Park City Anytime: The Matlock Family

This precious family came from all over and met in Park City for a big family getaway, celebrating Grandma and Grandpa’s 40th anniversary! It was a pleasure spending a sunny summer evening with them. Enjoy a few of my favorites from their session.

Happy Wednesday!

Royal Oak Farm Wedding: Kelly + John

“We laugh about it,” her mom told me as we drove to the farm. “We never thought it would be these two, but we’re so glad it is!”

Kelly and John grew up together. Their families grew up together, as best friends. From simple dinners to weekend camping trips, these two families have been joined at the hip. And that’s how Kelly and John grew, as family friends.

It wasn’t until Kelly left for her first year of college that something changed for John. When Kelly came home, she was no longer the little blonde haired, blue-eyed girl he had grown up with. Not even close. She became the one who’s smile made his heart skip a beat. The one who’s laugh could brighten his entire day. And the one who’s touch was enough to make even the worst situation better. She become the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. And while Kelly was a bit hesitant at first, it soon became apparent that this friend she’d known for such a long time would turn out to be so much more than that. All along, the love of her life had been right there. It was, quite simply, meant to be.

So it seemed only fitting for their love to be celebrated by all their family and closest friends. Even though they laugh about it, they laugh with so much joy. No one can deny how perfect they are for each other. Because there’s nothing more beautiful than a love that’s meant to be…

Kelly and John, thank you a thousand times for allowing me to be a part of your wedding! You are the type of people that make me feel so blessed to do what I do, and I cannot say enough just how happy I am for the both of you! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for this next chapter in your lives. I know it’s going to be amazing. Congratulations!

Gorgeous, Kelly. Simply gorgeous. 

LOVE how excited she was to put on her dress.

After the dress we headed off to the orchard!

The guys were just putting on the finishing touches.

I was slightly obsessed with her bouquet. So soft and pretty…

John and Kelly opted to do a First Look, and I can’t say how much of a great decision I think that was!

I love this one. Adorable : )

John, you were quite the dapper groom, if I do say so myself! 

And Kelly, I don’t need to remind you how stunning you looked…

The fellas workin’ it for the camera.

Love this.

Literally as soon when we had snapped the last of the bridal party pictures, it started to sprinkle. Which turned into a heavy rain.

Which turned into a complete and utter downpour.

And it didn’t show signs of stopping.

But these are the kind of people that John and Kelly are. Even though the rain threatened to completely alter the plans for their beautiful wedding, they simply bowed their heads in prayer. They had such an incredible attitude about it and they weren’t going to let the rain ruin their day.


After checking the weather, they decided to try and wait out the storms. And sure enough, the rain stopped and skies opened up until beautiful light.

Married!!

Had to put this one in… this is both Kelly’s family and John’s family, finally connected legally. Haha.

Quite possibly my favorite favors ever. Coffee beans!!! Genius. 

Panera catered for the wedding, and let’s just say there were lots of happy guests. Panera = deliciousness.

And this is why I love Kelly. Hahaha. 

The getaway vehicle!

Lurrrve sparkler exits : )

Congratulations again you lovebirds!!! Enjoy Mexico!! Xoxo

Alyssa (Curfman) Alaimo - August 15, 2011 - 9:12 am

Lovely wedding & lovely pictures! The details & colors were so beautiful & creative!

Kimberly - August 17, 2011 - 1:40 pm

These pictures are amaaazing and they fully portray their beautiful wedding. Kelly and John, your wedding was so “you” in every way… all down to your amazing attitudes with the rain. That right there showed nothing else matters but you two being together and I loved witnessing that. I especially love the picture of Caleb laying with the dog- Precious! :) And all the sister pictures of you guys laughing! And the apple-tree/ring picture! So creative :) I love em all! haha! Hands down, one of my favorite weddings. I wish you much, much happiness (even though it’s obvious that is already present!) :) Love you both! :)

Pat Morley - August 17, 2011 - 5:39 pm

These pictures are gorgeous. What a great wedding! I love you! Kelly you look absolutely spectacular. And such a handsome groom! I love the pic of the rings on the apple!

Sarah - August 19, 2011 - 8:36 pm

Gorgeous, gorgeous wedding, Carissa!

Dancing With No Music

Love is a lot of things. Patience. Respect. Faithfulness. Compassion. Desire… just to name a few.

Love is also dancing when there is no music to dance to. Because when there is no music, you make your own song. Together.

Kelly - August 12, 2011 - 5:44 pm

These are so pretty, Carissa. :) Thank you!

Carissa - August 13, 2011 - 7:31 pm

So much more coming very soon : )

Beth - August 15, 2011 - 4:12 pm

These are amazing. You did a remarkable job capturing not just the day but the connection and the love between Kelly and John.

Music Monday

Everyone have a good weekend? I know I did. I’m in Chicago right now, getting ready to head home tonight. I had back to back weddings this weekend. But here’s the catch… I was in a wedding on Saturday, and then I shot a wedding on Sunday. (I guess you could say I like to live life on the edge.) Yes, I am totally exhausted. But it was totally worth it. Both were such incredible weddings for absolutely wonderful people, and it was an honor to be a part of them!

Anyways, now that those weddings are over, it means we are well into August. Summer is almost over. (Insert loud groaning.) Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do to slow down time. Fortunately, I have song that will hopefully help you savor the ends of summer, down to the very last drop. Some of you shared songs that you’ve been loving for this summer, so I thought I’d contribute as well : ) Enjoy this tune by Chasing Kings.

Happy Monday!

Ladie’s Night

Pizza. Wine. Key Lime Pie. And cameras. Lots of cameras. 

One of the things I miss most about being in school is the fact that I was constantly surrounded by my friends and peers, who were all inevitably as hooked on photography as I was. There was always someone to turn to, to get an opinion from, to offer and recieve critiques, and more than anything, just talk about about photography and life. Now I’m about 2,000 miles away from most of those wonderful people. And as much as Jake puts up with loves my never-ending photography banter, sometimes I need someone who’s as passionate about it as I am. 

So when Kelly and Janey mentioned getting dinner together, I was all in. Because those girls are awesome. And they love photography as much as I do. Plus they brought Crystal and Alicia. Which means I walked away from the evening with two new friends.

So what happens when 5 photographers get together?

Pizza. Wine. Key Lime Pie. And cameras. Lots of cameras.     

Thanks for a wonderful evening ladies. Let’s do it again soon : )

David Terry - August 5, 2011 - 12:45 pm

I think all of you should blog about the experience … and then link to each other’s blogs. I want to see what the other pictures looked like too. :)

Alicia - August 6, 2011 - 10:48 am

OMG! These are wonderful! You are wonderful! I’m so glad I got the chance to meet you. I hope we can do this again soon, I think my husband is ready to permanently remove his eardrums the next time I mention apertures.

Carissa - August 8, 2011 - 8:03 am

@David I bet Janey will blog her her pictures!

@Alicia YES we gotta do this again SOON!! : )

Janey - August 8, 2011 - 12:02 pm

Woo hoo! Great photos! Was a fun night. Must do it again very soon! :) And yes, mine will be up some time this week. :)