A Very Good Week

Last week? Now that was a very good week!

Why you ask? Well for starters, I hit the 37th week in my pregnancy, so Natalie is now considered full term! Even though there’s still two weeks until the due date now, she’s totally healthy could be here anytime. CRAZY. Next, my oldest brother Carl came for a surprise visit! He just popped in for a day while he was out this way for a conference in Las Vegas, but he lives in Chicago with his wife Summer and we don’t get to see them very often. So needless to say I was VERY happy to see him :) Lastly though, and most exciting of all… My other brother proposed to his girlfriend!!! CALEB AND JACKIE ARE ENGAGED!!!

Yep, told you it was a good week ;)

Caleb’s a little bit of prankster and loves the element of surprise, so his goal was to completely catch Jackie off guard with his proposal. And he definitely succeeded :) He took her to the top of Olympic Park Hill after school on Friday, claiming he wanted to get a look at the fall colors. After overlooking Park City for a few moments (he didn’t wait very long lol), he got down on his knee and asked her to marry him! She said yes of course :) Then he kept the surprises coming when he dropped her off at home to a decorated house and a new dress to wear when he took her to dinner, followed by the last surprise of a little champagne toast and engagement party with family and friends! He did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself…

Caleb and I had scouted out the perfect spot and made a plan earlier to make sure we had a good view! Then I stayed hidden and snuck up behind them as he brought her down…

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Proposing! She was so shocked :)

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I love this one. She couldn’t get over how surprising it was, and Caleb was quite pleased with himself. Haha.

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Engaged!

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We snapped just a few photos at Olympic Park before Caleb brought her back to her house to get ready for dinner.

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Then while they were at dinner, family and friends gathered to surprise Jackie yet again. Everyone waited on the stairs for the couple to arrive!

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Jackie thought they were just stopping in to show the ring my parents and to the Spencer’s (who hosted the party)…

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Until she saw the stairs!

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But then came best part, a surprise for Caleb. He had no idea Carl had come into town for the celebration! His reaction was priceless. 

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It was a perfect evening toasting to and celebrating Caleb and Jackie :)

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My favorite shot of the night :)

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Congratulations again you two!!! I love you so much Caleb and I’m so glad you’ve found someone who makes you completely happy like Jackie does. And I’m thrilled for you to be joining the family, Jackie :) Can’t WAIT for the wedding!!!!

Val - October 7, 2013 - 2:41 pm

For some reason it’s not hard to do today, but this post made me cry. Good job Carissa!! What a wonderful day and week!!!

Lauren - October 7, 2013 - 8:20 pm

Okay hands down best picture is Carl surprising Caleb – your family is just an amazing group of people. Congrats to you all. Can’t wait to see pics of your cute babe in just a few short weeks! You look great Carissa!!!

Terri Barretto - October 8, 2013 - 4:26 pm

Congrats Caleb! I miss you all!

Empire Lodge at Deer Valley Wedding: Jacqui + Chris

She sat poised with her hands folded gently in her lap, her demeanor excited but calm. With every bit of hair being curled and every stroke of the mascara brush, she smiled softly, quietly anticipating the events about to unfold. And as she stepped into her dress, she took a deep breath and serenely soaked in the moment. Because that’s the kind of person Jacqui is. So kindhearted and so graceful, that even in her excitement on her wedding day she was nothing short of elegant.

He stood on the path with his hands clasped in front of him, his face full of anticipation. With every step she took towards him, his smile grew, eagerly waiting to see his bride for the first time. And as he turned to face her, he took a deep breath and hugged her gently, soaking in her beauty. Because that’s the kind of person Chris is. So polite and caring, that even in his excitement on his wedding day he was nothing short of a gentleman.

They sat side by side each other holding hands, exuding nothing but love and joy. With every hug and every and toast and every congratulations, they smiled brightly, relishing their wedding and making sure their guests were having a good time. And even though the rain had forced their ceremony indoors, it didn’t put a damper on their spirits. Because that’s the kind of couple that Jacqui and Chris are. So in love and so warmhearted that they were completely content just being married, and celebrating with their families and friends. And what a beautiful celebration it was…

Married: Jacqui + Chris

Despite the absolute pouring rain, this day, this entire wedding, was so wonderful!! We were able to get most of their photos done outside before the storm came, and they moved the ceremony and cocktail into the cozy lodge, lighting the fireplaces and creating a lovely and warm setting :) Plus the band completely rocked the house during the reception, which always makes for an exceptional time!! Oh and did I mention how wonderful the bride and groom are? Because really, they are SO wonderful! Seriously Jacqui and Chris, thank you guys so much for trusting me to capture your day and for being so generous and caring! It was truly an honor to be a part of your wedding, and to witness your sweet love for each other. I couldn’t be happier for the two of you :) I hope that these photos bring back all the joy you felt on your wedding day!! Much love. XO

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Venue and Catering: Empire Lodge at Deer Valley / Event Coordinator: Scott Guthrie of Deer Valley / Florist: Amanda Hansen of Decorations Inc. / Hair Stylist: Jenae Palmer / Make-up Artist: Jessica Grambau / Band: Sensations for  Soul / Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Bride’s Dress: Casablanca Bridal via I Do Bridal / Shoes: Benjamin Adams / Jewelry: Bride’s Family Heirlooms / Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse / Shoes: Aston Grey / Bridesmaids Dresses: Ralph Lauren / Groomsmen’s Suits: Men’s Wearhouse / And a reeeeeeally big thank you to Val of Valory Jean Photography for second shooting and helping me at this wedding!!! A few of the shots above were taken by her. 

Brittany - September 30, 2013 - 4:55 pm

Gorgeous shoot and gorgeous bride!! You captured the day perfectly Carissa! Love love!

Jacqui - September 30, 2013 - 5:05 pm

Once again Carissa you have blown me away with your amazing shots and creativity. You gave me the option to find a different photographer since you would be 7.5 months pregnant, and I didn’t even balk for a moment before I said you are my one and only choice (thank you Natalie for waiting!) But just consider yourself hired for all momentous occasions that require a photographer. Not sure kids are in our immediate future, but I think a one year anniversary “trash the dress” should be in the works…including Lutz. Thanks for being a part of our day

Morgane - September 30, 2013 - 11:37 pm

The pictures are beautiful! Gorgeous bride! Handsome groom! Wonderful wedding! You did such a great job Carissa!

Mother of the bride - October 1, 2013 - 7:58 am

What a BEAUTIFUL snippet of a truly SPECTACULAR day as we witnessed the marriage of Jacqui and Chris; a couple that exudes the true meaning of love. Thank you for capturing the moment.

Random September Ramblings

If you’ve followed my blog for any span of time, you’ve probably realized that I clearly haven’t been doing very well keeping up with it this last month. And I hate that I haven’t been able to. But MAN can I just say, I have mad respect for photographers who run their business full time AND have kids. Natalie isn’t even here yet and I feel like things are spinning slightly out of control!! It’s a little scary, if I’m being totally honest…

I’ve come to realize, though, that this is a stage of life I am going to have to adjust to. Not that I plan on letting my blog slip. I don’t plan on that by any means! But I need to be ok with the fact that family and clients have to come first right now until I figure out how to get back on a schedule. I need to get ready for Natalie, need to support Jake, need to make sure I have time to see my family instead of planning out and writing blog posts. I need to stay on top of editing and emails and customer service for the wonderful people who have invested in my craft rather than make them wait and so I can hit my 3 post a week quota. That’s just how it has to be for now.

Don’t worry, I still fully plan on blogging all of the awesome weddings and shoots I’ve been doing! And who knows, maybe I’ll even have time to throw in a few personal rambling posts as well. They’re just going to be a little more spaced out than usual. But thank you, SO much, to all of you who do follow my blog!! I hope you won’t wander too far in these coming months as I juggle turning into a mom while running a business. I promise I’ll be back to my old blogging self as soon as possible! And duh, of course I’ll be posting pictures of Natalie once she comes, so you might want to stick around long enough for those ;)

In the meantime, here is a little look at some of the things that have been occupying my time this month! Love me some instagram.

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Also, Jake and I happened upon Natalie’s nursery theme song a few days ago!! I seriously can’t tell you how many times we’ve watched this video since then. (We’ve definitely contributed to the 22 million hits it had as of this morning.) I can’t get enough. It’s basically genius. And hilarious. I die laughing every time. If you haven’t already seen it (which you very well might have), then you are in for a real treat.

I was going to save this for a Music Monday , but let’s be real, I’ve planned to do a Music Monday post for the last three Mondays and it still hasn’t happened. Oops. So I figured now was as good a time as ever! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend :)

Melissa Kelsey - September 13, 2013 - 12:25 pm

Hilarious!I actually had this conversation with Claire recently. What DOES the fox say?

Colleen - September 13, 2013 - 1:50 pm

huge smile when I saw that our wedding made the photo montage :)

Cedar Lake Farm Wedding: Heidi + Andrew

As the sun peeked through the clouds from above, her blue eyes filled to the brim with tears, and her hands started to shake. But not from sadness, or fear. Not at all. Rather, it was from sheer joy. Joy that crept from her insides and all the way to her fingertips as she took another step toward her soon to be husband. It was the moment she’d dreamed of as a little girl, and now that it was finally here, the man waiting for her was so much more than she could ever have imagined.

As the soft wind rustled through the leaves around him, his found himself not only speechless, but also breathless. Not because he had nothing to say, though. Not at all. Rather, it was because the sight of his soon to be wife filled him with so much love that he could hardly breath, let alone speak. It was the moment he’d waited for since he first proposed, and now that she was standing before him, all he could do was hug her as if he would never let go.

As the sky darkened and the stars twinkled overhead, Heidi and Andrew ran through a tunnel of sparklers, waving goodbye to their family and friends. After the perfect day full of laughter and hugging, prayer and worship, dancing and merriment, and more than a few sweet stolen kisses, the newlyweds headed off to begin their lives together. Their happily ever after.

Married: Heidi + Andrew

To say this wedding was one of the most lovely, heartfelt, and God honoring celebrations I’ve ever been a part of would be an understatement! Heidi and Andrew are such kind, beautiful people, both inside and out. And they wanted their wedding to be not just a reflection of their love for each other, but also one that honored the Lord. It was truly a privilege to be a part of this special day! Heidi and Andrew, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed being your photographer!! Thank you for being so caring, so easy going, so considerate. Your wedding was the perfect mix of love, joy, and Jesus :) May He continue to bless your lives together as you guys to grow closer to each other and Him!! Much love and appreciation. XO

Venue: Cedar Lake Farm / Caterer: Annie’s Catering / Videographer: Trevor Fincher  / Florist: Cole’s Floral / DJ: Ricky Engel (friend of the bride and groom) / Invitations: Alek Eglinton (friend of the bride and groom) / Bride’s Dress: Victor Harper via Bridal Accents Couture

Heidi Kurkowski - September 7, 2013 - 9:16 am

I’m seriously speechless and in tears – saying you did amazing would be a very very large understatement. I’m so in love with them ! Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into this :) so much love and appreciation!!

Empire Lodge at Deer Valley Wedding: Colleen + Mark

They say rain on your wedding day means good luck. And perhaps it does. But when it comes to Mark and Colleen, well, they don’t need any luck at all.

As the sky turned gray and the clouds rolled in, family and friends who traveled from near and far all attested to the same thing: Mark and Colleen have something special. Her bridesmaids chatted excitedly about it through the morning. His groomsman joked about it and patted him on the back before he went to see her. Their friends cheered about it is as they kissed and walked down the aisle as husband and wife. Their families raised their glasses to it. And everyone danced to celebrate it long into the night.

So even though it rained, and maybe meant some extra luck, it wouldn’t have mattered if it didn’t. Not one bit. Because the way Mark looks at Colleen, no one can doubt his love for her. And the way Colleen shines when she is with Mark, no one can doubt how she cares for him. It’s truly something special.

That’s why when it comes to Mark and Colleen, well, they don’t need any luck at all.

Married: Colleen + Mark

I had been so excited to shoot this wedding for a very long time, and just like I knew I would, I loved every minute of it!! Not only do I adore these two as people, but I also know just how much work they put into their wedding, and everything turned out beautifully!! Colleen is such a creative person and Mark is so handy, they DIYed pretty much all of the wedding decor. From the place cards to the center pieces to the ribbon wands to the awesome ski boutonnieres and everything in between, they spent countless hours working on little details to make it a wedding that would perfectly fit who they are. The weather may not have been ideal, but these guys never stopped smiling and were just happy to be married and celebrate with their loved ones. Colleen and Mark, you guys are seriously wonderful! Thank you for being so easy-going and so kind. And your families made me feel so welcome and taken care of! It was truly an honor to be a part of your wedding! XO

Venue and Catering: Empire Lodge, Deer Valley / Wedding Coordinator: Catherine Bradley, Deer Valley / Hair and Makeup: Nicole Hirase-Baker / Flowers: Gretchen Klein / Band: Pete Rude Band / Invitations: Sarah Taylor (friend of bride) / Wedding Dress: “Arabella” via Gateway Bridal & Prom / Bride’s Hair Piece: Handmade by bride / Bride’s Boots: Tony Lama via Murdoch’s / Bridesmaid Dresses: Donna Morgan via Nordstrom / Groom’s Suit: Jos. A Bank

Lauren - August 31, 2013 - 3:05 pm

I think back about your post about photography and weddings. Honestly, a bride should never worry with you behind the camera. Every time I look at the pictures you take, you always seem to capture those one of a kind, perfect photos. You are truly great at your work.