I write this post still in awe of how awesome life works out. I still pinch myself. How lucky I am to have met Krista!

Our story: It all started at brunch with Colorado wedding photographer Rachel Olsen at Root Down last February. I’ve known Rach for years. Not only is her photography amazing (I’m jealous at times), but she’s a terrific person, mom, and a stellar athlete (ski patrolled at Vail and bike guide in Italy). She hopes to complete an Ironman in the next few years…good to know I’ll have another training buddy. Anyway, we were catching up on life before attending the Power of Passion photographer workshop (my review here) when Rach said, “You know, you’d make a great match for my sister-in-law. The only thing: she lives in Minneapolis.” My jaw dropped to the floor. I was giddy. I was scheduled to teach a workshop the following week in MN, then got stranded due to weather. God truly works in mysterious ways. What started out as {gasp!} not a date, turned into one. Rach, you’re the best matchmaker I could imagine!

Fast forward a few months. I proposed to Krista and she said YES! View photos from actual surprise engagement here.

On planning a wedding: We envision our wedding as simple, genuine, and with quality family time as the main centerpiece. We like the idea of breaking away from tradition. For example, we want to maximize time with family in a warm place, so we’re getting married on the Tuesday of Spring Break so family can travel on a Saturday and return on a Saturday. Wedding vendors like midweek weddings positioned in off-peak months, too. We’ll get married under a tree (design and coordination by Kuleana Design). There will be fire spinning and really good food by Noah & Judy. The engagement ring I gave Krista resembles a traditional band… an understated ring utilitarian given her line of work, the same one she always liked. The wedding ring will feature Tiffany bling.

As a wedding photographer myself, I’m fascinated to view an industry in a refreshing new way – starting with the planning process. My initial thoughts:

• Planning a wedding doesn’t have to be stressful or consume your life.
• Planning a wedding doesn’t have to follow tradition.
• Planning a wedding doesn’t have to be expensive.
• Planning a wedding doesn’t have to come from a wedding magazine.

When you think about it, humans have been getting married for thousands of years. Diamond engagement rings only became common in the 1930s after DeBeers proclaimed a man should spend two months’ income on the ring. In the 1800s, sewing thimbles were common betrothal gifts. I only wonder what bridal trends we see today will we look back and wonder – What were we thinking?!?!

I’ll place my bets on the money dance, flashes during the ceremony, the garter toss, and the exhausting receiving line.

*** The chicken dance, however, will remain an excuse to leave the dance floor, grab a drink, and admire grandpa dancing. ***

>> My advice to those planning a wedding: Surround yourself with creative people you trust.

On choosing a wedding photographer: Hiring James Christianson to photograph our wedding just felt right. James (friends call him Jim) has hit a level of success in his personal life, professional photography career, and as a visual artist, which I admire. Spending time with Jim during our engagement session affirmed that in every way. He was perfect for us! Apparently, Ralph Lauren’s daughter, Dylan, must have thought the same (check out the August 2011 issue of Vogue or James’ blog post here).

I challenged Jim on our engagement session to be 100% himself and shoot what made him happy. He shot only film, bringing several cameras each with a specific purpose. Seeing him work the magic behind all of the film cameras, brought back a sense of nostalgia of a vanishing photographic art created with medium-format film cameras like the Contax 645 or Pentax 67II. Make no mistake, the shutter click (THUNK!) of his Pentax 67II inspired confidence and awe… at least from the perspective of having that thing pointed at me. I knew he nailed the shot just from the sound. THUNK! That shutter sound doesn’t compare to toy click of the infamous Canon 5D.

>> My advice to those choosing a wedding photographer: Choose a photographer you trust, who’s work you love, and one who makes you feel beautiful. The images turned out amazing and I couldn’t have envisioned a more perfect experience. Thanks, Jim!

A few favorites from our engagement session in Laporte, Colorado (click here view the rest of the images by James Christianson):

Jim traveled with his entourage, including vintage cinema photographer Kevin Von Qualen, who shot 35mm B&W and Super 8mm film, the designer labradoodle, Willy {dog model for hire}, and the one and only Rachel Olsen {dog handler/fashion consultant/therapist not for hire}. To be surrounded by such a perfect team of dear friends who just happened to be wedding photographers made the experience even more memorable!

On enjoying an engagement session:

Working with Jim affirmed everything I knew an engagement session should be – light-hearted, happy, romantic. I’d rather eat brussels sprouts for breakfast than get photographed, as I am more comfortable on the other side of the camera. However, Jim set us at ease even before his first shot.

Let’s face it: the last time most of us were in front of a camera was as a high school senior, which was probably not the best experience. This is why having the perfect outfit, complexion, location, and weather doesn’t make for a perfect engagement session. I write more about that here. A good photographer makes for a good experience.

Our engagement session created the perfect excuse for Krista and I to just be, on par with a romantic date. Creating special photos in non-wedding attire that feel like you IS FUN! The added bonus: I can hang a picture in my office of us now, without having to wait weeks and weeks after the wedding.

Witnessing Jim fumble thrive under creative stress–looking for the good light, deal with equipment, and laugh at little happy mistakes–demonstrated his talents as a true professional.

As we wrapped up our session, I commented to Krista how Jim made us feel like a million dollars by providing a wonderful experience filled with lots of laughter. And while we are enjoying our engagement, we are excited for the wedding day in Hawaii and know Jim will be there like a friend with expensive cameras.

>> My advice to those on how to prepare for an engagement session:

Be yourself and enjoy!

__________

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