You've been planning this day for quite some time now. Putting your energy into this one day. We've talked about the time line and what you want photographed - but what is going to happen during the day? Keep reading to see how your day will play out (there are times where we have to change a few things, but don't worry, I'll be there to make sure your day goes smoothly as possible!)

When I arrive, I like to start with detail photos. Your gown, shoes, jewelry, perfume, bouquet, etc. You spend so much time and money getting all the little things together that they deserve their time to shine! Once everyone is dressed, they will help you get your dress,  shoes, and jewelry on. Be sure to eat and drink water (I know, I sounds like a Mom, what do you expect?!) It's going to be a long day and I just want to make sure everyone is okay.

I love doing first looks, it is your 1st intimate time before you two say "I Do!" This part is all you and your almost Husband! We talk about he is going to turn around but the rest is all you! This typically lasts about 10 minutes - then we go on to the bridal and family photos. I like to schedule them before the ceremony so you two can enjoy your cocktail hour.

We'll arrive before your ceremony starts to get the details. All you have to worry about is saying your "I Do's!" We'll capture everything from when you get there till when you exit the ceremony space! From then, we will be going to the reception space to start photographing there.

The bridal and family photos are typically done after the first look. Both normally last about 15-20 minutes. First, we'll get the whole bridal party together and then we'll separate the sides to photograph each party. Then, we'll get the families together. We'll have a list so we make sure no one is missed!

Before your guests enter, we get the details in the reception space. This is another favorite time of the day - because this is when the party starts! All the planning and stressing (Yes, it's true. And if you're reading this, please take time for yourself to chill!) is done and now its finally time to have fun (not that we weren't already!)

It all starts when your bridal party enters! Then all eyes on the newlyweds! First dance, parent dances, then let the party begin! We'll be there to capture everything. From cake cutting to all the break dancing! If you decide to, we'll go out when the sun is setting to get a few more photos of you and your husband/wife! After that, we are pretty much done for the day. It will be a long day, but we will have so much fun!

Our families have become close over the past year so I was excited when they asked me to take some photos. It was such a beautiful day - not too cold, the sun was shining, and the colors were perfect! These three make such a cute family - you can really feel how much they love each other.

I had a blast photographing this little peanut for her first birthday! Cake smash sessions have to be one of my favorite - because for a moment, they get to just have fun and get cake every where - how could you not love that?! I love the theme that her parents chose - Winter ONEderland! I hope you enjoy looking at the photos as much as I did taking them. Happy First Birthday Maddie!

My bridal shower at Victoria on Main in Toms River, NJ was such a lovely time with friends and family. This bed and breakfast also serves tea with delicious scones, finger sandwiches, and desserts. I love the vintage decor - one of the reasons why I picked this place! My mother and bridesmaids helped make my shower a special day for me. I really felt like a bride and I was able to just relax and have a great time. I am extremely grateful for those that could attend - and I know a few that would be there if it weren't for life getting in the way. Although it was supposed to be a surprise - I figured out right away when a close friend asked me to go to her "belated birthday party" at the place where I wanted my bridal shower to be! I was still excited and loved every minute of the day. I can't thank my mom enough for putting this all together. Also, my bridesmaids went above and beyond to make the day special!

I was contacted by Cori, Christina's sister, to photograph her nephew in February. After a few emails going back and forth, I knew that this was going to be an adorable newborn session. In the weeks leading up to finally meeting Xander and his parents, all I could think about was how I was going to position him, what blankets and props to use, etc. When I arrived at the Grandparent's house, I fell in love with their sun room. There were huge windows letting in the beautiful sunlight! I was able to gather a few items around the house to make the session more personal. He was a little fussy, but we were able to capture some beautiful moments of Xander. Congratulations Christina and Alex on your handsome little boy!

Emilia and I have become close friends over the past few years and when she told me she was expecting, I was so thrilled! At that time, only a few close friends and family knew and I was honored that she wanted to tell me too. Although we were hoping for a snowy session, we decided that we couldn't wait any longer so we met on a chilly but sunny day. This momma-to-be looked radiant! The boys couldn't stop smiling. You could just feel the love and joy in this family. Everyone is so excited for this little girl to make her appearance in the world! Congratulations again and I wish you all the best.

Well its the end of the year and that means that this little girl is another year older! Her birthday is on December 6th and she turned 3 years old. We rescued her when she was about 2 months old - not knowing how much she would change our world! Since she is family, we had to do something special for her. I went all out!! I made pupcakes and a cake, got her a few presents, and set up a mini photo shoot. The day was a bit cloudy but that didn't stop us from having a blast. Once she heard the okay to dig in to the goodies, there was no holding her back. I hope you enjoy these photos just as much as Twix and I taking them.

Get ready for some pawesome faces the birthday girl makes!!

How I Made This Happen:
You can pretty much find any recipe including ingredients that your dog likes. I found a recipe online and made banana pupcakes with a peanut butter frosting // East Meets West: blanket // Petco: cookies for cake, Yoda, Nylabone // Petsmart: Old Mother Hubbard (peanut butter, molasses, apples & carrot) // Michaels Art & Craft Store: Blue/gold cake/cupcake stands, Wooden box, Bone shaped chalkboard, Purple streamers // Target: Blue/gold box, Wrapping paper // I received the polka dot bag as a gift - if you want to know where it was purchased just let me know!

On Monday, October 26th, my parents will be married for 41 years. This was my present to them - they couldn't remember the last time they had photos taken of them! They have taught me so much about marriage whether they knew it or not. Throughout the years, I have learned little things by watching them together or by being in a certain situation with them. I know not every marriage is perfect but with hard work and remembering the love you have for each other - you will always make it together. These two mean the world to me and I love them with all my heart! I wish them many more years of happiness and love.

Hey loves!

I hope you all found my last blog post helpful - here is the link if you missed it
How to put together a Wedding Planning Notebook

Before I was engaged I was looking on Pinterest for ideas weddings in general. I came across this one link that lead me to making this binder idea. I thought to myself that this was such a get way to keep everything in one place. Now I can't take the credit for this but I do want you to have this binder in your life!

I did change a few things that fit better with my wedding planning. You may also have to do the same - which I think is better so you don't have unnecessary pages.

Supplies I used:
Binder, folder, page dividers with tabs to write on, notebook, clear zip pouch, pen

Categories I have:
Important - vendor contact list, bridal contact list, timeline, emergency kit check list
Budget - I have worksheets that helps me keep track of how much the cost is
Ceremony - contracts, officiant contact info, music, decor, program, save the date/invite
Reception - timeline, music, decor, set up, menu, beverage, favors, food/cake, speeches
Guests - accommodations +guest list tracker
Attire - makeup/hair/dress for bride and bridesmaids, attire for groom and groomsmen
Photography - photographer contact info + contract
Florist - florist contact info, worksheet, contract
Miscellaneous - registry info + honeymoon travel details

I also have a clear zippered pouch that I hold business cards, pen, and anything that I get that is important. I also made envelopes for tip money and have them in there as well. This is such a great idea to hold the little things instead of putting them in the folder where they can fall out and get misplaced easily.

Tip money envelopes

I thought this would be such a great way to know in advance who you will be tipping. Inside the envelope I wrote on a little piece of paper how much it costs me and how much the tip should be. That way I know how much I have and how much I have yet to put in. Then come wedding day, just remember to take out the piece of paper and give the envelope to hair stylist/makeup artist/photographer/etc.
Very stress free!!

Other than figuring out what fits your wedding the best, my job seems to be done for today! I hope you enjoyed this blog and I highly recommend you do this. If you guys have done anything different that has worked for you, please comment below!

Later Loves,
-Krista

Yay! You're finally engaged! This is one of the most happiest times of your life - so far :)

I know I was over the moon when my boyfriend proposed to me - on the Spiderman ride in Universal (how amazing is that?!) That was hands down one of the best days in my life. My best friend asked me to marry him - doesn't get any better than that!

Okay - so after announcing it to your friends and family on Facebook and other social media websites the panic might set in. All these ideas are coming to mind - what type of dress do you want? what type of flowers? what is the color scheme going to be? buffet or sit down? The list goes on and on...Don't Freak Out! I am going to list the different ways to make the planning a little easier.

Pinterest

Yes, some may say its the worst and they are right! I am addicted to this site, but its okay, I think we all are ;) I made several different boards so it is easier to go back when you are either looking for cake ideas or talking to your florist. (I made cute names for them - so be creative!)
My boards: To Have And To Hold: Dress/Accessories & Hair/Makeup
To Have And To Hold: Honeymoon Style
To Have And To Hold: Let Them Eat Cake
To Have And To Hold: Flowers
To Have And To Hold: Ceremony/Reception

Do what will work best for you - I figured this would be the best way for me since I freak out when the pins are everywhere. I will be putting some pins on my Pinterest board so you guys should go follow - and I'll follow back!

Tablet + Pinterest - I save my favorites that I have pinned and made folders in the gallery so I can look at them for inspiration.

*I was not paid for this by the companies mentioned. The opinions are my own.

Phone + Tablet

I downloaded 2 different apps - both are free
1. The Knot Wedding Planner (phone only - my tablet doesn't support it)
2. Wedding LookBook by The Knot (both phone and tablet)

The Wedding Planner - This is such a great app for the bride that is always on the run. There is a time line to help stay on top of things you need to get done. You can also look for vendors, photographers, florists, etc.

The Wedding LookBook - I started looking on this app when trying to find what I liked for my dress (when actually going to try them on, I chose one that was no where near what I was looking at so keep that in mind!). They have added a few more features since I've started with it. This is great because you can choose what you want and the price range you want to stick to.

*I was not paid for this by the companies mentioned. The opinions are my own.

Books + Magazines

When my fiance and I got back from vacation my boss and I went to Barnes & Noble to start looking at different books to get ideas. It was such a nice day - while we ate lunch at Starbucks, we looked at what each other picked out. I did purchase a few so I can look at them further when I got home. I got a few DIY books, some magazines for dresses, how to be smart with your money. Choose what books you think will be best. I do look at these a lot less then Pinterest, but it is nice to have a book in your hands :)

*I was not paid for this by the companies mentioned. The opinions are my own.

Binder

I will go more in depth with this in the next blog post. This has helped me so much by keeping everything important in one spot. I found this idea on Pinterest, followed the link, and printed out the pages that I needed. If you don't think you will follow anything else from above, please do this! It will help you the most!

Okay - so I think I have said all that needed to be said! I apologize if this was a long one but there was so much information that I wanted you all the know. If something else that I did not mention work for you, please comment below! I would love to learn what you have done to help make this journey a little easier.

Later Loves!
-Krista