Wondering whether a full photography session or a mini session is the best fit for your family? At krisann photography, we’ve created this guide to help you decide — and to share why our fall mini sessions are one of the most popular choices of the year.

Weddings are magical, emotional, and full of moments that deserve to be remembered forever. As wedding photographers, we get the honor of not only witnessing those moments but also capturing them in a way that tells the story of an entire day. But have you ever wondered what a wedding day looks like through the eyes of a photographer?

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a wedding photographer with our family-run team at krisann photography.

As I sit down to write this, I can feel my heart overflowing with gratitude. Over the past 15+ years, we’ve had the privilege of capturing thousands of moments — weddings, engagements, family sessions, graduations, newborn snuggles, and everything in between. But as beautiful as the photographs are, it’s the people in them — you — who truly make our work so meaningful.

More than fifteen years. That’s hundreds of weddings, countless engagement sessions, family portraits, maternity shoots, senior sessions, and more love stories than we can possibly count. Over the years, we’ve been welcomed into some of life’s most important moments — from tearful vows and joyful first dances to tiny newborn yawns and milestone celebrations.

Photography has been more than our profession. It’s been our family’s passion, our shared purpose, and one of the greatest blessings of our lives.

When people ask me how I became a wedding photographer, the story always starts with my own wedding day. My husband and I eloped to Las Vegas, just the two of us. It was sweet, simple, and full of love—but there’s one thing we’ve always wished we had: wedding photos. We don’t have those beautiful images to look back on, to share with our children, or to relive those once-in-a-lifetime moments. That experience has shaped everything about how I approach wedding photography today.

For me, capturing weddings isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about preserving legacies, celebrating families, and freezing moments that grow more valuable with every passing year. I know how precious those images become because I’ve lived without them. That’s why when I hold a camera on your wedding day, I’m not just documenting an event—I’m safeguarding memories you’ll cherish forever.

Planning a wedding is exciting, but let’s be honest—it can also feel overwhelming. Between choosing your venue, coordinating vendors, and making sure every little detail is perfect, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important pieces of your wedding day : the photography timeline.

At krisann photography, we believe that every couple deserves to enjoy their wedding day without feeling rushed or stressed. That’s why we created a FREE Wedding Photography Timeline Guide to help you visualize how your photos will seamlessly fit into your big day.

Whether you’re working with a wedding planner or mapping out your own schedule, this guide is designed to give you a clear, realistic plan that ensures every meaningful moment is beautifully captured.

When you book Krisann Photography, you're not just hiring someone to show up with a camera—you’re welcoming a trusted friend and a dedicated support system into one of the most meaningful days of your life.

We are a family-owned Southern California wedding photography and videography business, and we believe in connection, comfort, and capturing every genuine moment with care. We consider it a privilege to walk beside you as your story unfolds—and our goal is always to make sure you feel truly seen, supported, and celebrated.

Here are 3 intentional things I do at every wedding to ensure you feel both comfortable and confident in front of the camera—and in the moment.

As a wedding photographer, I might be expected to say that photos are the most important part of your wedding day. But I’m going to be real with you—they’re not.

Yes, I believe in the beauty of timeless, joy-filled images. I believe in preserving the memories you’ll want to hold onto forever. But I also believe this : your wedding day isn’t a photoshoot. It’s the beginning of your marriage.

Hey lovebirds! It’s Kristi here—your friendly neighborhood third wheel, hype woman, and engagement photo pro behind the lens at krisann photography. First off, congrats on saying yes to forever! This season is full of joy, celebration, and let’s be honest—a few Pinterest boards worth of planning.

If you’re prepping for your engagement session and wondering how to make it as dreamy and effortless as those swoon-worthy shots you’ve been saving, don’t worry—I got you. Here are 5 ways to totally slay your engagement session, feel confident in front of the camera, and walk away with photos that feel like you (but make it cinematic).

After photographing hundreds of families, couples, and seniors over the last 15+ years, I’ve learned that a truly great portrait session isn’t just about fancy cameras or golden-hour light — it’s about showing up prepared, relaxed, and ready to have fun (yes, FUN!).

So, in the spirit of honesty, here’s what your friendly photographer (that’s me) really wants you to know before your portrait session. These aren’t rules — just helpful tips that can make the difference between "that was stressful" and "wow, that was actually kind of amazing."

When couples think about their wedding photos, it’s usually the big, emotional moments that come to mind — walking down the aisle, the first kiss, or the first dance. But some of the most meaningful and visually stunning photos come from the smaller, often overlooked details.

From the carefully chosen wedding dress and heirloom jewelry to the invitation suite and personalized decor, these tiny elements help tell the full story of the wedding day. Capturing these details allows couples to relive not only the major milestones, but also the thoughtful touches and unique choices that made their celebration truly one-of-a-kind.

I hear it all the time—“I’m so awkward in front of the camera.” Or, “I never know what to do with my hands.” Trust me, you’re not alone! Whether you're getting portraits taken for the first time in years, planning a family session, or stepping in front of the lens for a branding shoot—feeling nervous is completely normal. So today, I’m sharing my top 10 tips to help you do exactly that. These are the same things I share with my own clients before every session because everyone deserves to feel confident in their story.

One of the most common things I hear before a session is:
"We’re so awkward in front of the camera—can you help us pose?"

The truth? Most people aren’t models, and that’s exactly why I love working with real couples, families, and seniors. My job as your photographer is to help you feel comfortable, confident, and—most importantly—yourself in front of the camera.

Whether you're prepping for a family photo session, senior portraits, or engagement shoot, here are a few simple tips for natural, relaxed poses that photograph beautifully.

Honestly, there’s just something about the beach in summer. It brings out a different kind of joy—carefree, connected, sun-soaked. As a mom and photographer, I love capturing the little things: sandy toes, kids laughing in the waves, parents stealing a quiet moment as the sun dips low. These minis are short and sweet but full of real, heartfelt moments—and trust me, 15 minutes is all we need to create magic.

We sat in the bridal suite, just her and I. She was stunning. Absolutely glowing. Her dress was amazing, her hair perfectly in place, and make-up flawless. Her guests eagerly awaited her arrival outside. We could hear the music playing as she put on her final touches of jewelry. She looked at me with wide eyes and asked, “Do you have any advice?”

Whether it be by phone or camera, the vast majority of us take photos regularly. We document our daily lives, create reels, share ideas and even cultivate livelihoods from the content we share online.

But with everything that is constantly streaming among all platforms, the desire to stand out is more prevalent than ever before. What can be done to change up our content so that it doesn’t drown in the white noise that is social media?

It’s been a minute since I last sat and worked on a blog post to share. It’s often on my mind, but if I’m being completely honest, as soon as I try to come up with the words to say, something else pulls me aside and distracts me. Before I knew it, a full year had passed. So, as I begin the attempt to be more consistent with my blog postings, I will share one of my all time favorite sessions from the fall of last year.