Sweet Kerstin...

With this new year, I am encouraged. It is easy for me to feel sorry for myself and realize how far I have to go in my business just to keep up with people, and how much I have to prioritize just to maintain what I have. But rather than taking that approach, I am going to fight. I am going to beat the odds and get better. Even though I have school and I have work and I have life, I will do my very best to improve. It is so easy to settle, but settling won't get me anywhere. So, bare with me as I am trying new things, and am trying to keep my head above water. Photography is moving so fast and I get discouraged that it takes a lot of money to keep up, in most instances. But, all I can give is my efforts. And I am determined that it will be enough...

To get my new year rollin....I had my first baby shoot. I grew up with her mom, Amanda, and although a little strange that she has a baby, it was a really great shoot. She was only two weeks old, and that scares me a little bit, but she was a super baby!

Thanks for joining me in my little self pep talk! I am so excited to see what this year brings!
Grace.Peace.Beauty.
Caitlin

Happy New Year....

The first of the year is an interesting time. The air is full of resolutions and angst. Everyone is still a little apprehensive to jump back into the swing of things with work and school, yet yearning for routine again. Football is winding down, and diets are winding up. There is just something different in the air.

I, too, am stuck in the New Year’s funk. I am so tired, yet energized and wanting to do it all. I am so encouraged by people, and what people are and what people can do; yet I am discouraged knowing that I am not those people, and wondering what I have to bring.

I am recognizing so many things I want to work on throughout this New Year, especially in regards to my photography business. I have gotten lodged into the tough spot of being comfortable. I do all of the things that I know have worked in the past, because I am too busy and too tired to learn new things. As much as I would love to drop everything and learn all that I can, I know that isn’t possible at this point in my life. I have school and a new job, along with my business, and relationships to love and learn in. But, I can challenge myself to learn something new every day by studying, reading, and experiencing. Forgive my little pep talk to myself, I just feel as though it will be more final if I blog it and tell my tiny little realm of readers what’s on my heart. So, thank you for listening/reading.

I will start with my first wedding of the New Year, which just happened to be on January 1. James and Laura are so fun and laid back, which is always nice when it comes to weddings. I don’t know that I have ever known two people that were more excited to be married. Not get married, but just to be married. It was a true honor to be a part of their special day…

First look, YES PLEASE!! See the next two pictures for proof!

This was Laura's Grandmother's Bible that she carried on her wedding years ago...neat!

I don’t know if any of you are Scrubs fans, but I am. When Ryan and I started dating, he handed me all 5 seasons and told me to get started. I’ve been hooked ever since. This series is known as, “EEEEEAAAAGGGGLLLLLLEEEEE!” –JD, Scrubs

If I could only post an audio with this picture. Laura cracked me up as she was reading Joel Olsteen’s pledge (it is behind her dress, on the board). She was just so cute…

Thanks again for spending some time here, I am looking forward to a great year...

Grace.Peace.Beauty.

Cait

Merry Christmas to all...

I watched "It's a Wonderful Life" for the first time with my family. I opened wonderful presents, slept in, ate too much, lounged in my new sweat pants, made cupcakes, and laughed. I'm pretty sure the only way this Christmas could have been any better was if it was more than just one day. I am overwhelmed with abundant blessings, and am hoping the same for you on this wonderful day. God Bless you and yours this Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Helton's

I love wonderful people. I suppose that is a given by now, but it's so true. They really make my world go 'round. And the Helton family is no exception. They are all some of the most wonderfu people I have ever met. Kristen is Ryan's sister, and I just love her and her family. More than I will ever be able to tell you. I counted down the days until Thanksgiving when I got to have this shoot. And am counting down until Christmas when I will get to see them again.















Grace.Peace.Beauty.
Caitlin

(P.S. Thanks for baring with me as I am updating my blog all at once...I am finally out of school and am transitioning to a new job, with parties to plan and attend! Busy-but what's new, right?)

Smith Family

I once mentioned here that it has been hard watching the younger siblings of my Friends grow up, and this family shoot was no exception. Cortney and I were friends from 5th grade through high school, and now she is all married and "growed up" and Whitney (her sister) has survived brain surgery and is as gorgeous and precious as ever. She has such a great attitude for all that she has been through and I was so blessed to be a part of this shoot...Doug made everyone laugh for an hour straight, it was so great!
















Grace.Peace.Beauty.
Caitlin

Landtroop Family

Have you ever known someone that can make you smile and feel better just by seeing them across the room? Ever felt a friend's hug that can relieve pounds of stress on your shoulders? That is what Jim and Cathy are to me. It never fails that their greetings of big smiles and warm hugs melt away all my bad feelings and leave me with rainbows and butterflies. Okay, maybe not rainbows and butterflies but definitely a smile and warm fuzzies in my heart. I just loved taking pictures of their family. It's always a blessing to see a wonderful family just interact with one another. Okay, Okay, I'm done....here are the pictures...











Grace.Love.Peace
Caitlin

Exciting Weekend!

God sure knew what he was doing when he gave me a heart for photography and sent me to Wayland. The two things go really well together! I had the pleasure of photographing two very awesome couples get engaged this weekend and it was a great time.

Meet my friends, Josh and Kristi. Josh and I used to work together at the Brew and he and I are like brother and sister. We are so much alike in some ways that we argue about how things should be done and will be in a deep conversation about life ad love ten seconds later. He is such a great guy, and he could not have found a better lady. Kristi is so sweet and is always sure to take my side of any argument Josh and I have, and that my friends, is perfection! :D

Josh and Kristi were throwing a "Christmas party" when we all started to make toasts. When Josh made his toast, he talked of the house they were in and how there were always friends coming in and out and how much he loved that. He then started saying how I hoped that his family could be a part of all that, and then proposed and asked Kristi to become a part of his family!

Next, meet Tim and Molly. I've never known the two separately. Tim is one of Ryan's good friends, and I have really enjoyed getting to know these two. They are one of the sweetest couples that I have ever met and I really appreciate their authenticity. Tim took Molly to a special place that the two of them shared their first dance, and where Tim told Molly he loved her....it was very sweet and an absolute joy to capture.

On another positive note, I took my last final today and am (hopefully) going to slow down for a month or so! Yay!!!

I can't wait to share my family shoots with you guys. See you tomorrow!

Grace.Peace.Beauty.

Cait