren't subscribed to this blog, you definitely should. You will find a wealth of wedding inspiration on this site.

Cheers to Tuesday and the beautiful couple, Ashley and Anders. We are so blessed to know them!

K and K

Their entire wedding blog post can be seen here. Ashley, you are stunning...

Fridays are for Fun

Well, it is that time of year: Where all of my work tends to be behind the scenes, organizing and creating and preparing for this next wedding season. So while I may seem quiet on the blog front, there is a lot going on in our lives:

*Prepping for tax season which is a very big project with a lot of little details. Lucky for me, I actually like accounting.

*Organized my office closet -- been putting this off for way too long. I think I surprised Kenny more than anyone. Out of the two of us, he is way more organized.

*Visited with friends at the T-Bar on Wednesday evening. Friends plus honeytea lattes, equals great night!

*As you might know from a facebook post, I did a strength training workout this week -- which only proved just how weak I really am. Pushups are not my friend.

*Cried, really big tears, at the conclusion of Prison Break this week. Just trust me when I tell you to never start watching this show. Saddest ending ever.

*Avoided the cereal aisle this week while grocery shopping. This was definitely a first, and probably a last as well.

*Went on a date with Kenny in 65 degree weather. Best day ever!

*Energized by really great conversations this week. At the end of the day, I am convinced that God and people are the only things that really matter in this world.

*Amazed by my hubby. He works so hard and never complains. I'm so thankful for him. He's the best. ever.

Happy Friday everyone! And as for today, I am officially taking a day off. Heading to Roseville with one of my favorite people. And yes, I will probably spend way too much time in Anthropologie.

To All My Sisters Out There: Floral Design

One of the things that brides often ask about, is floral design. Who do I like working with? What looks best? To be perfectly honest, every bride is so different,  I could never say what looks best. Each wedding is unique to itself, and the floral design usually echoes the style of couple perfectly.

And, that's what I love about my job. I don't have to be the amazing designer behind the floral work, I just get to take photos of the beautiful art.

So this post showcases a few talented vendors and some of the beautiful work we captured this past wedding season. By no means does it showcase all of the vendors that I love, just a few who stood out last season. Hopefully their work will inspire you and help you in the planning process.

Feel free to check out our friends below. They would love to hear from you: Melinda with M Creations Pam with Cambray Rose Florist Seasons Floral Design, Napa

So thankful to work with such talented people. Have a great Thursday everyone! K

Love how Lacey included these photos of some very special people in her bouquet.

Chico Engagement Photographer: Levi and Tanna

These two are such beautiful people -- and we love how genuinely happy they are, together. Thank you so much, Levi and Tanna, for letting us capture you this weekend. We are so excited to share more :)

Happy Monday and Martin Luther King Day. We hope lots of you are enjoying some extra time off with your family. We definitely will be :)

K and K

Fridays are for Fun

Well here we are, January 18th, and I am finally getting back to some Fridays are for Fun. The past couple weeks have been full of some great things:

*Stayed in my pajamas all day on Monday. Well, almost all day. Rest is good. For the soul.

*Kenny is currently in a weight loss contest with nine other people. Which means, when the bag of gummy bears is gone in one day, it truly is my fault. I'd like to think he ate a few of them...

*Opened up my curtains wide this week, to lots of sunshine. It does wonders for the soul.

*Went for a run through the park with Kenny. Really enjoyed it.

*Visited with a good friend. Laughed together and cried together. This is the best.

*Met some really great couples in the last few weeks. Wedding consults are in full swing and we just feel so blessed to hear some beautiful stories.

*Hung out with little Carsten, he's too cute for his own good :)

*And after growing my bangs out for over eight months, I caved. Yes, I cut my bangs. Turns out, this was an ok decision.

Enjoy your weekend friends! We are looking forward to a fun engagement session tomorrow and then some down time later this weekend. Oh yes, to all my Portland friends, if you need some sunshine, please come this way :) Our guest room is waiting for you...

Happy Friday Everyone! K and K

Like I said, he's too cute for his own good...

Running

Typically when I run, I want the easy path. When I workout, I want to feel the least amount of pain. I want to listen to really good music, and be as comfortable as possible, while still getting some healthy, measurable results. And I am pretty sure this is how I feel about life: I would love an easy path. I want to be somewhat comfortable. I want to accomplish great things, but not feel too much pain. And I would love to know that everything is under control.

But this is not real life. At least it's not my real life. And I know, deep down, that this is for the better.

My journey right now, is a bit messy. I'm in the middle of a story that is going to be beautiful, but I would say that's hard to see, because I don't know the ending. Kenny and I have had a lot happen in the last two weeks, especially with the adoption. Every day, seems to be a different story, which for this girl, means a lot of different emotions, all the time. I have absolutely no control over what is going to happen in this story. And it seems kind of crazy at times. Some days are harder than others. But one thing I know:

I have to walk by faith.

I'll run the hills and the valleys and the things in between, and I will try to trust God. It's hard to do, but it's what we are supposed to do. At the end of the day it's His story, not mine. I really believe this.

So, here's to a good pair of running shoes and a lot of hope. And once again, feel free to join us. The run is always better and a bit easier with friends beside you.

Much Love, K and K

Chico Photographer: Heather's Boys...

Heather has been outnumbered now for quite a few years. She has these two cuties, who keep her on her toes at all times. And in just a few weeks, she will become one less outnumbered, as they welcome their first little daughter. I am so excited for them. For now, you can only imagine how much mischief these two can get into...

Little Luci, we can't wait to meet you :)

Aren't they just the cutest family?? Love them!

Portland Photographer: Katie

Sometimes you don't realize how long you've known a person, because they just feel like family. You don't realize what a special thing it is to have a friend for over thirteen years. And then there are the kind of people who you just know, no matter what, they are going to love you. You can be one hundred percent yourself, let your guard down, and they will still be your friend.

There are the kind of people in life who don't hesitate to sacrifice for others. Who won't leave this world untouched by their love for Jesus and unending compassion for people.

And this is Katie. She is that kind of person,

I am so, so thankful for her.

Katie is also a photographer based in Portland. She is so talented and it is SO nice to have a friend in the industry. Her husband, Branden, spoke at our winter retreat last weekend, and so we were able to catch up and take photos...

Katie, you are beautiful, inside and out.

Love you so much friend!

Seattle Engagement: Brett and Devon

These two are amazing -- really. I know I am biased, but there is something very special about working with family. You see, Brett is my cousin. He is such a talented guy. During his college years, he created the non profit organization, Dollar for the Poor and has just made such a big difference in this world. Devon will be my cousin and I just love her already. She is so thoughtful and intentional and the perfect fit for Brett. Together, they are impacting the lives of people in Seattle and orphans in Uganda. They are the kind of people who will sacrifice so much for others. I love them!

Kenny and I were traveling home to see his family for Christmas and ended up flying into Seattle. So in about an hour, in the freezing cold, in downtown Seattle with thousands of people around, we worked it out. They are beautiful people and made the Seattle alleyways look good. It was fun, we laughed and you will just love how much fun these two are!

Thank you so much Brett and Devon. Thank you for laughing with us. Thank you for choosing to work with us. We can hardly wait for your wedding -- oh my gosh, you guys, March will be here before we know it. We are so blessed by you. Much Love, K and K

Truly, everywhere we went there were tons of people...But Devon was the best sport ever :)

Consider yourself invited...

A blank slate.A fresh start. A new perspective. A big God. And a lot of dreams.

Welcome 2013.

We invite you to be a part of our lives, our dreams, and join us as we navigate running a business, adopting a baby, embracing the challenges, living through the mundane, and doing our best to make a difference in this crazy world.

We can't promise the outcome.

But we can tell you that we will work our hardest, make mistakes, be transparent, drink a lot of Starbucks and laugh a ton.

We can't wait, K and K

Seattle Engagement: Brett and Devon Tease...

Well, here we are, first post of 2013 and just a tease... We are looking forward to this year and sharing so much more life and stories with you. As for this couple, I might be a little biased, but these two are amazing. They are talented people, and generous and they are changing the world for Jesus. Love them! On our very quick trip into Seattle, we met up with my cousin Brett and his fiancé, Devon for a little Engagement session. They were such troopers -- the weather was really cold, just about to rain, and there were a lot of people around. And as you can see, they are still among the happiest people you will meet.

More to come... Love you guys!

K and K

Merry Christmas love the stones

Well, we are here: Twenty Hours of travel, in a roundabout way A stop in Seattle A brother singing the national anthem in front of 64,000 people Standing in the pouring down rain to cheer for the Seahawks Three last minute trips to Target Nail Polish exploding in your suitcase A good cry just because Torn hearts because we can't be in two places at once Lots of amazing food, and sugar and coffee Driving through a snow storm at 1:00 in the morning Laughing out loud at 2:00 in the morning because we are still in the car

And sleeping through your alarm clock because it's officially Christmas break.

Here we are, together for Christmas in Almira, blessed to be with the Stones. Life is sweet; And the memories have just begun...

So we are signing off, because we can and because we should. And I hope you do too.

May you have an amazing Christmas with your family and friends. We can't thank you enough for being a part of our lives.

Merry Christmas friends! Much Love, Kenny and Kimberly

a Powerful Year...

Every year, we stand amazed by the people and stories we were able to capture. We are amazed at the power of a moment. And while this is nowhere even close to all of the most powerful moments we shared this year, it is a few of our favorites...

So many stunning brides...

So many overjoyed moments...

And just like all good things, they come to an end. So here's goodbye to an incredible 2012 wedding season. We couldn't be more honored to work with so many of you. You touched our hearts this year.

And your photographs will keep inspiring us for years to come....

Sweet Canoe Engagement: Austin and Emily

I met Emily almost two years ago. We definitely bonded over photography, ministry and Starbucks :) She loves people and has a generous spirit. She is a beautiful person. And as for Austin, well we first met him at Costco; he works there. And we go there, a lot. So we see him, a lot. He's an awesome guy, such a hard worker and totally head over heels for Emily:) This fall, we've had the chance to know them better, together. They are amazing people, both serving the Chico State community well. They work tirelessly and we appreciate so much about them. You can imagine we were SO excited about their engagement and the opportunity that they gave us to capture these photos. We are absolutely honored to know them and honored that they would choose to work with us. It's not every day that you get to photograph other photographers; so special for us.

Thank you so much Austin and Emily. We can't wait for your wedding, we can't wait to see the world change, because of you :) Much Love, K and K

And, Emily had been dreaming of engagement photos with pond and a canoe for years. Truly, she may have had this dream before she even knew Austin. So MANY thanks to Donna, at White Ranch Events, for making this happen. So blessed to work with incredibly generous people.

You two are amazing.

Some Very Exciting News...

We believe In God, the Creator of the Universe.

We believe That He created all of us for relationship. With Him and with each other.

We believe That families are a big part of that.

We believe That no child should be without a family.

We believe That God has called us to be a part of making that happen.

And so we are embarking on another great adventure, the journey to adopt a child, into our family, as part of our family. We are excited and nervous. We have a lot of joy and peace. We can hardly wait.

As God weaves together this story, it could be a little crazy, but it will be perfect. We will welcome baby Stone and his/her birthparents into our lives with open arms and hearts . And we invite you to be a part that: Feel free to join in this story with us as we share news along the way.

Thank you so very much for being a part of our lives. Much Love, K and K

Butte Country Club Wedding: Cody and Whitney

We woke up to rain. And not the kind of rain that just spritzes your face, but the kind of stormy, sideways rain that no one dreams could ever happen on their wedding day. And so we prayed. And I believe God totally heard us :) Because anytime that we needed to be outside on Cody and Whitney's wedding day, it was like the rain would just stop. It was truly a miracle.

Cody and Whitney came together, not only as a couple on their wedding day, but as a family. And not a dry eye was in the house. We all cried and celebrated with Cody and Whitney. Their zeal for life and love for their family is so evident. They are the kind of people that make you laugh -- and laugh some more. They are the kind of people with huge hearts -- oozing with generosity and acceptance.

And we were so honored to document this day. To see so many beautiful moments -- to capture the tears and the laughter. What an amazing day.

Thank you so much Cody and Whitney. Thank you to your families. We are so grateful and honored to know you.

Much Love, K and K

Vendors: Hotel Diamond Makeup: Powder Room Ceremony: Bidwell Presbyterian Church Reception: Butte Creek Country Club Foral Design: Lisa's Flor Decor Catering: Butte Creek Country Club Photography: K Stone Photography

These are Cody's sons, and they were a special part of the day...

Whitney is so sweet -- she just loves these boys too much :)

Whitney, you are beautiful...

The ceremony took place at the historic Bidwell Presbyterian

The details were amazing...