wedding photography – KiKi Creates Blog

{Courtney&Raphael | Wedding at The Mountain Wedding Garden |…

October 23, 2018

Let me start by saying, these two are a kick ass couple! They’ve lived in my two favorite places, Hawaii and Colorado. Courtney is a gorgeous read head. They have an adorable dog, in which they put a giant bow tie on. And to top it off, they hiked around on their wedding day even though Courtney was sportin’ a broken foot and a baby bump. It was just one of those days where I felt like I was hanging out with my friends all day. Even though we had just met. 🙂
The wildflowers were going off for their beautiful summer wedding at the Mountain Wedding Garden in CB. With a flower crown on and their pup in the back seat, we ventured around Gothic for some sweet portraits. It was a perfectly beautiful day! They have since moved back to Hawaii and are expecting their baby soon! They are going to be some seriously adventurous, fun loving parents. Congrats you two!
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Colorado Wedding Photographer

{Allison&Dave | Wedding at Antler Hill Barn | KiKi…

October 18, 2018

Besides the absolutely beautiful setting and arrangement of Allison & Dave’s wedding day, there is one thing I remember, even a year later. How thoughtful these two are. From the first time talking with Allison, I knew she was going to be a great person to work with. Her and Dave are just the nicest, sweetest, most intelligent duo. I can remember multiple times I was thanked and hugged by these two throughout their wedding day. Even right before the first look, literally as Allison was about to walk down, Dave was so kind to pull me aside and thank me for being there and took the time to let me know how important this all was to him. Then one of the most emotional first looks I’ve been apart of took place. Everyone was crying (maybe even me) and to top it off their dog ran over moments later and gave them a big ‘ol hug and kiss.
This was an effortlessly, loving day that could only be created by two people that were truly meant to be. Happy one year Allison & Dave!
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Venue: Biltmore Estate Antler Hill Barn, Asheville NC mrichardson@biltmore.com

Photographer: Kiki Creates

Dress: Maggie Sotero from Urban Set Bride in Richmond Va info@urbansetbride.com

Makeup and hair: Lola Salon and Gallery, Asheville NC lolasalonandgallery@yahoo.com

Rentals: Biltmore Estate, Grayline Trolley elaine@graylineasheville.com

Florist: Lily Bees Floral, heidi@lilybeesfloral.com

Cake: Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC mrichardson@biltmore.com

Caterer: Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC mrichardson@biltmore.com

Officiant: Dr. Dennis Trickett, stepfather of the bride, trickett@bellsouth.net

Coordinator: Heidi Garcia with Lily Bees Floral, heidi@lilybeesfloral.com

Destination Wedding Photographer

{Emily&TJ | Wedding at York Harbor Inn | KiKi…

August 31, 2018

My first wedding in Maine really set the bar for any others. It was an absolutely gorgeous, brisk day on the seaside. They had transformed the ballroom into a soft, twinkle lit reception. Created a beautiful arch looking over the ocean and essentially took over this small town in Maine and made it this sweet family gathering.
I had met Emily years ago when I was looking for a roommate. She was always a super sweet and bubbly person to be around. And meeting her amazing family for the first time, only affirmed where she got her lovely personality from. Tj and her had been together for almost 4 years, so it was no surprise they were getting married. But seeing them on their wedding day, literally non stop gazing at each other, smiles ear to ear, and so many laughs, really put into perspective how perfect they were for each other. The exciting is that this Sunday will be their one year anniversary and a few days ago they had their first baby. So I thought it only fitting their blog post should go up! I hope you enjoy!
KiKi
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Colorado

{Alyssa&Drew | Wedding at Chief Hosa Lodge | KiKi…

June 21, 2018March 28, 2019

Hearing Alyssa and Drew’s story as high school sweethearts reminds me of a real life version of a romantic movie from the 1990’s. It’s adorable and sweet and their bold and beautiful wedding day did everything to compliment it.
The rustic lodge they were married in was decorated with richly colored glasses and greenery. Medieval candelabras and wooden accents were scattered to create a warm and inviting feel. Their heartfelt speeches filled the cozy room as some people warned next to the brick fireplace huddled together.
On top of the gorgeous details, nothing makes me smile more than a wedding with doggie guests. Alyssa and Drew started their day with a first look at a frozen lake with their pup. The three of them came together as a family and were married in front of a backdrop of snow capped mountains. The night ended with a golden sunset walk through the woods. It was such a gorgeous day. Enjoy!
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Colorado Wedding Photographer

{Jennie&Josh | Wedding at Casa Marina | KiKi Creates…

May 2, 2018March 28, 2019

Jennie & Josh have an incredibly tight knit family. You can tell by how they interact with each other. There were so many smiles and tears on their wedding day. It seemed as if every single person at the wedding had a part in their story and it was beautiful to be apart of the mix.
Hurricane Irma & Maria came into the east coast as a category 5 and displaced Jennie and Josh several months before and after their wedding. They went and stayed with Jennie’s parents and planned and put together the rest of their day over the next few months hundreds of miles from home. Jennie spent time making the cake, flowers, and decorations. It was truly a labor of love and man did they celebrate! Jennies bridesmaids wrote personalized letters to her the day of, her grandmothers broach was worn and given to her with a note as well. Josh had drinks with all of his buddies before our super goofy groomsmen photos after. It was a gorgeous sunset and with all our shoes kicked off we ran down to the beach to get some of my favorite portraits at Casa. The ceremony and reception speeches had everyone crying with happy tears. And as if everything was not already perfect enough, under a full moon and hundreds of twinkle lights, there entire wedding picked them up and put them on their shoulders during the last song. It was such an energetic wedding day and I absolutely had a blast!
Check out their fun filled, sunny wedding day below! Enjoy!
KiKi
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Venue:

– Casa Marina

– 691 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, USA

Photographer: KiKi Creates

Dress:

– CC’s Bridal Boutique

– 4212 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609, USA

Makeup and hair:

– Make Up by Paulina

– 5711 Bowden Road, Suite #2

Jacksonville, FL 32216

Rentals:

– Savvi Formalwear

Florist:

Flowers by my beautiful wife!

Cake:

Cake by my beautiful wife!

Caterer:

– Casa Marina

Officiant:

– Dani Jo Ninke

Coordinator:

– Casa Marina

Colorado Wedding Photographer

{Catherine&Ryan | Wedding at Custer State Park | KiKi…

April 17, 2018

I wish I could post photos from this wedding everyday. The ease and beauty in which Catherine and Ryan put on their South Dakota Mountain wedding was gorgeous. Even with rain almost the entire day of the wedding, we managed to adventure and photograph in some amazing spots.
I also love the adorable touches they had the day of. Their grandfather marrying them and their other grandfather, that had passed, recorded a message and blessing that they played before dinner. Catherine wore a two piece lace dress that her mother softly helped her button, while Ryan was dressed in a tux that his Father helped him straighten up. Only their family stood by their side as they were married. Catherine’s Sisters and Ryan’s Brother and Father. Where they were married, Ryan built a buffalo made of steel. And let’s just say he added an extra part to the “male” buffalo that was asked to be removed prior to the wedding day. That is only a testament to what a goofy and fun guy Ryan is. And how beautifully Catherine’s sweetness and wit compliments him.
Beyond that, Catherine and Ryan (and all of their friends and family) know how to party! I can easily say of all the couples I have photographed over 9 years, Catherine and Ryan were on the dance floor more than any other couple. And they looked damn good doing it. Twirling and dipping and at one point playing spin the bottle to who would dance next. At times they were dancing with cowboy hats on, whiskey in hand and a lit cigar in their mouth. And I am not just talking about Ryan, Catherine was doing it too. They’re just a bad ass, good looking couple. And I am pretty stoked to be the one to capture their outdoor, wooded, super fun wedding! Check out the amazingness of Catherine and Ryan below!
Enjoy! KiKi
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Venue: State Game Lodge in Custer State Park

Photographer: Kara Lamm, Kiki Creates

Dress: Gown Boutique of Charleston

Makeup and hair: Melissa Dykman, Love & Beauty Maui

Florist: Roots Wedding Florals

Cake: Bakehouse

Band: Peewee Moore

DJ: JD Productions

Caterer: State Game Lodge

Officiant: Tom Bullock, Groom’s Grandfather

amelia island wedding photographer

{Lee&Jean | Elopement at One Ocean | KiKi Creates…

April 6, 2018

Lee and Jean met me at sunrise on a Friday. It was a completely cloudless, windless, gorgeous day. With us were their parents and the officiant. It happened to be a quiet morning in Neptune Beach where we shared the dock with a single seagull and that is about it.
Directly after the Ceremony Jean’s Mother embraced them both in the biggest hug. It was a sweet moment as they were essentially getting hugged by 25% of their wedding guests. Which I always thought was sweet. Sharing a moment so important and lasting in their memory. The sun hit the horizon and we spent a quiet and happy morning by the sea before a beach front brunch. And although we only spent a little over an hour together, I feel I got to get to know and share more with Lee and Jean than you would think. Thanks for smiling the whole time and making an early morning feel not so early. 🙂
Check out their sweet elopement below. Enjoy!
KiKi
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Colorado

{Anna&Joe | Wedding at The Winterbourne Inn | KiKi…

March 27, 2018

I met Anna and Joe Camping. Which is a great start to any story because we all love camping. Anna was actually sitting in a hammock with a colorful shirt, beautiful blonde hair and such an inviting smile. Then I met Joe, who has an even bigger smile and a wonderfully happy personality. They were not engaged at the time, but they were one of those couples where everyone was just waiting for it to happen. And I wish there is something I could say to convey the love Joe and Anna have. I’ve tried to put some words together but I am struggling to really say how I can tell there going to make it. So I’ll say this… Everyone, literally everyone I talked to about Joe and Anna, knew that they were the purest definition of meant to be. I’ve never seen a couple compliment each other so beautifully and so lovingly. And beyond the great relationship, they are just darn right FUN dancing machines. There is never a dull moment around them. I actually stayed an hour longer and didn’t realize it because I too was having fun and maybe dancing while photographing (It’s a total pro move:)). I will let you read what Anna wrote below and hope you enjoy the images! -KiKi

From Anna the Bride:
“Joe and I love being outdoors and do a lot of camping so naturally the ceremony was outside on the St. Johns River. Joe grew up on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, the venue was a perfect fit. Our flower dog was our fluffy husky. He is our fur baby and anyone who knows us also knows Ryder. He totally stole the show!

When I found my dress I loved the vintage feel of the lace. It was a sweet surprise that the lace on my mom’s veil had the same lace…so I surprised her by wearing the veil on my wedding day. It was a sweet surprise.

Joe and I also love music so our DJ was crucial. He was a friend of ours that we have seen on several occasions. He knew exactly our style and knew how to mix fun songs together to get EVERYONE on the dance floor. I think at one point we had three dance parties going on at the same time in various areas of the venue. We love music so much we made a “mix cd” for our wedding favors so our guests could rock out with us for years to come.”

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Venue: The Winterbourne Inn

Photographer: Kiki Creates

Dress: Watters from White Magnolia in Jacksonville, FL

Makeup and hair:

Hair- Sami Skinner Rio Salon

Makeup: Lucia Palenik

Rentals: Lights- St Johns Illuminations

Florist: The Anti Bride j

Cake: Calli Marie Bakes

Caterer: The Winterbourne Inn

Officiant: Pastor Bob Hovey , First coast ceremonies firstcoastceremonies@gmail.com

Coordinator: Kim Pilgrim, The Winterbourne Inn winterbourneinn@hotmail.com

best of 2017

A Look Back on a Wedding & Lifestyle Photographers…

January 11, 2018

Screen Shot 2018-01-11 at 8.54.26 AM 2017, I feel like you were a blip in the radar because you went by so, so fast. But when laying out all I’ve done over the past 12 months, I’m amazed at all that has happened. Every year I think I need to push myself more, do more, create something new. But this year, although emotional and stressful. And at times, overwhelming. This year, I feel accomplished and satisfied and ready for more.
I began the year in Italy and after seeing some amazing places, I made the decision to add a location in my favorite tiny town, Crested Butte. I photographed 49 wedding, 36 engagements/portraits, and 59 photo booths. My busiest year by far brought on a second location, moving to Colorado, my thirtieth birthday, six very exciting awards for my photography and announcements that I am going to be an aunt for the first time x2!
Throughout the year we smiled, laughed, danced, photographed in the mountains, several beaches, under a waterfall and during a hurricane. Under the stars, the moon, at sunrise and sunset. During a snow storm, -1 degree weather and 101 degree weather. Traveled to Italy, Greece, Wyoming, South Dakota, Texas, Colorado, Maine, the Carolinas, and the Keys. Met tons of people and their adorable doggies. I had the opportunity to photograph firsts for a lot of couples. They opened up their homes, hearts and most intimate moments to me and I could not feel more grateful for their trust and love along the way.
It’s hard every year to narrow down a small group of images that are my “favorites”. Most of these are moments I couldn’t get out of my head throughout the year. Moments that made me feel secure in what I’m doing and moments that pushed me to become better at something I’ve been at for almost 8 years now. I can never seem to put together words that describe how amazing I think this life is. A life that I’ve built, but not alone. To everyone that has put their hand in helping me and my company, I am forever thankful. This has been another year where I wonder what would I do without photography. Where would I be? I’m hoping I’ll never have to face that. Because I truly love what I do and couldn’t imagine life without it. I hope your 2017 was prosperous and made you think about what in life makes you happy. And I hope in 2018, you go get that happiness. Cheers!
Love, KiKi

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Fin.

Colorado

{Mother & Daughter Session | KiKi Creates | Crested…

December 4, 2017

My good friend Courtney had a photo session planned with her mom when she came in town this past summer. When she first approached me she asked, “is it weird for a 30 year old to do a mother daughter session? I always see it with little kids.” It’s true, but just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it can’t be done! And that is the true Courtney Burton way!
In honor of my mother’s birthday week and the fact that I would love to have a mother daughter session with my mom, I’ve posted these lovely photos. Courtney, Debbie, Birdie the dog and I took a hike around the wildflowers, mountains and river bends and documented their adorable and loving personalities.
Enjoy this warm, smiley Colorado session on this cold winter day!
KiKi
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Tag: wedding photography