This morning I woke up with butterflies in my stomach, nervous and fidgety over tomorrow’s wedding. “WOW? Already Marin? It isn’t even the actual WEDDING DAY yet…” I don’t really know why I get like this, but sometimes I do. I start to get anxious and worried. I begin playing things out in my head and imagining ALL the stuff that could possibly go wrong (a bride’s dress ripping, missing groomsmen, late flowers, ect.) and how I can avoid them. I like to be 10 steps ahead of the game, anticipate the next move, but a wedding ALWAYS ends up taking on a life of it’s own. So…. IF it is impossible to completely predict the “game” how can I actually be 10 steps ahead? No matter how much planning and scheduling the bride and groom prepare for or how much the coordinator coordinates, the wedding manages to breathe on it’s own accord. Sure, things will go as planned… but there is always someone who is late or there is pressure from the D.J and venue because “things are ready now!” For me, I have to be flexible and I have to be willing to bend, I have to be able to “get the shot” in the exact moment it happens. I have to know light. I have to find it and look for it, because a wedding is not always at sunset. HA HA! More like, sunset does not last for more than an hour at best. I wish a whole wedding day would be blanketed in twilight. That would be amazing and perfect (not to mention, EASY)

But, I have got to say, for all the stress that a wedding can be… I LOVE THEM! I love the energy and buzz when everyone is ready for formals, the swell of emotion as the ceremony music starts, the calm that comes as vows are exchanged, and then the rush afterwards for the perfect shot. It is a crazy thing pursuing wedding photography. It is a tough job… and a lot of photographers don’t want to do it. But, this is the career that I have chosen to go after. I have had to BELIEVE in my dream and myself, despite the criticism that surrounded me. Sure, I was never perfect, and I am still not perfect. I still have to battle criticism daily, because let’s face it: I am NOT the best photographer or coolest photographer out there, but one thing is for sure… I am trying my hardest to learn and I am dedicating myself to this craft.

Life is a continual journey, and it is meant to be lived through the mistakes and successes. Of course, there is nothing better then a pat-on-the-back or a spoken word of ‘job well done’. I think we all need it from time to time, especially by those we admire in our field of expertise. We all can doubt ourselves, but it is the drive that you have within you – to truly go AFTER what it is you DREAM about. That, my friends, is what sets you apart from the rest. That is what makes you a “professional” in this industry (or any other industry). That is what keeps you walking though the doors of life. Grab onto opportunities and chase after your dreams. Believe in yourself, the talent that you have, and all the ability that lies sleeping within you.

CHEERS to another FABULOUS wedding day tomorrow! I honestly cannot wait to experience the love, emotions, fun, and excitement….. and another opportunity to rise to the challenge. I know I can make amazing things happen (and so can you.)

There is no greater thing than living life. I am talking about ALL of it. The hurts, the pains, the joys, the laughter, the mistakes, and the lessons learned. It is ALL so beautiful if you stop and  simply think about it. Think of the people in your life today, think about the friendships gained and the friendships lost. Think of how you have grown into the person you are right now. The wisdom you wear like a string of valuable pearls. The heartaches you carry on your back like Santa’s bag-of-toys on Christmas. The dreams you wish into reality. Think of the boyfriends (or girlfriends) you have had, and what they brought into your life. What about the nights you’ve partied so hard that you lived to regret it in the morning. The music you have danced to, the music you have cried to, the music you have sung on the top of your lungs to (in your car.)  I know I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences or memories for anything in the world. I would never wish for a different life. I love everything I have been though so far (even the biggest mistakes.) It has molded me and shaped who I am. My experiences, in a way, define me. And honestly, I think it has turned out to be quite a beautiful ride (and I haven’t turned out too bad either.)

The Story goes like this :

I was in the stunning Mendocino area, near Fort Bragg. I had spent the past few days near the ocean in a cute little cabin, hanging out with good friends, fasting to spend time together and get closer with God. It was beautiful and nice to get away. I love being around good girlfriends. But, after 3 days of not eating… you get pretty darn hungry and everything in the world sounds fabulous to chow down (even some liver and spinach.) After everyone had taken off to go home, it was just my best friend and I, all alone and abandoned to roam the streets of Mendocino… STARVING. We found this healthy little cafe (you always want to break a fast with something healthy) and I saw this rice-dish staring at me through the looking glass. It was making flirty passes at me, so I bought a little for lunch. OH YEAH, it’s yumminess hit the bottom of my belly with satisfaction. I absolutely LOVED it. After licking my plate clean (literally) I skipped back inside the cafe to dissect the ingredients to pieces. So what you have before you, is my version of this fabulous favorite Mendocino dish, discovered in a nameless cafe. I personally like to call it :: Marin’s Mediterranean Concoction

Details

Start with cooking the two cups of wild rice (which will take almost an hour, because wild rice takes forever to cook.) When it is done, put it to the side. Then cook up your cous cous. That takes only a few minutes. Combine your rice and cous cous in a large bamboo dish (ha ha, just a bowl – it doesn’t have to be bamboo.) Add in your cranberries and green onion. If you haven’t roasted up those almonds yet, now would be the time to do it. I like to buy them raw, chop them up, and then broil them myself… This way they are super toasty tasting. That is honestly one of the best parts of this dish, those toasted almonds make it GREAT! Make sure you watch the almonds though, because they will burn before you know it! I have done it soooo many times. Throw those in after cooking them up. Pour in the oil, honey, and lemon to taste. It shouldn’t be too sweet or too sour. It should be a perfect blend of both. You might need more of one than the other. I just taste as I go along and gave you a rough version of the ingredients. Make it your own! Add more of one thing than another if you like… Put in the fridge for 2 hours. Eat cold.

Well, that is it. Good luck. Let me know how you like it… I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

My name is Marin Kristine and I am a Northern California wedding photographer. I am located between the Sacramento and San Francisco area and I mainly serve the stunning Napa Valley region. I love traveling and getting the opportunity to visit different locations and wedding venues (like this wedding located in San Ramon) so if you are headed into Mexico feel free to give me a call. Contact me for further details on pricing or booking a consultation to view products. I look forward to meeting you and hearing all about your event.

Lafayette Wedding Photography

Joelle and Drew – got married on a perfect Saturday afternoon at Saint Mary’s College Chapel in Moraga, California. As I approached the groom’s house, I was welcomed not only by the groom, but by a fun group of lively men. Some dancing in the living room, another tinkering at the piano, and the groom playing tricks on his groomsmen. It was GREAT! Nothing beats a crazy bunch of guys to start my day off right (Thanks boys!) The bride in all of her splendor, was tucked away at the charming Layfette Park Hotel. As I walked in and met Joelle for the first time, I noticed how piercing her eyes are… aren’t they amazing!?! She was so sweet, and greeted me as part of the group. Every single one of the smiles and “warm welcomes” I received that Saturday touched my heart. There is nothing like a wedding! Nothing quite like love and the union of souls. I was honored to be there helping out Kara Layne (a colleague of mine) for this destination wedding.

The day was absolutely amazing, and it ended perfectly with the sun setting on their reception at The Bridges Golf Course in San Ramon, California. Such a stunning local venue, it almost feels like you are in Beverly Hills when sitting out on the patio. As the night closed and the festivities came to an end, it was time for me to slip out the door… but not before I could give the bride and groom a BIG squeeze. Thank you again Joelle and Drew, your wedding was perfect! I wish you both the best in love and in life, God Bless.

Becoming. Changing. Growing. Those 3 little words pretty much sum up the last few years of my life, and it has been a beautiful ride. From attempting to “brand” my company, define my shooting style, discover who I am and share it with you, blog regularly, update my facebook and twitter, educate myself via workshops and mentors I admire… and more. It can be crazy. It can sometimes drive me to an emotional edge where (unfortunately) my husband and daughter pay the price. It is definitely a challenge, and any photographer out there, that is passionate about what they do, will tell you that their keyboard and mouse pad have been dusted by the mist of teardrops (I know mine have.) The stress and pressure that comes along with building a business is undeniable. It is talked about in hushed tones and only to VERY close friends. It is one heck of a ride, a roller coaster of ups and downs. There are those days of discouragement, and then there are the days filled with successes and joys….

But, doing what I love and witnessing a “dream” slowly come to life is worth more than a couple thousand tear drops. I get to create. I get to bless people, and touch hearts. I get to make new friends and see smiles that become a greater reward than a pay check. I have experienced honest growth: even just as simple as this blog post because I remember my first blog post (oh my goodness) I sat there staring at the computer screen not knowing where to begin. I didn’t know what to type, nor what to share with people that (I believed) weren’t even going to read it. I probably only ended up with about one sentence. Now, on the other hand, I just type away whether my grammar is correct, or punctuation perfect, or whether anyone is even reading. I just express myself and who “I am” and I’m slowly getting to a point where I know 5 years from now – my blog posts are going to be better, my stories will bring tears, and my images will move souls.

I love being inspired by others, and I hope to bring a little inspiration by the art I make and the things I say. I love that this photography voyage is never obsolete. It is always changing, always moving and growing. So what have I been doing lately? I have been fine tuning my business and putting the ‘finishing touches’ on my office. I have been getting organized, ordering studio samples, and preparing for the future. I am looking ahead and NEVER EVER stopping. This fun blog post is simply – a collection of FABULOUS images taken this afternoon. I love my “little space” to pieces, and wanted to share it with you! I know most of you have never been into my office (or haven’t been here lately) and I wanted to give you a little peek inside the doors. My office is where I spend almost every moment – from my morning coffee to talking with you guys on Facebook. And, as you can tell, my office is overflowing with “french boudoir” inspired knick-knacks that motivate me and sum up who I am as a business owner. Each item screams (loudly) about all the things that I love. I love soft romantic images with stunning light, boudoir and the beauty of women, vintage items and antiques. Oh, and lets not forget Anthropologie (clothing store.)

I am also inspired by little birdies, (like the ones below.) Just like the quote at the top of this post. I honestly feel “like a tiny bird with a BIG song” – and I know I’m not alone with this overwhelming emotion. I think most of us feel as if our song (dream; vision; message) over powers the size of how we see ourselves. I believe we put “a limit” on our ability by doubting what we can actually accomplish and how strong we really are. I am at the point (in my life) of daring myself to understand that no matter how tiny I feel, or how gigantic my song is – I know God is bigger and nothing is impossible with the Lord. 

If you are considering booking Marin Kristine Photography (that’s me!) for a wedding, engagement, or boudoir session please come by and meet me. I love making new friends, and hearing sweet love stories. I think that every human soul has something beautiful to offer, and I love beauty – that means YOU! Even if you are not interested in booking a session, I would love for you to come by and see me – just say to say hello – because on most days I am editing (and going nuts) behind the computer! I look forward to meeting you soon ~ XOXO

If you would like to see a little bit more of Angelo’s SESSION, check out this slideshow below::

Marin Kristine Photography – I am a Northern California wedding photographer, located between the Sacramento and San Francisco area. I mainly serve the stunning Napa Valley region, but I love getting the opportunity to travel to different locations and wedding venues. If you are looking for the perfect wedding photographer, look no further because you have found her! Contact me today for further details on pricing or booking a pre-consultation to view products. I look forward to meeting you and hearing all about your event.

Green Valley Country Club

It was their sweet smiles for one another. The rose color that veiled Leila’s cheeks. The shy grin that Carson attempted to hide from my camera lens and his guests – that had me truly smitten with this bride and groom. As I, once again, was ushered into the inner circle of a wedding day, I witnessed a deep friendship between two best friends that has been built on years of love. It was perfect. This lovely wedding was located within the stunning Green Valley Country Club (one of the most perfect wedding venues I have seen.)

CARSONichiwa – when you would share it with me, you have the sweetest smile… Look at that image below! What a smile

Definitely one of my favorite wedding moments below. I love you guys to pieces!

DRESS: CASABLANCA
SHOES: NINA
UMBRELLAS: BELLA UMBRELLA
FLORIST: GREEN VALLEY FLORAL in FAIRFIELD
CAKE: THE CAKE SHOPPE VACAVILLE
VENUE: GREEN VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB CALIFORNIA

My sweet Jenni (the bride from last nights wedding) is someone who became more than just a bride. She got to know me, and she ushered me into her DAY from the moment we met for our consultation. It was an honor getting to know her, her husband, and her family so intimately – so much so, that yesterday I felt like a good friend showing up and hanging out. She surprised me by handing me this gift before I slung my camera equipment over my shoulder and started digging my heels in. Awe, how she knows the heart of this artist! A freaking sweet camera necklace (that I wore all day.) Thank you so much Jenni, for your generosity and big smiles. I cannot wait to start editing your images, and finishing your wedding. I know you will be itching to see them…

Marin Kristine Photography – I am a Northern California wedding photographer, located between the Sacramento and San Francisco area. I mainly serve the stunning Napa Valley region, but I love getting the opportunity to travel to different locations and wedding venues. If you are looking for the perfect wedding photographer, look no further because you have found her! Come into my home studio to meet me or just scroll through my portfolio here on my blog. Contact me today for further details on pricing or booking a pre-consultation to view products. I look forward to meeting you and hearing all about your event.

Downtown San Jose Bridal Portraits

Every so often, I get the honor of shooting a fabulous model for a ‘BRIDAL’ session. Bridals are pretty big down in the southern part of the USA (Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, etc.) and are geared toward the bride – alone – before her BIG DAY. It’s basically a trial run for the whole dress, hair, shoes, and makeup thing – so she feels secure and like everything is perfect. Bridals are held a few months or weeks before the wedding, and a portrait is featured of her on the day of the event. I think they are super cool and wish here in Northern California it was more of a tradition… Below are some sweet images of Alana Gabrielle featured in an Amy Kuschel gown. Hair and Makeup done by ME (Marin Kristine).