Rhetta, Bill & Hannah – a blast from the past!

When I first moved out to Boston a couple of years ago, I worked for the wonderful and talented Matt & Enna Grazier. I remember clearly my first day, sitting down at the computer and browsing their website. I clicked on Portraits and stumbled across some beautiful photos of a beautiful pregnant women. But, not just any pregnant woman, this was Rhetta! Rhetta was one of my brides back in 2004 when I was an Associate for Real Life Weddings in Chicago. What a small world, huh?!
Two years later, come to find out, Rhetta is pregnant again, and looking to have some more photos taken, by me! I was totally thrilled to see her and Bill again, and to meet their darling daughter Hannah! We met up at the Arnold Arboretum and took a stroll among the changing leaves…

Hannah




What kid doesn’t love this?!


There are those leaves I was talking about…


I just love the look on Hannah’s face! And apparently rubbing her earlobe is Hannah’s thing. I love it when I can catch a kid being completely themselves – doing that thing that makes them, them.


Rhetta & Bill are so cute – just as in love as the last time I saw them!


The happy family :)


A few photos of Rhetta and her belly… Isn’t she gorgeous!


I love this one of Rhetta & Bill because as I was taking their picture Hannah said or did something cute and they both turned to look. I love their smiles as they watch their little girl.


Are you kidding me with that adorable grin?!


Hannah wanted me to smell the pretty flower :)


And Daddy too, of course!


There she goes with that ear again :)


A few fun shots of Hannah and her Dad


And Hannah with her Mom


She really is too cute!


And now, just for fun, a few photos from Bill & Rhetta’s wedding! It’s still one of my favorites from the Real Life Weddings days. And yes, this wedding was shot almost entirely in black & white film!!

Photos © 2004 Krista Guenin/Real Life Weddings

Rhetta & Bill, it was SO great to see you again! Hannah is a doll and I can’t wait to meet little Sophie Grace!!

Where have I been?!

Hello darling clients, family, friends and blog-readers! Have you missed me? I feel like I’ve been gone forever! I thought I’d drop you a line and explain what’s been going on… I know some of you have been worried ;)

The truth is, it’s been a rough month! I mentioned in an earlier post that I’d been sick. First I had a sinus infection, and then just when I thought that was over, I came down with vertigo. The doctor thought the vertigo was caused by the sinus infection and gave me some antibiotics. After a few days, I was feeling pretty much better, but still just a little bit off. Then I flew home to Indianapolis for Thanksgiving. I wasn’t feeling too great the day I left and spent my whole first day home asleep in bed. But after some rest, I felt better and got to spend a couple days hanging out with my family and even catching up with an old friend. And then my antibiotics ran out. And suddenly, I was feeling majorly dizzy again. So dizzy I couldn’t even drive up to Chicago to visit one of my best friends! So, back to the doctor I went! This doctor agreed that it was probably the sinus infection, and gave me another antibiotic, as well as a nasal spray. Plus, my Mom found a seasickness patch in the medicine cabinet, and gave me a couple of those for good measure. So, I spent Thanksgiving totally light-headed and antisocial, but started feeling a bit better before coming back to Boston last week.

When I got back to Boston, though, I noticed that my vision was really wacked out. I start out a little far-sighted, but now I seemed to be REALLY far sighted. It was freaky! So, back to the doctor I went… She figured out that the patch was dilating my eyes, which explained the vision problems. But, she was a bit concerned that I was still a feeling light-headed. So, she encouraged me to stay on the antibiotics, but also ordered a CAT scan and an appointment with the opthomologist. She told me that she really doesn’t think I have a brain tumor or anything, but decided we should check, just in case! That made me feel all better ;-)

Today I’m feeling a lot better – only light-headed if I bend down, so I’m thinking it probably has all just been a really nasty sinus infection. I just got back from my CAT scan, and my optho appointment is tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully by the end of the week we’ll have a much better idea of what’s been going on in my head!

All that to say, I haven’t been able to work quite as much as usual – especially with the whole not being able to see thing. Of course, that’s been stressing me out because I want to get everything up online for my wonderful clients and make everyone happy with photos in time for Christmas! So, please know that I’m doing my best to catch up – I’m even hiring some help to come in this week and get things moving! So, keep your eyes peeled for lots of photos over the coming days – and if you think of it, pray that we’d figure all this out and that I’d be super healthy for the rest of the winter (or at least the rest of this year)!!

Thanks for being awesome!
kg

Out of The Office

Just so you know, I’ll be out of the office from now until December 2nd. I’m heading home to Indianapolis for a nice long break for Thanksgiving! I’ll even be hitting up Chicago for a day while I’m there :) I’ll have some access to email and voice mail, but if you don’t hear from me for a couple days, it’s because I’m spending time with my friends and family. and sleeping. a lot. If you’re a friend of mine and want to hang out while I’m in town, leave a comment or shoot me an email!

And because posts without pictures or something are dull. I present to you the best song about Indianapolis, ever ….

bye bye :)

Exciting news!

A month or two ago, I applied to the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA). The WPJA is a great organization of photographers, and I’d heard it was incredibly difficult to get in because they’ve got some pretty strict regulations. Even as I looked them over, I was wondering if I really qualified. I mean, as far as photojournalism goes – photoshopping images isn’t really cool – and I do like my Photoshop… So, after a few weeks without hearing back, I assumed that I’d been rejected. But, then a couple of weeks ago I got this in my Inbox…

It is our pleasure to inform you that after having reviewed your web site and image portfolio, we agree your beautiful work meets the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association membership requirements! We hope you accept this invitation as we look forward to having you as a new member.

I am SO EXCITED! “The Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association [AG]WPJA is a group of international wedding photojournalists, who capture unscripted wedding moments as they happen, and excel in the art of post-production image processing. The [AG]WPJA is a division within the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA); one which specifically promotes Fine Art Wedding Photojournalism.” That’s exactly how I like to describe my work, and it’s honestly a much better fit for me than the straight-up WPJA. Massachusetts currently has only 12 photographers in the [AG]WPJA, so it’s an incredible honor to be included amongst some of my favorite local photographers (i.e. the Graziers and Anne Ruthmann)!! Pretty cool, huh?!


And to top it off, yesterday I applied for and was accepted as a founding member of Modern Photographers, which is going to be a new site for brides created by the folks behind Trash The Dress and Don’t Box Us In. This is the twitter I got from Mark Eric… “Hey Krista, you’re work is stellar. You would be a welcome member. :) Pre-approved.” YAY!!!!!!!!! Go over there and check it out, I’m listed in the header of the site – along with a few other amazing photographers from around the country!!!


Ok, that’s enough tooting my own horn! It’s just pretty exciting to get some encouragement from your peers!

Now, if any of you brides want to toot my horn for me… I’m listed on a few bride sites and would love to get your reviews!!! Click any of the links below. As much as I love feedback from my peers, it’s the opinion of my brides that really matters to me!!


bridalhood.com, local wedding vendor reviews and information

toot toot! ok, really, now I’m done! ;-)

Julia’s Bat Mitzvah

Wow, it’s been a couple weeks since I posted on the blog!! I hope you all weren’t worried ;) It’s been a busy few weeks with a sinus infection just in time for my parents to visit, and then a lovely bout of vertigo just in time for my birthday. Trust me, it’s been a blast (insert sarcastic tone here). But, I’m feeling better, finally blew out my birthday candles, and am back in business!

So without further ado, I present photographs from Julia’s Bat Mitzvah!

The lovely Bat Mitzvah Girl


And her wonderful siblings


Julia’s Dad, Andrew is one of the best caterers in Boston. I was absolutely honored to photograph this special event for their family!


And what an event it was! The party was huge, everything was so colorful, the decor and the details were so gorgeous, and of course the food was amazing! Special thanks to Nathalya Mamane, flowers by Carol Silverston, and Rentals Unlimited!


The dance floor was definitely my favorite part of the whole day. This was one of the most energetic dance floors I’ve ever photographed. I got knocked over, feet jumped on, and bumped all over the place – it was totally awesome! Music by the Nafshenu Orchestra out of New York.


I LOVE the Horah!!


More dancing…


And what’s a celebration without a few toasts?!


Thank you Andrew and family for having me as part of such an important day for your family – and for such a great time and an awesome party!!


To see more, check out the longest slideshow ever…

Tamara & Jason’s Wedding at The Overbrook House

Can I just say that I love Tamara & Jason? Seriously, they’re just the sweetest, most genuine and wonderful pair of people I’ve met in a while. LOVE them!! So, I was very excited to photograph their wedding a few weeks ago in Buzzards Bay at The Overbrook House. Here are some of my favorite images from the day…

The dress


Jason and his brother “getting ready”


Tamara’s vows – she wouldn’t put them down all morning :) I love it when couples write their own vows!!!


Tamara and her flower girl


The lovely bride (with vows still in hand :)


Heading down to start the show


In love much?


I love this shot of one of the groomsmen during the ceremony!


During the vows, looking into each other’s eyes


They’d planned a beautiful ceremony in the trees by the pond, but there was a hurricane coming up the coast that day. Up until the last minute, we hoped that the weather might hold. Luckily, Jason made the executive decision to do it in the tent. Thank God he did, because right after the ceremony began it started POURING!


And then after the ceremony, the sky cleared up just in time for some portraits!

They had almost a dozen of the cutest kids you ever saw in their wedding…




Sisters


Brothers… a little less civilized than sisters ;-)

the girls


the guys


the Bride and Groom…



I captured this shot in black & white film. I love shooting film at weddings! There’s nothing quite as timeless…


A film shot of their first dance

A few tears during Tamara’s Dad’s toast


Let the party begin!


But there’s always a few romantic moments on the dance floor…


Tamara & Jason, thank you so much for letting me into your lives and having me document your wedding day! It has been so wonderful to work with and get to know you both!

Off to New York City!

Well, I’m off on another little adventure! Or, a business trip, depending on your perspective :) I’m heading down to New York City tonight for the PDN PhotoPlus Expo for the next few days. I’ll be wandering around a giant trade show, listening to amazing speakers, hanging out with old friends, connecting with new friends, meeting with a potential client, and possibly doing a family portrait session. All this, and then down to Newport, RI for a wedding on Sunday! Shwew! It should be a great trip!


I have a TON of stuff to edit and blog about when I get home. A wedding, a bat-mitzvah, another wedding, another bat-mitzvah, an awesome family portrait session, another wedding, and then some! I won’t able to do much editing while I’m away, but I should be able to respond to emails at least once a day. If you need to get in touch with me, please call! And if you’re a photographer who wants to meet up at PhotoPlus, let me know!!

peace out ;)

A New Pin In The Map – VERMONT!

This past weekend, I actually had a free Saturday, and so my friend Danielle & I decided to go on a little adventure! I love Fall, it’s always been my favorite season (though Summer is a very close second). So, since I’m in New England, home of the most beautiful Fall around, we thought we’d head up to Vermont to take in the gorgeousness!

We decided to drive up to Woodstock and just wander around and see where the wind would take us. After a lovely drive, and a yummy lunch, we walked around the cute little town.


One of the first things we saw was this… a little more disturbing than cute, but definitely interesting! And yes their shirts say “poop” – that apparently stands for Protest Outrageous Oil Profits, but it just looks like poop…


Covered bridges remind me of Indiana :)



After we looked in all the shops and got some tea & cider, we headed back up the road to a great little farm stand we saw along the way. It’s called Fool on a Hill and it was very fun! I mean, check out these bears – what’s not to love?





This is my beautiful friend Danielle, I couldn’t resist shooting her in the gorgeous sunlight


Fool on the Hill also had some random stuffed cows all over the hill. We just had to play…



I’m not sure why Danielle is kissing this cow’s eyeball, but whatever ;)


After playing with the bears and the cows, we kept on down the road to Quechee Gorge. It was beautiful! I kinda wish we’d gone there earlier and walked down the trails a bit, but oh well. You can only fit so much in a day!



The light just kept getting better and better




leaves


Random wall o’ graffiti under the bridge by the gorge


Ugh, I really hate photos of myself. It took everything in me to let you see this, but I’m trying to lighten up, so here you go :) (though, I must admit that Photoshop made the decision a little easier ;)


This is a picture of Danielle taking a picture of me taking a picture of her through a hollow log


I mean, that just looks fake! but, it’s not, I promise :)


I forgot how much I love road trips!!


The biggest disappointment of the day was discovering that we had MISSED the peak of the Fall colors in Vermont by a week or two. As we drove up we kept asking, ‘why are all the trees dead?’ But we pressed on anyway and I’m glad we did. But, it would have been a little more fun (or at least a little more pretty) if the trees were a little less bare…


This sign pretty much sums that up…


I snapped this on the way home, somewhere in New Hampshire. THIS is what we were looking for. Oh well! It was still an awesome trip!



Thanks for a fun adventure Danielle! You’re an awesome adventure-buddy!!

Mark & Serena’s Wedding

A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to second shoot with another local photographer, and now dear friend, Erica Pelaccia. She and I are connected through a whole random slew of people and it was about time we finally met and got to hang out! I had such a great time shooting with her and getting to know her over the course of the day.

And as for Mark and Serena, they are just wonderful! You could just see in their faces, and in everyone’s faces, that these two are so in love with each other and so dearly loved by all who were there. Here are a few of my favorites…

Mark getting ready


Serena getting ready


During the portraits, since I was second shooting, I was able to hang back and shoot with my 80-200mm lens and just catch some of the details and moments that were going on. I love second shooting!


Isn’t she gorgeous?!


Serena and her uncle right before they walked down the aisle


The ceremony took place at Highrock, their church in Arlington.


I even shot a little panoramic film with my Widelux during the day, just for fun…


The part where they greeted their parents was one of the most emotional and beautiful parts of the day.



A few details from our portrait session with the two of them at their reception site – the Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary in Belmont.




And there’s Erica, working it in the bushes :)


A couple more shots of black & white film



The reception was really fun! I love this shot of Mark as they made their big entrance. I think it says it all.


And a sweet moment during their first dance.


Thank you, Erica for inviting me to come along for the day – it was so wonderful shooting with you and hanging out with you!

And thanks to Mark & Serena for letting me be part of your wedding! It was really great meeting you and being with you and your families on this joyful day!