{life candids} photography | blog

{NEW blog!}

2011-01-13T14:46:00.000-08:00

we are starting off this year with a NEW blog!

all new design

& all new awesomenss!

so bookmark this peeps

& change your google readers!

i will leave this one up for now

but anything new will be over at the new one.

{Kate + Bobby} bon voyage | part 1

2010-10-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

remember the sneak peek i posted here & the explanation of this kind of shoot?

well, here is part 1 of 2 sessions! Yes, TWO SESSIONS! we did another session but in the morning with different light. So this is the first session that we did in the late afternoon & i love how they turned out! on their wedding day, kate & bobby did not want to see each other before the ceremony, so we went back to the places where they got ready on the day of. this is a good option especially for those couples who choose not to see each other before hand. we were able to capture their shinning love without the pressure & time constraints from the time crunch a wedding can be under.

gorgeous light. gorgeous couple. madly in love.

{Brindell Family}

2010-10-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

meet the Brindell family.

They are a super fun bunch & the kids are so adorable! Plus they can make the best silly faces. ever.

I had such a good time with them during their session.

enjoy the sneak peek!

-k

{jax & kirsten} | children portraits

2010-10-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

meet Jax.

he is a fiery ball of energy & silly faces.

he has the sweetest little voice & his eyes twinkle when he smiles.

he told me he was going to be a superhero for halloween. no a pirate. no. wait. he doesn't know. oh, how about a pirate. yes. a pirate.

Jax, you're such a handsome little man!

Thanks for the fun session!

meet Kirsten.

she is the big sister of Jax.

she is polite & really sweet, especially towards her little brother.

her eyes are a gorgeous light blue color that reminds me of the color of the ocean in some tropical place.

Thank you, Kirsten for a lovely session, you are gorgeous!

{k}

{Claire + Tom} engagement | SNEAK PEEK!

2010-10-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

meet Claire & Tom.

they're getting hitched next summer.

I had a super fun time with them during their session.

& they're so cute together. it's ridiculous.

enjoy the sneak peek!

{Carrie + Alex} Wedding | Bella Beach, Depoe Bay, OR.

2010-10-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

The day was beautiful. The forecast a week prior indicated rain. No surprises there. It's the coast. The Oregon Coast. & generally if it's not raining there, its cold & super windy. However, on that day, the sun shinned its lustrous light down & bathed the beach in a warm glow.

Alex was busy setting up the spot on the beach where he was to say "i do" while his future wife, Carrie, was in the beach house getting ready.

The beach community of Bella Beach is so picturesque. Adorable, beach-y houses lined in a row adorned with cute-sy beach attire. Which matched perfectly with both Alex & Carrie's care-free personalities. They are both laid back and easy-going & have the most adorable son. He followed me around all day wanting to know if he could watch dump trucks on my phone! :)

Carrie looked gorgeous in her gown. So breezy & flow-y.

The light in the beach house was to die for. simply gorgeous.

Their son walked his momma down the aisle. It was so sweet & short lived. He stopped about 5 steps on to the sand & just dove right in playing, scooping & digging!

The ceremony was absolutely lovely. & that light. it was amazing.

After the ceremony, we snapped some family portraits along the beach in the unreal-this-can't-really-be-Oregon-coast light.

Congratulations Alex & Carrie. We had a wonderful time capturing your moments & we're so glad we could be a part of the special day!

many blessings,
{k&r}

{Smith :: Griffin} Wedding | Mt. Hood Bed & Breakfast

2010-10-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Fists were involved. Double fists. & punches to the face. Wii boxing & a little nudging from her cousin, who was also a friend of his. POW! She knocked him out & captured his heart in one fail swoop.

That night in December, JoAnne was hanging out at her cousin's Erik's house playing Wii when Josh stopped by. He was a friend of Erik's {& secretly Erik & his wife were scheming to get them two together}. Josh was so impressed by this girl, who virtually knocked him to the ground, that he had to have her number.

Fast forward a year later, after being gone in training for the Army National Guard, Josh was able to come home for the holidays. Despite the 3 and a half months of separation, they expressed their love for one another through the form of hand written letters.

Christmas day arrived full of wonderment, Josh had a letter for JoAnne to read, one that he wasn't able to send, so he said. Being blinded without her glasses on, she asked for him to read it out loud. The tears began to form when she heard him utter the words, asking her to be his wife.

He was knocked out & fell in love with her from the beginning, despite any sort of lack of video gaming skills & losing his pride because any time a girl beats a guy at a video game he only has a number of choices. 1.) demand a rematch {potentially awkward if she beats you again} or 2. just marry her.

He chose wisely ;)

August 27, 2010 was the day their forever began. Mt. Hood Bed & Breakfast was the perfect backdrop for their day. Mt. Hood decided to hide until right before the ceremony. The clouds broke, the sun beamed down, kissing them as if to give a blessing upon their marriage.

Tucked away in a cozy cabin, her girls helped JoAnne get all gussied up.

She looked absolutely stunning in her gown which she purchased at the Brides Against Breast Cancer event.

The boys had a cozy cabin of their own to chill out in.

Together with her aunts, sister & mom they handmade the bouquets & all the center pieces.

Flowers were purchased at freshrosepetals.com & also hand picked from Fleur de Lew in Boring, OR.

Josh & JoAnne chose to have a First Look before the ceremony. It was probably one of the most emotional ones I have witnessed. Tears formed in my eyes!

He turned around and just beamed with joy & love for his beautiful bride.

They compliment each other so well.

super fun bridal party!

packing some serious heat!

he's a cop & she's pretty much HOT!

{disclaimer: do not try this at home.}

The lovely cake & catering was provided by Palate Pleaser

The maid of honor handmade all the little party favor jams

The ceremony couldn't have been more perfect. The sun was shinning, Mt. Hood was peering in the background & they couldn't stop smiling at each other. It was perfect.

delicious, yummy light with this gorgeous couple & gorgeous views! my camera LOVED it!!!

I have to say that Mt. Hood B&B was an amazing venue for such a special day!

Congratulations Josh & JoAnne, we had an amazing time capturing all the moments that unfolded in your perfect beginning of forever!

many blessings,

{k & r}

{the M family} | Family session

2010-10-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

meet the M family.

they are simply adorable.

super cute kids!

this photo cracks me up. I'd say to them to put their arms around each other & she'd put her hand on his face. brother doesn't look too thrilled, eh?! haha. love it.

they will soon be a family of 5 this winter!

lovely light. lovely momma.

M family,
you guys have such a lovely family. i had a wonderful time with you guys during our session!
& congratulations on the soon-to-be bundle of joy! ;)

many blessings,
{k}

{Jessie + Michael} wedding | SNEAK PEEK!

2010-10-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

{Kate + Bobby} wedding | Gresham, OR.

2010-09-27T00:14:00.000-07:00

It all began in the second grade. He liked her. She like him. That is until one fail swoop of him trying to hold her hand. They never got past "like" & were just friends from then on.

After high school graduation, Kate's family held a celebration at their place. Bobby was invited, along with the rest of their classmates. Growing up in the country & knowing there her parents lived way out in the woods, he felt it was appropriate to arrive in a stylish manner. On a four-wheeler.

It was that day that Kate's interest in Bobby grew a little more than just "like". They took off together on a ride & that pretty much set the course for their relationship.

Four years later while on a riding their four-wheelers in Hood River for the day they stopped for lunch. Kate was busily setting their grub out, admiring the beautiful scenery. Bobby beckoned for her to turn around. There he was, down on one knee, with a ring in his hand. The same boy who had tried to hold this girl's hand many years before was now begging for her hand in marriage.

Their forever officially began on August 20, 2010. They had been waiting for this day to come & it was nothing short of wonderful.

The sun glistened down while Kate was surrounded by all of the girls in her family, including the new soon-to-be ones. They laughed & had a good time while getting their hair & make-up done at Alter Ego Salon, by Kate's co-workers.

Kate looked absolutely stunning in her Casablanca-Diamond Collection gown.

{Charlotte's Bridal Boutique and more.}

These gorgeous flowers were done by Dorinda Malsey. I loved how they were all different.

So unique, fresh & vibrant!

I love working with this bunch! I've had the honor to have captured many moments in this family's lives & they are so fun!

Kate & Bobby chose not to have a First Look & they allowed RJ & I to get creative. We brought them together but not to "see" each other. We were recreating a shot from their engagement session.

You could feel their anticipation here!

The ceremony was held at Kate's family's church, St. Henry's.

The party got started over at Club Paesano. It provided the backdrop for their western inspired reception!

Frank Bratcher, of Bust-a-move kept the party going! Oh boy, was there dancing!

& now the boy gets to hold the girl's hand whenever he wants from now & forevermore.

Congratulations Kate & Bobby! We were so honored to be apart of your special day!

many blessings,

{k&r}

Shout out to the vendors!

videographer: Jeffery Haney, Lights in the attic
caterer: Mark and Angie, Special Occasions catering and events LLC
Linens: Dimitry Haywards, Haywards Decorations and linens
Bridal store: Charlotte's Bridal Boutique and more.
Bridal gown: Casablanca-Diamond Collection
Florist: Dorinda Malsey
DJ: Frank Bratcher, Bust-a-move
Shoes: LANE
Cake: Helen Bernhard

{noah} | Newborn session

2010-09-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

meet Noah.

We had an impromptu photo session with this 'lil guy at a Starbucks along I5 last weekend. His dad, Sam, is RJ's best friend from high school & him & his wife just recently moved north from being down south for many years. It was so great to see them & their new addition. Noah is so sweet & slept soundly the whole time we were there.

Noah is in good hands. Sam & Steph are going to be great parents. It was so surreal seeing Sam hold him, feed him a bottle & burp him! I know without a doubt Sam is going to be a fantastic dad.

Congrats Steph & Sam. Noah is beautiful & such a blessing! It was so great to meet up with you all!

many blessings,

{k & r}

baby yawns are the best :)

{meet Jacob} | Newborn session

2010-09-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

meet Jacob.

His initials spell J.O.E.L. which is his grandfather's name & he is the first boy in this family of all girls on his mother's side besides his gramps. So I am sure they are kindred spirits & will be the best of buds.

Jacob is the first born of one of my ~~clients~~ friends. RJ & I have had the sheer honor to follow them throughout the telling of their love story with our cameras & now with this new journey.

Jen & Brett are amazing people, so giving, kind & generous. I know they are going to be amazing parents & shower little Jacob with loads of love & smooches.

I am beyond thrilled for you Jen & Brett as you enter in this new chapter of your lives. Jacob is so adorable!

many blessings,

{k}

{Lisa + Teres} SNEAK PEEK! | Portland Wedding

2010-09-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

despite a downpour of rain, these two love birds cozied up 'neath an umbrella & vowed to spend the rest of their days together.

Congrats Lisa & Teres!

enjoy the sneak peek!

{carrie & alex} wedding | SNEAK PEEK!

2010-09-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

{joanne + josh} SNEAK PEEK! | Mt. Hood Bed & Breakfast Wedding

2010-09-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

joanne & josh's big day was just glorious. the weather, the scenery, their faces beaming with joy & love all day. nothing short of perfect.

enjoy the sneak peek!

{codie + alex} SNEAK PEEK! | Seattle engagement session

2010-09-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

meet Codie & Alex.

they are no longer sleepless in Seattle.

{Jordan + Jess} | Broken Top, Bend OR. Wedding

2010-09-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

It all began with a simple date to prom between best friends senior year of high school. They had known each other since the 6th grade & had inally became a couple. Their love grew steady over the years. Not even the distance of separation during college could keep their love a part. Her at one college, him at another.

After college days were over and a new chapter in the AmeriCoprs began, they moved to Seattle together. To be together. Amongst all the ongoings of unpacking & getting settled in a new place, Jordan prepared dinner & suggested a stroll along Redondo Beach, close to their apartment. The Sound offered a perfect evening, the sun dipping below the majestic Olympics mountains across the way, begging to be stared at & bask in all its glory. She gazed, then turned around the find him on one knee, ring in hand.

Their new chapter began August 14, 2010.

The day was perfect.

Broken Top Club in Bend offered a perfect day to start their lives as Mr. & Mrs. Tall pines & whispering birch trees perched ever-so around a cozy lodge adorned with twinkle lights & glowing candles. They couldn't have picked a more perfect spot for this perfect day.

Jess looked stunning in her Mori Lee gown & had the cutest orange flats by Bonefish.

{Rosewood Bridal}

The colors were so vibrant, & fun, which reflected perfectly with Jess' fun personality.

Her girls wore brightly colored flowers in their hair.

Gorgeous flowers were done by Le Fleur Jardin in Bend.

They did a fabulous job. The same fun, fresh color palette.

They saw each other for the first time that day during their "first look".

The moment was so lovely. Pure joy radiated from both of their faces.

Jess made the most gorgeous bride.

The color palette was perfect. Bright hues of pinks, oranges & greens.

The ceremony took place in front of a small lake. It was a perfect backdrop to say their vows.

Jordan's nephew was the ring bearer & he had to stop before heading down the aisle to tell me that was his job. :)

The newly minted Mr. & Mrs.

All the details of their day reflected their fun spirit. Even down to their shoes!

& even more with their fun bridal party!

The reception took place inside the Lodge that had stunning views over the lake.

Lover's of brews, Jess & Jordan had two special local beers on tap. Twilight Ale {Deschutes Brewery}

& Blonde Bombshell {Cascade Brewery}

This gorgeous cake was done by Ray's Food Place in Bend.

Jess' lovely sister sang the happy couple two songs from the anthology of The Beatles.

The first dance as husband & wife.

It was a perfect day for the newest chapter in the lives.

Jordan & Jess, thank you for allowing us the honor to capture all those perfect moments that made up your day.

many blessings,

{k & r}

{melt.my.heart.}

2010-09-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

seriously. so. adorable.

{baby bump love} | maternity session

2010-09-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

meet paige.

she is one of my newer besties.

she is married to one of my older besties, david.

david & i grew up together.

we attended the same school from kindergarden on & his mom was our spanish teacher! {¡hola señora miller!}

he is captain in the air force & just got back from deployment.

he has not seen her baby bump in person until about a week ago.

so after their little babymoon getaway, they stopped by for a quick photo session.

i adore them both & couldn't be happier for them.

i just know they are going to be amazing parents!

they are both so fun to be around & so genuine.

congratulations david & paige.

i wish you both the best with the rest of the pregnancy & the welcoming of your baby boy!

love you BOTH!

many blessings,

{k}

paige is just radiant.

gorgeous!

lovelovelovelove it.

i can't think of any other word than GORGEOUS!

refashion

2010-09-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

raise your hand if you have been known to accidentally drop food down your shirt every once in a while.

{mine is raised.}

& it never fails, when i am eating something that involves mustard, it always ends on down the front my shirt. & mustard doesn't come out so easily. of course, its summer, tank top weather, i'm wearing my most fav tank & eating a hot dog. when low and behold mustard ends up on the front of said fav tank.

cripes.

the darned mustard didn't come out the first go around, so thinking i was being brilliant because the stain was on the white part of the stripes, i dabbed the teeniest amount of bleach on the spots. & said fav tank is ruined & i am not going for that 80's bleached look either. bummer.

so i remembered a tutorial from one of my super crafty friends, Care, & she made a cute, quick, easy scarf. grabbed my scissors & cut the tank & made it in to a scarf!

now i can wear it all fall. yay!

its gray, which happens to be one of my fall colors!

so a silly mistake turned in to a great refashion!

{k}

SNEAK PEEK! {kate + bobby} | bon voyage session

2010-09-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

Back fresh from their Cancun honeymoon, the newly minted Mr. & Mrs. decided to have what I call the, "bon voyage" session.

Some other photogs call it a "trash the dress" or "day after" session. This session is where the bride & groom dress back up in their wedding attire {or in this case, the groom wore something more his style}, hair & make up done, small bouquet & have more time doing portraits of just them together without the time constraints & pressure of the wedding day.

The session lasts about 2-3 hours & we have fun getting portraits of them, plus it doesn't matter if the dress gets a bit dirty! So we can give that wedding dress a proper send off! Bon Voyage dress!

I have to say, this is quickly becoming one of my favs. I love it!

Since Kate & Bobby just got back from their honeymoon, they had this extra glow about them, which I think radiated through the whole shoot. I loved working with them, their personalities are so fun & vibrant & not to mention Kate is gorgeous! {you did good Bobby!}

i. love. this. photo!!!!

gorgeous, gorgeous, GORGEOUS!!!!!

Thanks Kate & Bobby for allowing me to do this shoot with you two! You both are a complete joy to work with!

Many blessings,
{k}

p.s.
future brides! if you'd like to do this session too, please let me know! its included in some of my packages or it can added on a la carte!

{s + c} | engagement SNEAK PEEK!

2010-09-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

meet Stu & Celia.

they are getting married next September! I met up with them over the long, holiday weekend for their engagement session. They were super friendly & a little camera shy at first, but warmed up quickly in front of the camera. They told me how they met, fell in love & how he proposed {a countdown of sorts she created! more on that later!} & he even designed the ring!

enjoy the sneak peek!

{k}

{kate + bobby} | wedding SNEAK PEEK!

2010-09-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

kate & bobby's big day was fabulous!

we've had the pleasure to get capture their love story as it unfolded. in fact, kate & i chatted about ideas for her wedding day before bobby had even proposed! the next day, i got a call from kate exclaiming she was to be a married woman & wanted to book us for her big day!!! see their super fun engagement photos here.

you see, if you're new to the blog or don't personally know me, i've known both kate and bobby since they were tiny grade schoolers when i was a super cool middle schooler. & kate does my hair, so we get to all sorts of chattering on those occasions! We girls, like to talk! amen?! amen.

loooong story short. we've been excited about their day for quite some time!

enjoy the sneak peek!

{Lisa + Matt} | Mcmenamins Edgefield Wedding

2010-09-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

meet Lisa & Matt.

Their love story begins back in high school. Little did they know, but they first laid eyes on each other during the bus rides their freshman year. It wasn't until their sophomore year that Matt made his move. He had seen her sitting with friends at lunch, thinking it was a total sly move, he sat down, slid his phone to her & asked for her digits. She thought he was cute, so why not. Their love began to blossom but fell to the wayside once summer vaca began.

Love bloomed again in the Spring of their junior year. Fast forward to Christmas eve of last year. Lisa was hanging out with family & was patiently awaiting Matt's arriving for the holiday when something arrived on the front porch. That something was a gift. Not just any gift, it was a large box wrapped up.

Filled with wonderment, she unwrapped the huge box. Thoughts swirling around in her mind. What could it be? Surprise! It was Matt, "I'm here!" he exclaimed!!!

Then before she knew it, he was down on one knee, with ring in hand.

The sun was out shinning brightly on the day they pledged their lives to one another. Beautiful blue skies adorned the grounds at Mcmenamins Edgefield.

Lisa looked exquisite in her gown from David's Bridal.

Matt's friends poured prayers over him before he set out on this new chapter in his life.

Matt & Lisa chose to have a First Look. They saw each other for the first time, in a private, quiet & intimate moment before the ceremony. They hugged, laughed & kissed.

While RJ was getting the photo on the left, I was getting the one on the right. I love First Looks, they are so sweet & sometimes it makes me teary!

Matt's groomsmen were a hoot, making me laugh all day!

especially during the bridal party portraits!

what a fun bunch!

This gorgeous cake was from Sweet Cakes by Melissa.

All the flowers were by Nancy's Floral in Gresham, OR.

Matt & Lisa are such a fun & sweet couple. You could feel the love they have for each other every time we'd ask them to smooch or just look at each other!
We had a wonderful time capturing their moments on their big day.

Congratulations Matt & Lisa!

blessings,
Kristy & RJ.

{Kim + Brent} | The Resort at the Mountain Wedding

2010-09-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

The day was the 24th of July. The first day of the rest of their lives. Kim was busy dolling up for the big day. Make-up & curls are not a part of her daily routine, she is naturally beautiful. However, on that day, she radiated. Stunning. She was about to marry her best friend. The man of her dreams.

The grounds at The Resort at the Mountain were impeccable. Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt. Hood, surrounded by tall Evergreens & the vast blue sky.

The sun kissed everything it touched, a stark contrast to the down pouring of rain during their engagement session. No umbrellas needed on this day!

Kim wore red cowboy boots! So fun!

She had custom made Beaver-inspired garters made. Needless to say they are Beaver Fans.

{no worries, I won't hold it against you! ;) }

Kim looked absolutely gorgeous in her Maggie Sottero gown from Bridal Exclusives

Hair & make up done by the ever-fabulous Kate at Alter Ego Salon.

Brent was ever so handsome in his tux.

The flowers were done by the florist at The Resort. Her bouquet was so unique & gorgeous!

The plant the rings are in is a hen and chick & every year until her grandfather passed, Kim & him would plant a hen & chick plant together. She continued the tradition even after & had the succulent incorporated into her bouquet.

This was so touching & lovely that I knew right away I wanted to capture this image. Seal their tradition so she may always look back & know her grandfather was there on her day.

The ceremony was lovely with funny stories told about one another & of course there were teary moments as well.

Kim & Brent's fun-loving personalities resonate from both their families.

lovely cake provided by Sweet Cakes by Melissa. It was delish!

Fun dancing all night long! Especially from Kim's Papa Jack. He was a hoot!

Congratulations Kim & Brent. Your day was fantastic, & RJ & I felt honored being a part of it!

- {k}

{baby William} | newborn session

2010-08-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

carrying on with the subject of insurmountable joy from the previous post,

meet William.

He is perfect in every way.

I've had the sheer pleasure of photographing this family over the years as it grew from one child to the next. William is happy number three. It took quite a bit to get him here as Becci's road through pregnancy wasn't easy but with the love, support & prayers from family & friends, William arrived safe & sound.

& utterly perfect.

welcome william. so glad you are here.

i love this image. sweet, sweet joy.

the oldest sister, Dorothy, a very proud big sister. She would repeat over and over,

"he is so cute"

melt. my. heart.

-{k}

{jen + brent + baby} | maternity session

2010-08-29T23:06:00.000-07:00

there is no way to describe the euphoric feeling of having your first baby. it's the most amazing journey.

beauty.

grace.

love.

awe.

all come to mind. still it's nothing close to the insurmountable joy that fills your heart.

jen & brett are expecting their first baby due this fall. we've been able to capture their love as it unfolded from the beginning, {first came love} exchanging of their vows, {then came marriage} & now with their expecting bundle of joy.

every time they would talk about meeting the new little man, they'd grin from ear to ear.

enjoy this wonderful journey jen & brett!

{k + b} rehearsal dinner

2010-08-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

Last week RJ & I had the opportunity to capture something a little different than we normally do. We got to shoot a couple's rehearsal dinner! It was kinda last minute & a total surprise to them! The Mother of the Groom, {which happens to be a long time family friend, her older son & I were good friends growing up} called me up with this idea to have us come & take photos at the dinner!

On the day of the rehearsal, the bride had pulled in to the driveway just as we were, she saw us, then had the hugest confused look imaginable. Oh, it was priceless. I hopped out of the car, totally excited to be there & she gave this look like....uh.....WHAT are YOU doing here? {she then turns to someone & says, I didn't pay them for this!!!} LOVE it!

It was so fun to be apart of this laid back, fun dinner.

The bride & groom had silly hats & glasses ...

I don't know what it is, but how can one pass up a super cute pb&j sandwich in the shape of a star?

The theme was countryish

a cutesy dog provided great entertainment!

gorgeous light. gorgeous couple!

family is so important to both the bride & groom & they were definitely surrounded by many loved ones who traveled from all over.

The bride surprised her groom by singing him a sweet song. It got emotional & tears began to shed, even my eyes got all watery!

The couple felt to thankful for all the hard work & support that their immediate families put in to making their day extra special & that could stand on their two feet as a newly married couple that they surprised them with a night's stay at a luxe hotel. more tears were shed here too!

We don't come across too many brides who would give up total control of the wedding cake, but this bride did. So she surprised her groom with a replica of his "baby" {a.ka. his truck!}.

I just love how these families put so much effort in the details to make everything extra special.

RJ & I had been wanting to try out a photobooth that we've been kicking around in our brains for quiet some time. So we thought it would be a fabulous idea to test drive it at the dinner & told the guests to write advice or a special message to the bride & groom.

Needless to say, we got some good, solid advice & many laughs with a theme resonating that the wife is always right. Right hubby??! ;) {i'll answer for him. he says yes.}

A big THANK YOU to both families for allowing us to be a part of this special time in your lives!

{k}

getting back in the blog with things....

2010-08-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

Dear readers {knock, knock? hello, is this thing on?!!} & present/future clients,

after a much needed ~~kick in the pants~~ inspiration from the awesome Jasmine Star {amazing photographer}. I am going to be getting more personal on this blog. I'll try my best to post more often, & about random things that swirl about in the beautiful chaos around my house {hello, I am the mom of two kids, the craziness can't get any more beautiful than that! right?!} After all, I want my clients & future clients to feel like they are friends with me & I with them. So step in to my beautiful chaos. They are my daily inspiration that I was blessed with.

I hope you all visit by often!

-{k}

{Jess + Jordan} MARRIED | SNEAK PEEK!

2010-08-19T22:26:00.000-07:00

August 14, 2009 we were shooting the wedding of this wonderful couple at Black Butte Ranch in Sisters, OR. Fast forward exactly a year later & we had the opportunity to shoot the wedding of this couple at Broken Top Club in Bend, OR.

I'd have to say that I absolutely love shooting in Central Oregon!

A love like ours
Could never die
As long as I
Have you near me

Bright are the stars that shine
Dark is the sky
I know this love of mine
Will never die
And I love her

-"And I Love Her" The Beatles, sung by the bride's sister

Congratulations Jess & Jordan!
Enjoy the sneak peek!

{Johnson :: Demski} wedding | SNEAK PEEK!

2010-08-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

Last week we had the pleasure photographing this super cute couple on their big day. They were nervous & excited to see each other but once they did, all that nervousness fell away & nothing but love beamed. The ceremony was beautiful, the bridal party was fun & the weather was gorgeous!

Enjoy the sneak peek!

Ceremony & reception: Mcmenamins Edgefield

{cole} class of 2011

2010-08-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am so far behind on my blogging! We've been super busy around here lately. Which between photographing, eating, sleeping, editing & kids there leaves little time to post on the blog! oops!

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take Cole's senior portraits. This totally blows my mind. He is one of my bestie's {not-so} little brother! When we were in high school he was a toddler running around! this makes me feel OLD! hahaha! Now he is a handsome man getting ready to close one chapter in his life & start a whole new adventure!

Congrats Cole! We wish you well!

{c + h} friends!

2010-08-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

this morning while playing at the park with our good friends, i decided to have a tiny spontaneous photo shoot with C & his little friend, H. She was so cute picking a bouquet of flowers so I asked if I could take her picture, which then lead me to this idea: 'what if i can get C to stand next to her?!!!"

i was ~~surprised~~ shocked that he even agreed to it. i had to move fast. he was getting ansy! haha! i love how they turned out!

SNEAK PEEK {kim + brent} MARRIED!

2010-08-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

A quick sneak peek from Kim & Brent's big day!

I just wanted to share this text I received from Kim yesterday after she got back from her honeymoon & saw the sneak peek on Facebook:

"Hey Kristy! I just got back and wanted to tell you how amazing the pictures are! And how many compliments I am getting about you and rj!!! Everyone loved you guys and thought the pictures in the engagement book were amazing. Thank you sooo much :)"

This is why I love to do what I do. Capturing moments that will last a lifetime for my clients! My clients rock, you all make it worth while!

more photos to come soon!

{meet blair}

2010-07-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I had a session with 19 month old Blair. She is such a cutie. She wasn't too sure about me at first. She would look the other direction with a "if I can't see you, then you must not exist!" look! haha! We had a good session!

{meet baby Charlotte}

2010-07-01T12:55:00.001-07:00

meet Charlotte. I met her for the first time when she was just a wee 7 days old. she was welcomed with love by her adoring family. I did Brianne's maternity photos with both of her children & then when Rowen was born! It's so wonderful to see families grow!

Charlotte was so sweet & teensy, weighing in at just 5 pounds! I very much wanted to tuck her away in my purse & bring her home with me! But I am sure my "baby"{she's now 2} would have been ticked!

Congratulations, Matt, Brianne & big brother Rowen!

God is so good!

{ s + c } ENGAGED!

2010-06-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

meet stacey & chris.

they are getting hitched this October.

a couple of weekends ago, we did their engagement shoot & it worked out wonderfully that it was scheduled on a nice day! :)

however, the traffic was horrible in which ever direction we ventured. so we only got to a couple of spots. oh well!

i've known stacey since she was a baby. i have all kinds of embarrassing & silly memories of this girl that i used to babysit! man, i feel old!

rj & i had a lot of fun with them on their shoot & we are really looking forward to their big day!

Moreland | wedding

2010-06-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

We are starting to get really excited about the wedding season that's coming up! The first wedding of the year was back in April {sorry that I am just getting around to blogging about it!}. It was the wedding of one of my long time friend's. They got married at the ever lovely {& local to us growing up!} View Point Inn. It turned out to be such a lovely day. The sun peeked out for a bit. Jenny was glowing with love. It was such an intimate wedding. They were only surrounded by a handful of family. I felt so honored to be there capturing this special moment in their lives.

I also had the honor of shooting right by her sister, Amy of AJK Photos. That was fun!

Enjoy the sneak peek.

we are go for launch!

2010-04-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

check out our new website!!!

click HERE!

{joanne + josh} ENGAGED!

2010-04-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

meet joanne & josh.

rj & i met up with them a few weeks back during a promising day of sunshine to shoot their engagement session! they got engaged over Christmas & are getting married this August!

we had such a good time with them during their session. they felt so comfortable in front of our cameras & they made each other laugh being silly. it was great. you could feel the spark between them when they'd gaze adoringly at each other! such love birds! ;)

i've known joanne since college. we were housemates back in the day! so it's such an honor for me, especially, to be a part in her big day! congrats you two! we are really looking forward to your big day this summer!

helloSPRING!

2010-03-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

hello sunshine.

hello blossoms.

hello garden starts.

hello that fresh-spring-air smell!

{lcp} GIVEAWAY! :: WINNERS!

2010-02-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

here are the winners for the {lcp} giveaway!

{winners were chosen at random via random number generator}

1.)50% off your session & $10 off of a custom designed photo book filled with images of you & yours from the session! {DEJA!}

2.)$50.00 off of a session {CAROLYN!}

3.)$25.00 off of a session {JAKE!}

please shoot me an email with your mailing address so i can send off your gift certificate to be redeemed when you book your session!

lifecandids{at}gmail{dot}com

thank you!

happy {love} day.

{lcp} GIVEAWAY! :: UPDATED!

2010-02-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

well, hello February!

i just love the month of February! For mainly two reasons: 1.)being the month of love! i such a sucker for Valentine's day & all those cutesy cards filled with expressions of love! & 2.)C's birthday is this month {actually its a birthday filled month! my sister, rj's sister, our niece & some other dear friends!} So its a month filled with celebration!

& in honor of this lovely 28 day month...{life candids} photography is having a GIVEAWAY!

We will be giving away 3 prizes!

1.)50% off your session & $10 off of a custom designed photo book filled with images of you & yours from the session!

2.)$50.00 off of a session

3.)$25.00 off of a session

*must be scheduled & used by October 1, 2010. {get your family session for those holiday cards done! newborn session! a child's birthday! or give as a gift!}

{you must live in Portland-metro area to enter! sorry all you out-of-towners!}

Leave a comment about the best Valentine you ever received or made for someone else.

You have from now until Feb. 13 @ midnight PST to enter. I'll announce the winners on Feb. 14 ~ Valentine's Day ~

**{The winners will be chosen at random by a random number generator. So everyone has a good chance to win!}**

{p.s. if you're a bride-to-be come back later for a special giveaway for weddings!}

{Oregon Bride!}

2010-01-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

remember these two?

well, one of their gorgeous photos was in an article of, Local Weddings of Note, in Oregon Bride magazine!

how cool is that?!

If you're a bride-to-be, check it out! There's all sorts of great resources for planning your wedding!

{ j + j = ENGAGED}

2010-01-02T20:48:00.000-08:00

meet Jess & Jordan.

we met them a couple days after Christmas on a super chilly afternoon for their engagement session. it was seriously so, so, so cold! they were great sports despite the frigidness. i have to admit, i felt a tad bad, all bundled up with a thick sweater, a fleece AND a jacket. oh, and gloves. :)

we had a great time getting to know them & walking {lots of walking to stay warm!} around Portland. they both love Portland, so it was rather suiting to them that we hit some great spots around the city to photograph them in! rj & i are really looking forward to capturing their big day this summer over in central Oregon! hello, warm sunshine!

jess & jordan, enjoy your sneak peek!

think warm thoughts, think warm thoughts! do not shiver! :)

aren't they brave?!

{B + C} MARRIED!

2009-12-23T13:38:00.000-08:00

Two words can describe this wedding: simple elegance.

remember these two? they got married last weekend & their wedding was so cozy & quaint, tucked back in a cabin nestled in the woods. inside the fire was cracklin' which added to the soft glow from the candles & twinkly Christmas lights. it was the most perfect, small wedding for these two quiet lovebirds.

enjoy your sneak peek brittany & charlie!

merry first christmas as husband & wife!

this is the cutest, most perfect cake topper for this couple!

ceremony & reception : camp collins, oxbow park, OR.

{O, Christmas tree!}

2009-12-17T21:55:00.001-08:00

how lovely are your branches!

{stripes & polk-a-dots}

2009-11-19T13:30:00.000-08:00

when its gloomy & gray,

wear stripes & polk-a-dots,

it'll make you feel better.

oh, & don't forget a tutu!

{under my umbrella}

2009-11-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

meet kim & brent. they are getting married next july! on the day of their engagement session & it rained during our session. no. it POURED. and poured some more. & just when we thought it would let up, it poured even harder!
even though it was super wet outside, we had a ton of fun trying not to get soaked & getting some really good photos too! ah, the joys of shooting in the Pacific Northwest!

enjoy your sneak peek kim & brent! ;)

{country bumpkins}

2009-11-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

meet terry & kathy. terry is my mom's brother, our awesome uncle & lives in florida! my family & i flew down to florida to celebrate a big birthday for my mom & also to celebrate the joining of these two! it was a laid back, fall-country inspired shindig! rj & i brought along our cameras & had the pleasure of capturing the special moments of their big day!

enjoy their sneak peek!

terry- i love you!

kathy- welcome to our crazy...i mean, WONDERFUL & FUN family! ;)

Congratulations!

{B + C} ENGAGED!

2009-10-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

meet brittany & charlie. they are gettin' hitched this december! i had a fantastic time getting to know them today while snapping a few portraits! the beautiful sunshine was deceiving...it was freeeeeeezzzzing out! lots of goose bumps!

& hello, how cool is that old truck?! i love it when i stumble upon cool photo ops! :)

enjoy your sneak peek b & c! ;)

{all aboard!}

2009-10-07T21:56:00.000-07:00

meet brady. he just turned one! he has a smile that can light up a room. and those baby blues eyes that just melt your heart. look out girls! heartbreaker alert!

{s+k} :: married!

2009-10-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

09.19.09 {what a cool date!}

Ceremony & Reception:: Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club @ Witch Hollow.

suzie & kelly celebrated the joining of their lives! the day started out cloudy & rainy but by the time preceremony photos began, the clouds broke apart & the sun came out! i am telling you, we've been blessed on weather so far for our weddings! {knock on wood!}

we've really enjoyed getting to know suz & kelly. they are such a fun, laid back couple. their wedding was beautiful with the pops of blue against the green. you could see their love for each other & their new beginning because 1.) they couldn't stop looking at each other with big smiles & 2.) they couldn't smooching! so cute!

thanks again, for letting us be a part of your special day!

cheers & God bless!

bride & groom wore golf shoes! how fun is that??!!!!
bride giving the groom much needed lessons! haha!!!

{not really, we know you can golf kelly!} :)

{k+b = engaged!}

2009-09-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

meet k + b. they are getting hitched next august & rj & i are going to be capturing their big day!

for their engagement session, i was sitting waiting for them to show up at our location not expecting this: a 3 car roll up with them, their changes of clothes, one car designated to change their clothes in, 2 old chairs, 2 wonderful assistants {his parents!}, a dog, and a tractor. yes. a TRACTOR!!!!! i must say, that i've never had the opportunity to have a shoot with a tractor! ;)

we had a great time. this couple is fun, down-to-earth & a bit of fashion meets country. love it!

i've known these two before they were love birds, before they were all grown up....back when they were little tykes running around! i even used to squeeze b's chubby cheeks {facial not buttocks! haha!} sorry b, had to put that in here! ;)

anyways, i am so excited about their wedding! can't wait!

enjoy the sneak peek...its a lot, but i couldn't narrow it down!

how cute are they?!

{candice is graduating!}

2009-09-18T00:06:00.000-07:00

meet my baby cousin. i was on the fringes of entering middle school when she was born. now she is graduating which makes me feel old. i used to babysit her & help change her diapers & now she is grown up! i can't believe it.
we had a great time during her session. especially with her horses. & me almost squishing my flippie wearing feet in horse poo! ick!
candice you are so gorgeous {inside & out} & i hope this new chapter in your life brings you much joy, strength & encouragement as you follow your dreams!

enjoy the little sneak peek!

{Harrington Family}

2009-09-10T12:27:00.001-07:00

Last Monday I had a family session with the Harrington's & Co. I had a blast with them! They are always cracking me up! Its never a dull moment & I can count on them to get some good 'ole natural laugher going! I'd have to say that they are one of my fav's to shoot! Last December, RJ & I shot Jen & Brett's wedding. Then in the Spring I did Reba's senior portraits...then this family session! I am looking forward to Kate & Bobby's engagement session this weekend & their wedding next summer!

So I get to work with this fabulous bunch a lot more! yay!

~enjoy!

{S+K} :: engaged!

2009-08-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

Last weekend while we were still hanging out at Black Butte Ranch, we had an engagement session with Suzie & Kelly. We are shooting their wedding in September & it just so happened that they were vacationing at the Ranch the same weekend we were!!!! I was so giddy about doing their session there too! We had so much fun getting to know Suzie & Kelly...they love to laugh, well, at least Suzie does, she can't keep a straight face! hahaha!
Here is the sneak peek! Enjoy & we are really looking forward to capturing their big day in September!!!

{j & e :: MARRIED!}

2009-08-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, RJ & I had the pleasure of capturing Jeanelle & Ed's big day. They got married at Black Butte Ranch in Sisters, OR. If you have never been there, its like a little slice of heaven. Mountains standing tall against a perfect endless sky. They got married right in front of the lake with the mountains in the background. breathtaking. The wind picked up and made every one super chilly! But just as the ceremony began, the wind died down, the clouds pushed away and God smiled down upon these two!
Congratulations J & E...thank you for letting us be a part of your special day!

Enjoy!

more to come soon....still going through them all! But these were my favorite thus far! ;)

{c+j} :: wedding sneak peek

2009-08-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

just a little sneak peek from Jon & Chantae's big day!

enjoy!

{one year ago}

2009-08-07T20:20:00.001-07:00

one year ago i took these photos...

& here she is now...

what a difference a little time makes! she is so delicious! don't you think?!

& of course C wanted in on the action too! hahaha! silly boy!

{adorable beyond words}

2009-08-01T13:30:00.001-07:00

from my session this morning! just had to post these straight away! too cute!

{Beardmore Family!}

2009-07-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, I met with the Beardmore's & braved the scorching (for the PacNW!) heat for a session! The day before, their youngest just turned 1! His older brother was cracking me up with his gum smacking! We had a great shoot despite the heat & the kids did great! The grandparents even joined in too!

Don't you just love their amazing blue eyes?! Here's a sneak peek from their session!

{c+j} :: are hitched!

2009-07-01T20:52:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday, RJ & I had the privilege to capture all the moments of our good friend, Jon & his new wife, Chantae's big day! We couldn't have asked for better weather! Chantae looked amazing in her gown and of course Jon looked muy guapo in his tux! Tears filled many eyes as the ceremony took place. It was a great day for two lives to merge to one.

Congrats Jon & Chantae!

{click the image above to see is larger}

ceremony & reception :: The Riverview Restaurant, Troutdale, OR.

{c+j} :: wedding!

2009-06-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

what a beautiful day for a wedding!

{summer days}

2009-05-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

have arrived. thank goodness.

yesterday a photographer friend of mine wanted to do a mini session with my kiddos, so we went to the park & down by the lake. somehow my camera managed to tag along too & couldn't resist some shots of my own! ;)

i am not sure which i like better: color

or black & white

{so yummy}

2009-05-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

after finishing up the editing on this session i just had to post these ones. he is sooo yummy! i absolutely love doing newborn shoots.

he wasn't too keen about the shoot at first, but after a quick milk snack & a diaper change he was good to go! all snuggly & cozy! big sister was all worried too about me touching her baby! haha! love it.

{c + j :: engaged!}

2009-05-01T22:47:00.001-07:00

last weekend rj & i met up with an old friend from high school for an engagement session! we had so much fun catching up on some old times & getting to know these two as a couple.

if it weren't for jon, rj & i probably would have never met! {he introduced us & persuaded rj to take me to his prom!!! many thanks jon! heehee...}

we are so glad that we get to be a part of their special day!

here' s a little sneak peek!

enjoy!

** no walls were actually harmed in the duration of this shoot!! ;)

{baby Colton}

2009-04-28T16:24:00.001-07:00

how yummy is he??!!!!

yesterday i had a newborn session with this 5 day old! i just had to post these two right away!

so cute!