Jennine & Eddie’s engagement shoot took place on the beautiful monarch butterfly preserve just outside of Santa Barbara, CA. Just stepping out of the thin layer of woods, up a slight incline, you are met with a enormously large expanse of empty plains that end in cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s an amazing spot to walk, think, pray, enjoy a quiet walk with a friend or loved one… or, of course, have a photo shoot. I really enjoyed shooting there, and will miss that place when we’re gone.
Rachel + Stephen || Engagement :: Kansas City, MO
I don't often get the opportunity to shoot engagement photos in the dead of the Kansas winter, however, I was stoked when Rachel and Stephen decided to do their engagement session on a trip to KC to see family in December! There are a few things about the winter here that I absolutely love: The chance to bundle up, the excuse to drink hot chocolate & Bailey's on a semi-consistent basis, a good reason to revert to my childhood while I tromp around snow and play with my kids, and the love of a well crafted fire in the fireplace while listening to Gregory Alan Isakov. On top of those, I do love to shoot in the winter. Whether it's just after, or during, a snow storm when I'm just shooting for my own creative exploration, or it's shooting a couple who are willing to brave the cold and work together with me to create some beautifully unique images. Not everyone wants to have their photographs taken when it's below 40 degrees and overcast, but I believe that those who are, are in for a treat. I had a great time getting to know Rachel and Stephen and had a blast hanging out with them while we did the shoot. I'm glad that we got to shoot when we did and where we did, and I believe we came out with some pretty fantastic images. So, without further ado, and with no more rambling, here they are...
Kristen + Brandon || Wedding :: San Diego, CA
Although most of our wedding photography is now based in Kansas City, we do still shoot fairly often in San Diego. It is always a pleasure to return, especially when it's to work with such fine people as the Braunreuther and the Wischmeyer families (yes, it did take me a bit to learn the spelling on both of those names, but I think I've got it now). I mean, with the weather, the beach, the Mexican food, the lifestyle, and the dear friends that we have there, there's not many negative things to say about the greatest place on earth (except perhaps that we now live 1,679 miles to the East.
So... this post has a lot of photos! And here's my official disclaimer :: I usually try to trim down to about 20-30 of the best (my favorites), but there were just too many in this case! I don't know if it is because I get sucked into telling a story through the imagery and don't want to leave anything out, or if it's because we had such a blast working with Kristen and Brandon and their crew that every shot holds some sort of personal value, or if it's just because I'm still in love with San Diego and looking through these photos keeps taking me back. Well, regardless of the reason, here are 60 photos from the Wischmeyer wedding... Enjoy!
Dan + Emily || Wedding :: San Diego, CA
I met Dan a long time ago through a mutual friend, so I was so glad when he called me up and asked if I was available to shoot his wedding. Dan and Emily are a very sweet couple. I don't often shoot a wedding without an entire wedding party, but when I do, I always enjoy it. You get to know the couple a little bit more intimately, not to mention the fact that you get much more time to be creative with portraits of just the bride and groom. I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Dan and Emily. Thanks, guys!
Clare + Barak || Engagement :: Spring Hill, KS
Upon extreme coincidence it turns out that the little sister of the bride-to-be (Clare) that contacted me through theKnot.com was in my mom’s kindergarten class. Clare and I also graduated from the same small, private high school in Kansas City and know some of the same people. Beyond that, we live in the same small rural town south of the suburbs that is, or at least used to be, relatively uninhabited. Yes, a strange mix of coincidences, but I’m glad that they somehow worked out the way that they did, because I’m really excited to know these folks, had a great time shooting their engagement photos, and I’m stoked to be shooting their wedding this coming April!
Kristen + Brandon || Engagement
When they invite you up to your apartment in the middle of a shoot and out for a beer afterwards, you know you've found the right clients! Seriously, Kristen and Brandon are two of the nicest people that I've met. I had a great time stilling around Balboa Park and the beautiful beaches of La Jolla for their engagement session, and I'm excited to be a part of their wedding next August!
Trish + Martin || Engagement
I will be shooting Trish and Martin's wedding this coming February in San Diego and I'm very excited to work with another fantastic couple. I love it when I'm on a shoot with a couple that I just met that day, and yet it feels like we've been friends for quite some time. Trish and Martin are on of those fun and easy going couples that makes my job a pleasure. Thanks guys... I'm stoked for your wedding!
Carlos + Angela || Wedding
I had the pleasure of helping a friend shoot part of a wedding a couple of months ago in Santa Barbara. I shot the groom’s prep as well as the first few minutes of the reception. I don’t really have any photos of the actual wedding (since I wasn’t there), but I do have a handful of images from what I did shoot that I thought I’d post.
Carissa + Tom || Wedding
Carissa and Tom’s wedding was in Santa Barbara at the Biltmore Hotel which sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California… Butterfly Beach. I often miss living in Santa Barbara, but looking back at photos that I’ve taken there does my heart good.
