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Brandon + Maria

Published on May 16, 2018May 16, 2018 by Krista ReynoldsLeave a comment

Imagine this…

You are all comfy at home and ready to do your evening workout routine. You do this often and sometimes you FaceTime with your boyfriend and you do the workouts together, since you live a few hours apart! What a great way to hang out together! However, this time instead of him calling you, you get a knock on your front door. A little confused, you go to answer the door in your workout gear to see your boyfriend standing there asking you to be his wife!

And that is how it all started for Maria. To top it all off, it was also her birthday!

Now that is an awesome birthday gift! A surprise visit and proposal from the guy you love!

Brandon & Maria’s wedding day was held at All Saints Catholic Church in Lakeville, MN and the reception was in the stunning and charming town of Northfield, at The Grand Event Center. They chose The Grand because of their love for music and the history that The Grand holds.

The day was perfect and full of so many laughs! My favorite part of the day was Maria’s sister’s speech. She put together the best compilation of songs and sang out Brandon and Maria’s love story! So thoughtful and so entertaining! Thank you so much Brandon and Maria for sharing this incredible day with me.

Cheers to many, many happy years!

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Venue: The Grand Event Center

Florist: Judy’s Floral Design

Cake & Cupcakes: Bluebird Bakery

Hair & Makeup: Salon Onyx

Dresses & Suits: The Wedding Shoppe Inc.

DJ: Midwest Sound

Grant’s Studio Newborn Session

Published on March 7, 2018 by Krista ReynoldsLeave a comment

The sweetest little newborn session! I always love when families come out to the studio for their sessions. The lighting is my favorite. Its almost edible! Baby Grant was total perfection for hi session. He slept the entire time and loved all the cuddles. Big sister Quinn was so loving and I always enjoy giving the older sibling some time in front of the camera alone!

I hope this brings you joy today! That you feel the sweetness all over!

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I am So Embarrassed!

Published on January 23, 2018January 23, 2018 by Krista ReynoldsLeave a comment

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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…

: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.

Alaina’s In Home Newborn Session

Published on October 18, 2017October 18, 2017 by Krista ReynoldsLeave a comment

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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Mark & Courtney – World Changers!

Published on August 18, 2017January 9, 2018 by Krista Reynolds2 Comments

Mark and Courtney met while out one night with friends. They went on their first date two nights later and have been inseparable ever since. It’s so easy to love this couple!

I had met Mark a few years ago at another wedding and then later that same year at his sisters wedding. He is such an incredible guy and his family radiates that same nature as well. I am continually blown away at the people that I have met just this year. The families and the stories that I get to be a part of.

Mark and Courtney had such an awesome day! Everything was wonderful. I especially loved their ceremony. Their Pastor spoke about the way that great marriages have the ability to change the world. I fully believe this. And if any couple is going to make big changes its going to be Mark and Courtney. The kindness and love that they share with others is completely genuine. I wish you could all personally know them. I am so looking forward to seeing how they change the world with their love story!

Another amazing and surprisingly fun part of their day was when Goldy Gopher showed up during the best man’s speech! He even stayed and danced the night away with everyone. Now that’s an awesome wedding gift!

Mark and Courtney- thank you so much for sharing your love story with me.

Cheers…

Venue: Minnesota Valley Country Club

Church: St. John Neumann Catholic Church

D.J.: Instant Request

Florist: Design in Bloom

Cake: Hyvee (Eagan location/ Baker Kelley

Dress: Effie’s Bridal

Bridesmaids Dress’s: Davids Bridal

Hair & Make-up: Primped

Party Bus: Aspen Limos

Suits: Savvi Formalwear

Mike & Kelsey’s Garden Wedding

Published on July 26, 2017 by Krista ReynoldsLeave a comment

Where do I even begin?

How is it that I met Kelsey in the 6th grade and now got the chance to photograph her wedding?! That’s right… 6th grade!

I love the way that things work out and the people that we get to meet in life. I stood in awe of it all during the ceremony on this specific wedding day. You are so meant to meet every person you come across in your life!

Kelsey and Mike met while both working in Austin, MN for Hormel. This was Kelsey’s first job right out of college, and thank goodness it was, because that’s where she met the man of her dreams.

Their wedding day was full of friends and family. Kelsey comes from a large and very close family. I loved all the hugs and laughter that happened. There was so much life the entire day.

They all got ready at the Crown Plaza Minneapolis in Plymouth. A beautiful hotel. While getting ready, Mike pointed out his cuff links that were his dads. They are stunning.

From there we made our way to Millennium Garden. Kelsey had fallen in love with this venue because of all its beauty. Flowers and trees everywhere, surrounded by paths and water. It is a beautiful place! Plus the ceremony and reception were both held there, making it super easy for guests.

I loved the colors of the day. The bright pinks and jewels against the greens of the gardens popped! Also, I’m pretty sure Kelsey and Mike had the best cake I have had in a long time. I might have had two pieces. But who’s counting?!

It was an incredible day to be a part of and I am so honored to have been.

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Florals: Lakeside Floral

Catering: Mintahoe Catering

DJ: Party Unit

Cake: Buttercream Bakery

Luke & Leigh – A Joy Filled Sioux Falls Wedding.

Published on July 18, 2017 by Krista ReynoldsLeave a comment

When Leigh reached out to me and asked if I would photograph their wedding I was mostly in shock. You see… Leigh was one of our youth students and how in the world is it possible that she could be getting married??? She was in my mind still only 15 years old.

Time has a funny way of moving faster the older I get.

She is no longer 15 and in high school. She is in fact an amazing young woman. Who went off to college in Sioux Falls South Dakota and met an amazing young man named Luke who loves her like crazy.

The day was filled with so much joy! I don’t have many other words to describe it other then joy. As I go through the images that’s all I see. Big smiling faces.

Luke and Leigh had their wedding at the Leif Ericson YMCA Camp in Sioux Falls. Luke had worked there in the past and it was the perfect setting for their day! They were surrounded by the sweetest of friends who have walked with them through their story. Both together and separately. It was a beautiful day! It spoke so clearly to who they are as a couple.

My favorite part of the day was the vows. Luke and Leigh chose to write their own vows. I love when couples do this. Leigh had the entire church laughing and crying with hers. She promised to not only love Luke, honor and serve him but to also watch Star Wars with him until she could have intelligent conversations with him about it. That’s love for sure!

Thank you Luke and Leigh for having me. And so much congratulations on your wedding!

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Reception Site: Leif Erickson YMCA Camp

Hair and Makeup: Beauty Lounge LLC

Dress: Lace Bridal (Etsy)

Caterer: Rollin’ Pin Cafe’ & Grill

Keanu & Sarah – A sunrise wedding on the North Shore

Published on July 6, 2017January 9, 2018 by Krista ReynoldsLeave a comment

My first meeting with Sarah and Keanu was so much fun. They originally had been planning a traditional fall wedding for this year. But after chatting with them it was clear that that’s not what they really had in mind. We started dreaming together about what an elopement would look like on the North Shore. It was so fun to be a part of dreaming out loud with them.

About a week after our meeting, Keanu called me and asked how I would feel about a sunrise wedding on the North Shore, on the 4th of July! I, being a dreamer and adventurer myslef quickly got on board with this plan!

The morning of the big day was an early one (waking up at 3am) but so worth it. The entire morning truly spoke to who Keanu and Sarah are as a couple. Full of life and spontaneity.

The sunrise gifted us with beautiful pink and blue tones on the the very still waters of the grand Lake Superior. I was so wrapped up in the sweetness of the morning and truly honored to be a part of this intimate ceremony.

The ceremony was held at The Grand Superior Lodge in Two Harbors, MN.

My favorite moment of the morning was the written vows. I love when couples right their own vows. So much love and truth comes out of them.

Thank you so much for having me Keanu and Sarah! It was an amazing wedding to be a part of.