You’ll need coffee shops and sunsets and road trips. Airplanes and passports and new songs and old songs, but people more than anything else. You will need other people and you will need to be that other person to someone else, a living breathing screaming invitation to believe better things.

~ Jamie Tworkowski

Wanderstruck | 2013 | Commercial

Be well.

Krysta xo

I’ve been wanting to visit Filter for awhile now. It’s an eclectic coffee shop in Chicago full of mid century furniture, quirky art, and a window that lets in the most glorious light in the afternoon.  I was supposed to do a family session there in the fall but it was insanely busy so we opted for a cupcake shop instead.   I was happy when Mikelle asked me to take a few pictures of Kingston (also known as King) for his yearly album we put together for all of her kids.  You may remember her family sessions here, here, here, and here.  She suggested Filter and of course I was on board.  King and Cros are best buds so he came with so the boys could play. They were so funny together and were the afternoon entertainment for everyone trying to read or get work done. The images above are a few of my favorites.  Mikelle and I decided that next time the hubby’s are going to watch the kiddos so we can sit there for hours sipping on our lattes.  I mean, there’s also a Free People store down the block sooooo….

I took their family pictures in Marfa, Texas this past summer and need to blog them soon as Marfa is amazing and such a beautiful backdrop.  We have a few ideas up our sleeve for their session this summer and it’s going to be killer. I can’t wait!

K xo

…you know I don’t take on a lot of weddings during the year and I am quite selective about the weddings I do say yes to photographing. I want to make sure it’s a perfect fit – that their vision of how they want their day to unfold meshes with how I like to shoot.   For this reason, I get the most beautiful, gushy in love bride and grooms.  I will also say I get the most relaxed brides that are truly breathing in their day, savoring every little moment as it unfolds, and tucking away the memories for a rainy day.

I’ve known Brittini since I can remember. I actually remember meeting her at the country club pool when we were just itty bitty. She is a couple of years younger than me so I would see her in the same school building for my last two years before I moved onto the next building.  I will tell you that there are stand out qualities about this girl.  She’s got a crazy sense of style (and so does her mother!).  At first look you would say she’s gorgeous and has thee BEST hair. …and then you start talking to her and she’s the most genuine, happy, positive, sweet spirit you will ever meet. Photographing her on her wedding day was a breeze.  I feel like she fluttered around all day with a smile on her face. In fact, I had a hard time getting her to “go soft and serious” for me.  It’s not in her.   What can I say? The girl shines so I let her shine!   Her wedding day with Gil was exactly how it should be – stress free, relaxed, fun, and all about the two of them.  I’m so so so happy I got to be a part of it.

I must also say my indecisiveness is not a good trait to have when being a photographer.  My original post was SO long. Like, I hope you have an hour or two to scroll long.  I shortened it up a bit and am hoping I remembered all of my favorites.

Gil and Brittini – Your day. Wow. The two of you. Gorgeous. Together. Amazing. Thank you for letting me flutter alongside you. I am so lucky.

A special thank you to Tara from Tara Etrheim Photography for sharing your talent and second shooting with me!

** Details **

Wedding Photography: Krysta Manthe Photography/ Second Shooter: Tara Etrheim Photography / Ceremony Wedding Ceremony Venue:Central Lutheran Church Downtown Minneapolis / Reception Venue: Calhoun Beach Club in Minneapolis, MN / Floral Design: Munster Rose / Day-of Event Coordination: Alyson Newquist Events / Videographer: Event Exposure / Catering: D’Amico Catering / Wedding Cake: Cocoa & Fig / Paper Design: Hello Lucky / Reception Music: Instant Request / Custom Linens: Apres Party / Moroccan Wedding Blanket: West Elm / Wedding Dress, Cathedral Veil and Sash: Melissa Sweet from Priscilla of Boston / Bride’s Crystal Headband: Posh Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Enzo Angiolini / Hair: Xpressions Salon in Waseca, MN / Makeup: Tara Stugelmeyer, Freelance Makeup Artist / Bridesmaids’ Attire: Dress by Dessy from Posh Bridal / Groom’s Tux: Vera Wang from Men’s Wearhouse / Groom’s Bowtie: Brook’s Brothers / Groom’s Shoes: Calvin Klein / Groomsmen’s Tuxes: Vera Wang from Men’s Wearhouse / Rings: Derco Jewelers

We are busy planning, scheduling, organizing, and preparing for the upcoming year over here.  It seems like a crazy thing to do seeing as it IS the busiest time of year for me, but I’m going to be taking a little hiatus to enjoy my baby boy.  He is growing entirely too fast for my liking and I want to savor every moment.

With that being said, I am posting my 2013 travel locations.  I scaled back a bit in 2012, but I don’t sit still very well and the travel bug has hit hard.  I will be posting specific dates early in 2013, but for now here’s where we’ll be!

I’m a wee bit excited for 2013….a lot of things I’m letting go of photography wise and a lot of things I’m welcoming in and embracing.  It’s going to be a good year and I can’t wait to share what we’re working on over here. :)

If you’d like more information on a travel session and what it entails, please e-mail me at krysta@krystamanthe.com.  Also note that all travel sessions are stylized sessions that are a vision created by YOU and ME so let’s dream big!

Much Love,

Krysta xo

We are wrapping up our last and final lesson in my 6 week DEFINE course called Through the Looking Glass.  My students were given a pretty big assignment during week three.  I participate in this assignment along with my students so this is me officially turning in my homework.  :)

Model: Elle

Jacket, shoes, and suspenders: Crewcuts

Skirt:  Talc from Sweet William

Location: Third Ward, Milwaukee