Crystal & Jon | Wedding | Independence, IA | Chris & b

Happy Monday everyone! This will be wedding week on the blog as we have sooo many weddings to blog and I cannot be more excited to start with Crystal and Jon’s wedding which was my first ever Iowa trip! Which I was able to cross off my goal of shooting a wedding in all 50 states by 2015! You may remember this amazing couple from their incredible sunrise Attraction Session!

The details of Crystal and Jon’s wedding were immaculate. Everything was so exquisitely planned and coordinated and that made everything so much easier and fun for b and me to photograph!
We had an absolute blast with Crystal and Jon’s wedding party and families. From laughing all morning long while the ladies were getting ready to dancing with guests at the end of the evening, we felt non-stop love the entire night!

Crystal looked phenomenally radiant and it was such a joy seeing her and Jon throughout their day sharing tangible looks of love and elation!

Thank you again so much for selecting La Brisa Photography to photograph your incredible day! You can view all of the images and order professional prints by going to http://labrisaphotography.smugmug.com/Weddings/CrystalJonWedding/

Be sure to follow Crystal's awesome blog - www.crystalcattle.com!

Dress Designer - Rivini
Ceremony Venue - First Presbyterian Church
Reception Venue - Park Place Event Center, Cedar Falls, IA
Cake Designer - Kathy's Kakes, Independence, IA
Make Up Artist - Lesli Kottkamp, Mary Kay
Shoe Designer - Heels Nine West, Boots Old Gringo
DJ - Ultimate DJ
Caterer - Park Place Event Center
Flowers - Peterson and Tietz
Bridesmaid Dress Designer - Lela Rose and David's Bridal

Crystal got ready at Jon’s parents’ gorgeous home and I had to include this photo wall!

52WoA: Week 8 - Fall

As a photographer, sometime you need to work on things outside of your normal purview and this project is going to help us (and you) challenge, grow and creatively develop your photography as a whole. Weekly for the next year, we will be sharing our images with you here!

For those of you interested in participating, PLEASE join us! The more the merrier! You definitely do not need to be a professional photographer, this is something you can easily do with your point and shoot, cell phone, ipad, etc. You can comment with a link to your image here on our blog or on our La Brisa fan page or you can tag La Brisa Photography in your image on your own FB page or use the hashtag #52WoA on twitter that way we can share your efforts with everyone else! If you are interested in joining our La Brisa Aspiring Photographer Workshop group on FB, please request to join as we will also be sharing our images there too.

Next Wednesday, October 3rd, Week 9: “JOY” will be due. The image must be created between today and October 3rdth. Good luck!

Here are our Week 8 – “Fall” images!

fall is my favorite time of year. fall means leg warmers and boots and hats and scarves and all my favorite colors. fall is my favorite drink in the world next to coffee; wassail. fall is fires and driving with my windows down and my heater blasting. fall is leading into the holiday season so everyone is happy and alive and bustly. fall. is. my. favorite.

One of the most spectacular falls that I have ever witnessed with my camera. It was glorious

Here is the entire list of 52 Weeks of Awesomeness!
1    Introduce Yourself
2    Asymmetrical
3    Fragile
4    Junk
5    Labor
6    Freedom
7    Pet Peeves
8    Fall
9    Joy
10    Travel
11    Architecture
12    Silhouette
13    trick or treat
14    Presidential
15    Honor
16    Style
17    Family
18    Motion
19    Inspired by a movie
20    Red
21    Gifts
22    Resolution
23    Winter
24    Numbers
25    Dreams
26    Claustrophobic
27    Gametime
28    Uncomfortable
29    Love
30    Overcome your fear
31    Minimalism
32    Music
33    Green
34    Spring
35    Foolish
36    Off Camera Light
37    Hero
38    Pets
39    Stars
40    Faith
41    Mom
42    Making Food into Art
43    Loss
44    Flora
45    Stranger
46    Dad
47    Summer
48    In the streets
49    Patriotism
50    What do you do for fun?
51    Travel
52    Self Portrait

52WoA: Week 7 - Pet Peeves

As a photographer, sometime you need to work on things outside of your normal purview and this project is going to help us (and you) challenge, grow and creatively develop your photography as a whole. Weekly for the next year, we will be sharing our images with you here!

For those of you interested in participating, PLEASE join us! The more the merrier! You definitely do not need to be a professional photographer, this is something you can easily do with your point and shoot, cell phone, ipad, etc. You can comment with a link to your image here on our blog or on our La Brisa fan page or you can tag La Brisa Photography in your image on your own FB page or use the hashtag #52WoA on twitter that way we can share your efforts with everyone else! If you are interested in joining our La Brisa Aspiring Photographer Workshop group on FB, please request to join as we will also be sharing our images there too.

Next Wednesday, September 26th, Week 8: “Fall” will be due. The image must be created between today and September 26th. Good luck!

Here are our Week 7 – “Pet Peeves” images!

My dog has all of this beautiful long silver hair- and she loves to run through the countryside at my parents house. Which unfailingly results in 8 or 900 burrs stuck in said beautiful long hair.... but it makes her so happy. Is burr-picking a life skill?

My biggest pet peeve is poor drivers. I think this image is representative of the annoying fallout of poor drivers and their decisions. This driver decided to park just over their line. The driver next to this one will have to adjust their parking accordingly until the chances of someone either a) losing a spot completely or b) getting their car scratched are essentially guaranteed.

Here is the entire list of 52 Weeks of Awesomeness!
1    Introduce Yourself
2    Asymmetrical
3    Fragile
4    Junk
5    Labor
6    Freedom
7    Pet Peeves
8    Fall
9    Joy
10    Travel
11    Architecture
12    Silhouette
13    trick or treat
14    Presidential
15    Honor
16    Style
17    Family
18    Motion
19    Inspired by a movie
20    Red
21    Gifts
22    Resolution
23    Winter
24    Numbers
25    Dreams
26    Claustrophobic
27    Gametime
28    Uncomfortable
29    Love
30    Overcome your fear
31    Minimalism
32    Music
33    Green
34    Spring
35    Foolish
36    Off Camera Light
37    Hero
38    Pets
39    Stars
40    Faith
41    Mom
42    Making Food into Art
43    Loss
44    Flora
45    Stranger
46    Dad
47    Summer
48    In the streets
49    Patriotism
50    What do you do for fun?
51    Travel
52    Self Portrait

52WoA: Week 6 - Freedom

As a photographer, sometime you need to work on things outside of your normal purview and this project is going to help us (and you) challenge, grow and creatively develop your photography as a whole. Weekly for the next year, we will be sharing our images with you here!

For those of you interested in participating, PLEASE join us! The more the merrier! You definitely do not need to be a professional photographer, this is something you can easily do with your point and shoot, cell phone, ipad, etc. You can comment with a link to your image here on our blog or on our La Brisa fan page or you can tag La Brisa Photography in your image on your own FB page or use the hashtag #52WoA on twitter that way we can share your efforts with everyone else! If you are interested in joining our La Brisa Aspiring Photographer Workshop group on FB, please request to join as we will also be sharing our images there too.

Next Wednesday, September 19th, Week 7: “Pet Peeves” will be due. The image must be created between today and September 19th. Good luck!

Here are our Week 6 – “Freedom” images!

nothing says freedom like your own car- there are few things that make you feel more invincible than driving down the sunset with perfect music and open windows. My little cruze eco has been the best car, and all its miles have been driven by me.

There are so many freedoms that we take for granted and the freedom of religion is one that is incredibly important to me.

Here is the entire list of 52 Weeks of Awesomeness!
1    Introduce Yourself
2    Asymmetrical
3    Fragile
4    Junk
5    Labor
6    Freedom
7    Pet Peeves
8    Fall
9    Joy
10    Travel
11    Architecture
12    Silhouette
13    trick or treat
14    Presidential
15    Honor
16    Style
17    Family
18    Motion
19    Inspired by a movie
20    Red
21    Gifts
22    Resolution
23    Winter
24    Numbers
25    Dreams
26    Claustrophobic
27    Gametime
28    Uncomfortable
29    Love
30    Overcome your fear
31    Minimalism
32    Music
33    Green
34    Spring
35    Foolish
36    Off Camera Light
37    Hero
38    Pets
39    Stars
40    Faith
41    Mom
42    Making Food into Art
43    Loss
44    Flora
45    Stranger
46    Dad
47    Summer
48    In the streets
49    Patriotism
50    What do you do for fun?
51    Travel
52    Self Portrait

Happy Birthday b!

Happy Birthday to our very own b! Autumn and I (and a few people you may know) just wanted to wish you a ridiculously awesome day filled with happiness, joy and blessings because you deserve it! Hope you feel the love today!

I don't know how two ordinary people made such a beautiful and creative woman, but I do know we are truly blessed. Happy Birthday Brandi! ~ Mom

One of my favorite days, the day Brandi joined our lives! ~ Dad

Happy Birthday B! I love you so much! FACT!! Hmm or it might be oceanography...can't remember...Have a great day big sis! ~ Morgan

Holy smoke birthday girl i love you! So thankful for you in my life and another year to call you my best friend. I don't know what i would do without you dear, but i do know that you make life a little sweeter. Can't wait to give you a HUGE birthday squeeze this weekend! LOOOOVVVVEEEE YOOOUUUUU! ~ Alli

For b. happy birthday beautiful. So thankful to know you and have you in my life. Your warmth and joy show in every photo you take. ~ Annie

Happy Birthday to a woman I'll be around till we're rolling around in wheelchairs drinkin' dos equis and snuggling during rainy days! ~ Sara

B! Happiest of birthdays my dear! I'd tackle you and smother you in birthday love and hugs if there weren't a bazillion states between us! But just know that I love you lots and hope all your birthday dreams come true! Xoxoxo ~ Cami

Oh hey, remember that time when I got to see you everyday?? Yeah, I miss that. I hope your day is filled with sunshine, coffee, photos, LOVE, and "awesomesauce"-lots and lots of that. I SEE YOU IN 16 days, and it can't come soon enough. I am so excited to see you!!!!!!! HAVE AN AMAZING DAY!!! And remember, GROUP 5 NEVER SAYS DIE!!!! LOVE YOU!!! ~ Hannah

Hey B, You are such a talented and lovely person. I'm very happy that you are going to document our marriage and Friendship we couldn't imagine anyone other than you! I hope you have a happy and blessed birthday. All the best. Sincerely, Hannah's Friend.

Hey b~ Happy birthday!! I hope you have the best day ever...you're more than a former colleague. You were friends to my sons, my daughter-in-law and my grandson. You quickly became my dear friend and much more.....you were like a daughter to me. I love ya bunches and will always be here for you whenever and if ever you need anything. Have a great day. Lots of love and big hugs! Deb G. :-)

Happy Birthday to my girl B! Your inspiring talent and beauty are truly a blessing each and every day! I hope you have a fabulous birthday and many more to come! Xoxox ~ Maggie

Happy birthday to a most wonderful friend, I miss you like a fat kid misses lunch meat...like bologna. We hope to see you soon and we hope your day is full of special moments! ~ Melissa

B - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope your day is filled with nothing but friends, family, laughter and happiness - you deserve nothing less. It has been such a blessing to get to know you over the past few years, and watch your style and passion for photography grow into what it is today. We are all so lucky to have you in our lives. I love you! Here's to September birthdays and cherished friendships... Cheers! ~ Kendra

Hey b!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I hope you have a fantabulous day. Stay strong and believe in yourself. You are a beautiful woman inside and out. You are always in our prayers. Much love, Brisa

Brandi - The bestest birthday wishes to you! As Bob Dylan said "May you stay young forever!" We love you bunches!! JR, Mary, Ryan, Kathy, Bethany, Jason, Rebekah and Alicia

You are always dancing. I believe you coined the term, "I live to dance." Which is probably the story of your life and I love that you can combine your sweet dance moves with your love of photography as demonstrated in the following images...

…b dancing with the wedding coordinator…

…b dancing with the bride…

…b dancing with Autumn on chairs…

…and this is how I really see you.

My Apologies - Chris

Today, I wanted to take the time to publicly apologize to all of our amazing La Brisa clients.

I apologize for not responding to your emails, phone calls, text messages and La Brisa Facebook messages more promptly.

I apologize for not sharing more portrait sessions and weddings on the blog for you to view.

And most sincerely, I apologize for the delays in delivering your images to you.

I will be better because you deserve better.

I will be better because you trust La Brisa to be better.

Thank you so much for your faithful patience and I greatly appreciate all of you. My fear is that my poor response times negatively portray your perception of b and Autumn and I honestly hope that that is not the case.

Many blessings,
Chris

Here is the entire La Brisa team at Jen & Jason's gorgeous wedding in Kansas City this past weekend:

My family went CRUISING! ~ Chris

Last week, my family went on cruise! My parents wanted their grandsons to experience being on a big boat and so they invited all of us to come too! We had an awesome time hanging out together and eating a ton! Here are a few images from our trip!

52WoA: Week 5 - Labor

As a photographer, sometime you need to work on things outside of your normal purview and this project is going to help us (and you) challenge, grow and creatively develop your photography as a whole. Weekly for the next year, we will be sharing our images with you here!

For those of you interested in participating, PLEASE join us! The more the merrier! You definitely do not need to be a professional photographer, this is something you can easily do with your point and shoot, cell phone, ipad, etc. You can comment with a link to your image here on our blog or on our La Brisa fan page or you can tag La Brisa Photography in your image on your own FB page or use the hashtag #52WoA on twitter that way we can share your efforts with everyone else! If you are interested in joining our La Brisa Aspiring Photographer Workshop group on FB, please request to join as we will also be sharing our images there too.

Next Wednesday, September 12th, Week 6: “Freedin” will be due. The image must be created between today and September 12th. Good luck!

Here are our Week 5 – “Labor” images!

With a name like "labor", it's no wonder we don't like doing it. We should have called it "sneaky fun time interspersed with naps and candy." Either way- there's only one great way to get it started every day...

This is my entire immediate family. Look how much labor was necessary to create so much awesomeness.

Here is the entire list of 52 Weeks of Awesomeness!
1    Introduce Yourself
2    Asymmetrical
3    Fragile
4    Junk
5    Labor
6    Freedom
7    Pet Peeves
8    Fall
9    Joy
10    Travel
11    Architecture
12    Silhouette
13    trick or treat
14    Presidential
15    Honor
16    Style
17    Family
18    Motion
19    Inspired by a movie
20    Red
21    Gifts
22    Resolution
23    Winter
24    Numbers
25    Dreams
26    Claustrophobic
27    Gametime
28    Uncomfortable
29    Love
30    Overcome your fear
31    Minimalism
32    Music
33    Green
34    Spring
35    Foolish
36    Off Camera Light
37    Hero
38    Pets
39    Stars
40    Faith
41    Mom
42    Making Food into Art
43    Loss
44    Flora
45    Stranger
46    Dad
47    Summer
48    In the streets
49    Patriotism
50    What do you do for fun?
51    Travel
52    Self Portrait

Emma | Style Session | Kansas | Autumn

Emma was my first 2012 Senior and I could not have asked for a more wonderful young lady! Obviously gorgeous, Emma was so sweet, so fun, and so willing to try whatever I threw at her. Emma is also a dancer- meaning killer poses and great outfits (tutu!) Congratulations to Emma on starting her senior year of high school

Thank you again for selecting La Brisa to photograph your Style Session. I hope that you LOVE your images!

You can view more images from their session on the La Brisa Facebook page by clicking HERE.

52WoA: Week 4 - Junk

As a photographer, sometime you need to work on things outside of your normal purview and this project is going to help us (and you) challenge, grow and creatively develop your photography as a whole. Weekly for the next year, we will be sharing our images with you here!

For those of you interested in participating, PLEASE join us! The more the merrier! You definitely do not need to be a professional photographer, this is something you can easily do with your point and shoot, cell phone, ipad, etc. You can comment with a link to your image here on our blog or on our La Brisa fan page or you can tag La Brisa Photography in your image on your own FB page or use the hashtag #52WoA on twitter that way we can share your efforts with everyone else! If you are interested in joining our La Brisa Aspiring Photographer Workshop group on FB, please request to join as we will also be sharing our images there too.

Next Wednesday, September 5th, Week 5: “Labor” will be due. The image must be created between today and September 5th. Good luck!

Here are our Week 4 – “Junk” images!

I find myself constantly in awe of people who are creative enough, and handy enough to repurpose things. Like this necklace. I found this piece at Country Stampede - the artist creates them out of old tin roof tiles from barns and such and takes things that are otherwise junk, and turns them into these beautiful, useful things. If we're being honest- it's a talent I'm very jealous of.

http://bobbyboyddesigns.typepad.com/

In tourist towns, it always amazes me how all of the stores sell the exact same thing. How does everyone stay in business? I think all the stuff that they sell is junk and yet everyone continues to buy it...

Here is the entire list of 52 Weeks of Awesomeness!
1    Introduce Yourself
2    Asymmetrical
3    Fragile
4    Junk
5    Labor
6    Freedom
7    Pet Peeves
8    Fall
9    Joy
10    Travel
11    Architecture
12    Silhouette
13    trick or treat
14    Presidential
15    Honor
16    Style
17    Family
18    Motion
19    Inspired by a movie
20    Red
21    Gifts
22    Resolution
23    Winter
24    Numbers
25    Dreams
26    Claustrophobic
27    Gametime
28    Uncomfortable
29    Love
30    Overcome your fear
31    Minimalism
32    Music
33    Green
34    Spring
35    Foolish
36    Off Camera Light
37    Hero
38    Pets
39    Stars
40    Faith
41    Mom
42    Making Food into Art
43    Loss
44    Flora
45    Stranger
46    Dad
47    Summer
48    In the streets
49    Patriotism
50    What do you do for fun?
51    Travel
52    Self Portrait