Haley & Kevin - A Match Made in Heaven :)

Ok, folks...I am REALLY excited to share this photo shoot with you! This being my first engagement photo shoot ever, I was ultra-conscientious to get just the right shots. It's a whole other dynamic trying to capture the deep love of two people. But, patience and time paid off, and also just having fun with the whole experience helped LOADS! :) The two people featured in this collection are Kevin McLaughlin and Haley Jalinski. I didn't know that much about the couple myself until I asked! I'll be sharing some of that newly-discovered insight into their relationship as we go along.

It's been quite the adventure for this shoot to actually happen! But just recently, God was on our side with the weather! We were extremely grateful. I trust you will thoroughly enjoy these love-filled shots of two delightfully sweet people!

Kevin and Haley met at Church on the Hill, and they enjoy doing volunteer activities and serving together through their church and various ministries.

Kevin likes to investigate stocks and peruse financial books. Haley likes to read magazines and be productive. :) They both enjoy things such as reading, rock climbing, playing frisbee golf, cuddling (awww), and going on adventures!

An interesting fact about these two is that they both know how to make hemp bracelets (I'm gonna have to have them teach me)! Kevin is also super cool, due to the fact that he is able to ride his bike with no hands, standing up! Major skill, man. 

Their wedding will be held in early December at the YWAM base. What a cool venue choice, you two! Any place that has evident signs of God's blessing on it is cool beans in my book.

I asked Haley if she could describe how the relationship has grown since they first began getting to know each other and since they started dating. Her answer is so sincere and it makes me want to get to know them even more!: "Well it's been pretty close to 3 years now and we have definitely matured as individuals and as a couple. Our relationship has gotten closer due to some stresses in our lives. We have bonded mostly in friendship and that really gives us a deep sense of commitment and in making the next step into marriage."

Now, I know you've probably all been dying to hear about the proposal itself. It's definitely what every girl dreams of, and I can tell already that Kevin is a definite romantic! (please, do read on...)

 

Haley recalls: "The proposal was expected because we had talked about getting married a lot beforehand. He took me to the beach and we had a full day there. At sunset he took me out to the beach and asked me to marry him when the sun was the brightest purple and orange. It was beautiful!"

I feel the photo above perfectly exemplifies this next quote from Haley, because you can see its truth in their gazes. :) "I knew Kevin was the ONE when I can truly look him in the eye at the end of the day and know that he is true in loving me and I to him. And I know he has a deep seated characteristic of being loyal and faithful to me in all areas and times in my life."

"I truly admire Kevin's ability to dream and how he always is willing to go for something even if it doesn't seem possible." ~another sweet quote from Miss Haley

And now, a few whimsical shots and a quick testimonial about their experience with me!

 

"I would definitely recommend Photogenique Photography to my friends because Kristiana's efforts in giving people the best experience was very evident. She has a great heart and beautiful motives behind taking pictures for people...Kristiana Kephart was delightful to have as a photographer. She kept our energy going and really gave us a great experience all around." ~Haley

 

Speaking of Haley, check out this oober cute pic of her with bubbles! Makes me want to giggle :)

  Adding a little ring color flare ;)

Congrats, Kevin and Haley! You are amazing!

Stay tuned for more blog posts!

~Kristiana Kephart 

Photogenique Photography

 http://www.wix.com/photogeniquegirl/photogenique-girl

photogenique@comcast.net

Photo Safari Scavenger Hunt

I had the great opportunity recently of volunteering for an auction at Willamette Christian School (North Campus), where I donated a photo package at the marketed value of $350.00! It was very exciting, and I was also able to get quite the reel of photos as a result! Take a look at the festivities!

Here is the main entrance to the building

 

yummy garnishes and chunky dips

                                                                             FRUIT!

I simply fell in love with this little box!...

                                                                     
TV Raffle

       The peacock feathers took over the place, making it so much more elegant and also adding a bit of flare.

The entrance to the auditorium - they did a great job on the twinkle lights!

Some of the silent auction items - stunning little colored hats :)

 

The drapery above the seating area was fantastic. It completed the whole jungle feel. It made stuff like this song (listen) run through my mind!

The kids made these...adorable!!

The stage was utterly astonishing. And when I finally saw the room in full spectrum, I couldn't stop staring!

The lovely-looking sweeties that I unfortunately never got the chance to sample...oh well...for those who ate them, I am sure they enjoyed!

I had to snap one of my mom at some point...doesn't she look cute?

I thought these dramatic lighting effects were wonderful.

That mural was hand-painted by one woman, along with all the rest at the auction.

I was happy to pose for my mom to take this shot of me with our enormously talented auctioneer, Paul Shultz!

It was a great turn out, and everyone left happy with the items they purchased. :)

Once There Was The Sun

As I looked around me yesterday, lyrics from the song "Sun" that is sung by Thumbelina resounded in my head, which ultimately inspired me to get back in gear with postings!:

Once there was the sun
Bright and warm and wonderful
Just like the love within my heart
Now there's no more sun
Winter has killed everything
Although it's dark December
Forever I'll remember sun
(Listen)


I realize I haven't posted anything since early December. This saddens me greatly, along with the loss of sun. However, I have many things to be excited about:

1) Spring is just around the bend! Soon, there shall be sun!

2) At the beginning of next term, I will be purchasing a new SLR camera! My bridge camera is not making the cut as I'd like it to! I'm ready for big and better things!

3) I was approached about possibly photographing an upcoming fall wedding! Assuming it happens, this will be my first, with hopefully many more following!

4) Photogenique is making a donation of a digital photography package for the WCS Auction for Friday, March 11th! It'll be wonderful! Even if you are not going, have someone who is attending bid for you on my package during the silent auction! You won't be sorry! Total value is about $300!

5) I did capture some wonderful photos of the odd clumping snow we've received here in Salem the last couple of days, just as it was beginning to melt. Though I've been ill, I wasn't about to miss an opportunity like that! And the best part is...you get to experience the magic of winter as well through my photos. Take a look.


First, leaves and berries...I love the color in these two

 clovers iced over

 clumping! doesn't this look like funky snow? more like hail, i think.

 garden leftovers

 foot prints

 the fragility of dead winter plants

 My back yard, partially melted

 I simply HAD to make a hand print and actually feel the snow at some point :)

Well, that's it for our snowy serenade! Remember, sun is just around the corner! And with new and bright adventures! Thanks for joining me on this one!


Kristiana Kephart

Photogenique Photography

 http://www.wix.com/photogeniquegirl/photogenique-girl

photogenique@comcast.net

A Party of Hearty Harrises

 

If there were a family that were to truly carry love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as close to how Jesus did as possible, this would be the family. I am always in awe of how well-behaved Jake and Liam are, and how even-tempered Rick and Amy are. The two are wonderful parents and have a Christ-centered perspective, helping to form a healthy and pleasant family atmosphere. (CLICK ON THE PHOTOS BELOW TO SEE FULL IMAGES)

Oh and...REALLY? It MUST be against some law to look this good AND be a mom. For real. Amy Harris is just so beautiful, both inside and out! She is one of those people that brings out the best in others, and is also very motivated. She NEVER does anything half-way.

 Look at how wonderful this family is! Amazing how one can tell that just by looking at these pictures!

 Willamette was a great venue choice...and ALL AMY'S IDEA :) Great choice, I must say! Along this adventure, Rick told me that being there reminded him of an Ivy League School. The place is HUGE! I'm glad I got there early so I could scope out the best spots for shooting...but I didn't even go back far enough to see this huge, amazing, looming building! I like it.

 This tree was so much fun. And it was as if that bench was reserved specifically for this family. I think I am in love with this spot the most out of any that we visited.

 I loved doing shots with this mirror. Something I've never tried before, and kind of weird and interesting for both me and the fam! But it worked out! Pretty clever & snazzy result, huh?

                           Lastly, "Liam and Dad". :) I thought this was a cute one to end on a happy note!

 Toodles, Photogenique Watch! Until next time...

Kristiana Kephart
Photogenique Photography
photogenique@comcast.net

Book Your Christmas Shoot With Me!

Hello, friends! I would love to come closer to each client I work with, and I think that, with Christmas just around the bend, now is one of the best times to do just that. Here is an example of a Christmas card I made using some shots that I took in 2008, when I had a camera that was not really "up to par". But I worked with what I had, and here's what I came up with. :)

{and i know those darn ads on the side get in the way of the photo, but just click it to see the full view!}

The cost for a family photo shoot with a disc containing 80 photos is worth $100 and approximately an hour and a half of your time. Twenty-five 4" x 6" prints of the card plus the disc would add up to $150. "

I am doing a family photo shoot this Sunday, and I'm quite excited about it! A new post should be up soon with lovely, holiday-esque photos of the wonderful Harris family, so stay tuned, folks! :)

~Kristiana Kephart

Photogenique Photography

http://www.wix.com/photogeniquegirl/photogenique-girl
photogenique@comcast.net