Real Love {Marriage}

"i am here to stay,stay."little house | amanda seyfried--
I have to be honest with y'all for a second.Just a second.Then I'll go back to lying.Just kidding ;)But I do have to say:I realize when I blog engagements + weddings + couplesI tend to write and post with a distinct sweet/happy/yay!/butterflies feel.
Which I DO think is a big part of being in love,and I will always capture couples in a "happy" way.
But I know that this is not how love + marriage always is.I came across these lyrics the other day and loved them:

A "new" part of my business I want to focus on is already married couples.(Here is the section on my website for that.)
One of the most important and wonderful parts of marriage,in my inexperienced and young opinion,is the faithfulness even when it's not"yay! snuggles!" and lovey-dovey cutesy newly in love-ish.
The shoots I've posted in what I'm called the Married Gallery,show couples who have walked through some hard times.
Money issues.Job difficulty.Health problems. "Surprise" pregnancies.Infertility.Preemies. Death of children.Deployment overseas.
Moving away from family.
Real life isn't a walk in the park with a blonde photographer.But those heart-wrenching, teary, painful parts of a marriageis where TRUE love shines the brightest.

Love is a choice,not a feeling.

It's easy to choose to love when life is easy,but I have serious respect for the married among uswho have walked through pain and sang"I am here to stay."

Michael + Nas Color {Washington DC Engagement Photography}

"Just one look at you And I know it's gonna be A lovely day"bill withers | lovely dayPeople always tell me "Kristen, when you know, you know."And I knew.I knew from the very first e-mails that I was going to love them.I knew from the first page-load on their rockabilly wedding website.I knew from the first photograph they e-mailed over(a spicy and simple shot of them at the beach).I knew we were a PERfect fit.After meeting them at the shop Nas opened (Toucan Boutique in DC -it's super cute. Check it out!  And buy me this coat! k, thanks!),and hearing about Nas' fashion studies in New York City,and Michael's work in graphics and design,I knew I was sold.Those kinds of meetings are the best + the worst.Best because you are thrilled to have potential clients that fit with you so well.Worst because you need to keep it cool and not blow the stinking meeting so they will become ACTUAL clients.But I guess there was mutual love + happiness amongst us,and I get to be Micahel + Nas' wedding photographer.*haaappy yippe-i-ay dance*You want details about them and their love?I can do that.They met quite a few years ago in Adams Morgan.Nas didn't really want to go out that night (pause: I can't tell you how many times I hear that."I was going to go out buuuuut I did"and then they meet someone.Love it.)but her friends got her out there.She was tired, it was late, her friends were jazzed, and by the end of the evening she was just really looking forward to her bed.

Then her friend spotted Michael.

But Michael spotted Nas.

That chance meeting late that one night ended up being "the one."

When it was time to pop the question,
Michael wanted to make it memorable.
This woman he loves so much,
this woman that has so inspired him,
this woman he never wants to live without -
well, this woman needed to be proposed to right!

Paris seemed like a great place to start.
Nas + her family were in Paris for Christmas and Michael went with.
After a late church service at Notre Dame the Scheming Boy and Inspiring Girl
parted ways from her family to be alone.

Michael had it all planned out.
Take the train to the Eiffel Tower,
where it was dark,
romantic,
and perfect.

Quickly the perfect plans were becoming... romantic-comedy-esque.
Many lines shut down late at night,
Michael + Nas were trying to go one direction,
but could only go the opposite way.
They eventually took a cab,
where the cab driver severely warned them about going to the Eiffel Tower at night.
I believe "sketchy" was the word used.

They went anyways, always looking for adventure.
The lights on the famous tower were all turned off.
It rose into the cloudy dark sky,
silhouetted by street lamps,
city lights,
and fog.
It was cold.
And Michael asked Nas to be his wife.

I'm not gonna lie,
I don't know how a girl could say no to that question in that location!

But Nas really loved Michael,
and wanted him to be her husband.
She loved that he was always willing to try the crazy things she suggests.
"He's a good soul." 

And in just a few months, these two will be married!

They'll get to forever enjoy doing all their "art stuff" together,
and eating together (because that's a major favorite activity of theirs.
See? Told you they were meant for me.)

They want a fun fun fun party,
with blue suede shoes
and non-stop dancing.

Their wedding is going to be a celebration!
A happy memory!
And mostly just a wonderful time,
to reflect their fun, wonderful relationship.

I personally can.not.wait.
I mean, yes, I am very excited that they are getting married.
That's a good thing.

But I also just can't wait to shoot them again!!!

Once I start, I might not ever stop.

Seeeeee.
Reeeeeee.
Uuuuuuus.
Leeeeeee.

I like this one ;)
She was fixing his sleeves,
then just needed some arm-love.
I support that.

Yes, this was already on the blog.
But it has a special place in my heart.

FAVORITE.

I really do believe "less is more,"
and I try to limit my blog posts to a decent number of pictures.
I know I went overboard.
But today "more is more."
Wa-la.

Thanks for bearing with me ;)
Hope this made you smile!
After years of waiting to shoot at this venue,
the perfect couple dropped in my lap
and I am just grinning inside + out for their upcoming "big day!"
Woo-hoo!

Any guesses on where their wedding is going to be? ;)

Heart of a Girl {Personal}

You showed me the heart of a girl,

And I wrapped you in ribbons and curls

peter bradley adams | heart of a girl

--

"A page is turned in this world

To reveal a little girl

With a heart that's bigger,

As it is unfurled,

With a careful cover of love that will not fail.

And the God of second chance,

Picked her up and let her dance."

“Who am I, O Lord God,

that you have brought me thus far?

Because of your promise,

and according to Your own heart,

you have brought about all this greatness,

to make your servant know it."

--

2 Samuel 7

I've just been thinking a lot recently about my life.

Many of my friends are graduating college this coming spring,

about to start their careers they've so diligently worked for,

and patiently waited for.

Many are dating their boyfriends,

others are engaged to their fiancee's

and some are married to their husbands.

My friends are married.

Friends of mine are pregnant with children,

trying to be pregnant with children,

already have children.

Aren't we still children?!

Friends are talking about their masters degrees,

moving to new states (and continents!),

buying engagement rings,

buying houses,

traveling the world,

getting into medical school,

working 40-plus hours a week.

I think we grew up?

Headed into my fourth year of full-time work.

Pay my own bills.

Live in my own (rented) place.

Own my own car.

Buy my own toilet paper.

Eat dessert for breakfast if I want.

I feel like adult.

My heart feels like an adult. Like a woman.

I marvel at where God has brought me,

and I'm in awe of His heart towards me,

and I long to see what He has next for me.

"Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.

Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee."

Lead on, sweet Father, I trust you completely,

with my life and my heart.

Grow me up!

Sometimes I'm a scared little girl,

and want the safety of being young again.

Show me Your greatness in any way You choose.

I'm excited and I'm ready and I trust Your heart completely.

I'm so excited about life :D

Michael + Nas BW {Washington DC Engagement Photography}

Can we pretend, that from now on, 
There is no yesterday?

Paint a portrait of tomorrow

With no colors from today?

bill whithers | pretend

Michael + Nas' "real" post is going to be tomorrow.The usual, sweet, lovey-dovey, "here's the whole girly version of the story", colorful post will be tomorrow.But these few in black+white real grabbed me.
It feels like a completely different shoot.So they get their own post :DBallers!

"There's a light that shines

In your face sometimes,
That takes my feelings 

Wraps them around your need.

But there's shadow hiding

 In your heart sometimes
That makes my feelings 

Turn back in on me"

Can we pretend

The pain is gone?
And go our merry way?
Paint a portrait of tomorrow
With the colors?"

Yes, tomorrow we will paint in colors.

And it'll be as bright and cheery as the shoot (and this couple) really is.

But I had to get out some inner "mood."

;)

Aren't Micahel + Nas beautiful, by the way?

So beautiful.

Be back tomorrow with colorsssss!

Teaser {Engagement}

She turned her "cant's" into "can's"

And her dreams into plans

kobi yomata

I've been dreaming about this shoot since I was 17.

American City Diner, on Connecticut  Avenue,

right in the nations capital.

I had it all planned in my head.
And I've been saving this location for just the right couple.

Mr. Michael + Ms. Nas came along.
They got engaged,
under the Eiffel Tower,
past midnight,
after getting lost in Paris.
(Say "Paris" like this:
'Pare-ee!'
It's more fun that way.)

And they wanted a 50's-themed engagement shoot,
for their 50's rockabilly themed wedding.

And my dreams came true!

Full shoot coming.

:D

My Weekend {Personal}

"twinkle twinkle little...""LION!""a lion? lion's don't twinkle!""ah!hahaHAhahah."selah and i discuss lyrics This weekend I fake played guitar.And Selah sang about twinkling lions,and gave me a Sher Khan (tiger) sticker.
And I went to check out this Pier One table in person,which led to spotting a wine-tasting,so I went (alone. funniest thing of my life.)so then I walked around a little more,(in case those three sips of wine stunted my driving skills),and I ended up back at the mall with good friends,and leaving the mall with these white Gap jeans,bought with a $25 off coupon.
(if you give a mouse a cookie...)
Beat that. (You have a good weekend, too?)

Tasty Week {Personal}

I like to ate ate ate

apples and ba-na-naes,

I like to eat eat eat

epples and be-nee-nees!

barney | apples and bananas

--

I think I had my favorite produce delivery ever this week.

(Thank you South Mountain Veggies!)My all-time favorite thing to get is their green beans.LOVE ME SOME FRESH GREEN BEANS.

But the colors, the variety and the use-ability of these six items made me smile. And eat.

Started with some (okay, all) of the green beans (peppered + buttered),

Garlic Parsley Pastaand strawbreeez.

Then an Apple Walnut Salad (using some of last weeks apples, with this weeks Butter Lettuce.

When I die, in lieu of flowers,

send Butter Lettuce to my family.

And they will know I truly loved them.)

Not all meals were created equal.

And one night lots of veggies were used up to make dinner for friends:

We had French Onion Bacon Cheeseburgers on Sesame Seed Knot Rolls,

Honey Carrot Slaw,

and Cajun Battered French Fries.

(all in caps because, as you know, that's a sign of respect.)

With lots of fresh fixings for everything!
(and potato chips + blue plastic cups.
not sure if you caught that eye-sore or not,
but I figured I should point it out in case you missed it.)

Made the fries with last weeks potatoes.
They were really easy to make.
And also really easy to eat!
Except please don't ever ever ever touch hot peanut oil.
It scalds your skin.
I have a lashing on my hand now.

For dessert I simply squeezed her cheeks!
Sweet + calorie-free!
(This is my assistant, Hannah's, daughter.
She walks and drools and has great cheeks.)

Hope your weekend is/was filled with the ones you love,
drool-worthy food,
and no lashings.

:D

Robbie + Kelly {Montgomery County Wedding}

"I would walk 500 miles,

And I would walk 500 more,

Just to be the man that walked a 1000 miles

To fall down at your door."

the proclaimers | i'm gonna be

Maryland is not the same as Texas.

And Florida is not the same as Virginia.

And Virginia and Texas and Florida and Maryland are really not the same.

But somehow,

a girl in Maryland,

met a guy living in Texas,

in Florida,

(even though he'd spent much of his life in Virgina. Near Maryland.)

And this particular guy (his name is Robbie),

did a little number on this girl's (her name is Kelly) heart.

(I love this series.)

ps.  Don't ever hire me.

I make brides walk through mud and bridesmaids stand in the cold.

Spare yourself.

Through mutual friends,

texting, 

butterflies,

counsel

and more texting,

Kelly and Robbie started dating very shortly after they met.

The distance made things... special.  

Satellites in the sky,

as well as airplanes in the sky,

kept their friendship growing + strong.

Praise the Lord for those things!

Yes, they had exhausting whirlwind weekends of 

meeting family, 

having long talks, 

little sleep and

falling in love,

but they were willing to do whatever they needed to do.

Within months, Kelly and Robbie were engaged.

The were going to finally live together.

No "once or twice every month quick cram everything in!"

No more "good-night texts" after a night of being on the phone.

They'd be in person!

Together!

In the same state!

Because they were engaged. To be married.

And it's just best if married people are together.

In the same state.

By the way,

Robbie is the sweetest, caring-est, gentle-teddy-bear-iest, kind man I've ever met.

Kelly is going to be so well cared for

(in person, for the rest of her life.)

So on a absolutely freezing day in December,

(don't be fooled by the pictures.  

It.was.so.so.so.cold.)

hearts were united,

vows were made,

two became one,

and friends rejoiced!

(and complained under their breath about the photographer making them stand in the cold.

but it's okay,

I complained about myself to me, too ;) 

haha just playing, you all were WONDERful.)

You can't do that  v  over text, now can you? 

It was such a sweet delight to shoot these two.

They don't take for granted getting to be actually together.

They are loving, calm, relaxed people.

And they love each other.

Quite much.

And Kelly is a stinking hottie.

OH!

And did I tell you?

Ok, well.

See, 

Kelly is standing in a field.

It's about 10 degrees outside, and the sun is setting.

And she's barefoot.

Because it's kind of wet.

And there are thorns and sticks and... THORNS on the ground.

I need to give her a fattened calf.

Or my finest china.

Or a foot-massage.

(She was such a trooper, the bravest ever, and so sweet about it all.)

And now they are off to a life of "together":

learning to love together,

learning to serve together,

learning about each other together.

But mostly being in the same state together.Congratulations Robbie and Kelly!

Apartment Love {Personal}

"But I know of a spot in my house
where no one can stand in my way.
In my own little corner in my own little chair
I can be whatever I want to be."cinderella | my own little cornerDear Apartment, Thank you for letting me learn how to take care of a house on you -being my guinea pig, I suppose.I love learning how to do this.And I love all the views.Gosh, the views.And the people-watching.  It's fabulous.Oh, and the smells.  I love when all the restaurants kick-up and get their grills going.SMELLS SO YUM.Thank you for becoming home to me!I never had a teddy-bear or a pacifier or item I loved,but you have kinda become my "adult" baby-blanket.I love being here,I love having people over here,I love decorating here,I love paying the bills here,I love sleeping here,I love waking up here,I love reading here,I love laughing here,and mostly just being here.
I have so many memories of families that have come over,little kids that have run wild,my basketball team for pizza-parties,my parents coming to visit,caregroup each week,sleepovers with friends,meeting new people,staying up way too late,laughing way too hard,being dumb and crazy and "little" with friends.
You're the best apartment ever, and for the rest of my life I'll remember this place as "my first on my own."Such a sweet memory that I dearly treasure,
Much Love,Your noisy, pink-loving, fire-alarm-setting-off-ing, renter Kristen

Hot Pink {Personal}

"It's you, it's you
My favorite, my favorite"

justin beiber | favorite girl

(don't judge me... if I'm gonna do a blog post about hot-pink-high-heels,

Justin Beiber might as well be involved)

--
On Sunday night, the Middle School Cougars had their End-of-Year basketball banquet.As head coach this season I got to host the wonderful shin-dig.And honor the girls.And hand-out awards.And remember sweet, sweet times.And praise God for growth, memories and friendship.And break out my Chinese Laundry strappy pink heels.

I've been... well... not quite sure what to wear these lovelies to.See, these aren't exactly "Wedding Photographer" shoes.Nor "Sunday Morning Church" shoes.Or "Backyard BBQ" or "Running a Baskteball Practice" or "Going to Panera for Soup" shoes.But I bought them almost a year ago, for less then $20,and they needed to be worn.
So they were worn.
And the next morning, I came out to my living room where they lay,kicked off on the floor,a little sore from all that hard-workbut finally worn.
And then I noticed something.My hot pink H&M sunglasses I bought in Picadilly Circus, London with Lydia last year poked out of my purse, also thrown on the living room floor.

And then I noticed my hot-pink three-foot-tall conversation-starting bird-less birdcage I bought on a whim,

(but it was in the window,

it wagged it's tail,

and gave me it's puppy eyes.

I had to have it.)

Then I noticed my dishes... (once dirty, but I cleaned them for this picture.At least it got me to do my dishes?)... sitting in the sink.Pink in the sink.And then I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror.Wearing the coziest pink PJ shorts.
All my "noticings" turned into a reality:I think I'm still 4 1/2 years old.
For real.What adult has that much hot pink... everywhere?! Not to mention the hot pink border on my ZEBRA rug, the hot pink sweatshirt I was wearing with the hot pink shorts, my hot pink make-up bag, my hot pink perfume bottle, my hot pink blush I NEVER wear but probably bought because I, apparently, love the color, my hot pink towels in the dryer, hot pink frames on my counter, hot pink zit on my face, hot pink pen for my journal... the list is endless.
I really didn't know I liked hot pink so much.Or that I was still a toddler.
Oh well.I guess I'll grow up someday.And have mauve or forest green or "champagne" everywhere.Maybe ;)

Ron + Lauren {Frederick Engagement Photography}

"I miss you a little, I guess you could say A little too much, 

A little too often

A little more every day "

john michael montgomery"I didn't really want to go... I didn't know anybody," Ron explained.
"And I didn't want to go.  I just wanted to stay home." Lauren also explained.But somehow they ended up at a mutual friends wine tasting dinner,just two seats from each other.And that night they talked for... a while.This talking included sparks.And we all know what sparks mean:Oh.boy.After their sparkly conversation,Ron drove straight to his good friend, Paul's, house."You need to make good on all your promises!Set something up where I can hang out with Lauren!"You see,Paul and Ron were best buds.Paul's wife Lauren and Single-wine-tasting Lauren were best buds.And the married folk thought these two single folk would be GREAT together,and it had been hinting at it for a while.But nothing had come of it,until Ron surprisingly met the wonderful little blonde at a dinner he didn't want to attend.And there were sparks......Which led to "making things official" a few weeks later.He barely knew Lauren,but he was sure of this:He wanted to get to know her.Cause dang'it he liked the girl!And she liked him too.For six months they dated,which to them was "becoming friends.""Usually we got something to eat,then would go to Borders and talk and talk and talk.""In the Children's Section!  Cause all the kids are asleep,so that area is empty."Lauren's dad asked that they just spend a good amount of time having fun, talking and, well, being friends! before things got "serious."So that's what they did.But somewhere around the six-month mark,Lauren went away.But don't worry,it was just a vacation to Italy.She didn't leave him :DHowever, those 11 (or 12, depending on who you ask... "It was 12.  I count the day she left as a day without her.") days were HARD for these two dating-friends."I was in the most beautiful place in the world,with my two best girl friends,and all I wanted to do was go home and be with Ron.I couldn't stop thinking about him.I never wanted to be apart from him again.He wrote me a letter for each day I was gone,and the last one made me cry and cry."While she was gone, everything "confirmed" for Ron too:

He wanted this girl,

and he didn't want to let her go.

At this point, it was the summer and they both "knew" they wanted to get married.

But they also knew they had a lot of work to do to be ready for that.

Conversations, questions, growing, learning, waiting - there was still work to be done.

(ps. I just love me a good "size difference" in a couple. 

Lauren looks adorable next to her big man.)

I respect them for not just running away with their feelings,

but being careful and wise.

Waiting for the right time to get engaged.

But, you know how it is, at some point in your life you are apart...

... and the only thing that even comes close to making sense,is being together.

So at the right time,

Ron took out Lauren's parents for dinner,

to ask for their daughters hand.

"I love your daughter with all my heart,

and I can't imagine my life without her,and I want to marry her.

Do I have your blessing?"

Lauren's mom was so cute.  The first thing she said back was: 

"Can you just say that again?"

:D

But the parents said "yes!"

And there was just one person left to ask.

In a very sweet, private, "them" moment,

Ron invited Lauren over to help him decorate his Christmas tree.

They pulled out the last box of "ornaments"...

... but inside was a ring.

And he asked if they could be together forever.And always decorate their tree together.And vacation together.And eat meals together.And go to wine-tastings together,or stay home together.

But would Lauren marry him?

She said no.

;)She said YES! And they are getting maaaaaarried."Hey Ron, can you look at Lauren.""Yes. Yes, I can.And for the next 50 years?Yes, I can."Lauren giggled and said, "What about seventy-FIVE years?!""Yes, I could do that too."What about a HUNDRED years?"

"Mmhhmm. We'd be old."

Congratulations Ron + Lauren!

I'm so looking forward to your wedding and lifetime together :D

Yay!

ps.  Ron wasn't... thrilled?... about pictures,

but he was such a good sport."Just an excuse to be close to my girl."Amen, brutha.

But he did get high-fives when he was done ;)

And some more hugs.

Cause they still have those dang' sparks

:D

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!

NEW WEBSITE

My website is done.

And it's online.

And it's my baby.

(and it sings, so don't be mad when music starts to play. you can turn it off if you want :D)

I'm Kristens WEBSITE

:D

Enjoy, folks!

And be nice to my baby!

I'm a vicious mama bear.

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!