//Photo banner script Brian and Megan’s “I Do” | A Gorgeous Wedding at Casa Romantica

Brian and Megan’s “I Do” | A Gorgeous Wedding at Casa Romantica

There are few young couples who know the depth of love Brian and Megan do. Something happens in a love story when hardships put mountains in the way… it refines things down to what really matters and forces you to find courage from beyond yourself to make the climb. If you didn’t get a chance [...]

//Photo banner script A Winter Styled Wedding Shoot

A Winter Styled Wedding Shoot

I don’t know about you, but winter is one of my favorite times of year…. there’s just something so romantic about it!  Winter’s a time when life slows down a little, cuddles by the fire are enjoyed, and the world looks a little different. Plus, all the cute jackets and accessories can be worn… like [...]

//Photo banner script Scott and Kate Akamine’s “I Do”

Scott and Kate Akamine’s “I Do”

The whole town of Solvang was buzzing the morning of the wedding. People in traditional Danish garb lined the streets and parade music filled the crisp morning air. As I loaded my gear into the car, I saw my family leaving their hotel to partake in the Danish excitement before the wedding began later that [...]

//Photo banner script Andrew and Liza’s “I Do”  |  A San Francisco Russian Orthodox Wedding

Andrew and Liza’s “I Do” | A San Francisco Russian Orthodox Wedding

We awoke to the sound of excited whispers and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. The pristine white walls of the cozy San Francisco home reflected the early morning sunlight…. inciting anticipation of the new day. It was Andrew and Liza’s wedding day… the day Liza had dreamed of her whole life was finally  here. [...]

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Michael and Jasmin | A Southern California Engagement Shoot

She was nothing less than light and energy on our trip through Thailand. She was fearless in trying spicy food, and was up for an adventure any time of the day or night. She let everyone else eat all the peanut butter for breakfast, and was never upset when there was only rice and vegetables to eat in the villages. She loves people relentlessly and, to this day, whenever I see the word “gentleness”, I think of her. I admire her ability to see the world through wonder-filled eyes and the science nerd in me loves that she always wants to know what plants are called and where they come from. Jasmin won my heart the second I met her and I was ECSTATIC when she emailed me saying she’s coming to visit. On this trip, she brought her fiance, Michael… who has pretty much won my heart over just as fast as she did. His humor is “hammer” (the bomb), his rock band style is SO COOL, and his love for Jasmin is enough for me to say, “awwwwwww.”  Together, they’re ADORABLE, and I had such a great day shooting their engagement photos with my partner in crime, Betsy Lackey. There are so many I wish to share with you, but here are just a handful of my favorites…

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Michael and Jasmin, I feel so lucky to call you friends and I’m so grateful you made the long trek out here from Germany to visit. Your hearts for God inspire me and your fierce love for each other and for those around you challenge me to love differently. May he richly bless you and your upcoming marriage…  Ich liebe dich! <3

A. Lucía M.M.(September 14, 2011@6:31 pm)

Wow Kate. God has really gifted you. Beautiful session and the theme is so cute u.u !!

Mike(July 26, 2011@11:32 am)

Hey Kathie,
thanks for this amazing shot and the good time in O.C. We miss you! :-)
Mike and Jasmin

Jaqueline Faria(July 11, 2011@7:53 pm)

lovely engagment session!

Erin Wade(June 9, 2011@12:52 pm)

Great post Kate! I love them all :)

Carrie Ahrens(June 9, 2011@9:05 am)

LOVE it! ! She’s adorable and they look perfect for each other. Great job Kate!!!

David and Mim | Just Because

The quiet and reserved lady behind the Brotbäckerei counter patiently waited as I chose a pastry to enjoy with my fresh cup of Kaffee. I pointed to the flaky looking pastry with something that looked like chocolate drizzled over the top of it and handed over a few coins, hoping I understood the amount correctly. She nodded her head and silently went to help another customer. I let out a sigh of relief and walked out into the crisp air to enjoy my treats…. and I smiled as I thought about how I had just walked through a forest in a small town in Germany to get a pastry and coffee…. by myself. In that moment, I felt so independent… like I was living life as full as I possibly could.

This happy memory flashed through my mind upon reading an email from a young couple from Germany. They mentioned they were traveling to Orange County and desired to spend an afternoon with me documenting their love with a photo shoot. And on a warm summery afternoon not too long after, I met David and Mirjam (more affectionately referred to as “David and Mim”) at a Starbucks to chat and laugh over some iced coffee and tea. They told me all the things they love to do, their goals and passions, and we all bonded over our common experiences in the great land of Germany. Mirjam is a bright and cheery-eyed girl who loves her Lord and loves her David. David is a dedicated tech guru who, besides loving his wife more than anything, also loves photography with a fiery passion. Together, they’re the perfect mix of sweet and serious, playfulness and thought, and most of all…. they’re more in love today than they were the day they got married.

We left Starbucks and headed off to our first location…. an Orange County favorite of mine…. Irvine Regional Park. There, we did a bit of hiking, a bit of shooting, and a lot of laughing. Here’s some of my favorites….

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From the park, we made our way to Newport Beach, a place David and Mim were especially excited about shooting. This part of the shoot was probably the most fun because those two acted as though they had died and gone to heaven…. they were STOKED to be at the beach. They ran, laughed, splashed, kissed, hugged, jumped, and took it all in… here’s my favorites from the beach….

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It was such a beautiful day, and spending time with David and Mim was a dream. I left feeling full of life and excited for marriage. Thanks for bringing your light and laughter into my life, Kandelhardts…. peace be with you as you travel and continue on in your journey.

Troy Grover(June 25, 2011@10:07 pm)

Haha, yes! I’m glad our suitcases made it in a shoot :) Happy Wedding day my friend!!

Tom(June 24, 2011@4:17 am)

Hi Kate,
i love your style.
Your ideas are so great and your acting with the blur is fantastic.

Your blog is bookmarked in my browser :-)

best regards from blackforest germany
Tom

Kristen(June 5, 2011@3:52 pm)

I absolutely love these photos! My fav would have to be the one with the frame in focus on the beach. Amazing job!

Andrew & Molly’s Humboldt Inspired Engagement Shoot

She had just transferred from a university in Boston to Humboldt State University, changed her major completely, and moved across the country. Life was nothing like what she thought it would be, but all the change felt fresh and good. As she walked into yet another new class, unfamiliar faces passed her by in the echoing hallways of the Education building. She took her seat and took a deep breathe. A small smile formed on her lips and a reassurance of His faithfulness warmed her soul. Just then, Andrew walked into the room and made his way to his seat…. a few desks behind Molly. She saw him and all sound left the room. He walked past her without noticing her at all, but she noticed him.

Fast forward to a couple months later, Molly was asked by a teacher to give a special presentation for a class. Unbeknownst to her, Andrew happened to be in that class. And on the day of her presentation, just like he had done everyday for the past few months, Andrew walked into the class room and made his way to his seat without noticing her at all. She gave her presentation, everyone was impressed, the teacher praised her, and Andrew finally noticed.

Fast forward a little while later….. Andrew fell head over heels in love with Molly and asked her out on their first date. Of course, Molly said yes! (and did a happy dance when no one was looking…) And now, after months and months of adventures and romantic dates, they’re engaged to be married. (insert cheers here.)

In planning their engagement shoot, they decided they really wanted to showcase their life in Humboldt county…. the beauty of their surroundings, and their shared passion for elementary education. So I made the long trek up to the tip top of California… a trip that included a big plane, a little plane with propellors, and a car ride through southern Oregon. I’m not usually a road trippin’ kind of girl, but the scenery as we drove from Medford through the Redwoods of the Northern Californian Coast…. it was simply breath-taking. The way the giant Redwoods meet the rocky cliffs of the NorCal coast was such a sight to see…. majestic is a pretty fitting description. I probably looked like a little kid with my fingers and nose pressed up against the car windows, wide eyed and open mouthed at the scenery.

The whole trip was so great and it was such fun to spend time with these two in their stomping grounds. Besides some great home-cooked meals and sight-seeing hikes, I’m pretty sure the engagement shoot itself was the highlight of the trip. (Well… that and almost accidentally  hugging a banana slug…. it’s a toss up.) We began the shoot in a greenhouse…. it was AWESOME! Check it out…

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From there, we made our way to the park where they had their first date…. not too shabby, if you ask me!

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After some quality frolicking and picnicking, we headed back to HSU and ended with the “teacher inspired” portion of the shoot…..

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Stay in school….

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‘Twas such an amazing trip, an amazing shoot, and two amazing people whom I loved spending a few days with! Andrew and Molly…. it was more than a pleasure and I look forward to shooting your wedding in September!!!

Renee Isaacson(June 20, 2011@3:38 pm)

These are so special and creative. I really enjoyed them.

Kel(May 24, 2011@12:49 pm)

Oh my word…..these are aDORABLE!!! I LOVE the reflection one…..classic. VERY creative with the dry erase board…..clever indeed!!! Your great!!!

Charla Liedahl(May 6, 2011@7:25 pm)

The shot of their feet with their full reflections in the puddle is outstanding. One of my favorite shots I’ve ever seen. However, I didn’t know people still wear Birkenstocks (note to self–this is Humboldt!)

Stephanie Fry (aka Maid of Honorr)(May 6, 2011@7:01 am)

I think this all came out beautifully, I love you both and am so excited for this September!! – Your Goober Face

Andrew and Liza’s Engagement | A Sneak Peek

There’s something a little different about this latest engagement shoot. I’ve had quite a few couples requesting rustic and old architecture paired with nature-ish shots, but there’s something really refreshing and exciting about clean lines. This is just a sneak peek, but I had to share my favorites with you because I’m pretty excited with the way they came out…

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