A few days ago I took my camera with me to explore a whimsical shop in Center Market in Wheeling, WV called Under the Elder Tree. This Apothecary and Healing Arts Centre is so important to have in our community and I wanted to capture the essence and spread the word.

​Under the Elder tree is a curious, earthy, and aesthetically pleasing shop full of everything to make you and your body better // And to make your mind and heart happy!

The shop owner, Carrie Eller, is extremely knowledgeable and very personable. I had the best time chatting it up with her and learning.

The huge healing menu is almost overwhelming - this place has SO MUCH to offer;a gift and retail shop,  a professional herbalist, certified aromatherapist, nationally board certified massage therapist, TONS of yoga classes, Reiki, a crazy awesome amount of different types of massages, Reflexology, sound therapy, chakra balancing, and so much more.

There is a huge selection of tea and cooking spices // and you can make your own fairy garden... I mean, take all my money!

I spent my time in the retail shop but I fully intend on taking advantage of their extensive class schedule and healing menu. I can't wait to try the yoga classes, Reiki, and chakra balancing. If you haven't been to Under the Elder Tree (or even if you have), stop in -chat- and invest in something awesome. 

Thanks for letting me play in your shop Carrie! 

I spent some time casually obsessing over this little fairy garden...

I hope you visit this special little place. It's one of my favorites!

Love, 
Kristin

The process of brides getting ready on a wedding day is pretty exciting.

With all of her best girls by her side, she gets ready for one of the most exciting days of her life.

It's just beautiful to witness. It is  also really fun, as a photographer, to see these moments happen and to capture them forever.

Here are a few of my favorites...

Love, 

​Kristin

I'd just like to take a moment on this cold and snowy day, to appreciate some pretty flowers.  Below are just a few of the bouquets I photographed in 2017.

It's super interesting to me to see the floral creations on a wedding day. 

Just like each couple, they are all unique.. 

This bouquet from the Pattison wedding had so many little interesting flowers, greenery,seeds, pods, etc. If I had to choose a favorite bouquet from all the weddings I photographed this year, i think this would be it.

With Love, 

​Kristin

It has been a hot minute since I've written a blog post.

I had one hell of a year and I do not send out my photos to an editor - I edit them all myself; so I've been doing that instead of blogging. 

I've been reflecting lately on the people I got to photograph in 2017. I am so thankful.

​I've decided to start my blogging spree with some incredible, kick-ass brides of 2017. Here are a few of my favorites...

With Love,

​Kristin

Anyone who knows me well, knows Halloween is my thing. I LOVE Halloween. I love the crisp air, leaves rustling, pumpkins, candy, and the creepy feeling you get when it starts to get dark on October 31. I love getting creative with costumes, but every year on actual Halloween I dress as a witch. Every year.

I needed a creative escape from the photos I am used to taking, so I hit up some of my best witches and the rest is history. This idea was  a "create your own witch" concept. With the help of all of these ladies (who absolutely NAILED this shoot) we made it come to life. Together. Every single lady pictured went all out and got so into the creativity. It just made my heart happy. It was absolutely one hundred percent a passion project and a joint effort by everyone involved.  There was lots of creativity, witches brew, and cackling.

​This was just for the fun of it and none of these ladies are actual witches..... as far as I know.....

Happy  Halloween.

Thanks for all the fun, witches. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Natalie and Guy are just my kind of people. I have photographed the two of them and their precious daughter quite a few times and I just can't get enough of them. They are so natural in front of the camera it makes my job super easy. Every time they book a shoot I do a happy dance. We shook it up this time and shot at a new location and it was so dreamy. I could hang out there all day. Here are a few of my favorites...

Thank you Natalie, Guy, and Linden- you killed it as usual. Cheers to many more shoots together in the future!

xoxo, 

​Kristin

Let me start by saying this wedding was an absolute blast. Lani and Zach are so genuine, fun, and easy-going, but I knew that from their engagement shoot in D.C. But their bridal party was AMAZING, and their families are simply incredible people. The wedding and reception took place on Lani's parents' farm in Moundsville, WV. Guests were transported via tractor ride (with a mimosa bar stop on the way) to the ceremony on the most gorgeous point under a tree. The wedding was catered by the outstandingly delicious Mason Dixon BBQ. For me, the most difficult thing about shooting this wedding was deciding which photos to share. I had to cut it off somewhere for this blog- but some of the reception shots that aren't included are so.much.fun. I will leave that posting to the Wyars. I can't thank Lani and Zach enough for hiring me to shoot their big day. It was a true honor. Here are some of my favorites....

Thank you Lani, Zach, bridal party, and families- you are all so wonderful. I hope you look back on all the photos from this day and feel the awesome energy and crazy amounts of love that was present.

Lots of Love, 

Kristin

Let me start by saying Kelsey and Joey are the absolute sweetest. They are so good to each other and they both have such wonderful families. This day was so enjoyable because it was laid back and full of good vibes. When I met with Kelsey a few days before their wedding to discuss our timeline, she told me that she and Joey were moving to Georgia a few days after the wedding. This was not only a wedding, but an emotional send-off for the newlyweds. It was a great honor to be a part of this beautiful day, and to witness it through my lens. The Coleman's ceremony and reception took place at Grand Vue Park in Moundsville, West Virginia. Here are a few of my favorite images...

There are lots of reception photos that I will save for Kelsey and Joey to share as they please. God bless your marriage Kelsey & Joey, and cheers to a lifetime of happy moments. 

Lots of Love, 

​Kristin

When Megan and I had our first meeting to discuss the possibility of me shooting their wedding we stayed at the establishment talking for at least 4 hours. I had half of a page of notes. We became instant friends. We have had several "meetings" since then (some with Heath as well) where we continue to simply touch on details of their wedding, but mostly we just shoot the breeze. 
I adore these two; they are hilarious. I am so thankful that my job (and passion) brings such wonderful people into my life. Needless to say, I am super excited to shoot their big day.
We shot these engagement photos in Moundsville, WV and Grand Vue Park.
Here are a few of my favorites....

Thank you Megan + Heath for being you! 

Lots of Love, 

​Kristin

From the first meeting with Chris and Kayla I immediately knew a few things for sure: Kayla is beautiful, kind, and sweet and Chris has personality for days... and, boy, does he love her. After seeing them together through my lens at their engagement session I was so excited to shoot their wedding. 
This day was emotional (I cried when they said their own vows to each other), fun, and relaxed. Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Red Barn in Moundsville, WV.
Kayla and Chris sure are surrounded by some really great people. I had a lot of fun with their family and friends. I know they will have the happiest life together, and I hope I have captured all the love in these photos. Here are a few of my favorites...

Photo by second photographer, Jamie Vigil

Thank you Chris & Kayla for just being you and for hiring me and giving me the honor of photographing your big day. There are SO MANY photos - I honestly could have picked hundreds to share. I hope you love them & I hope each time you look at them you are reminded of your beautiful day.

Lots of Love, 

Kristin