the one with Kortnee + Tanner
These two give me "all the feels"! You can just feel the love between them in this photo above and that makes me all giggly and warm inside. Just like my first, grade school crush! This is Tanner + Kortnee, and they are getting married later this year down in the Houston area. Her parents are building a lake home and that's where they have chosen to host the wedding. I LOVE that! I secretly dream that someday they will pave this dirt road I'm now living on, (yes, I need to update you on the Bednarz Farm Casa, we moved!) and when they do pave it, we can host our daughter's wedding receptions here. How awesome would that be?!! You know, under the BIG West Texas Stars, dancing with twinkle lights up in our pecan trees, a band playing slow jams and kick ass country songs, and everyone having a grand time! Yep. I can dream. But Kortnee and Tanner? THEY GET THAT! They get to dream and plan and have that kind of wedding. And I get to photograph it!!! How lucky am I? Enjoy the sneak peek from their engagement session. Huge shout out to the Shannon Davis for introducing me to her niece. You made a good match.
Love does,
Kristin
the one with Breanna + Zach and their adorable fur babies
Zach and Breanna are the coolest couple to hang with and just chill and laugh like crazy! I quickly fell in love with them both the minute we met. They are madly in love and Zach looks at Breanna like he wants to eat her up with a spoon! And she's drop-dead gorgeously photogenic! I could photograph her every day! Zach, no offense...you know I love your ginger hair and amazing blue eyes!
I can't wait for their wedding! They are planning a celebration in May.
Love Does,
Kristin
the one with Brittany and Conner at Pedemales Falls State Park
A few weeks ago, I met Brittany and Conner at a park and we spent the afternoon together making kick-ass photos. HELLO! Just look at these two? First of all, they are super good looking. 2nd of all, they dress like movie stars, and 3rd, just check out this location!!! I was in a photographer's dreamland! Goodbye tumbleweeds, hello pretty rocks and gorgeous wildflowers!
Love Does,
Kristin
the one with Erin + Ben, engaged
There's a song that I love, "the Good Stuff" by who else, but my boyfriend Kenney. I'm sure you've heard it, but it talks about life and someone you share it with and how THIS, the sharing is the "good stuff". These two? They have a LOT of good stuff. And I'm the lucky girl that gets to photography it.
Love does,
Kristin
And just check out those trees below that are ON FIRE. HELLO! We've had such a beautiful fall for Lubbock, Texas
the one with Abby + Ryan and their fur babies
Ryan's mom + dad are cousins to my husband and dear friends of many in this county and beyond. When I was first dating Devin, we double dated. Our kids grew up together and went to school together at Cooper, and well, our roots run deep. I danced at Ryan and Abby's wedding last year and they wanted a quick session to celebrating their one year anniversary. I'm so glad they did.
The light was gorgeous, the mosquitos unrelenting, and the fun? ENDLESS. Thank you, Abby and Ryan, for a fun evening. They should all be filled with this much love and laughter!
Love Does,
Kristin
the one where Lexi + Grant make out in East Lubbock
Yeah, you read that right! I love a good "make out" session!
Engagement sessions are typically the first time I get to meet a couple. But not these two. I've known Grant his entire life. His parents, Peewee and Margaret, were the first couple I met when I moved to Lubbock. We double dated on a bowling date when his mom was 9 months pregnant with is big sister, Katie. I used to live "right down the road" from them. Which in West Texas means, oh a a mile or so. LOL
Grant and Lexi fell in love in Canyon. They both went to college there and they have one hell of a first date story! OMGEEEE! Grant is a lucky guy. If you see these two, buy drinks and get them to tell you the story. You won't be disappointed and you will definitely laugh a time or two. Or until your belly hurts like I did.
Life is good.
Love Does,
Kristin
the one with a proposal at Jones Stadium
I had the honor of photographing a proposal tonight. In the rain. Yep. IN THE RAIN. My hair is still wet, and my hair is short! But a guy took the initiative tonight and just went for it! And I'm so happy he did!
Kailyn + Tyler are ENGAGED! With family and friends up in the TT club watching from above, Tyler lured Kailyn there, with a story about winning a promotion at work. She thought she was there for dinner and a photo on the field. Something Tyler had won at work. Instead? He dropped to one knee and proposed! This girl was surprised! She chunked that umbrella and hugged his neck. Which I couldn't hear, but I'm sure was a yes!
Congratulations you two! I'm super happy for you!! And hello! I hear you may be looking for a wedding photographer. (hint-hint)
Love Does,
Kristin
PS. Cute story...Tyler still had the ticket from a game they attended here when they were students. How cute is that?!?! You'll see it below.
the one with Braxton and Keirsan, the engagement
I can't say anything. This boy. The one on the right? I've known him since birth...and I'm in tears just thinking about what a man he's become.
Congrats, Braxton + Kiersan!!! They are getting married!!!! I've started sending couples, grads, brides a Q + A to fill out that helps blog readers get to know the story behind the photos. It's pretty cool, the answers.
Q + A
together since when?
May 25, 2013
wow! It's been that long? I had no idea. I knew I had photographed the two of you at like, 15 Cooper proms, but you two are coming up on 4 years. That's awesome! Young love!
engaged?
December 23, 2016
And I'm particularly proud of the fact that I WAS THERE! HELLO! This proposal thing is becoming my bag. I'm loving them! I've photographed 4 this year already. Guys? Thinking about "popping that question"? Call me.
wedding date?|
July 21, 2017
bride's occupation?
Behavioral Innovations
I had to google this. Pretty cool place that is interested in helping kids with autism.
bride's hometown?
Lubbock
5 words that Braxton would use to describe you?
gorgeous, sassy, beautiful, outgoing, independent
groom's occupation?
Self Employed
The boy works hard. I'm sure he helps the family out with some mad farming skills, plus he runs his own business. Hello! Us Bednarz Folk work hard.
groom's hometown?
Slaton
5 words that the bride would use to describe the groom?
handsome, hardworking, supportive, happy, funny
how did you meet?
We knew of each other because I was friends w/ Sydni, his sister, a couple years before we dated. He started commenting on my instagram pictures & flirting w/ me at Younglife then asked for my number & asked me to prom!
I think that's called "sliding in to her DM's, no? I'm trying to learn the young lingo. LOL
what's the most romantic thing he's ever done?
He told me to be ready by a certain time, we went to dinner then he surprised me w/ a pallet in the back of his truck to go lay & look at stars together, then we went to the drive in to see a movie!
Dude! Impressed! Braxton's got some game!
and her? The one thing she can do that "totally gets you".
Every time she tries to explain things to me, she at the end of the sentence, she turns her head a little & says "you know?" w/ this cute little smirk on her face.
Adorable!
nicknames? (you know, the sweet disgusting ones that make us giggle and secretly were are jealous. THOSE nicknames.)
I call him babe for the most part and he calls me babe as well, every now & then he also calls me Linda.
Linda? Braxton has some explaining to do. I have no idea blog readers. No idea.
how did he propose?
We went to "look at christmas lights w/ his family" at Vintage Township where my family was hiding! (and me...) We started to take a picture in front of the gorgeous scenery at the park & all of a sudden he started talking & got down on one knee! Both of our families were there along with a photographer! it was perfect!
Agreed...pretty perfect. And she forgot the part where the live music dude announced it to everyone and then congratulated them. Pretty darn cool. You can view their proposal pictures by CLICKING HERE.
Scroll down for all the pretty photos. I'm in love!!!
Love Does,
Kristin
the one where Taylor gets a diamond ring!
This sweet girl above? Taylor? She danced at my wedding in a way. Her mom, Leslie, was pregnant with her when I got married. I've watched her grow up in to a beautiful young lady. One of great character and sweetness that at times, I felt belonged in a fairy tale. She's just that good. Saturday, her boyfriend Tyler proposed and I had the pleasure of photographing it.
*people, I love photographing these! If you know anyone that is planning to propose, big or small, simple or extravagant, please share my name with them. It's my thing. It's my jam! I love it so!
Her mom called a couple of months ago. Tyler had a ring and had asked her dad for permission. There's a story about this involving a can of Copenhagen and ample opportunity allowed, and a road trip to Barnards, but I'll let her daddy, Lyndal tell you that one. Or Tyler. There's two versions, as there typically is with all stories.
Tyler planned this all out. This boy had signs, notes, an awesome barn, a Polaris, some cattlethat needed "caked", remember I'm not a "cattle girl" and even a box of Kleenex, because, it's Taylor after all. He knew there would be tears. I mean, this was THOUGHT OUT. I was impressed.
I met him early at the sight to see where the proposal was going to take place and to figure out my strategy. He was excited, hadn't eaten much, I think he said a snicker's bar? Anyway, he keeps his cattle on some land and there's a tree that is significant to the two of them, so his plans were all in place and he simply called her to come "rescue him" from a dead battery. She thought they were heading to dinner with his boss. The phone call went off much better then expected. No shouting, no irritation, just that she's be there.
We hid behind the truck, or I did, until she drove up and when he saw her, he was so nervous he thought he might throw up! How's that for romance?! I'll let their pictures tell the story. I created a slideshow below.
I just want to say, I raised two girls. And they spent some time with Taylor growing up. She was older then them, but they attended the same schools, the same church. I'm so happy she was in our lives. Is still in our lives. I couldn't be happier for her that she met a boy that totally loves and cherishes her. Plus, he's pretty darn funny at times. Not to mention, easy on the eyes. Right ladies?
Congratulations to the Hurst Family and the Norris Family. Much love!
Kristin
Here's the pictures if you'd rather scroll then view the slideshow.
the one with Ashton + Jake, an engagement
I'm in love with that shot above. Just something about the brick path, the leaves and their arms around each other. LOVE!
I was in Florida about a week ago to photograph these two. They are getting married this fall. Ashton's dad played softball with Devin and they RULED the city fields! At least in their league. We've stayed in touch and HELLO! Ashton + Jake are engaged and getting married. I was so flattered and happy to be invited to photograph them. Florida was great to me. And it will be again! Enjoy their sneak peek!
Love Does,
Kristin
the one with Jimmy + Mayra in love!
First session for 2017 and I'm in love! Jimmy + Mayra are getting married later this year and we spent a Sunday afternoon together. And according to my goals for 2017, I should have blogged these over a week ago. I mean, come on! I used to blog immediately after a session, and then, when my trusty old Mac Book Pro slowed down to grinding (almost halt), I stopped. What? I'm no quitter. I should never have agreed to stop blogging. It totally sucks to not have every session (131 total) not posted here and shared on my blog. Totally SUCKS! So, new year, new goal. Let's do this!
These two were absolutely precious together! They are totally in love and not worried one bit what anyone thinks. Case in point....they made out in a church parking lot in central lubbock. Yep. Not even kidding. I so love them for that!!!
And just check out Mayra's hair! It is some of the PRETTIEST hair I’ve even seen! Not even kidding an I totally asked her if I could feel it. Yep. I did. I went there. It's super thick yet soft and if she was in a tower and it was super long, I think we could climb it and it wouldn't even break or hurt. Super healthy hair that just happens to be gorgeous! This girl knows how to pose for the camera as well. I rarely had to coach her. She rocked booties, riding boots and a cute pair of blow fish kicks with blue soles. I was in LOVE! She would “get her curves on” without me saying a word. Made my job super easy.
They rolled up in a cute olive green jeep with a super cute white puppy, Maximillian. And get this...NO LEASH. I met them at the Garden and Arts and this dog was super trained and stayed right by their side. He is the BOMB.COM. My dog Kanga totally needs to take notes. Max wore his own puffy best with fur collar and even though the park was full of other dogs the entire time we were there, they didn't faze Max one bit. In fact, I think he doesn't consider himself a dog. He does get a bit jealous over these two when they get all "lovey dovey". More of a "kiss me instead" sort of thing. He did great!
The night before had been over at Hobbs. and drove in just for the sessionHis dad boxes as does his brother. They stayed over there watching a boxing tournament until 1 AM and stayed the night.
I tried a brawn new location this time, Reedemer Church. You'll see it below with the cool wood and bright blue walls. It is also close by some hills that work well for cute walks and rolls in the grass. LOL This location worked out great with their casual outfits they had planned. T-shirts and tennis shoes. What's not to love? Oh, and when Jimmy put on his cool Colorado hat? I may have called him "Glen" from the Walking Dead. He almost wouldn't wear it after that. But in my defense, I LOVE Glenn and cried like a baby when they killed him off. He’s the Hot Asian in my book and when Jimmy put the hat on? I totally felt the “hot asian” vibe.
We ended in a field with some gorgeous light! Perfect ending to a great session! I'm really hoping Jimmy brings that hat with him on his wedding day. Hope is good.
Love Does,
Kristin
the one where Joey proposes
I'm on a roll, folks! Another proposal! Who's proposing on Christmas? I'm serious. Who? CALL ME! I'd love to keep this ball rolling.
Merry Christmas, Everyone! And Congrats to Joey + Angel!
Love Does,
Kristin
the one where Braxton proposes to Kiersan
I got the phone call this morning. Braxton's proposing! Then something about a broken helicopter and not sure how this is going down, but can you please meet us at the park in Vintage Township? He's proposing!!!
Ummm..yes, please. I'll take a little Christmas Love and Magic tonight. Don't mind if I partake one bit of this. HELLO! How fun is my life at times?
I'm so happy for these two!!! Congratulations!!!!
Love + Laughter,
Kristin
the one with Haley + Trey, an engagement in West Texas
This image above, it makes me swoon. I love how everything feels about it! Except for the stickers we pulled out of our bellies after making this photograph! LOL I photographed Haley + Trey's engagement session about a week ago. I had spent Thanksgiving at The Bednarz Ranch and came back on the weekend to photograph real people in love! What a weekend!
Talk about windy! Like in "blow your dress up above your ears windy"! Yet, Haley just rolled with the punches and ROCKED IT! I loved the way this session turned out and I’m super excited to show these to her!
I’ve known Haley since her years at Good Ole’ Cooper High! I actually got to photograph her senior portrait and again when she was a bridesmaid at a friend’s wedding. Well, now this girl is getting married and I’m ticked pink and so happy for her!!!
Enjoy your sneak peek, Haley!
Love Does,
Kristin
the one where I laugh, a lot, with Callene + Hunter
If Callene and Hunter were around to photograph every day, I would seriously have a 6 pack of abs. I laugh SO hard when I'm with them! They are getting married in the warm summer months and I had the chance to photograph them in my favorite field. LOVE me a good field!
Besides the field, we also photographed for a while in Hodges Park. This is where they got engaged! It must have been a good bridge to propose on, because another couple was thinking the same thing when we were there. Besides, love, there was a mouse that freaked ME and Callene out. Maybe me more then here, not gonna lie. It was creepy at first, but then we realized he was kind of slow and saw that he had a hurt foot. So, of course, being girls, we felt sorry for him. I mean, it’s not every day you see a mouse on the ground at the park. You know?
Laughing…and more laughing! These two have so much fun together you can’t help but join in the laughter! It’s super contagious and super fun. I'm sure the wedding will be amazeballs, because good people attract good people. I can't wait to meet their friends!
I think she said a friend helped her shop for her outfits. Seriously, the dress? The one with the cute red shoes? TO DIE FOR! LOVED! It was the perfect mix of classic design and flirty nature.
We tried to get into the wind museum but it was too close to closing. Hunter is a wind man and works with the BIG ones. But that's OK. I feel we totally nailed the windmill shot below. So, no worries there. But warning to those that thing they want to photograph there. They close the gates at 5 PM. Not sure what that means exactly. Do you spend the night there if this happens? We didn't want to find out.
Something else I discovered when working with these two, Taco Hell. Hunter introduced me to this sign I’ve parked by for over a year, on the wall I love in East Lubbock. It has the words “Taco Hell” and I never noticed it before. Nice eye Hunter. On the sign, and the girl!
Love does,
Kristin
the one where I discuss tips for your engagement session
Tips for Your Engagement Session
be yourself. It’s my job to make you feel beautiful and comfortable in front of the camera. I want you to be able to laugh with me, let loose and most of all, truly enjoy your time together. I’ll get all the important glances, touches and looks between the two of you. I want you to relax and simply enjoy each other! If drinking helps in any way, let me know. I own a liquor store. I can bring those cute little airplane bottles.
choose sexy “I feel beautiful” outfitsYou know the ones. Those jeans that make your butt bang? That pair of booties that makes your legs go on forever? Choose clothes you feel absolutely gorgeous in! Don’t worry about all the rules, simply make sure you feel great when you look in that mirror. Coordinate your colors but don’t be too "matchy". You want to blend. And I know I mentioned not worrying about the rules, but here’s one rule. DON’T WEAR WHITE. It’s a pretty darn bright color and not very many people look great in it. I mean, newborn babies and maybe a bride or two, but it only works for engagement sessions if BOTH are wearing it. So, blending is good, white is bad. I’ve allowed time for 2-3 outfits, so maybe dressy first and work your way to the casual stuff. You know, those faded, sexy blue jeans you don’t mind rolling around on the ground together in? I LOVE those jeans!!! If you have photos of your outfits, please text them to me at 806-789-2673. I’d love to see and it helps me with locations.
be prepared to interact with each other Yep. I know this should be a no brainer, but I’ve had couples show up and only talk and smile at me. Which is fine for one or two shots, but let’s face it. That’s not what our goal is here. Our goal is to make everyone that sees these pictures want to be you and be in love with you. So, TOUCH EACH OTHER. Look at each other. I want hand holding, cute hugs, sweet caresses and PASSION in your eyes! I’m such a sucker for passion. I want to tell the story of the two of you, so try and act like the camera isn’t even there. Laugh together, kiss, be completely silly. I LOVE that stuff!
don’t be nervous! Engagement sessions are meant to be more casual, so no pressure. This is a great time for us to get to know each other and you to get used to my camera. Let’s have fun! I will help you with the posing and all that, you just bring the love. Ok? Also, any photos where you look stupid or ugly? I’m deleting those. That’s part of my job as well.
prepare your partner for what to expect. Maybe message this to them and share how much fun it will be “making out in public”. We all know that sometimes guys just aren’t thrilled about being photographed. But honestly, it won’t hurt, it won’t take too long, and you’ll get kissed and loved on in the process. WIN WIN in my book. And there could be drinks involved. Just saying.
be on time. Your session is planned for the “golden hour” or “God’s light” as I like to call it. I’ve chosen a time that will allow for most optimal lighting. If you are late, this will cut into our time together and we may end up with fewer images. So, if you’re getting your hair and makeup done, plan accordingly.
relax Your engagement session should not be a source of stress. If it is, I’m failing miserably and we need to meet at the nearest bar to discuss. Please just be yourself and have fun with it! This is special time in your lives and you need to remember just how kick ass the two of you are together and let me do the rest.
Most importantly, trust your photographer. Trust me. I’ve got this. I’ve done this before and I love it. I will help direct you if needed, show you off in the best way possible, AND and totally fall in love with the two of you. THAT’S MY JOB. Making beautiful pictures. So, please trust me and remember that I have your best interest at heart. YOU TWO TOGETHER. That’s what this is all about and what’s important. I’m so excited for the two of you!!! Finding someone to truly share your life with is the BEST feeling. I can’t wait to photograph you!!!
the one with Haley + Matt in love
I met Haley when I photographed her brother playing football @ Cooper. Maybe I even met her when she was a student there? Who knows? But I quickly fell in love with her spirit and funny wit not to mention that gorgeous HAIR! I have a thing for red heads, you know. These two were engaged in May of 2016 and are planning a spring wedding. I'm so excited to be a part of it!!!!
Love Does,
Kristin
the one with Shania + Mike's engagement session
These two...SWOON! Meet Mike + Shania. Shanaia is a Pirate alum and I've watched her grow up at Cooper. Such a sweet, funny, smart girl. Completely sarcastic and witty. I always enjoy being around her. So when she called to let me know she was engaged, I just had to meet the guy. I was totally curious. Who could capture her attention? Who could keep up with her energy level? Who could handle the sarcasm and still hold onto his "man card"? Mike. That's who! He's the perfect blend of calm, goofy and cute all rolled into one. And he definitely is still holding his man card. Just sayin'. Enjoy the sneak peek! These two are getting married this December and I can't wait!!!!
Love Does,
Kritin
the one with a sunrise engagement, Tyler + Kayla
I haven't photographed a sunrise session in years. Try like 5 years! So, when the time worked best for Tyler + Kayla, I was definitely surprised. I offer it all the time and most folks don't want to get ready by that time. But the lighting is just so soft and pretty and PINK. I love it! Perfect for an engagement session!
I photographed Tyler's sister's wedding and hadn't seen him since. HELLO! I swear men don't age. Like at all. Maybe it's because he has a youthful face and he's so tall we always have to look up at him. Not sure about that theory.
But I am sure these two are super cute together! And I'm sure that I want to do more of these sunrise sessions. I'd love to do a Graduate! Hello! Anyone?
Love Does,
Kristin
the one with Tanner + Aspen + the sweetest baby girl!
This couple is getting married soon.
This couple is extremely funny.
and attractive.
and has the CUTEST kid in the universe.
Okay, other then my kids. But mine aren't kids anymore, so yeah, they do have the CUTEST. I mean, scroll down and just look at this peanut! She reminds me of the adorable little girl in Monsters, Inc. Just look at the comparison below.
I can't wait for the wedding!!!!
Love Does,
Kristin
