Kelsey & Tyler: like butter on toast

Kelsey and Tyler’s first date was a trip to the dentist.

Not in a literal way, but I just really want to see you again, type of way. They met on a dating app, but the reason why they decided to meet up was the uncanny amount of boxes that were being checked off. Family in car mechanics… check! Love of country… check! There were just enough commonalities that it was pretty much a no-brainer to get together. They went on a few usual dates, but the first official, “I want to see you again” was when Tyler needed a ride to the dentist. I asked Kelsey what her reaction was, and she said she was just happy to be along for the ride!

Really pay attention to that.. she was just happy to be along for the ride.

Us humans are busy creatures! We got dogs to feed, our bodies to exercise, and we got money to make! Or at least catch up on the latest How I Met Your Father episode… all important things!!

So, when we take valuable time to help someone out that we recently met online, that means something big. Even if it’s for something small; that’s the beginning of this love story.

Tyler and Kelsey’s love for each other melts like butter on a slice of toast. It’s warm and easy. Which is why I can never get enough of it! I am so passionate about capturing these types of stories because they are the best stories to share! They make you feel all of the feels in this crazy life that we live.

Our session went by way too quickly, I never feel like I am done capturing love! It’s too cute!!

I’m so happy for these two, and I can not wait to see what their future holds.

Reasons why we need photographers

What’s up friends?! I’ve been doing some reading lately, and sometimes the books that I read give me homework. One book that I am in the middle of is “Book yourself Solid” by Michael Port. Michael helps people who are tired of thinking small, which is the line that got me to pick up his book. Then I thought why not turn his homework into a Blog post, and share what I am learning? So, here we go! The question that got me here:

Why do people buy what I am selling?

Photographers can capture how you’re feeling in the moment

Talk about a superpower! I think this is one of the biggest reasons why professional photography will always out-beat selfies. How do photographers do this? I place my clients in the best lighting and in the best background possible. This eliminates distraction and really pulls the focus on the person in the photo. Next, I give prompts that pull out expressions. Sometimes the way that you’re feeling doesn’t always show on camera. Lastly, photographers help set the tone. They remind you to think about how big of a deal it is to be in that moment. They hype you up with enthusiasm, or they create a quiet moment with a simple whisper. This 100000% makes A HUGE difference in how the photos look!

In the biggest moments of your life who are you going to trust.. someone who doesn’t know how to work a camera?!

When it comes to milestone moments, you don’t get too many do-overs documenting it. Photographers are worth an investment because they know how to work a camera like it is their lot in life! Have you tried working manual mode? Do you know how to find the best lighting in harsh scenarios? Do you know how to pose in such a way that it flatters everybody? If you do, then shh I’m not talking to you. ;) We photographers have studied SO. MUCH. and we’re never done learning. Not to mention— Our equipment is NOT cheap. Our gear costs the price of a car. And you’re going to hire your uncle Jim?

Photography can express your creative juices

Whether you’re the one in front of the camera or behind it, photography is an art form. There is a multitude of ways you can express yourself with this medium. From costumes, angles, lenses, lighting choices, photoshop, and so much more! You can show people you’re creativity and what goes on inside that pretty mind of yours.

Photographs can empower you

This one’s especially about Boudoir sessions, but photographs can help you fall in love with yourself. It’s not really about the photos themselves, it’s about discovering how to feel comfortable in your own skin- then becoming obsessed with it! Photography is an experience that puts the spotlight completely on you. It can make you feel like a celebrity (especially when we blog about you). Photo sessions are a fun reason to dress up, get your loved ones together, and have a blast!

The Cutest Engagement Session in Chico

My favorite part of a session is when the jitters of being in front of a camera totally melt away when you’re just enjoying being with your person. This was for sure the case with these two. Their time together is so natural and full of joy, and their love for each other can not be overlooked. How they met has been woven back and forth from being the girl next door, to summer camps, all the way to college in Florida. Sometimes when someone stays in your life after all that, it’s fate! I had SUCH a blast photographing this session, and I am counting down the days to get them in front of my camera again!

Gorgeous Lake Tahoe wedding: kamaryn & chris

One of the reasons why I loved working with Kamaryn so much is that her heart truly valued making a great experience for everyone. She really wanted the photos to go well, for the location to be easy for her bridal party. And also, she just really wanted a beautiful location for her photos! She truly understood that you need good lighting to make good photographs. She made sure to rent and air bnb with GORGEOUS window lighting to show case her getting ready photos- and bonus! It came with a super cool bar for the guys. I always sympathize with the guys because all they want to do is get to their “man cave” and get their drink on! This option was so perfect because I got to take some great photos of them in action with their bro time!

also, kamaryn was totally willing to rent a lighting tent, because she understood that the beach might create harsh shadows. Unfortunately, there was a massive fire in the area. Sadly, most of Chris’s and Kamaryn’s guests weren’t able to make it due to the hazardous smoke.

However, it made the wedding so much more intament . They were truly surrounded by love and support. And bonus, it made the lighting SO dreamy, even if the landscape wasn’t as blue as they had originally wanted.

I loved working with these two! I wish their marriage so much happiness!

Beautiful Rocklin Event center wedding

The best man grabbed the microphone. He held it in his hands. The whole room fell silent as Bobby got ready to give his speech. “I’m glad Christian could finally come out and admit to everyone,” he said, “ that I’m the best” the whole room laughed. Bobby explained that he’s been holding on to a text in his phone that he’s been saving for a while. “I knew as soon as he sent this text that I was gonna have to keep it.” He explained. The text was sent after Christian and Milie went on their first date. Christian texted Bobby, “man I know it’s only been the first date, but I’m going to marry this girl”

This speech sums up why I love love! That you can meet a person and sometimes you just know.
the maid of honor speech was amazing too. Jessie told Milie that as soon as she met her she knew that she wanted to be friends. She gave a shout-out to Nugget Store 7, ( go wolf packs!) since there were a lot of us Nugs there.

Milie is a pure ray of light to both everyone at Nugget, and everyone in her life. She walked down the aisle to tangled’s “I see the light” which is beyond fitting for her. Christian has the best heart. When it came time to do their first look he didn’t know how he was supposed to look. I just told him to really think about what he’s feeling, and not worry about the camera. Seriously you guys, probably the best first look that I’ve ever witnessed. And when Milie walked down the aisle, his reaction was the sweetest too.

It’s been such a pleasure to work with this cute couple! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. 💛