New Orleans on Film

We try to get to New Orleans as often as we can. This trip was short but was enough to fill my spirit until the next time we are able to visit.

Would you believe me if I told you that the celebration images are a funeral? The streets are constantly filled with music, and each door way holds history that you could almost feel.

all images shot on the Mamiya/Sekor with Kodak Portra 400

 

 

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Lucas + Kristen

Lucas and Kristen met in middle school and started dating soon after.  They celebrated their wedding day on their 9th anniversary!!! Started dating in 2010 and married in 2019!!!!  The very same date, at the very place where they had one of their first dances together, so many years ago at a school dance. This day was full of so many joyful memories! It was straight out of a fairy tale.

Every time that I have had the honor of photographing Lucas and Kristen, I am reminded of how amazing love is. They are simply perfect for one another! Always concerned with the others’ needs. Looking out for each other, only speaking the kindest words, and sometimes silly nicknames to each other.

They chose The Wilds for their wedding because of the memories this place has for them.  How incredibly special is that?!

Thank you, Lucas and Kristen for having me. It was an honor to be a part of your day.

 

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The Wilds Golf Club – Prior Lake MN

The Wedding Shoppe – St. Paul MN

Midwest Sound – Steven Pinex

Davids Bridal & Azzazie – Bridesmaid Dresses

SAVVI Suites

Hair & Makeup – Angela with Plush Beauty Lounge

Forget Me Not Floral – Lisa

Hyvee Bakery

 

 

 

Steve + Stacy

You are so beautiful, I am so proud of you and the woman that you have become, you are going to have a wonderful life, I love you so much….

Words that every woman should be told at some point in their lives. The exact words that Stacy’s mother told her as she buttoned each precious button on her daughters wedding dress.

This day was full of so much love, so much peace and joy that you could feel it in the air. Steve and Stacy chose to have an intimate ceremony at their church home surrounded by their closest family and friends. It was an incredible, sweet and beautiful ceremony. The joy filled tears where seen throughout the room.

I loved that Steve and Stacy were not shy about the foot of snow that we trudged through to get to their first look location. It was so them! We laughed and smiled the entire time. After the ceremony everyone headed to W.A. Front and Company in St. Paul for drinks and a meal. The setting was absolutely perfect. I loved the warmth of the room as everyone mingled and shares stories with one another.

Florist – Forever in Bloom Floral

Hair & Makeup – @kmorenson & @allieknutsonhair

Venue – W.A. Frost

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Emmitt’s in Home Newborn Session

Emmitt’s sweet family have been clients of mine for a few years. Ever since their oldest, Harry was born. I can’t believe he will be 3 this year! I was so excited that I was able to photograph this sweet, in home newborn session.

With everything that has been going on it felt so wonderful to get back to what felt like my normal day to day! Also, I adore this family! Snuggling little newborn Emmitt was a dream! He was a wonderful little baby for his session! So happy and content! I hope you enjoy this sweet and cozy session as well. It’s the perfect day to snuggle up together and rest and don’t forget to take time to jump on the bed and snuggle your fur babies too!

Cheers…

 

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Girma & Tsion’s Garden of the Gods Engagement Session

When I arrived at the Garden of the Gods park in Colorado Springs that morning it took my breath away!

I walked all around the park searching for the best places for photos and being in complete awe of my surroundings. I was totally overwhelmed by the beauty all around me! How on earth did I get the honor of being in this place and then get an even higher honor to be with this incredible couple?!

All I had to do was tell them to stand near each other and the chemistry and magic happened all on its own.

The photos speak for themselves and they made my job super easy that day! I can’t wait to celebrate more with them in September.

 

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My Husband is Crazy!

Strong words? Maybe, for some anyway. But not for us!

I have heard those words so many times over the last few years.

I have even said them.

I sat on a beach in Florida once talking to Jason on the phone while I watched our oldest daughter play in the waves. He said, ” I have something to talk to you about.”

“OK,” I answered, thinking nothing of it at all. As I watched Paisley play and rubbed my 24-week pregnant belly, he told me about what God had been teaching him. We were on a vacation without him since he was busy with work. He continued to tell me that he was going to work only part time for his current company and work the rest for the church for pretty much no pay- that we needed to honor this call.

I said ” I think you’re crazy, but OK.”

I will never forget that. It was October of 2012. I immediately told my parents about his decision. They gave me interesting looks and also said, “OK”

Not even a year later he left his full time job to work full time for our church as a Youth and Associate Pastor. It wasn’t long after our second daughter was born.

So we went from two pretty good incomes to a pretty small one and my income as a photographer, which is never reliable.

I got asked by a lot of our friends, “Are you guys crazy?” and, “What are you thinking?”

And now we are here. We have added another child, Jason finished school a few years ago and is officially ordained, and we are now planting a church!!!

He struggled for a while with taking possible jobs with other churches, doing interviews and visits. But nothing ever felt right. He woke up one morning and said “Babe, I think I have to plant a church.” This time I didn’t say, “Are you Crazy.” I said, “I know.”

So many people would look at this and think that it was dumb, that it would be an irresponsible decision for a husband and father of 3 to pretty much go jobless and start a church.

I don’t see it that way. I think he is crazy brave. It takes so much courage to fully walk in faith. To get up everyday and push towards a goal that you can’t see. To also continue to lift me up when I am feeling unsure. When I can’t see this plan. When all my fears and anxiety set in. It takes bravery. He is the bravest man I know.

And all along, God has been faithful. That’s how I know we’re doing the right thing. We have NEVER been late on a payment, missed a meal, or had empty tanks. In fact, we have lived bigger and fuller lives in the last 2 years than I could ever have imagined. Because let me tell you what- we serve one crazy God.

A God that is not afraid to dream big and push us to the limit so that we can also see His plan. He is a wild God, so what is stopping us from believing Him?

I’ll tell you what it is. It’s our own fear.

Fear of failure

Fear of judgment

Fear of letting go of this world’s crap

Fear of looking silly

Fear of looking crazy

Fear, fear, fear…

We serve a God that’s not afraid. So when will we learn to stop being afraid ourselves? Start thinking differently about the crazy ones. They are the ones who might just have something figured out.

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I am So Embarrassed!

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As I sit here typing this my mouth is still totally numb.

It’s numb from the root canal that I just had to have done…

I had to have the root canal because I haven’t been to the dentist in 7 years!!!! Can you believe that. I bet you can. Because somewhere out there another woman is reading this and thinking the same thing… “I really should get into the dentist”

I haven’t been because I have pushed it off. Because my mouth didn’t hurt and it would cost too much. I also never made the time. Finding time for yourself is hard enough as a mom, but time to actually take care of yourself seems even harder unless it feels urgent. About a year ago I noticed that my tooth felt funny. Turns out a piece had broken off. And then another small piece and another. But still I had no pain. So I actually made an appointment to get it checked out. Had I done the yearly dental checks they would have caught this and taken care of it with a small filling, but now I’m out a whole bunch of money and have a numb mouth. COME ON KRISTA!!!!

On another self-care tip. I have always had bad eyes…. I promise it does not affect my job as a photographer but it sure does effect my driving, reading, writing, watching TV and computer work! So I thought I’d get my eyes checked since night-time driving seems so much worse. And sure enough my eyes have gotten worse since the last check up which was… about 7 years ago. My right eye in fact has gotten 7 times worse.

When I covered my left eye at the appointment to read that handy chart, I could only see the very top letter. A big fat “E” the rest was a complete blur. I actually started crying. That poor eye tech guy didn’t even know what to do with me!

Are you seeing a trend here….

7 years between visits

7 times worse

Our oldest just turned 7

I really like the number 7, but not today.

Today I am so frustrated with myself.

If I am not taking care of myself how can I expect to take care of my family. The ones who need me most. In the past 7 years all I have done is make excuses for why I can’t go to the dentist or eye doctor. Why I can’t do so many things and that’s all they are, excuses.

The definition of excuse is…

  1. :attempt to lessen the blame attaching to (a fault or offense); seek to defend or justify.
    For so long I sought to defend my reasoning.
    I don’t have time.
    We don’t have the money.
    Who will watch my kids.
    I don’t need it.
    It’s not a big deal.
    And now look what I have done….

What do you need to do today to stop making excuses?

To take better care of yourself so that you can then turn around and take the best care of those around you? I can’t stress this enough. 7 minutes is too long to wait to make that call. Set up that appointment, get up earlier, start fresh. You owe it to yourself.

 

 

 

Mason & Selin : Ceder Lake Engagement Session

When I went to Florida last March to photograph Steven and Hope’s wedding I never anticipated meeting a new client.

Selin walked into the bridal house and introduced herself right away. I instantly wanting to be her friend. She brings light into every room she walks into. We got to spend most of the wedding day together. She was Hope’s personal attendant! We hugged as I left the wedding and said we would stay in touch!

Soon after she reached out to me about her own engagement!!  I couldn’t be more excited for this couple!! Mason proposed on April fools day at Minnehaha falls. He had gathered all of Selin’s closest friends and family and surprised her!

They wanted their engagement session to be near the water. Their wedding will be at a lake resort this July! I am so thankful for meeting this couple in Florida of all places. They have brought so much joy to my life. I can’t wait to celebrate with them on their wedding day.

 

 

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Alaina’s In Home Newborn Session

I so love a sweet in home newborn session.

I met this beautiful family 2 years ago for their son Luke’s newborn session.  This is one of my favorite parts of this amazing thing that I get to call a job… that I get to watch families and children grow.

Sweet Alaina was born on the 8th of October. Katie and Josh chose to wait and see whether their baby would be a boy or a girl. This is one of the best surprises I think this life has to offer for us.

I hope you enjoy this sweet session and that it fills you with joy and hope today!

 

Warmly,

Krista

 

 

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A Maui Family Session!

Our recent trip to Maui was incredible on its own. Then we were introduced to this beautiful family. We sat on their front porch and ate a dinner spread, drank wine and talked about life, kids, ministry and shared our dreams for the future.

Having the opportunity to photograph them made the trip that much better.

Hello! Beautiful family on a beautiful beach in Maui? Need I say more?

Casey, Brie, Georgia and Isaac it was so wonderful to meet you all the way in Maui! I cant wait to get to know you all better!

 

Location: Oneloa Beach

Dan & Kristi’s Chic Country Wedding

Last fall Dan invited his girl friend Kristi to go out and practice shooting arrows with him. Little did she know that Dan had a big surprise planned. Dan kept encouraging her to hit the target correctly and when they finally got it a sign fell asking if Kristi would be his bride!

How awesome is that engagement story? From there Dan and Kristi dreamed about the perfect fall wedding on Dan’s family farm.

And it was just that! I was completely blown away by the attention to detail and all the hard work that they had all put in to the big day. It was so beautiful. From the hand made arch that Dan and Kristi said their vows under to all the painted sign’s and the sweet florals that hung around Emma (their dogs) neck. The day was perfect!

Dan and Kristi were married in the corn field that his family has tended for over 40 years. His dad Bob, told me that “this is God’s land” and he was so proud to have his soon be getting married on it.

Right after the ceremony we all jumped on the tractor trailer for a ride down dirt roads and ended the night dancing to an awesome country band.

Dan and Kristi!!!! Congratulations on your wedding day and thank you so much for having me.

 

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