I am so sorry about neglecting the blog lately. Life has been a bit crazy. And because we have about three weeks left until wedding season starts, we wanted to excuse ourselves from blogging for just a little while, so that we can spend any extra time with sweet Parker.
We will continue to post on our facebook page and instagram. Feel free to follow both our work and life in those places. See you soon friends! K and K and p :)
And since he's just the cutest...
I have tried to finish this post for days. I think I finally realized that it may never be fully finished. It is a journey so complex and emotional and amazing, that I know there will always be more to remember. So for now, this is our story on paper:
Three weeks ago, our life changed. Forever.
Three weeks ago, we met Parker's birthparents. Three weeks ago, we sat across a picnic table from two people, who would ultimately make the most courageous and selfless decision of their lives, in trusting us to raise their beautiful son.
Our lives collided with two people, (who we will call Joe and Krista), in a story that became the last chapter of this adoption journey.
We first heard from Joe on Parker's due date. It was an email through our blog. He shared a small bit of their story, with no promises of adoption. However, as we exchanged emails, we all felt compelled to meet.
You should also know that we were in Oregon, when he emailed. Joe and Krista live in Oregon, so our first meeting was a miracle in itself.
Our meeting was brief, but overwhelming. Joe and Krista had been through so much. Sadly, Oregon DHS was involved in their lives, threatening to take their son into custody the minute he was born. And so they were desperate for a better answer. Desperate to give their child a more certain future, yet completely torn over the thought of not raising their son. Adoption was not their first choice.
Their story left us heartbroken. Heartbroken for them, for all of their pain. Heartbroken for the choices that they would have to make.
We returned to Chico, not knowing what Joe and Krista would choose. There had been no commitment to an adoption plan, only a commitment to choose us, if they were to make a plan.
It left us confused, not knowing what our role was, but sensing that God had brought us all together. With Krista's due date past, we knew that every day mattered. So we prayed with more intensity than I have ever known. We prayed for clarity.
As we sorted through our thoughts, we decided that we would definitely support Joe and Krista, no matter what. We felt called to do that. We also realized that this would mean driving back to Oregon, with a lot of unknowns.
So on Monday, April 8th, when we received the call that Krista had gone into labor, we drove north. We had no idea what we would face. They had asked us to come, but not to the hospital.
And then, late that evening, we received a text that they wanted us to visit them.
This invitation led to the next eighteen hours at the hospital. Kenny and Joe would go for walks, while I sat with Krista in the early hours of her labor. We paced the halls. We prayed. And we all stayed by each other's side as if we had been friends for years. As Krista progressed into harder labor and throughout her three and a half hours of pushing, I remained next to her.
At this point, we still had no idea what would happen with Parker. They had dreams of parenting. And we just hung onto God -- knowing He had called us here.
Parker was born via C section at 2:15pm on April 9th. The Oregon DHS arrived at the hospital at 4:00pm on that day.
The news wasn't good for Joe and Krista: On what should have been one of the happiest days of their life, there was great sadness. Grief over the reality that they would not walk out of the hospital as a family. Grief over the fact that they would have to make the hardest decision of their life, in the next two and a half days.
Parker would either go into foster care for many months, while Joe and Krista walked through a grueling process to fight for their parenting rights. or Parker would be adopted by us.
And so our prayers became prayers for peace. That whatever Joe and Krista decided, they would have peace to move through all of this. We knew either choice was going to be hard.
For the next three days, we stayed at or near the hospital. We would spend time with Joe and Krista. We would spend time with Parker; seeing him as their son. Some of our family members came down to support us -- which helped more than we could have imagined.
There were times of great peace and strength for us. And there were times of exhaustion and sadness. It was very hard.
It was hard to see the overwhelming grief of Joe and Krista. It was hard to imagine Parker going home with a stranger. It was hard to trust God, no matter what.
On Friday afternoon, Krista asked me to come to her room. She was in her clothes, standing near the bed. All I remember is hugging one another right away. We held onto each other and cried, long hard tears. Nurses came in and out. And I will never forget the moment that Krista told me to love Parker and take care of him for the rest of my life. She asked me to be his mom.
There aren't words to describe that moment. I cry every time I think of it. Krista is a hero to me. I don't believe for a moment that I am any better of a mom than Krista -- only that our paths were at different places. I cry because I know how much she loves Parker -- enough to trust him to us. Joe and Krista are beautiful people.
The following hours were filled with great joy and sadness, all at the same time. But one thing we all had; we all had peace; deep, unchanging, peace.
I will never forget walking into the nursery one last time, this time holding Parker a bit closer, knowing he would be our son. I will never forget signing the papers to adopt Parker late that evening. I will never forget saying goodbye to Joe and Krista at the hospital.
Three weeks ago, I never imagined Parker. I didn't know his parents. I didn't know that my life would be forever changed. Changed not only by one small person, but his amazing birth parents and the road that we walked together.
Our story is not about us becoming parents, or "getting a child". It is not a story of infertility. It is God's story, in which He brought together so many pieces to create something beautiful and redemptive and miraculous.
We love Parker so much. We love Joe and Krista so much. And we believe, that although this chapter is finished, all of our relationships, our stories, are just now beginning.
And so we started this adoption journey with a dream, and through every moment of the journey, we now end with a life and perspective much bigger than we could ever imagine.
Thanks for walking with us. We have been blessed by so many of you.
Much love and gratitude, K and K and p
I sit staring at our new son. He is beautiful, miraculous, and reminds us every day, that God does not miss a thing. He went before us in our adoption journey and walked with us every step of the way. He was with Parker in the womb and led Parker's parents to us. There is not an ounce of doubt in my soul, that God is real.
Parker is amazing. His story is a miracle and his birthparents, are our heroes.
One day very soon, I will share the whole story. Please stay tuned, because it might leave you speechless.
For now, we introduce you to Parker William Stone Born April 9, 2013 at 2:15pm Adopted April 12, 2013 at 8:00pm
JP and KarenLoyal, Amazing, and Resilient November 2012 TJ Farms Estate, Chico, CA
Featured in Style Me Pretty
We were blessed to have this wedding featured yesterday in Style Me Pretty and so excited to finally share these photos.
Karen, you are beautiful.
JP and Karen had a first look...
These are some of my favorites...
Such a sweet bridal party...
The ceremony was held on the front lawn at TJ Farms Estate. And the
We had a few moments afterward to capture some stunning orchard shots...
The decor was beautiful...
This week has been a bit crazy - and that may be an understatement.
So on that note, rather than tell you all about my week; like the fact that I ate Chipotle last night at 9:30 or that Kenny picked all the weeds in our yard, I leave you with this very disturbing photo:
Apparently, at one time in my life, I thought I had good dance moves. This photo has crushed my dreams. Reality check: I should not be out on the dance floor.
And to put your mind at ease, from now on, most of our dance skills will be left at home.
Happy Friday everyone! Have a great weekend friends! K and K
And yes, that is a gummy bear in my hand. I try not to leave home without them ;)
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.1 Corinthians 13
These words lined the aisle of our last wedding. Right now, it is a painful and sweet reminder of the road we are walking:
Last week, we were contacted by another birth family. It is a heartbreaking situation, and we are still very uncertain what will happen. Either way, we are called to love. We are called to take chances: To love people for who they are, not what they will do. To love without fear. This kind of love is scary, because you risk pain. Yet, that is the beauty of it: Somewhere in the risk, there is peace and joy. We stop worrying about ourselves. Deep down in our soul, we find, that this is what we were made for.
I believe this kind of love only comes from God. And I believe it is this kind of love, that will change the world.
Here's to hoping God will give us the patience, courage and resilience to love like this. And maybe one day, our adoption story will have an ending. For all of you who are still following, thank you. K and K
Jens and Meganhonest, hard working, full of joy and laughter Private Estate Reception Chico, California
"A day without laughter, is a day wasted." Charlie Chaplin
Love this... 
Such beautiful people!
We knew this week would fly, and that was definitely the truth:
*Spent our Friday night running a new trail and washing our cars. We are such party animals...
*Had our first wedding of the season celebrating this couple. Gosh, we love our job.
*Filled out my March Madness Bracket. I fully expect to beat Kenny this year.
*Speaking of March Madness, Go Zags! Cheers to our hometown!
*Kenny spoke at church on Sunday -- He is amazing. Love him so much.
*Sold a lens this week. Bought a new one.
*Bought some flowers at Trader Joes for a friend who had surgery. When we told the man checking us out what they were for, he threw in two more bunches on the house. I already loved Trader Joes, now I do even more.
*Oh, and bought this frozen pizza from Trader Joes on Sunday. Yes, we were that hungry. And yes, it was amazing.
*Drove the I-5 north for eleven hours yesterday and only stopped at Starbucks twice. We love roadtrips.
And this weekend, we are photographing my cousins wedding in Seattle! We are super excited and blessed to be with our families and capture an incredible wedding day. We just saw the venue last night and it is going to be one gorgeous celebration.
Happy Friday. Have a really blessed weekend! K and K
Our adoption journey is not over -- sometimes I don't even know how much it has started. And right now, we are at the end of one of our chapters:
In early January, the day after our home study, we were contacted by someone on Facebook: She was pregnant, and she was looking for adoptive parents.
This was the beginning of a beautiful relationship and a dream in our hearts.
We skyped and exchanged texts. We waited for the day when she might officially ask us to be the adoptive parents.
And that day came. But that day was a lot different than we ever could have imagined. In the midst of such exciting news, there was also a very confusing side to this story: The birth dad had done almost everything possible to stop the adoption from happening.
The week we were asked to be adoptive parents might have been the best week of our lives, but it was also a heartbreaking week of our lives. Because that was the week, that God asked us to walk away from a dream. As we prayed and gathered information, God gave us clarity, and we had to let go of this birth mom and her baby. It was not our battle to fight.
That was two weeks ago now, and just yesterday, we heard from the birth mom: On Sunday, a beautiful baby girl was born. We are so happy -- and celebrate her birth. At the same time, we are sad, confused and grieving the end of this chapter, saying goodbye to a dream. It is bittersweet.
We feel honored to know this birth mom -- to walk through a really tattered season of her life, learn from her courage, and be chosen as adoptive parents. We are learning that this story is so much bigger than ourselves.
Behind the curtain of life, the God of the universe is writing a beautiful script. And we believe that this script is always perfect, because He is perfect and good to us, even when we don't understand.
So while today is a bit messy and unresolved, we do know this: One day, our adoption story will have an ending; and that ending will be all the more beautiful because of the heartaches of today.
Thank you for walking with us friends.
Much Love,
K and K
Well here we are friends: Friday once again. Looking back, the week has been just great:
*Went to Costco and only ate one sample. I'd say that deserves a victory lap.
*Not to talk about the weather, but it was amazing this week.
*Spoiled on Saturday night by some good friends. They took us to dinner, we talked for hours, and left so encouraged. Their generosity and kindness inspires us.
*The church office was closed this week because of some construction, which meant Kenny was home working. Best.Week.Ever!
*Loved working with this sweet couple last weekend.
*Captured Nicole on Sunday at her family's ranch. Anytime I am with her family, it just feels like home. (Although don't get the idea that I'm a country girl: The only time I've ever rode horseback was on a girl scout trip in third grade)
*Yes, I was a girl scout for a year in elementary school; mostly because I love their cookies.
*Watched the sunset multiple times this week. Northern California is a great place to be right now.
*On the other hand, discovered many spiders in or around my house this week. That's not good. Not good at all. I was about to move back to Portland, but then Kenny called pest control.
*And bought some new books last weekend. I admit it, I'm a reader. It is one of my favorite pastimes.
Well, wedding season officially starts tomorrow: And we couldn't be more excited! Have a great weekend everyone!
Lots of Love, K and K
Stephen and KelseyMarried May 2012 TBS Ranch, California
Excited and honored to see their wedding featured in Rustic Wedding Chic today.
And yes, they are absolutely beautiful people!
Thank you again Stephen and Kelsey. We are blessed to know you.
Ryan and AshleeGenerous, humble, and incredibly kind Engagement Session in the Wildflowers Chico, California
"There is no remedy for love than to love more." -Henry David Thoreau
We are beyond grateful to know you both. Much Love, K and K
And just like that, it is March and another week has come and gone. The last seven days held a lot of ups and downs and everything in between:
*Went for a run through the park with Kenny and Carsten on Saturday. It just so happened to be at the same time as the Bidwell Classic (half marathon). And yes, someone definitely took our photo. So in case you ever see that photo somewhere, please know it is not true. Only in our dreams would we ever run 13 miles :)
*Worked with this sweet couple last weekend. And yes, Jason is nearly two feet taller than me: Good thing I have a step stool. And good thing I don't have to guard him on the basketball court.
*Bought a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch on Sunday and still have some left today, which is pretty much a miracle in this house.
*Listened to this sermon online. Was convicted and inspired.
*Spent Wednesday evening having dinner with a family from our church. Gosh, people have amazing stories and big hearts. So thankful to know them.
*Still trying to convince Kenny to watch the Finale of The Bachelor with me this week. My sister will be out of town, and I certainly cannot watch it by myself. Kenny is not convinced...
*And, if we don't get news on the adoption soon, I am considering auditioning for The Amazing Race and/or going to Kauai.
*Been pretty emotional the past two weeks. I had no idea how hard this adoption journey was going to be for us. It has made me much more aware of other people's struggles and our desperate need for purpose beyond ourselves. Hoping to share more about this journey soon.
Enjoy your weekend friends. Thanks for following along on our crazy, but blessed life. Much Love, K and K
*And, in the past week I have cried way too many times on Kenny's shoulder and said things I didn't mean. I'm beyond thankful for his grace, love and patience that he shows me. Kenny, you are so amazing.
We first heard from Jason and Ali last fall. And instantly loved their story.
Jason and Ali met at Chico State their freshman year. And we're pretty sure they have been best friends since. What struck us as so special, is how much they support each other, their love and friendship is so obvious. Jason adores Ali and Ali is Jason's biggest cheerleader, on the court, and off the court. They are genuine people who have welcomed us into their lives with open arms. We are so blessed by them.
So thank you, Jason and Ali, for letting us be a part of your lives. You've become friends and we know that the future holds great things for both of you. Your wedding will be the start of a beautiful life: We are so excited for you!
Much Love, K and K
Aren't they the sweetest?
Jason is on the Chico State Basketball Team, and because it is such a big part of their life, we thought it was fitting to end the night here, outside the gym.
I know I say this every week, but Friday came so fast this week. I can't even believe it. Our week has been very full and we feel blessed:
Went to a movie for the first time in three years. I was a little worried about what Tinsel Town may have to offer, but the theater totally exceeded my expectations. Thank you Tinsel Town :)
Made a fresh asian salad this week. It was another one of those things that exceeded my expectations. One can only hope I have turned a corner in my cooking skills.
Went for a long hike with Kenny on Sunday. Signs of spring are everywhere and I love it.
Ate at Chick Fil A last weekend. So delicious. Anyone else agree?
Launched a fresh website this week after many, many drafts and revisions. We decided to do it all on our own this year, making this a huge project. Yay for finishing projects.
Skyped with lots of people during our evenings; clients and family and friends. Technology is pretty amazing.
Was given the freshest coffee beans from a client this week and the aroma has been filling our house for days. There's nothing like the smell of fresh coffee. Remember the days when Starbucks used to smell this way?
Attended our last Chico State home game of the season. So fun. All we can say is, bring on March Madness. My bracket will have to beat Kenny's this year ;)
Well friends, hope you have a great weekend. Make a new memory. Do something adventurous. Enjoy the small moments. Much Love, K and K
I first discovered photography in high school. It was a beginners class my sophomore year, which propelled into many more classes. By my senior year, I would spend hours in the darkrooms. Our instructor pushed us, let us fail, and taught us so much about photography. It was in this classroom, that God first placed a dream in my heart: I wanted to photograph people, I wanted to be a part of telling great stories.
So I applied to a college with an excellent photography program. And the dreams grew bigger. Yet all the while, something in my heart felt unsettled. As I wrestled with that, I discovered that God had different plans for me: Plans to attend a small college with no photography program. Sometimes when you follow God, things don't make sense. And so I walked away from a dream, never once forgetting it.
In school, I studied communications, had some amazing opportunities, and met Kenny. We got married a few weeks after graduation. Kenny worked for the church, while I worked as a guidance counselor in a high school.
And then, five and a half years ago, I picked up my camera and started to shoot again. A dream came back to life, and this time, I had the best person in the world beside me, Kenny.
Next month, marks the start of our fifth wedding season: We've learned so much. We've taken a lot of risks. There have been moments of failure. Followed by great moments too. Together, we have photographed over 65 weddings. We've worked really hard. We've met the most amazing people. And shared in some beautiful stories.
But mostly, we've seen God take a dream that began twelve years ago, and bring it full circle, only this time, making it better.
I believe that God places things in our hearts that He fully intends to see happen. Most of the time, the journey will test our patience, our resilience and our character. Yet, the end result will be inspiring, as God pieces together the things that never made sense, to create a dream that is better than we could ever imagine.
We pray we will always have the courage to follow God, especially when it seems hardest. Much Love Friends, K and K
And just this week, we launched our fresh website. Feel free to see it here.
Dear Friday, you came and went so fast last week, that I did not even write a blog post. I guess that's what happens when my Mom comes to town. And this week, was no different, so fast, and really great:
*My Mom was in town for an entire week. So good to spend quality time with her -- when you live two states away, time together is really so special.
*Ate way too many treats and drank too much Starbucks (actually, that could never happen) :)
*Was inspired to make a new Pesto Recipe this week -- proving once again, that my cooking skills need some serious attention.
*Can't believe how expensive gas rates are. What is going on people? Looks like I may need a magic carpet ;)
*With the seventy degree weather last weekend, we took full advantage and spent most of our time outdoors. Chico, you may not be as beautiful as Portland, but your weather is amazing.
*Enjoyed working with this couple last Saturday in the seventy degree weather. We work with such genuine, amazing people. Feeling blessed.
*My Mom, sister and I browsed Pottery Barn Kids online -- can't wait to spoil our little baby someday.
*And with the end of The Bachelor coming up, one can only hope that reality tv doesn't let me down once again. Sadly, I think it will.
Well that is it friends. I know there were so many more highlights, but I am off to spend some time with my hubby. He has the day off today and you better believe I don't want to miss out on that. Gosh, we are blessed.
Have a great weekend Friends! K and K
We are super excited to share this session today.
Luke and Megan adore each other. When we worked with them last Saturday, it was SO obvious that these two are really good friends. We just love that. And we enjoyed every minute that we spent with them. They are genuine people, unafraid to be themselves. They care deeply about others -- and love Jesus.
Thank you so much, Luke and Megan, for letting us be a part of your wedding day and this season of your life. Thank you for encouraging and loving so many people around you. Your joy is contagious and we just know that God is going to use you both to impact this world. Together, you will have so much influence on the people around you. We are blessed to know you.
Much Love, K and K
Don't you just love them?
Megan, you are beautiful...
And then this happened: They took out their Avengers shirts. How cool are they?
And one of the last frames of the night... love this!
A beautiful story is never written without a beginning, middle and end.It wouldn't be complete without all three. You wouldn't want to read it.
Right now, Kenny and I are in the middle of an adoption story. We are in the trenches -- probably our least favorite part. But we have to remember that without the middle, there won't be a beautiful ending.
So every day, as we wait for news, we remember that this day is important. Today, has just as much purpose as yesterday and tomorrow. Our story doesn't just come to life at the end, it's happening right now, even if we can't see it. This part of the story matters.
The middle of this story is where character is built. It's where patience is tested. It's where our convictions grow stronger. And we know that the middle of the story, sets the stage for a brilliant ending.
So, while our adoption journey is still being written and I can't tell you the whole story today, I promise, that someday I will. And like always, we invite you to join us as we stand in the middle, a hopeful place.
Much Love friends, K and K
Friday, you continue to be one of my favorite days of the week. So thankful you are here because well, it's been a wild week:
*Sadly, Kenny caught something awful on Sunday: He spent the first half of the week at home, on the couch. I didn't know Mission Impossible had a two, three and four. Now I do :)
*This also meant I spent most of the week doing laundry and disinfecting my house. My OCD tends to come out around flu season :)
*Opened the windows wide this week and loved the light and fresh air that poured into the house.
*Tried my hardest to cheer for the Niners this weekend. I still think the Seahawks should have been there...
*Obviously we spent most of our evenings at home, which meant cribbage and jeopardy. We are so cool ;)
*Ate a cake pop this week. Many thanks to our client who delivered this delicious treat. Like I say, we work with the nicest people in the world.
*Went to Tin Roof with three of my favorite people yesterday morning. The combination of scones and friends made for such a good morning.
*And contrary to what you may think, I actually really enjoy healthy food. Most of the time.
*Tried my hardest not to break out in song while at the gym. This is hard for me. When the good songs start playing on my headphones, I get all pumped up and want to sing along.
*Received a package in the mail for Baby Stone. We have the best family ever. Hands down, the best.
*Baby Stone was also affectionately referred to as "Pebble" by one of our friends. Pretty sure that's going to stick. Thank you Katy!
Well, Happy Friday. What a great day -- what a great week; especially now that we are back up and running at the Stone house. We keep praying for the birthmom that God is going to bring into our lives and the beautiful miracle that will come from that. Please pray with us.
Much love friends! K and K
And as always, a little snapshot of our week:
