Dec 3rd 2010, Multnomah University hosted their annual Talent show, the Taylor siblings were participating and Christa was along for the ride. Little did she know what she was in for…

Native Montana-in, Dan Gutschenritter moved to Portland a year prior after he felt God calling him to seminary. His completed degree in Criminal Justice tucked in his back pocket he left all behind and headed to Oregon.

Along comes the fateful day in December and Dan watches as a camera-lugging female in heels enters the room. He had to know her. A bit of detective skills later (insert facebook stalking) uncovered her identity…Bring on the FB communique.

When she first read his rather generic “I think you and your family are cool” facebook message, she was very skeptical. “Um, yea…thanks?”  a month later same dude writes again- and confused female is now asking beloved sister “WHO IS THIS GUY? Do you know him? Should I be concerned?”

Well Facebook became very popular that month- He didn’t have her phone number, nor was she going to give it easily. It was a cat and mouse game from the start. You never saw two such accomplished flirts in your life.

Shortly thereafter, the relationship went face to face on a group hiking trip to Multnomah Falls. In typical Taylor style, willful girl that she is, she plunged to the front of the line, leaving the poor man in the rear. “If he wants to talk to me, he can come up here”. Boy. Talk about stuck-up. It’s a miracle he stuck around.

Easter Sunday was next with a sunrise service and traditional feast. He joined in the fray, rubber band wars at the dinner table and ultimate frisbee in the back yard. At this point she’s convinced he must be a confirmed lunatic to be sticking around this long. Apparently he wasn’t of the same opinion considering he asked her out, 2 days later.

“I’ll never forget him sitting across from me, elbows on the table, having donned a button-up shirt “special for the occasion”, pouring out his life story. WOW.” Whether it was his genuine humility, or passion for the Lord, she knew in her heart, “I’m going to marry this man”. In fact, she was so sure, she journaled it down and promptly told the beloved sister.

Months of phone calls, text messages and “getting to know you questions” go by. Studly man comes back from working in Montana over the summer and in September they’re offically dating.

Low and behold they find themselves- falling in love. Christmas comes and goes, with the couple drawing ever closer, and happiness is blossoming like popcorn at the theatre.

Unbeknowst to girlfriend, boyfriend is waiting on the ok from Daddio to pop the question. Tranquilly waiting on pins and needles, Christa is determined to stick it out. Needing a day off, she calls up the boyfriend and invites him for a day-trip to the beach. “I just need a bit of a break” she explains. They opted for a few days out and packed up their picnic lunch, beach blanket and handy-dandy water bottles.

While enjoying the 2 hour drive to the coast Dan and Christa spent some time in prayer, thanking God for His specific gifts and for continued guidance and direction. Dan kept dropping phrases like “if this relationship ever goes further…” and “if we ever get to marriage” sending strong signals that it wasn’t anytime soon. Good thing Christa wasn’t expecting an engagement today. Right? Wrongo.

The weather was overcast but pleasant as they finished lunch and settled into their book on marriage. Reading aloud together on the deserted beach was pure heaven. Christa is in mid-sentance when Dan pulls out the ring and slips it onto the page.

“Will you marry me Christa?”

Shocked, she managed to respond

“Dan…Nothing would make me happier than to be your wife”

Boom. The sun erupts through the clouds, the choir starts singing and happy couple is no longer paying attention to anything else except their beloved.

Yes, we’re getting married.

I’ll love you Dan till the day I die.

Photo Credit: Bianca Jade

Heather Hellweg and I have shared a mutual love for fashion which made this baby shoot a breeze. I love her lines, and the natural drama Heather portrays for the camera is captivating. We all know she would make a stunning model.

Truly one of the most beautiful women I have ever met.

I have shot in this space several times prior while working for Heather’s husband Mark, owner of Clive Coffee.

Thanks to my lovely sister Lindsay for the loan of her lovely chair.

Hot.

This baby is to join her big brother and big sister soon!

We headed up to the elevator shaft for some moody light and gorgeous drama.

Nothing could keep the smile off Kristi’s face, she giggled and laughed like a school girl with the beauty of a goddess. Her warmth and delight in her groom pervaded the bridal suite and not a stress or worry perturbed the scene. For better or worse, they would stick it out, which made her smile all the more.

She floated up the stairs to her waiting groom, slipping around the corner to surprise him. As she glided into his arms, he cried.

David & Kristi, thank you for letting me share your love story. It was such a privilege to watch and participate with family and friends as your love intertwined as one.

Class and Sophistication. You can tell by the invites And one darling beauty, Cate Winkelman:) 

While the girls were getting their finishing touches, we shot the brides details in the foyer.

The Natural light flooded through the windows at the Benson Hotel across the street where David and his groomsmen were getting ready.

Cute Girls. Cute Chair.

It was cold outside. But these girls were so happy you couldn’t tell. (signature balloons makes their presence known)

Omg. Kristin. You take my breathe away.

I’m always delighted when the couple opts for a first look, it makes for very relaxed wedding photos. There is nothing that compares to that romantic moment when bride and groom see each other for the first time.

The Portland Treasury is full of cool nooks and crannies, including a stellar vault. They won’t let us take pictures inside. I asked.

The Benson. Huge glorious lobby windows. One superb General manager. Probably not the reasons why David and Kristi chose it, but very good reasons all the same ;P

In January, the light fades by 4pm, I was boosting the dusk with my ever-faithful beauty dish.

HOT.

Such a precious ceremony. Almost had me crying.

David couldn’t keep his eyes off her, their love was so tangible it spilled out onto everyone around them.

David and Kristi, I am so happy for you. May your love continue to grow and blossom in the coming years!

A fellow photographer and dear friend calls it how “honest” the photos are. Do they portray the person?

I often muse over the fact that we so often photograph people outside of their normal environment. Why can’t we leave a CEO at his desk and photograph them? Why can’t we shoot a nurse in their scrubs?

Something I’ve been thinking on. Re-visiting notes from Rodney Smith, and wondering how I can improve. I certainly don’t have this all figured out. No indeed. Just beginning in fact.

Yes, just beginning.

So For the past year I have printed my wedding photo-books through Blurb.

To all those newbies out there- learn from my mistakes. Do not use a photo book company to print your wedding albums. It just looks…cheap.

So yea.

It is time to put my big-girl panties on and move to a full-fledged, lay-flat, leather bound, smell-expensive  ALBUM COMPANY.

Here are the Contenders:

Option #1: 

Diversified Lab- at divlab.com Looks legit, and very reasonable for a 11×14 album. Album would end up costing me aprox $180.

Option #2:

Asukabook.com Aside from the fact that their name sounds like “A Sucky book” they seem pretty darn legit. Owned by Kubota (the famed producers of Kubota Photoshop Actions which I envy and adore) they are so Pro they aren’t even open to the public. That or they are super elite and arrogant. Not sure which. Don’t worry, I will leave no rock unturned in discovering their true identity. Anxiously awaiting my registration to go through I have no idea what their albums will cost. May $30 maybe $3,000. I’m rooting for the former.

Option #3:

Mpixpro - has a cool homepage, I’ll admit. Very creative. Something some of these other album companies could use a little help with. I like the sizing options here…again a “sign in” to find pricing…here we go again. But VERY fast processing. That’s a plus.

Option #4:

My solo Cut and Paste Project. I make a cardboard cover and print out the images at Costco. Little glue and snip-snip…voila! I’m liking the sound of this. Maybe for the eco-bride?

….and there goes my credibility. ;P

Further research is obviously needed. I will proceed into the album world with confidence and courage!!!

There’s so many goals written for people in the month of January. Pens are out, lists are stuck to the bulletin board and gym memberships sky-rocket in popularity. This year, I don’t want any crazy goals to give my rear some umph in January only to be discarded by Feb 1st.

Here’s 5 things I really want to do, that involve the things that are already a part of my life, the people I love, the habits I have established. I’m not a witty person, nor do I have a fabulous sense of humor, but I am passionate about what I love, and can tell you them straight up.

1. Stop and… Stomp in more puddles. Listen to the Wind in the trees. Bake some cookies for my man. Give my sister a hug. Tell my Mom that she’s amazing. Send a text to a friend with love. Wiggle my toes in sand. Play the piano more. Pull a prank.

2. Share more of Me. It’s hard for me to be open and vulnerable about my life. This must go. I want to stand confident in who I am as a Christian and how that impacts everything in my life.

3. Take Time for Retreat. Introvert? Yes, I am. But I LOVE people – go figure. In order to really thrive and dream and get inspired- I need a day a month to just think. Think, pray and refocus.

4. Save some girls. I try to help girls who are targets for human trafficing. That’s all I’m gonna say. But this year, I want to make a difference.

5. Get my first kiss. 2012 baby. Bring it on. One man, and only one will get to enjoy these lips;P

Photo Credit: Bianca Jade, my second shooter and friend

After a few years of using a boring old word doc, I have upgraded to a lovely menu style collection description. This little beauty is sent to the bride after she inquires on pricing and details.

If I was a bride, I would want everything I receive from my photographer to be as classy and chic as possible- wouldn’t you?

I feel like that girl running through the door. She’s not walking, she’s not skipping, no caution here. She takes the future at an all-out run.

There’s something haunting about this image. I want to use this as a springboard for a fashion shoot- I have the door, now all I need is the wardrobe and model. Great images have a message behind them.” They raise more questions than they answer”, Rodney says. I wish I was effective in capturing that concept as he. practice makes perfect and I’m about to practice.

Jeremy and Caitlin, seeing and photographing you together brings me so much joy. You make each other shine brighter. Such a compliment of personalities and giftings. It was a great delight to be a part of your wedding and capture these memories. I only wish we lived closer, you’re exactly the kind of new friends I would love to hang out with!!

Xoxo,

Christa

The window light was perfect for her prep shots, who knew it was a kitchen?

Caitlin’s dress was so ethereal, found at a Promises Bridal in Eureka, CA  with the most beautiful sleeves added by Monika’s California Apparel. 

Meanwhile, Jeremy was getting ready at Westhaven Bible Chapel in the heart of the Redwoods.

I was coveting this hallway light and Jer was kind enough to oblige.

Jeremy had the most entertaining group of groomsmen I have ever photographed. HILARIOUS. I nearly peed my pants, thrice.

Perfect group of guys to break out my mustachios.

Caitlin you are seriously so so  beautiful. Soft, ethereal. You melted his heart.

Caitlin was a gymnast for many years and her team brought their own flair to the reception. 

First dance, backlit by a very convenient open doorway. There are certain wonderful advantages to afternoon weddings  

Those gorgeous blue eyes. 

The signature baloon making it’s appearance. We nicknamed this one Robin.

This fashion shoot was to raise $1,000 for the cause. Typifying one of the 12 days of Christmas- “10 Pipers Piping”. Obviously, it is now past Christmas, but I want to share some of the images that helped reach the goal!

Visit MissElainious for more images from the 12 days of Christmas!

The light was overcast and perfect for this type of work. Soft and moody.

My sister Kelly is a masterful floutist and piccolo player. Hence the “pipers piping”

Photogenic siblings are really handy.

I will always be a sucker for black and white.