Giveaway Winner!

Phew!  You all sure know how to try for a prize!  What fun it was to read all the entries + count up all the votes :)  I really hate that part of giving something away... because I want to give the gift to everyooooone.  And it breaks my heart when "only" one can win.  Then I have to go into coach-Kristen-mode and not let the emotions get to me. 

SO.  After counting up ALL 638 votes.  We find ourselves using the handy-dandy True Random Number Generator Tool aaaaaand:

Lucky Number Eight!  I was expecting something crazy like 234 or 551 or 391.  But nope!  It was number 8 :)     
Congratulations Essie Jane - e-mail me your home address so I can get you your goods.  You're going to have FUN!

Contest Winner!

"Is that seat taken?
Congratulations
Would you like to take a walk with me?"

blue october | congratulations

SO.

The website is up.

The contest is over.

The gift-basket is ready.

We need a winner, yo.

After 949 entries,

I randomly generated a winner for each post

(to make sure I didn't include double-commenters or people not entering the contest).

That left me with the top 10

(one from each post.)

Randomly generated 1-10.

And with that, there was a winner

Watch the video to see if it's YOU.

And by the way, I want you all to know how much this has made my last few weeks.

I've LOVED getting to know you all better!

You are such a fun, creative, insightful and FUNNY group of "friends."

Don't be strangers, cause then I'll be lonely.

You are dearer to my heart!

Contest Wrap-Up

"Getting to knoOOow you,

Getting to know all about youUuu.

Getting to like you,

Getting to hope you like meeEee."

the king and i 

--

Folks.  

I've loved this contest.
Because I got to know you all so so much better.
Thanks for making my day all the time -

And you all became such closer "friends"!
(is that lame to say about blog comments?
I hope not.)


I'm launching my website tomorrow.
And announcing the winner for this contest on Thursday.

Votes will continue until 11:59 PST Wednesday night!

For new-comers:

If you missed the contest rules, check them out right here.

 If you missed why this contest is happening, head over here!

But until then, I just had to post some of my favorite comments.
Read through them!  
And maybe you are in here!


Sarah Elaine - I googled your "fave character" because I hadn't heard of him.

I found a YouTube video.

And cried.

 i think my favorite is john chivery from little dorrit. 

he's seriously the sweetest, kindest, and cutest love-struck boy ever. 

and on top of that, 

he has a british accent and funny ears.

 i just love him as a character. :D

Stacie Coella liiiiiterally made me laugh-out-loud.  So so hysterical, what a mis-hap indeed:

"... the day that my mom only had enough time to french braid one side of my head. The other half was left to blow freely in the wind as I ran out to not miss the bus to school. Needless to say I was embarrassed all day. What's more embarrassing than that? 

Well, since you ask...

the fact that I could have taken the braided side out and all would have been right with the world. 

But I didn't. 

Because I'm smart like that."

Kaylee introduced me to someone BRAND new.  

And I was intrigued that Joanna Newsom was "hard to get":

The Milk-Eyed Mender by Joanna Newsom.

She has an extremely unique voice, 

not something you'd find on your normal amazon or google search. 

It took work to find her, but it is worth it!

Rebecca, um, yes.  I'd never heard of Rex Ray. But he's a new fave:

My favorite artist is Rex Ray. 

I buy a different calendar each year and stumbled upon his last year.

 I had never heard of him but thought his pictures were fabulous--colorful and happy!

Shannon Morse - WHAT?! YOU DIDN'T LIKE FRENCH FRIES? So glad you finally came around:

French fries.

 I never used to finish them... 

now I'm always reaching into the bottom of the bag trying to find one more!

Rebekah. I love you.  Adopt me:

I have this hat. 

It's called a cap-sac. 

It's a fanny pack for your head and I love it and I wear it at any opportunity I can.

 My first present to my boyfriend was a cap-sac 

and we're DEFINITELY going to incorporate them into our wedding somehow :)

Lydia Covey! You've inspired me!  Def my favorite cleaning tip:

I just love cleaning with anything lavender scented. 

So fresh and feminine smelling! 

Fabulosa is one of the best!

Jacqueline made me laugh about magazines:

Does National Geographic make me sound like a huge nerd? I don't subscribe to anything, but I especially love looking at the photos in old NatGeo magazines... Whatever, I embrace my nerdiness.

Veronica - maybe we can visit there together? I've never heard of that place. But I googled it. And now I must go:

Sark.

No cars.

No streetlights.

Beautiful stars.

Heavenly. :)

Betsy Jo, this made me tear up. Wow. So precious:

This is gonna' be long. I'm just warning you. :) My great grandma McBrierty was one of my favorite people. When I was 17, our family traveled to Ireland and visited the old, now abandoned school she attended when she was a young girl. On the wall were rows and rows of rusty hooks, all with numbers for children to hang their coats and hats. My father absconded with one of those hooks- and it hangs in their home today. And knowing how much I loved her, I think they'll give it to me someday. ??? So I guess it's not my old thing, it's theirs. But I still love it and like to imagine her little coat there on that hook, from her days in Glennamaddy, Ireland. How's that for sappy and sentimental? :)

Favorite "Me" {Contest Post #10}

"Every boy in this land grows to be his own manIn this land, every girl grows to be her own woman
Come with me, Take my hand, and we'll run
And you and me are free to be you and me"new seekers | free

Almost every bride I know says it.

"I want our wedding to be personal -

I want it to be us."

This wedding, for Natasha and David, that I shot last year has got to be one of the most unique and "us" weddings I've ever witnessed.

    Cotton bridesmaids dresses from Target,khaki-colored bridal gown,felt-and-button-bouquet...


Somehow this quirky, excited, talkative couple managed to create a wedding that was completely personal and unique - just like they themselves are :D
(ps. Isn't Shade Tree and Evergreen a LOVELY venue? Um, I'll answer that. It is.)















It seriously looked like Candyland.


(one of the few black-and-whites from the day...How can you hide ALL that color?! haha)
I was very inspired by this (as well as most!) couples desire to be unique, and personal."Free to be you and me!"They didn't conform to the box of "this is what a wedding should be like."They made up their own rules.I personally don't want a candy-themed wedding,but I love that they did it,because that was them.
And that's what they wanted.Bravo, Natasha and Dave.
Your wedding was beautiful, well-executed and so happyily fun.You've inspired me to make my website just as personal,in my own Kristen way ;)
So, folks, leave me a comment:What do you think is something quite "you" about yourself.
A freckle, a taste in music, a favorite pair of shoes, a hair-style, a color...It can be anything!  Just let me know! Rah! Rah!
And you could receive a $25 giftcard to spend on Y-O-U!

For new-comers:

If you missed the contest rules, check them out right here.If you missed why this contest is happening, head over here!

Favorite "Mis-Haps" {Contest Post #9}

Grace: I know, I look ridiculous. 

Bob: Oh no, it's a lovely hat. Grace: I'd take it off,  but then I'd have shower cap head. So you saw my hair last night. Not that you were lookin'. But, I mean, maybe you noticed my head... my hair ...my head...my head of hair.
bob + grace | return to me

Oh mishaps.Gotta love them.
I was breezing (yes, breezing... like a delicate wind or a light mist. And I smelled amazing, of course.  Because anyone who "breezes" always smells good) through some old folders looking for a picture to add to my new website. 
And I found a big ol' long video from Thanksgiving Day.

My first Thanksgiving "on my own."(Praise the Lord and Southwest Airlines and public school holiday break for allowing some of my favorite little people to join me.)
This was also my first "cooking the holiday meal" alone day.And my first time making Turkey (with a capital T.  That thing deserves re-spect.)And my first time researching how to make a Turkey.
(No one says to do it the same way, by the way.Which is very confusing.Because everyone says their way is best.And that's confusing for someone who has ZERO idea.)
But this was my first time "carving" a Turkey.("Just rip it off like a barbarian!" my little brother told me.)And also my first time burning the stuffing.Well, all-together forgetting about the stuffing.("Nobody eats stuffing nowadays," my little brother also told me. I wonder what-a-days people did eat stuffing!) And also the first time I heard (from my little sisters) that if you cut the Turkey a certain way it will "fart."Also the first time I left the giblet bag INSIDE THE TURKEY WHILE IT COOKED.(to defend myself, there were two bags. And I did take out one of them.)
Leave me a comment with one of your favorite "mis-hap" stories.About cooking, or public speaking, or public restrooms, or pantyhose or anything!And one of my snazzy, breezy aprons could be yours!

For new-comers:

If you missed the contest rules, check them out right here.If you missed why this contest is happening, head over here!

Favorite New-Love AND Favorite Artist {Contest Post 7 + 8}

Heeeeey everyone. 

Pretend like I didn't forget to blog yesterday.  Sweet. Thanks.

LET'S JUMP RIGHT IN!

TWO CONTEST POSTS IN ONE!

Woot :D

Leave two separate comments, though, for it to count!

Contest Number 7 has to do with Starbucks.Why?Because until this year, I did not like it.I didn't get it.

Now, well, ha, I get it, folks, I get it.

{stolen from google images}I love Starbucks and didn't used to.

Tell me, what did you used to hate/dislike but now REALLY quite enjoy?Hmmm?Huh?Spill the beans.The coffee beans.And if you win, a Starbucks gift-card will be part of your winnings.

Contest 8 iiiiiiis about art.One of my favorite artists is Seth Remsnyder.He made me these custom I'm Kristen plaids on canvas.In my colors.I'm Happy Kristen.The gift basket now includes one of these! One of my custom paintings!It's like eBay-ing a Princess Diana gown!  Aren't you honored?!Haha just kidding.


But Seth really is wonderful and I love his work, and you really will win one of these paintings.So let me know who YOUR favorite artist is.A friend, an Etsy-aquaintance, Monet'... Let me know!
Comment away!Remember, you can enter twice on this ONE post ;)

For new-comers:

If you missed the contest rules, check them out right here.If you missed why this contest is happening, head over here!

Favorite Character {Contest Post #6}

"Well, if Jane does die, 

it will be a comfort to know she was 

in pursuit of Mr. Bingley."

jane's father | pride and prejudice

(Siiiiiiince it is Valentines Day... there has to be a romantic post. C'mon now...)

This isn't a post about my favorite movie.

Or my favorite work of literature.

Or my favorite version of a particular story.

This is about my (current but also longstanding) favorite "guy" character in a story.

Ever since I saw the original Pride & Prejudice in middle school, followed by the "new" Pride & Prejudice in high school, followed by studying the real book later in high school, I've always been a LARGE Bingley fan.

I just love that he has no ego.

No macho-ness to break down.

Just genuine, light-hearted, possibly naive, but nonetheless sweet affection.

He's maybe not the most interesting of all characters in this world, but he's so so nice.

I'm a little rough around the edges and a touch sarcastic, so I think I always appreciated this kind, honest character.

Team Bingley, yo.

A special "Bingley treat" will be in the gift basket,

so enter to win by letting me know YOUR favorite "guy" (or "girl", I suppose) character in a story! 

For new-comers:

If you missed the contest rules, check them out right here.If you missed why this contest is happening, head over here!

Favorite "Neatness" Item {Contest Post #5}

Make the fire, fix the breakfast!
Wash the dishes!
And the sweeping!And the dusting!
They always keep her hopping the work song | cinderella
Since moving into my own little land in a little building on a little street,I've learned a few lessons.
Like:
- When you lock a door you need a key to open the lock. So make sure you have said key.
- If you don't buy toilet paper, it won't magically appear when you need it!
- If you don't go grocery shopping, your fridge will be empty.As will your stomach.
I've also learned that their are some brands of cleaning/house supplies that I LOVE.
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Products!(seriously, please go here and look at their website.I was very inspired in making mine.There are videos! Cute ones! Hurry! Scoot! Click!)
Mrs. Meyers Dish Soap.Doesn't it just sound wonderful to say?The branding is fabulous,the smells are fabulous,the design is fabulousAND IT ACTUALLY CLEANS THINGS.And I think the winner of the contest should have my favorite Mrs. Meyers Product.
So, today, tell me your favorite cleaning/organizing/neat-ness acheiving product OR tip!
(ps.  Contest is half over! Eek!)
For new-comers:

If you missed the contest rules, check them out right here.If you missed why this contest is happening, head over here!

Favorite Dream Vacation {Contest Post #4}

Only trouble is, gee whiz

I'm dreamin' my life away

everly brothers | all i have to do is dream

(pic stolen from google)I think I dream in colors of Croatia.
(pic stolen from google)
I've never been there.But Hello-Holly! if I ever get the chance to... I just might not ever leave.
(pic stolen from kauflin fam)
Croatia is my dream vacation world.The beach and water seem perfect - better then San Diego.The thick forests and waterfalls are mouth-watering - and better then Costa Rica.I've heard it's less touristy then other parts of Italy + Greece by the water.

(pic stolen from google)I just want to flap my wings and fly there right now.

(pic stolen from kauflin fam)Croatia inspires me.And someday I will go there.And never return.Just kidding ;)Not.

(pic stolen from kauflin fam)

Where is your Dream Vacation Place YOU'VE NEVER BEEN?No return places.  No favorite places you've visited.Where do you want to go someday in your life, but so far haven't had a chance to?Ahhooooy maties! Comment Away!
(This also is a surprise how it ties into the gift basket.  But don't worry... it does!)
For new-comers:

If you missed the contest rules, check them out right here.If you missed why this contest is happening, head over here!

Favorite "Old" Item {Contest Post #3}

A picture’s worth a thousand words But you can’t see what those Shades of gray keep covered
You should have seen it in colorjamey johnson | in colorI love old things.I love things with character.A story - bet you never heard that before? I bought this book in a tiny bookstore in Norwich, England last summer."Now We Are Six" by AA Milne is just the sweetest little book and was originally published in 1927 in London.

I often grab it before I write blog posts and look at the pictures,read the sweet "through child's eyes" poemsand mostly get inspired.(look at the cute little bear butt climbing up the stairs hahah oh man I love it.)
It's a secret, but this will be a part of the gift basket in some way ;)
But I'll give you a hint:This is my favorite poem in the book :DAnd try not to just skip over it! It's so so so cute!You have to read it!
"Let's look for dragons," I said to Pooh."Yes, let's," said Pooh to MeWe crossed the river and found a few -"Yes those are dragons all right," said Pooh."As soon as I saw their beaks I knew.That's what they are," said Pooh, said he."That's what they are," said Pooh.

"Let's frighten the dragons," I said to Pooh."That's right," said Pooh to Me."I'm not afraid," I said to Pooh,And I held his paw and shouted "Shoo!Silly old dragons!" - and off they flew."I wasn't afraid," said Pooh, said he,"I'm never afraid with you."
So wherever I am, there's always Pooh,There's always Pooh and Me."What would I do?" I said to Pooh,"If it wasn't for you," and Pooh said: "True,It isn't much fun for One, but TwoCant stick together," says Pooh, says he."That's how it is," says Pooh.
Did you read it?You better have!
SoooOooo, leave me comment and let me know what your favorite "old" thing is!A piece of furniture in your grandma's house, a shirt you've had since middle school, whatever is "old" to you and a favorite!
Holllllller.
For new-comers:

If you missed the contest rules, check them out right here.If you missed why this contest is happening, head over here!

Favorite Current Album {Contest Post #2}

Lay your hand on my heart

Like it was at the start

That always was the best part.

best part | el madmo + norah jones

"...Featuring Norah Jones" isn't my all-time favorite album.  But it's my current favorite.And it's the second item in the gift-basket! This dandy little disc is a complilation of all Norah Jones's duets from 2001-2010.It's smooth, chill moodiness is so perfect for this end of winter season.

And.I.Love.The.Lyrics.
I hadn't heard most of these songs before,
but there are some stunning lines written in here!

If you've been around very long, you know that my photography is based BIG-TIME on the couples personal story.  I love the story.  I love a good story.  I love a well-told story.
Like this, for example:

He was playing on the sidewalk
For passing change,
When something strange 

happened.

Glory train passed through,

So he buried the coins he made
In peoples park.
And went looking for a woman
To court and spark.


It seemed like he read my mind
He saw me mistrusting him
And still acting kind.
He saw how I worried sometimes
(I worry sometimes).


"All the guilty people", he said
"They've all seen the stain -
On their daily bread
On their christian names.
I cleared myself.
I sacrificed my blues.
And you could complete me!
I'd complete you."


His eyes were the color of the sand.
And the sea.
And the more he talked to me,
The more he reached me.
But I couldn't let go of L.A.
City of the fallen angels. 

court + spark | herbie hancock + norah jones


 So!  What is your CURRENT favorite album to listen to?
Comment away!


For new-comers:

If you missed the contest rules, check them out right here.If you missed why this contest is happening, head over here!

Favorite Magazine {Contest Post #1}

"Oh, everyone's talking about it. The whole kingdom. The Grand Duke will be here any minute.
  He's been hunting all night for that girl. The one who lost her slipper at the ball last night. They say he's madly in love with her."stepmother | cinderella
(If you missed the contest rules, check them out right here.If you missed why this contest is happening, gooo oooover here-a!)
I like magazines.A.lot.I love flipping the pages so much better then scrolling through online links.My recent most favorite magazine is Grace Ormonde's Wedding Style (this edition came out a little while ago.)This is like the fairy-tale-bed-time-story-book for grown-ups.I'd never want a wedding like a Grace Ormonde wedding.Psh, and who are we kidding, I could never have the OPTION of having a Grace Ormonde wedding.But it's fun to pretend?Because let's be honest, I wouldn't ever really want to be Cinderella.I just liked imagining it.This magazine is laid-out so well.It's not cluttered.It's very appealing.And these shoes?If any one of you buys me those teal heels right there, I will name my first-born after you.And my estate. 
My favorite thing to look at is the dresses.Big pictures.Right off the runway.Stop my achey-breaky-heart.

So first item in the gift basket is Grace Ormone Wedding Style! Leave a comment with YOUR favorite magazine (any "genre" - food, house, health, celebrity, whatever!)
:D

"Favorite" Contest Rules!

Hey all!

Contest time.
Here's the deal-io.
Over the next two weeks I am going to have 10 separate posts about some of my favorite things, and how those things inspired parts of my website.  

We good so far? Thweet.

At the end of the posts all ten of my "favorite items" that I blogged about will be put into a gift basket.

And shipped away to the Contest Winner.

To enjoy.

And be inspired.

And to... yeah, mostly enjoy.

How do you enter?

By leaving a comment on the blog posts with your favorite _______.

So, if my blog post is about my favorite shoe company,

you leave a comment with your favorite shoe company

and you have officially entered!

You can comment on all ten posts!

At the end, I will randomly select from the comments over the whooooole contest.

SPECIAL CATCH OF THE DAY!

(and it isn't salmon!)

If you tell a friend about this contest and they leave your name in their comment,

and then THEY win the gift-basket,

you will win a special door-prize!

So.

That was a little tricky.

Let me explain.

You are Kate.

Your friend is Lena.

You tell Lena about the contest.

Lena comments on my blog and says:

"My favorite shoe company is Steve Madden.
And Kate told me about this contest!"

Then once the contest is over, Lena wins! Not Kate.  Sad Kate :(

But no!

Kate is happy because she gets a special prize after-all!

Does that make sense? 

I hope so.

First "favorite" item will be posted tomorrow!
And the contest will officially begin!

Any questions?

Ask away :D

Big Announcement! {I'm Kristen Photography}

"Hey man, You're singing my favorite song
Hey friend, You're bringing back better times
Hey there, You know just what to say
Hey kid, That's just what I needed today"

Orba Squara - My Favorite Song 

---
Okay, okay.Maybe it's not the biggest news of all time.But for me it's pretty big.And exciting.New website (and new blog) is on it's way!The big reveal will be before I fly away to Las Vegas for WPPI.
This isn't a quick slap-together, drag-and-drop into a few pre-made templates project.I spent a LOT of time drawing, brain-storming, designing, and personalizing my site.It's simple and not very fussy.  But I love all the details.


SO.I think the most fun part of this whole new site is going to be explaining how it came to be.Which is where y-o-u get involved.
My theme for my new sites isn't "wedding photography."Or even "photography."It's all about my favorite things.Taking my job, wedding photography, and making it personal.
Over the next three weeks I am going to have contest.A good one!
Tomorrow I am going to announce:Contest RulesHow You Get InvolvedaaaaaandWhat You Win!
holler baller.
ps.  It involves YOUR favorite things. pps.  I feel like Oprah.

Contest Winner #4!

The timing of this shoot could not have been better! Janet wrote to me in the fall, and raved about her husband, Seth (story at end of post.) In Janet's letter she emphasized what a hard worker Seth is. It was so sweet to me read this letter from a wife who loved her husband, and a husband who worked hard for his wife.
Janet and Seth - you are an example to the watching world! Thank you!

When I was driving to their house yesterday, I was listening to (what else?) country, and Alan Jackson's "Small Town Southern Man" came on. I know that Seth is not a farmer, and that they don't live in the country, but I love the way this song talks about a hard-working man!

"And he bowed his head to Jesus
And he stood for Uncle Sam"

"And he only loved one woman
Was always proud of what he had"

"He said his greatest contribution
Is the ones you leave behind"

"Raised on the ways and gentle kindness
Of a small town Southern man"

Janet and Seth are QUITE the little lovebirds - its very sweet :)

Carrying his bride over the threshold!

"You can break the back
But you can't break the spirit
Of a small town Southern man"

Because forehead kisses are the best...?





We just had to take some pictures inside their lovely first home. They are doing an amazing job in it! It looks soooo good!







And one last outside one:

You guys were wonderful! I had a really great time with you :)
And, Congratulations!

Here's the letter:

What could I say about this man who has changed my life so much?

I guess I should start in the beginning (so you might here some of our story with this, bear with me. I hope you like love stories). When I first knew of Seth, we hadn't even met. I was too proud to talk to him and he thought I was "too good" to talk to him (he was prob right). Yet in spite of my resistance, I was always drawn to the way that he cared for people. I loved to watch him from a distance and as time went on I wanted to know more about this guy. How he took the time to stop. To ask questions and to listen. To really take an interest. I'll never forget the many occasions I would go in the Flower Hill Starbucks and watch him share the Gospel with this guy and talk to him for hours. I'll also never forget watching him passionately pray for people after church on Sundays down front so faithfully. I'll never forget seeing his smile and his joy. I'll never forget wanting to know him more because of his love for Jesus. I'll never forget his love for and desire to serve God's people. And this was all before he became "my love."

In spite of being drawn to him, Seth was a surprise. I didn't really "like" him (or so I told myself, I always thought he was super cute!). It grew out of a friendship and it grew out of another thing that I would honor him for: he is a servant. About 1.5 years ago, we were out with friends on the weekend and one of our friends side swipped my car that we both happened to be in. Seeing the damage he offered to fix it for me. I was rejoicing that it was going to be taken care of, but I didn't expect him to call me so soon. It was a Monday and I was working and he called saying he could fix it that night (I almost didn't go over because I was getting sick) and we ended up going out to dinner together and started talking, and we haven't stopped since. We both weren't looking to get into a relationship and God blessed it anyways. It was never about us. God had a plan and he was writing our story!

Since being with Seth, life with him has only gotten happier, my love for Jesus and my passion for his kingdom has only grown deeper, and experiencing his love has only been sweeter. Now every rosy picture has a rough side. I'm the passionate one, he's the patient one and he is always so faithful to care for my soul when we don't agree or when I am struggling. And I can say with confidence that walking through those things together, there is no other person I would rather have stand by me in the hard times. I'm so grateful for him and God's perfect timing in bringing Seth into my life. We have been through it all together. It is the hard times when the "whats really in there" comes out. He has trusted God, loved me, and encouraged me when it just seemed like it was only going to get worse. Never did I see Him question Gods character or doubt that God was going to be faithful and deliver us through it all.

He is worthy of much honor not just in those ways, but in how he takes his role as a husband, leader and provider seriously. He works so hard for our family. Working for ARI(he fixes cars) he works outside every day, come heat or cold, he is there fixing bumpers, painting doors, and often putting in many 12 hour +days with the commute to and from. But he has NEVER complained and he always greets me upon his return home with joy in his heart and always asks me how he can serve me even though he is so tired! He is a faithful man. Faithful to his job and to his church. Every Tuesday he comes home, tired. Instead of leading our family in a way of comfort and leisure, he loves Gods people and we get to serve a group of singles and be their leaders. It isn't always the easiest, but he loves to serve for and care for God's people so much that he lays down his life to do it.

All of the things that I got to see from afar before God drew us together, I have only gotten to see more of. Its real. It wasn't just a facade and the list of things that I love and respect about him has only gotten longer. The story of God's unending faithfulness to him and to us has only been sweeter to both of us. God is good. He is kind. He has drawn our lives and hearts together for His glory and for His kingdom. That makes the way he loves me so much better.

This is a very short version of a very long story of all the things I could say about the man that God chose for me before there was time. What an amazing blessing he is to me.

CUteness!

... Contest Winner #2 ...

Naomi & Michelle

This is the second winner from my contest back in the winter! Most "winners" wanted to wait until the spring for their shoots... and I happily agreed with them!

You can see Naomi's winning entry at the bottom the post. She wrote about her sister, Michelle, who had her baby right when I had my contest! For their shoot we did all the girls in the family - three generations! They are a pretty beautiful group of ladies!

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine""You make me happy when skies are gray""You'll never know dear, how much I love you""Please don't take my sunshine away"
{the light is all a mess in this one, but I just LOVE this little face!}"The other night dear, as I lay sleeping""I dreamed I held you in my arms""But when I awoke, dear, I was mistaken""So I hung my head and I cried""You are my sunshine" "My only sunshine""You make me happy when skies are gray""You'll never know dear, how much I love you""Please don't take my sunshine away"

I love her little baby face :) :) :)

Congrats Naomi on winning!

I wanted to take this opportunity to honor my sister, Michelle. We basically became best friends on the day I was born. She was so excited to have a baby sister (being surrounded by our three, crazy brothers J) that she even took me in for “show and tell” when she was in kindergarten and I was just a baby! I can always remember wanting to be just like her, whether it was eating the same thing she was, dressing the same way she dressed, playing “house” the way she played, etc. I just wanted to be with her all the time and imitate everything she did. Being the only two girls in the family, we also got to share a room together, which meant late night talks and lots of laughs!

Michelle was there for me when I needed her to be. She always had a comforting word or a shoulder to cry on or willing ears to listen. My sister has always been a very faithful Christian and that wisdom and love for her Savior would continually spill into the wisdom and love she in turn gave me. She exemplifies the Savior well which leads me to the main reason I want to honor her.
Now that the excited bride has been married for over three wonderful years, to the sweetest and best friend, the Lord has blessed her with a baby girl that is due to come into this world any day! I remember the morning she found out she was pregnant; the proud soon-to-be parents came over to our house at 6 in the morning and tip toed up to my room and jumped on my bed! First of all, I’m not a morning person and she knew that from sharing a room with me, second of all, I was very confused as to why she was at our house at 6am! I had to think for a moment, “Wait, does she still live here?” But when she told me she was pregnant, I jumped out of bed and gave her a big hug. I was sooo excited and this was a big answer to prayer since I’ve been waiting to be an aunt ever since my siblings got married.
Sovereignly, the Lord has used Michelle’s pregnancy to bring her to her knees and rely on Him for extra grace. Unfortunately she has been sick throughout her whole pregnancy. I remember thinking, “This girl is definitely pregnant!” because her personality was always full of energy, but during the first 3 months she just had to sleep and rest when she wasn’t working. She just wasn’t her typical “go get ‘em” girl self. We were all praying that this sickness wouldn’t remain with her the whole time, but the Lord has allowed that. And Michelle has done exceptionally well in dealing with it! I never heard her complain throughout this whole trial.
Her humility and joy have been such an example! I remember when my tired sister would call on the way to work and ask me to pray for her because she didn’t think she would be able to make it through that day. I would ask, “Do you have grace for today?” she replied, “I do for the next five minutes!” Moment by moment Michelle had to rely on the Lord for strength. She knew that if there was any way she would make it to work, it would only be by God’s amazing grace! Another area of grace in her life is being others focused. I was always amazed when she would ask me about my life because I knew how uncomfortable this pregnancy has been. But she never put the attention on herself; her focus was to always draw others out.
I knew that it was only by God’s grace that she was able keep working more than full time which included crazy hours, as well as cleaning the house, making dinners, serving her husband, help lead a Care Group and have a challenging pregnancy at the same time! The scripture that comes to mind when I think of how Michelle has walked out this trial is in James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” I have seen my sister count it joy walking through this trial of sickness for 10 months. Dave’s joyful wife has had much faith and trust in the Lord as she has carried this baby. What an example to me and all who know her! I also love the hope and promise the Lord says later on in James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.”
Michelle, I just want to tell you it has been such an honor to walk by you through this trial. Thank you for trusting God with this pregnancy and for leaning on Him for strength. Your humility and joy have been such an example to me and our family! We all look forward to another addition to our big family and I can’t wait to have a baby niece!!! I love you lots! Ni :)

Runner-up Shoot:1

I had the shoot for Ellie - a runner-up in my contest and my awesome little buddy! She is planning on pursuing photography until she gets out of highschool, then she wants to start her own business!

The Winner!!!!

Hello Dear Friends of the World Wide Web (whoa. long time since I have heard that....)!

There is a winner for the contest!

Dum, da, da, da, dadaaaaaaa!

And it is :

Kelly Plunnecke
who nominated
her husband Mark!

Kelly has won a free shoot and album for her story!

However, I did promise that the runners-up would be announced as well.
So, the runners-up get an awesome prize. A free mini-shoot! Not a free album, but a short shoot.
See the bottom of this post for details :D hehe.

But, without further ado, Kelly's story:

"I saw this contest and immediately thought this might be a way to bless
Mark. We never had engagement pictures, it never crossed our minds till
people recently started doing this more. And our wedding photographer,
was chosen by a family member who wanted to bless us by paying for it.However, the pictures were really bad. We have one tiny photo that is
the better then the rest but it is just on a shelf in the corner. Mark
has often regretted that we did not do things differently (as well as I!)"

{now, I need to pause right here and say that this is the main reason why Kelly won. I had the hardest time choosing. It was nearly impossible. I seriously actually almost cried when I realized I had to just pick one. But something really hit the photographer in me when I read this. I can really make a difference for this family!
There were so many people honored, and such seriously great stories. It was a blessing and encouragement to read each and every one!}

"Mark and I have been married for over 8 years. In some ways it seems

like just yesterday we exchanged our vows. Where have the years gone?""These 8 years have been the happiest of my life, maybe that is why they
have flown by. My love has only deepened for him over these years and

I am often amazed that he even asked me to be his wife."
"One more day
One more time
One more sunset,
Maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still,
For one more day with you""It's not that these past years have all been of ease and thus being

filled with joy, we have had our share of conflicts and trials. My
husband has humbly led us through these times. So often I have
responded to him in anger and impatience and he has patiently forbeared
with me, leading us through those times with much humility."

"Time and time again he has modeled Christ's love in our home. Over the years, Mark

has only grown in selflessness even though the years have brought more demands and one would want to justify selfishness." "First thing I'd do, is pray for time to crawl

Then I'd unplug the telephone
And keep the TV off
I'd hold you every second
Say a million 'I love you's'
Thats what I'd do,
With one more day with you"
"It recently has been most evident with the arrival of our 4th child (and first girl). Mark
has bent over backwards to serve me. When our first son arrived, and I
would ask Mark for help there were times where he would lack joy in
serving. But he has sought to grow in putting other's interests above
his own. It seems whenever I ask, there is such joy in caring for me and the children." " He is eager to serve and often initiating on his own. I am so grateful for a husband who loves Christ first and seeks Him for help to best love his family.""Thanks for the opportunity, even if we do not win (which I completely

understand!) it has been great to be able to write these thoughts down

so I can share this with my hubby. I know it will bless him regardless
of the outcome."

.: Kelly, thank you for honoring your husband :.
I hope you still have your wedding dress!

::Runners-Up::

Ok, my runners-up! Since I could not decide on just one or two, I chose to give a free mini-shoot to the rest of the people who entered! Over the next 6 months I will book and do a shoot with you - for free!
Marybeth, Casey, Naomi, Kendall, Ellie, Julie, Bob, Janet and Olivia - your stories were excellent and I would be honored to be able to do a shoot for you and your honoree!
After we do the shoots I will post their stories and pictures. Some made me cry, others made me laugh out loud. There are some excellent, excellent stories!

Congratulations everyone! And you will all be hearing from me soon!

Last call!!!!

Today is the last day to enter the contest! Hurry, hurry!!!

And, this picture was taken at a re-enactment that Mr. B was in at Mount Vernon.

I pretty much love it :D
"Where your hopes and dreams,
And wishes live,
Where you keep the rest of your life hid,
I want to know the girl
Behind that pretty stare
Take me there."

It reminds me of the Rascal Flatts song "Take Me There" which is the a teaser for me next post.... :D

Contest!

I have exciting news for you! Today I am introducing my first contest :D

Photography is so wonderful because it tells a story with no words. It makes you feel something by using your eyes, not your mouth. However, I am a big fan of words. I love to talk and read! So, this is the contest:

Send me an e-mail (kristenleighphotography@gmail.com) about a person you want to honor. Your fiance, spouse, parent, sibling, child, friend, relative - anyone! I want to know about that person from your point of view. I want to hear what is unique about them, why you respect them, why you love them!

I will pick from the stories and decide on a winner. The winner will win a free shoot (woot! woot!), if possible, with that person. However, I understand that locations will vary, so it might not be realistic. Nonetheless, you will win a shoot! An engagement, family, child, "friend" shoot all on me! And, I will post your story and a few pictures on my blog!

There will also be prizes for the runners-up :D
So, send me your stories and spread the word (esp. to those fiances...)! I cannot wait to hear the stories!

Meanwhile, here is my first "Honor" post for my dad and grandpa:

Enjoy! And, Dad, I hope you are honored.

~ George and Alan Snyder ~"An only child
Alone and wild""And he gave to me
A gift I know I never
Can repay"

The other day my dad was talking to me about something our family is working through. And he started to talk to me about his dad.
"My dad - no matter what I did - was there for me. He loved me with an unconditional love and I always knew that.""He tried to be a soldier once
But his music wouldnt wait"
My grandpa fought in World War Two in the Battle of the Bulge. I can't find any of his military pictures, but he was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star. I am quite proud of him. When I was born my dad called his dad to let him know "It's a girl! She's here!" I have been told that the moment he heard that, he jumped into his car and drove from his home in New York, to ours in Kensington, Maryland. I have been told over and over how much he loved me and how excited he was to see me.My grandpa died when I was six. I don't remember a lot about him, but the memories I have are very strong ones.
I remember sitting on his lap in his family room, reading the only children's book he had, an original Bearenstein Bears. I sat on his "bad knee" at first, and I remember asking him about it and praying for him.
I remember singing "Do Your Ears Hang Low?" for him one bright afternoon and I remember, so clearly, that he was laughing very hard. The rest of the adults were quite annoyed, but he was giving me his full attention and I, to this day, love that about my grandpa.My grandpa loved - no, adored - sports. When my dad was in highschool, my grandpa would save everything that my dad had. We have in our basement boxes and boxes and boxes of newspaper clippings, tournament standings, pictures, awards, Letters from my dad's life.

"My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band"

That love of sports has been passed on :) But, so has the unconditional love.

I think it is hard for people to understand what happened when he started to coach me. Our relationship flourished. The lessons I learned from him - on and off the court - are literally life changing. I am brought to tears just thinking about the way my grandpa led my dad through sports, then my dad to me and my siblings. It is so very special to me and I only wish I could play for him more.

"The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through
My instrument
And his song is in my soul"

My dad was saved when he was in his young 20's. My grandfather, however, remained opposed. Both my dad and grandpa have lived incredibly hard lives. And both would seem like "that guy" who could never be saved.
But, God moved, and near the end of my grandpa's life, he was changed. Cancer humbled him in a new way, and my grandpa was weak. My dad still says that he has never seen a more changed person. Grandpa did not fully understand salvation and the work of the cross, but he knew he was a sinner and he knew that God had provided a Savior. It was basically as simple an understanding as possible, but it was all he needed.
Dad, I love you. I honor you. I want to live like you do. I could go on for hours about you, but I hope you know how very much I love you!
Grandpa, I wish that I could have know you better, but I am so proud of you. I cannot wait to see again!

I want to be a legacy of the lives of these two men.