k. holly photography :: the blog » Kristen

Giffin and Kyle Wedding :: Preparation and Portraits

Kristen — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:50:40 +0000

This is part one of Giffin and Kyle’s New Year’s Eve wedding – details, preparation and romantic outdoor portraits! When we first met with these two, and chatted about wedding-day plans and ideas for pictures, we never would have guessed that we’d have green grass and temps in the 40′s! We had visions of wintery winds and snowflakes. But, Michigan always surprises us! We LOVED the warmer weather, and took advantage of the nicer day by doing lots of outdoor pictures. I loved everything about Giffin’s look, from her perfectly beaded trumpet gown and vintage jewelry to her classic black & white details.

The girls and guys started at the Radisson in Lansing, and from there we headed over to the State Capitol building for portraits. It was the perfect backdrop for Kyle, Giffin, and their fabulously dressed-in-black bridal party.

The veil: the moment a girl becomes a bride!

First Look on the Capitol steps:

Are they a good-looking couple, or what? And so sweetly blissfully happy :)

Pink boots and black peekaboo lace!

So, so so romantic…

… ceremony, reception, and New Year’s Eve celebration to come!

Oooh, pretty!

Kristen — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:31:55 +0000

2012 and 2013 brides and grooms, watch your mailboxes! :)

1.21.12

Kristen — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:53:35 +0000

Viki and Eric are married! We are still smiling and talking about how awesome their Chicago wedding was yesterday. Amazing couple, loving families, thick tradition, tons of joy and laughter. Incredible day!!

Sarah and Mark :: Engaged!

Kristen — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:06:44 +0000

We had such an amazing fall and early winter! This session was from one of our first dustings of snow. There was just enough to give us a pinch of magic :) We had such a great time strolling around Ann Arbor together, chatting about wedding plans and stopping at a few pretty and cool locations. I love this first set, with the lovely light and color! Then they surprised me with their geek-chic style at the end! Awesome!

Congrats again, you two! Can’t wait for the wedding!!

Jackson :: Newborn

Kristen — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:07:29 +0000

Welcome to the world, sweet little man! Your parents are so in love with you. You have made their lives fuller than they ever could have imagined; they are already over the moon, smitten with your sweet face and tiny hands. Andy is such a sweet dad already, and Christina is an amazing mother. She couldn’t take her eyes off you, nor the smile from her face. Baby Jackson… such joy you bring :)

Some of my favorite images are often the little moments between shots…

Congratulations again, Andy and Christina! Jackson is absolutely perfect. We are so happy for you!!

Susan and Chad :: Engaged!

Kristen — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:44:16 +0000

Wine country in the fall, evening light, and a couple in love. Three of my favorite things! It was a gorgeous evening, albeit a bit chilly. We took that as an excellent reason to duck inside Crane Orchard’s bakery for some yummy hot cider before heading over to Fenn Valley for a few more shots in the vineyard. So looking forward to their wedding this coming year, it’s at one of our favorite places! Bay Pointe! Whee! So excited for it, I can already tell it’s going to be an awesome day, we just love these two!

{ 12.31.11 }

Kristen — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:27:07 +0000

Congratulations to Giffin and Kyle, married on New Year’s Eve in Lansing, Michigan! Here’s to overflowing happiness and love in 2012!

Quinn :: Newborn

Kristen — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:11:08 +0000

Amanda & Ben’s baby girl is here! Well, she’s been here for awhile already, but I didn’t want to ruin the surprise. They used one of these images on their Christmas cards, so I wanted to make sure they were all delivered first! Little Quinn is absolutely precious and perfect! She has turned Amanda and Ben into loving parents, and made them all a happy, cozy little family. Isn’t life amazing?

Of course, we had to get a shot of her with her mama’s wakeboarding gear ;)

And some Christmassy pretties :)Love you already, baby girl!

Katee and Casey :: Engaged!

Kristen — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 04:42:26 +0000

Katee and Casey!!! Okay, I have a really funny story about how we met… Katee might kill me for this! Nah, she won’t. She knows I love her :) So rewind to last winter. We were at the B.O.B. downtown with a group of friends, I think it was Valentine’s weekend. My girlfriends were all glittered up, and I was very pregnant. I wore what I thought was a pretty sexy little black & white leopard print maternity dress. (In pictures, I look more like a spotted cow, pretty sure.) Anyhoo, so we were taking pictures and I was attempting to pose and look as cute as my girls, but just feeling… well, uncute. All of a sudden this other very cute girl comes bouncing up to me, wide-eyed with a huge smile on her face, and she asks if I’m K.Holly. She gushes about how she can’t wait to get engaged, so they can plan a wedding, so they can hire us,… da da da… Adorable. She’s maybe had a cocktail or two ;) Meanwhile, her not-yet-fiance is watching and holding back a snicker and a smile. She and I chat for a minute, and then we part ways. My mood was instantly lifted, and Jamie will tell you my head might have swelled just a bit. This girl just made me feel like a celebrity! I had a little extra glow the rest of the night :) For the next few months, every time I’d get a new wedding inquiry, I’d wonder if it was her. Then one day, several months later, as we were wrapping up a wedding consult, the groom gets a sneaky smile across his face. A look of panic rushes over hers as he asks us, “do you remember, at the B.O.B…” and I go, “It was YOU!!!” We all laughed about it, apparently she was super embarrassed about it. Little did she know how happy she’d made me that night. We already were loving them from the consult, but once we knew they were THEM, it was IT. We were in love with these two. So when it was time for their engagement session, we were totally geeked! They picked a gorgeous color palette and great locations. They knew our work well, so they knew this field would be perfect. I couldn’t believe we hadn’t found it before! The light was ah-maaaazing! Everything just came together so beautifully. As it should. Awesome couple, awesome session :) I love these ones on Western Michigan‘s Kalamazoo campus, but just wait for the field. Goodness!

Ready for it? Golden gorgeousness!

Her EYES… !!! Katee, you are gorgeous!Le swoon! SO cannot wait until the wedding! It’s going to be awesome. You’re awesome. Love you two! :) k+j

{ Cristyn and Carson :: Engaged! }

Kristen — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:26:22 +0000

I know I say this all the time, but I am SO excited to share this one with you!! Cristyn and Carson are a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e. Like eat ‘em up adorable. Not only cute, but they are so sweet and kind. Cristyn is a ball of giddyness. She’s happy, positive and a total ray of sunshine. (My kind of girl!) Carson… ::sigh:: he adores her. The way he looks at her… aw man. Melt. And he’s not too shabby himself :) Together, they are an amazing couple, and the kind of friends you would want to have. We are SO happy for them, so happy to know them, and very much looking forward to the moment their lives join together. I can’t even imagine how fun their wedding is going to be… we had an awesome time with their country engagement session!

Gorgeous!!

Eee! Cute right?! Adore you two!! See you soon :) k+j

{ Ashley and Curt :: Married! }

Kristen — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:57:53 +0000

October 7th in Michigan – who’d have known it would be one of the warmest days of the year? The sun was shining, fall colors vibrant, hearts glowing. Ashley was looking amazing (always love the stylists at Design 1!), and her girls were gathering and getting ready for the day to begin. Guys were hanging out across the hall, Curt getting excited to see his lovely bride at Thousand Oaks Golf Club for their first look. We were getting excited too, we adore these two! And the colors, the warmth, her details (hello Badgley Mischka heels, my fave!)… it had the makings of one amazing day! Was it ever! Congrats Ashley and Curt!

Let’s get that beautiful bridal party out here…

{ Ceremony at Westview CRC }

{ Reception at Thousand Oaks }

Congratulations again!! Such an awesome day. All the best to you two! :) k+j

{ Amy and Andrew :: Engaged! }

Kristen — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:11:49 +0000

I am SO excited to share Amy and Andrew’s fall engagement session with you! It was one of the last beautiful fall weekends, with gorgeous golden leaves and amazing sunshine. On our way to Lansing, Jamie and I were talking about their session and what we and they had in mind. As we were arriving on the Michigan State campus, I had a last-minute idea. So I texted Amy and asked her if they had a football handy, and they did! It made for some super fun & playful pictures, they’re at the end! Not only are these two totally gorgeous, but they’re one of our nicest & sweetest couples. I’m SO glad the day worked out like this, the light and color was just to die for!

so.cute!

Sparty!

Love love love the playful little football game! You two are crazy adorable :) So fun!! We love you two. Can’t wait for the wedding!! :)k+j

{ Bailey and Devon :: Engaged! }

Kristen — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 04:03:26 +0000

Oh man I am missing these warm days!! A few weeks ago, we met the adorable Bailey and Devon downtown Grand Rapids for their engagement session. It was a gorgeous morning – the leaves were still on the trees, and we had some of that bright sun that we love working with! The light was amazing in the orchard for the second part of our session. (Sneak peek at the top! I love this picture!) And for the first part, we did a more urban look downtown. I just love their style. A little urban, a little country. A little leather and sequins, a little knits and prints. Fabulous!

::sigh:: I love this one!

Seriously, you guys are too cute :)

Congratulations again! We loved spending the morning with you two!

{ Emily and Darrell :: Engaged! }

Kristen — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:18:27 +0000

I’m just totally smitten with these two. Oops, three! I love when couples bring their pups along! :) I loved the locations we chose for their session, it was perfect. A little bright colorful urban, and then a little fields, grass, sun and sky! And a little snuggly, nuzzly, giggly love of course! Wheee!

Guys, take note of Darrell’s wardrobe choice. Nicely done, so stylin’! And Emily, I knew you’d be ridiculously adorable :)

{ swoon! } In. Love! Can’t wait for the wedding!

{ thanks.giving }

Kristen — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:41:00 +0000

A late Thanksgiving post! I meant to write about this on Thursday, but I’ve been spending the holiday weekend with loved ones, and not with my computer ;) I have to admit, it feels pretty good! We all need a little break every now and then.

In addition to taking a much-needed break, there’s something else I’ve been meaning to do for a long time. Awhile back, I read an article in a magazine about a young woman who signed up to be a bone marrow donor. Another young woman across the country, battling cancer, needed a bone marrow transplant. Turns out, the first young woman was the one and only perfect match that could save the other young woman’s life. And she did. And changed her own life in the process.

The story touched me so much, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I’ve been wanting to get on the list since the moment I read the article, but had to put it off while I was pregnant with my son. This Thanksgiving, we have SO much to be thankful for. Mostly, we are thankful for our amazing, bright, adorable baby boy, and for each other. We are healthy, happy, and have so much to give. The first thing I did Thanksgiving morning (after kissing my boys good morning) was to get online and sign up for the Be The Match bone marrow registry. My little cheek-swab kit will be arriving in the mail soon, and I’ll officially be available as a donor until my 61st birthday. It’s a small thing for me to do, but could literally mean the world to someone. I welcome the responsibility, and will be ready for the medical procedure that will follow the phone call, should I receive it. I pray that God can use me to save another.

I am just one donor, and there are so many who are waiting for their match. I can’t help everyone, but I can be a catalyst by writing about it. If you are reading this, please consider signing up. The procedure isn’t as scary as you might think. Read about it on the official Be The Match website. And definitely let me know (comment below!) that you’ve done it! We can share so much more than love and joy this season. You have the opportunity to give the gift of a lifetime. How amazing is that?

Okay, off my soapbox. Hug your loved ones, kiss your kiddos, and enjoy this beautiful season!

With much love,

Kristen, future bone marrow donor :)

{ Katie and David :: Married! }

Kristen — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 04:12:43 +0000

October first – not exactly a time when you would be thinking Lake Michigan beach weather, but we absolutely were! Heck, we were outside in Ludington in February this past winter for their winter engagement session! Crazy northerners, not afraid of the weather. You may know, I’m a northern Minnesota girl myself. I don’t love the cold… but I can make friends with it for a beautiful day like this! Says I, from beneath my fuzzy purple hooded knee-length coat. Hey, I matched the bridesmaids! Kidding aside, it truly was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, spirits were high, and two people were in love. Katie and David were at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville getting ready to walk down the aisle, and getting excited to clink glasses and cut a rug at the historic Stearns Motor Inn!

I was absolutely crazy for her dress and details – love that sparkle!!

Boys in bowties? Adorbs!

I love this one. Swoon!

Lake Michigan!! Congratulations again, you two!! We loved spending the day with you and your friends and family. Wishing you all the best!! xoxo, k+j

{ Jennifer and Mat :: Married! }

Kristen — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:40:01 +0000

It was a gorgeous September day. The air was warm, leaves still yellow and green, and sun was shining bright. A perfect day for a wedding! Jennifer and Mat were busy getting ready to say their vows at The Peoples Church in Lansing, MI, and excited to celebrate together at Eagle Eye Club House. I loved her timeless style, and I loved getting to know them! They had an incredible day, full of love, family and friends :)

Congratulations again! Wishing you all the very best!

{ Sarah and Chris :: Married! }

Kristen — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:50:50 +0000

Whee! This is a fun one :) Sarah and Chris were married on 9.10.11 at Alger Park Church in Grand Rapids and celebrated afterwards at 25 Kitchen downtown. The whole day had a cool vibe, from getting ready that morning at the trendy Salon Re, to her perfect Maggie Sottero one-shouldered gown and luxe Badgley Mischka heels. Between ceremony and reception, we got to hang out with one of the funnest (and funniest!) bridal parties of the year! Between all the glam and fun, there were definitely some touching moments, like their heartfelt tearful vows, and when three generations got together and sang at the reception. There were a lot of tissues being passed around! All in all, it was an amazing day. Emotion, beauty, and tons of love and laughter. Exactly what a wedding day should be :) Congrats Sarah and Chris!!

Haha, I love when couples get goofy. Cracks us up!

Speaking of cracking us up… awesomest bridal party evaaah! Funky sunglasses and sippy cups for the trolley?! Genius! Spill proof!

Ahh, these pictures make me smile :) So much fun! Okay… better get to the reception! Guests are a-waitin’!

Much love to you two! xoxo, k+j