Renee is a teacher. Josh is a youth pastor. Elijah, Micah & Judah are just plain awesome.
We love this family dearly & it was a great pleasure to photograph them!
We got together on a freezing cold day in early January to take some photos. They had a mini session. The entire thing lasted only 15 minutes, which might surprise you after you see all the goodness we captured!
Enjoy :)
My VERY first love shoot ever was of my parents. Because, well, when you are entering into the world of photography...your family & friends become your models (like it or not!). It was really fun for all of us, but I couldn't wait to get them in front of my camera again now that I know what I'm doing ;) This time...we would photograph them IN HAWAII. Because, well, when you are in Hawaii...everything is better. :)
Presenting.....my mom & dad. In love at sunrise!
Proposals are SO fun!!! I love the thoughtfulness & hard work that goes into a guy's decision to ask for his girlfriend's hand in marriage.
Some proposals are super creative. Some are mega romantic. Some are surrounded by family & friends. Some are all of the above.
A few months ago, our friend Jordan told Zach & I that he was ready to propose to Stacy, his girlfriend of 4 years. We were pumped for them, of course! And I told him he couldn't do it without a photographer present. He agreed.
Jordan & Stacy are both mentors at our church's high school group with us. They are amazing leaders to these students and have been compassionate, consistent and CUTE together for years now. :)
We were all ready for this day, but didn't know when it would come.....
Jordan, knowing Stacy very very well, decided that he had to propose where lots of people who love Stacy were present. HIGH SCHOOL GROUP.
So he worked his magic with Kevin (who really is a magician) to scheme up something that would catch Stacy off-guard.
Kevin called all the leaders up to the front to participate in a game. He then drew names for the 3 leaders that would play. Leah, Josiah, and Stacy.
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0001
Stacy was first up. There were 3 pedestals up front, each with an envelope that held instructions for her tasks. She was told that for each task she completed, one of our students would get to got to Dunes (our winter retreat) for free. So everybody cheered her on!
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0003
First envelope. She was instructed to show everybody what the paper said.. "Drink Me." So Kevin poured some water in a cup and she drank it. Easy!
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0005
Second envelope. "Eat Me." There were animal crackers there...so she ate a couple.
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0007
Third Envelope. Magic Kevin pulled her under the spotlight to open this envelope, and he disappeared while she opened it. Notice how she looks into the crowd when she was what was written....a little confused :)
"What does it say, Stacy??" ...... she answers as if it's a question. "It says 'Marry Me' ?"
Everybody starts screaming. :) Remember, she is standing in front of over 100 high schoolers!
I can only imagine the butterflies in her stomach at this moment!! Accompanied with confusion...since Jordan is nowhere to be seen.
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0012
Then the room goes black.
And a spotlight appears down the aisle in the back of the room.
There he is.
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0014
Going to get his bride!!!
The students are still screaming. I'm sure many people are crying. I'm pretty sure I was too. :)
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0018
"Stacy," he says. "We've been together too long to not let this happen."
A loud "awwww" erupts from the crowd. Everybody is still screaming with delight.
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0022
**butterflies**
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0026
"Stacy, will you marry me?"
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0029
"YES!"
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0031
(still screaming. Accompanied this time by clapping, whistling, hooting & hollering.)
Then a video comes on the screen. It's filled with tons of their friends each sitting in a chair saying, "They're finally getting married!" over and over. Because that's how we all feel. :)
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0035
They turn to come down off the stage.... and then she sees the 20 or so family members who came just to watch it all happen.
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0036
Tears. Hugs. Congratulations!
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0038
And a lot of admiring her ring, of course!
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0040
And the two families shall become one.
kariraephotography_JordanStacyProposal_0042
CONGRATULATIONS, Mr. & Soon-To-Be Mrs. Raney!!! You guys are amazing, we are so excited for you, and can't wait to watch how Jesus shines through you guys as a team!
November. Maui. Love. Justin & Danielle are both very dear to me.
That could be because Justin is my brother and Danielle is his wife, but I also quite like them as friends!
I had the extreme pleasure of photographing their contagious love in Paradise, and I still dream about it to this day.
My amazing friend Maria was hired to shoot a wedding on Maui in May, and I have the joy of second shooting for her! Dream come true.
Maybe I'll find another lucky couple who wants a love shoot.
Maybe that lucky couple is you & your love.
What do you say?
Justin & Danielle, thank you for being you. Thank you for loving each other with passion, humor, commitment, and joy. Thank you for expressing your love, and letting me document it. I love you guys!
It was 1 year and 5 days ago when I first heard from Erin. I had completed my first season of weddings (phew!) and the new year had begun.
She wrote to me saying that she was getting married in September up at the gorgeous Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood.
We talked, decided we were a fabulous fit for each other, and booked their wedding! September 9, 2012. I. could. not. wait.
We kept in contact throughout the year - dreaming and planning and getting giddy about the day. It was all worth it.
Rory & Erin have two precious little girls, who were very involved in the ceremony...perusing the aisle and winning over the hearts of all the guests :)
Overall, it was a lovely day, and I can't wait to share these images from our freezing cold September morning on the mountain.
Ceremony Location: Timberline Lodge, Raven's Nest Timberline also catered and provided the cake! They are a fantastic venue and I highly recommend them for a smooth, lovely wedding day
Florist: Distinctive Designs by Denice
Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: Aleah Pursley - Stylist
Wedding Dress: Allure, from Blush Bridal Boutique Erin & Rory, thank you for choosing Kari Rae Photography to capture the joy & beauty of your life, your love, YOU!
