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
I first met Mason & Selin in Florida, of all places. They were guests at a wedding I was photographing there. Read more about how we met here.
I had been so excited about this wedding. Simply because of them. We have become so close over the last year and I am so excited to see how they grow in love and what they accomplish in this world. Because I know that they will do great things together.
Their wedding day was perfect! I felt like I got to be a part of their fairy tail day!
One of those weddings that I want to relive over and over again! You could feel the joy all day long.
Mason and Selin met as little kids. Selin actually told a childhood friend the day she saw Mason that she was going to marry that boy! How amazing, to know your husband since you were both so young. To literally, grow up together.
I hope you enjoy this beautiful lake side wedding at The Quarterdeck Resort.
More to come soon on Selin’s sunrise session the next day!
Mason and Selin chose not to see each other before their ceremony. They had a moment alone, with eyes closed to talk and pray. I could hardly keep myself together standing in that room. Sweet Mason wouldn’t even touch her dress, he didn’t want it to give him any hints of what it looked like before she walked down the isle.
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!
Venue: The Grand Event Center
Florist: Judy’s Floral Design
Cake & Cupcakes: Bluebird BakeryÂ
Hair & Makeup: Salon OnyxÂ
Dresses & Suits: The Wedding Shoppe Inc.Â
DJ: Midwest Sound
How did I get to be the way that I am? Is it my generation, or this fast paced world that we live in? If we aren’t making the most noise does anyone even hear us?
I am a doer, a go getter and a mover. My brain never stops thinking and processing and moving. Until the last year I never really noticed how much I just went… without thinking. I constantly feel rushed and that if I am not moving then I must be wasting time. I have been doing so much soul searching since I turned 30. Now 32 I have never felt more of a pull to slow down. To watch more, listen more, and be still.
I don’t think my crave for adventure and new things will ever go away, that’s part of who I am. But, I can do it slower. Just like my parenting.
This last winter has felt so long here in Minnesota. I happened to be driving by my favorite Green House, Queen Beez, one afternoon and decided to swing in with Georgia and Bowdy to feel some warmth and see green living plants! Crystal, the owner is a sweetheart and let us hang out in the warm green house with her. I was in no rush to get back home to what can most days feel so full of mundane chores. So we stayed. Crystal let Georgia help her fill seed starters with dirt while Bowdy played with a truck and chased around the Green House puppy.
We spent an hour or so chatting and playing and I was happy. Happy just to watch and listen and feel the dirt on my hands. We of course left with a few new plants and happy hearts.
It has been one of my goals to parent slower. To speak with a calmer voice, to not rush them when they are just trying to understand this world they are growing in! Because they are so innocent yet. So in awe of every new thing that they see. Â These kids just want to soak it all up (and so do I) so why do I feel the need to rush it all?
Slow was my inspiration for these Green House sessions. To stop and learn to grow. It was such a joy to have Sophia and her beautiful girls Beatrice & Elouise join me for the morning session. We all need a good reminder to slow down and enjoy the moments before they are gone.
Location: Queen Bee’s Lawn & Garden Prior LakeÂ
Sophia is Wearing: Stone + Willow
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!
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…
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.
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