First Looks, Orange Sapphires, and lots and lots o' Love

I convinced Kate and Aaron that having a first look is the best thing to do. There was no hesitation, they were on board! I love first looks. Why? because it makes for such AMAZING photos, the emotion. You can't fake that. Second, you can get all the photos done before the ceremony then when the ceremony comes you enjoy it, you hang out with family, then you get to party. No guests waiting, no trying to beat the light, and you get to enjoy the wedding that you so deservingly get to enjoy.


 Anyways, they gave Kellen and I full creativity to do whatever we wanted. We went, we conquered, and they kicked ass.  I hope you enjoy this couple as much as I enjoyed photographing them and their newly married love. I realize after each wedding, especially after a wedding where the bride and groom mean so much to me, that God has really given me the best job in the whole entire earth. I'm grateful that He has given me a gift and I get to share it with the world, and show it that God is creative and I get to show that! So thanks Kate & Aaron. I love and adore you... Enjoy your photos!

2/5ths now married off!

Aaron & Kate
October 16
Visalia, CA


(This is a long post, and its only pt. 1)


Kate (or katie as I call her) and I have known each other since freshman year of high school. We have been best friends ever since, even through college, and growing up, moving, boys, and marriage. You know its a good relationship when your friendship last through all this and you love each more then the day before. So when Kate got a boyfriend we were all excited, but then when she was engaged to a boy who gave her a orange sapphire we knew that was it!


 (sidenote - we are a member of the "browns". a group of 5 girls who have been friends since HS. Our motto..  " No boys, just girls. No girls, just us." yeah, I know. Its awesome! anyways, Kellen was the first official brown boy. It was a HUGE deal. the girls had to approve and he had to know what the browns meant to each other.... ANYWAYS!! Before Kate had even met Aaron, Kellen called that she would be married next.. now look! She is the 2nd brown to be married!)


When Aaron sent me an email asking to be a part of their engagement I FLIPPED OUT! After flipping out, yelling at Kellen in excitement, I realized that I would be shooting a wedding out of town that weekend. IT KILLED ME! So I decided that I would do other things instead... like make homemade invitations, help with picking out the flowers, help with the decor. Since I'm super into weddings these day. Anyways, Kate and I talked out the date and we knew that October 16th would be the day that she would be Mrs. Kate Schaffer. 


The day was amazing. It was sunny, it wasn't to hot, it had blue skies and we were all in 7th heaven. I was able to choose to be IN the wedding or SHOOT the wedding, so of course I decided to photograph the wedding. It was a huge honour. We started out getting ready with the girls, screaming, dancing, and drinking a bit of champaign. Then Aaron and Kate had their first look, that brought us to an amazing intimate ceremony where they shared their hearts and love with each other. After that it was a HUGE party where we ate, drank, and danced.


Thanks to Aaron & Kate. I love you both, Aaron welcome to the Browns. We welcome you with open arms.. NOW ENJOY YOUR PHOTOS!!