Park City Anytime: Abi + McKayla

Posted in Anytime

Meet sisters Abi and McKayla! These two lovelies are quite special to me. Their family started attending my church while I was away in college, and since I’ve been back and become involved in the youth group, I’ve gotten to know them pretty well. Abi has been in my small group for the last year and half. Becoming friends and seeing her grow, not only up but also in the Lord, has been such a gift to witness. And although McKayla isn’t in my small group, I’ve gotten to know her through youth group trips and coffee dates, and her heart for the God is so refreshing. Oh, and did I mention how much they like to laugh? Because really, the laugh. A LOT. And I love it :)

And the laughing begins… Haha. 

Beautiful sisters!

Love these.

McKayla, you are so gorgeous.

And Abi? You’re beautiful…

This is why I love her ;)

Haha.

This one makes my heart happy.

Is it just me, or should they be clothing models?

The sun went down and it got cooold. But it didn’t stop these two….

These next ones crack me up.

Love.

My favorite of Abi.

My favorite of McKayla.

I’ll end with this one :)

Love you girlies!!

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Abi Yager - December 14, 2011 - 3:09 pm

Thank you so much Carissa! These turned out cuteee :)

Samantha - December 14, 2011 - 5:32 pm

Soo Cute :) Reminds me of me and my sisters

What He Would Have Wanted

Posted in Personal

It’s been a tough weekend for me and my family…

My grandpa passed away on Friday.

It all happened so fast. He went to the hospital on Tuesday with stomach pains, but it didn’t seem to be anything too serious and he looked to be on the mend. Friday morning, however, he suddenly took a turn for the worst, and he breathed his last breath before noon. So fast… but it’s what he wanted.  And I guess if I had to choose, it’s what I would have chosen for him, too. We all would, really. If our loved ones could pass as quickly and painlessly as possible, we would all choose that…

We just never want that day to come.

Friday afternoon my brother, my cousin Alyssa, and Jake and I went to my parent’s house. To cope. To reminisce. To just be together. After a bit, one by one the others had to leave, until it was just me and my parents. My dad asked me what kind of person I thought of when I thought about grandpa. I said the first thing that came to my mind. I think of a man who wanted to enjoy life to the fullest and help others around him enjoy it, too. My grandpa found such joy in seeing other people’s joy. Especially his family. And extra especially if it involved food. Oh yes, I’m pretty sure I get my food obsession from that great man. Haha. I think most of my favorite memories of my grandpa involve food in some way. It’s hard to swallow the fact that no more memories will be made…

But I take comfort in a few things.

I take comfort in the fact that my grandpa had a fierce love for the Lord, and that he is now in Heaven, no longer limited by his earthly body. I take comfort in the fact that my grandpa is now with my grandma again, and that he will never have to be parted from his dear love again. I take comfort in the fact that he his happy, and he would want me and my family to be happy, too. I mean, of course there is pain. Of course there is sadness. Of course there are tears. But I truly believe that my grandpa would want us to celebrate his life, not dwell on his death. So I will try to focus on that…

I have to.

Because it is the only way to get through this raw feeling in my chest. To get through seeing everyone close to me going through this sorrow. To find joy in my family being all together for his funeral, remembering and supporting one another through this difficult time.

And because it’s what he would have wanted.

                                                                                          Photo by: Scott Jarvie. Thank you, Scott, for capturing this priceless memory.

I’m traveling to Chicago tomorrow to be with family for a week. I’ll still be blogging, but I might be a little slower on the email front. Thanks for your understanding. And thank you so much to those of you who have shared your prayers, condolences, sweet thoughts, and kind words of support for me and my family. I truly appreciate every single word.

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kelli - December 12, 2011 - 9:38 am

Thinking of you dear *hugs*. So glad you have this beautiful picture.

Kara - December 12, 2011 - 10:35 am

Carissa – You are a beautiful legacy of your GrandPa! I imagine he was so proud that his granddaughter blossomed into such a wonderful person, so giving and caring, so fun and funny, so intelligent, so successful in her life, so strong, a person who loves doing life, and such a lover of the most precious gift your grandfather could give you…the knowledge of who God is! Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your journey. I love you girl! I wish for you many found memories of a loving GrandPa!

Rachael - December 12, 2011 - 11:57 am

Beautiful, Riss.

Ashantai Yungai - December 15, 2011 - 11:18 pm

Dear Grandpa,

You have a WONDERFUL Granddaughter in Carissa! A great photographer and an even BETTER Person! I know you are proud of her!

“GrandParents” are called grand because they are “GRAND” at being Parents.

Ashantai

Sarah - December 27, 2011 - 11:36 am

Oh Carissa, I am so sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful post, and I am certain he was and is proud of you.

Carissa - December 30, 2011 - 3:28 pm

Thank you so much, all of you.

Friday Fun Facts

Posted in Friday Fun Facts

This year, my mom asked for our Christmas lists in July. I kid you not. JULY. She said she wanted to start her Christmas shopping earlier to avoid the stress. I think she also knew that by asking for them in July, she’d get them around October, as opposed to passed years when she would ask for them in October and not get them till a couple weeks before Christmas. Smart woman, my mom.

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve actually gotten a decent amount of my shopping done as well. It’s been ugly years before, with several last minute shopping trips I’m not super proud of. But I’m pretty on top of things this year. I’ve even enjoyed finding those holiday bargains and Christmas sales. Just… not on Black Friday. Anyone else not a huge fan of Black Friday? People go nuts on Black Friday! They get up at all hours of the morning, wait in ridiculously never-ending long lines, and stampede stores with frightening intensity. My family was all together in Chicago for Thanksgiving a few years ago, and all the cousins decided it would be a brilliant idea to do a little Black Friday shopping. After sitting on at exit watching people run around the mall beside us and not moving for an entire hour, we finally bailed and went to Denny’s. I mean, what’s not to love about late night Denny’s breakfast? Which leads us to this month’s Friday Fun Facts:

1. Black Friday makes the world an unpredictable and crazy place.
2. Late night Denny’s is always a good idea. (Well, almost always.)
3. Pine scented candles never reeeeeally smell like pine.
4. Slipocks. Socks that are fluffy and soft and can double as slippers. I’m going to patent that. Watch for it on your next late night infomercial marathon.
5. Gingerbread houses would be a lot cooler if you could actually eat them when you were done.
6. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party > White Elephant Gift Exchange.
7. Being put on hold would be much more enjoyable if they actually played some good music, as opposed to music that makes you want to rip out your ear drums. Can I get an amen?
8. As a general rule, when using a public restroom, always check to make sure there’s toilet paper before you start doing your business…
9. The best way to spread Christmas cheer might be singing loud for all to hear, but the second best way is to absolutely deck your house out with Christmas lights.
10. I’ve always loved Target, but after they released this commercial I love them even more…

That crazy lady makes me laugh literally every. single. time.

Happy Friday!

Wolf Creek Wedding: Samantha + Derek

Posted in Weddings

Last month I had an opportunity to second shoot for the incredible Heather Nan, and I was not about to pass that up! (Thank you, thank you, thank you Heather!!!) Together we documented Samantha and Derek’s lovely but freezing November wedding. And when I say freezing, I mean FUHREEZING. It started with bitter winds, which turned into a blizzard, and finally opened up into clear skies for the reception. Regardless of the weather, though, Samantha and Derek weren’t going to let anything put a damper on their day. They were surrounded by their closest family and friends, including Derek’s Army buddies, who flew in for this special occasion. Celebrating love with your loved ones. If you ask me, it doesn’t get much better than that…

The crowd waited patiently in the wind for the newlyweds!

Mr. and Mrs. :) 

Literally as soon as the family photos finished and we began the bridal party, it started to snow. A lot. 

The girls bolted back inside when we finished. Haha.

After warming up for a few minutes, we headed back out with Samantha and Derek. And I’ll be honest, I’m kind of in love with their love. They are adorable together…

There’s something I love about this one…

For the last few, Derek changed into his dress blues.

This might be my favorite of the day.

After we finished up at the temple, we headed down to Wolf Creek for the reception. 

It stopped snowing and opened up into a gorrrrgeous sunset. We grabbed these last few just as the light was fading.

Love.

They had such beautiful details!

I loved the golds and the soft pinks.

First dances always make me tear up.

And of course, the dance party!

Happy ever after…

Congratulations Samantha and Derek!! And thank you again, Heather, for inviting me to tag along!!!

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heather nan - December 8, 2011 - 11:27 am

No… thank you for being my side-kick for the snowy, snowy day!

David Terry - December 11, 2011 - 8:14 pm

Absolutely LOVED this set Carissa! Proof positive that brides should not be afraid of bad weather. Bad weather = awesome images! Very nice work indeed! :)

Alta Moda Sample Sale

Posted in Weddings

Ladies! If you’re still looking for your wedding dress, you’re going to want to know about this. Alta Moda Bridal Boutique, the best place in Utah to find your wedding gown (in my humble opinion), is having their annual sample sale THIS Saturday, December 10th, from 10am-3pm.

What does this mean? It means they will have couture wedding dresses for 50%-85% off! That’s right… Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Anne Barge, Melissa Sweet, Augusta Jones… just to name a few. Oh yeah, get excited! A few words of advice from the lovely ladies of Alta Moda:

Tips, tricks, and general things you’ll want to know:

  • Sale hours are 10am – 3pm, December 10th only
  • No appointments: First come, First served (wait list)
  • Gowns are sold as is
  • No holds and all sales final – Come ready to buy
  • Most gowns are suited for street sizes 4-12
  • We only do this once a year – So, now is the time
  • Space is limited; only one or two key decision makers/guests per bride

Our gowns are treated with love and respect and the best of care year round, so you can be assured you’re getting your dream dress at a enviable price. Last year, and the year before that, the Alta Moda staff arrived early to find a couple dozen brides lined-up outside the doors. That’s how much you need to be at this sale!

(Ana’s gorgeous Vera Wang gown from Alta Moda.)

So be sure to dress warm and get there early. Doors will open promptly at 10, where everyone’s names will be put on a list in order of who arrived first, second, third, and so on and so forth. Consultations will only last for 40 minutes, but you will get one on one service from one of Alta Moda’s experienced consultants. They will be with you from start to finish, until you walk away with your dream dress.

So mark your calendars because this Saturday only comes once a year. Don’t miss it!