Alessia + Ludvik | Surprise Proposal at Longwood Gardens | Pennsylvania Engagement and Wedding Photographer

Happy New Year!!! I know that it is going to be a great one. I have so many sessions and weddings to blog from 2021 (and I haven’t forgotten about those!) but I thought that sharing a surprise proposal at one of my “happy places” would be a fabulous way to kick off 2022. Cheers to authentic smiles, laughs, hugs, and new beginnings!!!

So, I present to you Alessia and Ludvik’s surprise proposal-turned-engagement session at Longwood Gardens. I had so much fun planning this surprise with Ludvik. He was on a mission to catch Alessia off-guard and take her breath away, and in my opinion he was most definitely successful. When you see our images from the proposal itself, and the hour the followed, I think you’ll agree.

December is a beautiful yet especially crowded time of year at Longwood Gardens. Christmas week in particular is the busiest time of year there, so trying to pull off a surprise proposal on the day before Christmas Eve and get decent photographs is not necessarily an easy task. When the moment arrived, we couldn’t have asked for better weather, lighting, or timing - everything came together perfectly. When you look at their photos, it almost seems like we had the place to ourselves…. but the photos are deceiving, take my word for it! I have photographed lots of sessions at Longwood and have become quite skilled at losing crowds when I’m there with my clients. :)

Without any further delay, I present to you some of my favorite moments and images from Ludvik and Alessia’s proposal and engagement session at Longwood Gardens. The excited couple, Golden Hour, and Christmas lights came together to help me create one of my absolute favorite sessions yet. Congratulations again, Ludvik and Alessia! I wish you a lifetime of surprises, laughter, and love together.

(And if anyone else wants to schedule a session at the gardens, reach out to me! I’m happy to use my membership to get you inside and create beautiful images and memories together.)

Kara + Tyler | Ironstone Ranch Intimate Vow Exchange | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

I’m going to start off by sharing Kara and Tyler’s love story…

Kara and Tyler officially met in December 2019. Tyler’s Aunt Nancy & Aunt Marty introduced them. Kara was instantly attracted to Tyler even though he didn’t fit her “type” – a farmer/hunter with no facial hair or tattoos. She flirted with him, but he didn’t pick up on it and they went their separate ways. Tyler’s aunt intervened and encouraged him to text Kara, giving him her number.

Over the next three weeks, he repeatedly texted but never got an answer. In a last ditch effort, he gathered up his courage and called. Finally, someone picked up. But it wasn’t Kara. It was the number of a chocolate shop!

He went back to his aunt in defeat and realized the number he had written down was off by one digit. A little shaken, he decided to go back to texting and asked if she would want to go for a hike the next day. Kara agreed (even though hiking isn’t really her thing). Tyler was nervous, so as they walked he started talking - and next thing he knew, he had told her his life story. Kara had decided she wasn’t going to date, but as she listened to him talking she decided she liked him and thought just maybe she would give him a chance. After that day, they spent a few more days together and began dating two weeks later.

Kara describes their relationship as stable, complimentary, and unexpected while Tyler says it’s a little sappy but definitely intimate and their intentions with each other are always clear. They enjoy spending time outdoors and appreciate simple pleasures like hanging out on the porch at the cabin or spending time on the farm. They both enjoy conversation and most of all, each other’s company.

When they decided to get married, they knew they didn’t want “a lot of fuss” around a wedding because they believe their marriage is at commitment to each other and to God. They know their marriage is the real sacrament and look forward to growing old together, promising to cherish and support each other for all their days on this earth. Kara & Tyler were wed in an intimate ceremony in a church with only immediate family present on Saturday, January 23, 2021.

Now here is where I come in…

Winter is typically a slow time for weddings, and with COVID still lingering, I found myself with some extra time on my hands this January. I was looking for ways to network and stay creative, and I stumbled upon a style shoot that was being hosted at Ironstone Ranch, in nearby Elizabethtown, PA. I reached out to the coordinator of the styled shoot, and she told me she had an opening and thought we would make a great team. So, I signed up! I tend to stay away from styled shoots, because I prefer real emotion and moments over working with models - but I was really itching to create again, and the timing for this was perfect. As it turned out, our models for this shoot were actually a real couple, and they had just gotten married in an intimate ceremony a few days prior. They didn’t have a professional photographer at that ceremony, and had not exchanged personalized wedding vows. When I found out that our styled shoot was actually going to be a real vow exchange for these newlyweds, I was ecstatic. This shoot really was the perfect fit for me. From the getting ready jitters, to the first look anticipation, to the love-filled vow exchange, and intimate portrait session - it was all 100% real.

Without any further delay, I am thrilled to share these photos with you. (Please scroll to the bottom for the names of the awesome creatives who made this fabulous vision come to life!)

Photographer - Carrie Kizuka Photography

Wedding Portfolio & Production Specialist - Dream Team Academie

Venue - Ironstone Ranch

Florals - Blossom Bliss Florist

Rentals - Sage & Co. Event Rentals

Cake - Farmhouse Cakes

Custom Calligraphy Sign - Jess Smith Designs

Videography - Soul Focus Media

Lindsay + Anthony (+ Khaleesi) | Toms River Engagement Session | New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Last weekend, I drove to Toms River, New Jersey for my last engagement session of 2019! At this time of year, it’s more common for me to be snowboarding in the mountains than photographing on the beach, but I was so excited to finally meet Lindsay, Anthony, and their dog Khaleesi, that I didn’t mind sacrificing a snow day. And, it paid off! We were gifted the most amazing weather and light, especially for December!! It was a bit chilly, but everyone rolled with it like champs.

On my way to their house, I passed this wooded area next to an elementary school that caught my eye. I asked them if they would mind if we started the session there, and they agreed to it without hesitation. (I love when my clients trust my crazy visions!) We stopped there for a few minutes, and let Khaleesi sniff around and get comfortable with me and my camera. (By the way, she is such a fantastic dog, with a heartwarming rescue story. Maybe I’ll tell more of that once their wedding day rolls around…)

Next, we headed to a beach area just down the road from their house. It had the most amazing lighting and was surrounded by tall grasses. This little spot really is a photographer’s dream! The best part is that this area is meaningful to Lindsay and Anthony. They visit this park often, and Anthony proposed to Lindsay on the bench on the dock just a few months earlier!

This was not only my last engagement session of the year, but one of my favorites as well. We made a great team, and I love how all of the images turned out. I am so looking forward to their wedding next fall!!

Congratulations again, Lindsay and Anthony! I hope you love these images as much as I do…

The Youngquist Family | Mindowaskin Park, Westfield New Jersey Family Session | Pennsylvania Portrait Photographer

This past winter, I had the privilege of photographing the Youngquist Family at a (very popular) park near their Westfield, New Jersey home. We made some wonderful portraits together, in spite of the mud and the crowds that decided to join us there at Mindowaskin Park that afternoon. Thanks again, Youngquists! I hope I have the honor of photographing your family again soon.

Kaitlyn | Class of 2019 | Breckenridge, Colorado Portrait Photographer

I’m typically not a morning person, but I was extra excited to wake up crazy early to capture Kaitlyn’s senior portraits at this stunning Breckenridge backdrop (Sapphire Point). Kaitlyn is a member of the Ski Roundtop Race Club (SRRC), so we obviously had to incorporate snow, the mountains, and snowboarding into her portraits! This is a popular spot with the local photographers, but we lucked out and had it all to ourselves. That’s one of the benefits of scheduling a session at sunrise, I suppose. Another benefit was that we were gifted the most dreamy natural lighting! (And, yet another benefit was being finished with the photoshoot in time to head to Copper Mountain and take a snow cat to the top of the back bowl and make some amazing powder turns the entire way back down.)

Here are a few of my favorite photos from my time with Kaitlyn. I love how they truly reflect her personality!

Ethan and Gareth | Hershey High School Class of 2019 | Colorado Portrait Photographer

While I was in Colorado for the United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association (USASA) Nationals competitions, I had a ridiculously fun photoshoot with Ethan and Gareth (aka Grizz). They are best friends who are both graduating from Hershey High School this year, and teammates on the Ski Roundtop Race Club (SRRC). We thought a few snowboard photos would be the perfect addition to their collection of senior portraits.

Here are a few of my favorites from our time together at Copper Mountain. Congratulations, guys!

Danielle + Jonathan | FEAST at Round Hill | New York Wedding Photographer

I recently had the honor of photographing Danielle and Jonathan’s wedding. Danielle and I met quite a few years ago when we were both students (and fellow Delta Zeta sorority sisters) at Lehigh University. I was absolutely thrilled when she reached out to me and asked me to be her wedding photographer! I’ve mentioned it more than once before, but one of my favorite parts of being a photographer is reconnecting with wonderful people from my past, via my passion for artistically capturing moments in time.

Fast forward to their wedding day - Danielle and Jonathan’s final preparations and celebration took place at FEAST at Round Hill, a lovely venue in Washingtonville, New York. It was my first time photographing at that venue, and I instantly fell in love with its charm and personality. There was still snow on the ground from a recent storm, and even though that made for a slippery first look, it added just the right amount of wintry romance to the scene. It really was the perfect setting for Danielle and Jonathan’s classic, fun, and simply elegant wedding. The bridal party was small and intimate, but the day was overflowing with love and joy - from the romantic first look, to the wedding vows, to the speeches, to the dances. The entire day was a celebration of Danielle and Jonathan’s love for each other.

I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from Danielle and Jonathan’s Day #1 as husband and wife. I know that I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating with them (and some of my fellow Lehigh sorority sisters)!

Big thanks to the following team for helping make Danielle and Jonathan’s dream wedding become a reality:

Photographer: Carrie Kizuka Photography, LLC

Venue, Wedding Coordinator, Caterer: FEAST at Round Hill

Videographer: Reina Stern

Florist: Rene Rodriguez, New City Florist

Cake Artist: Pastry Garden

DJ: A Perfect Blend Entertainment

Hair Artist: Melissa Serraro Walsh, Dutchess County Hairstylist

Makeup Artist: Tiffany Field, Dutchess County Hairstylist

Wedding Dress Boutique: Azazie

Bridesmaids’ Dress Boutique: David’s Bridal

Groom’s Tuxedo Boutique: Foeller’s Men’s Shop

Groomsmen’s Tuxedo Boutique: Foeller’s Men’s Shop

Kirstie + Troy | Snowy Blue Marsh Lake Maternity Session | Berks County Family Photographer

Kirstie reached out to me a few months ago, wanting to book a snowy maternity session to celebrate her and Troy's growing family. This session was originally supposed to take place on a day when there was no snow to be found, and the only signs of winter were the high winds and below freezing temperatures. It would have been a brutal day to hold an outdoor photoshoot. So, we decided to take our chances and reschedule for two weeks later. Luckily, Mother Nature delivered snow a few days before our session, and the temperatures were cold enough all week that the snow actually stuck around for a while. We met up at Blue Marsh Lake, and the weather was perfect on that particular afternoon - we were gifted with reasonable temperatures, zero winds, and amazing golden hour light. Kirstie was absolutely stunning, rocking her maternity glow! (Troy was a great sport throughout it all as well!) I’m still in awe of Kirstie’s ability to change her outfit mid-session in a pickup truck and hike through the snow in her fashionable shoes! (I think she’s a ninja in disguise.) They are going to be the most amazing parents to this lucky little girl!! I’m so honored that they asked me to capture this wonderful time in their lives. I had so much fun creating these images with them, and am thankful that my husband agreed to come along and assist us that afternoon.

I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into their photoshoot.

The Hulslander Family | Flatirons, Chautauqua Park Family Session | Boulder, Colorado Photographer

Hello from Colorado! I always love visiting Boulder - especially when I get to photograph this awesome family while I'm here!

This is my 4th time photographing the Hulslander Family. It has been such a joy watching their little boy grow up - he has so much personality and energy! This family's love and happiness are contagious, and I'm so thankful for their friendship.

We met up at Chautauqua Park to create a few photos in front of the iconic Flatirons.  After slipping around on the icy path, and squinting from the full sun reflecting off the snow, we decided to head to the Boulder Public Library and Pearl Street to finish our session there.

Thanks for hanging with me on this chilly morning, Hulslander Family! I'm so glad that we reconnected through my photography and my regular trips to Colorado.  I'm looking forward to more visits in the future!

Snow Day Fun With Momo The Shiba Inu - On The Second Day Of Spring! | Berks County Pet Photographer

I've been so busy lately that I haven't made much time to take pictures just for me, just for fun.  When winter storm Toby arrived today and gifted us with over 12 inches of snow, my work plans had to be rearranged.  (I'm not complaining at all - I'm actually very thankful for the unexpected day off!)  My Shiba Inu, Momo, absolutely loves the snow - so when she refused to come inside and warm up, I decided to join her outside and take a few photos of her snow day shenanigans.  Winter is my favorite season, and I'm really sad to have to say goodbye to it.  So, I'm extra thankful for this early spring gift from Mother Nature!  Finally, a storm that didn't miss us...

Dylan and Tyler | Muhlenberg Class of 2018 | Bear Creek High School Senior Session

Dylan and Tyler are seniors at Muhlenberg High School who happen to love winter as much as I do.  When their dad reached out to me a few months ago and asked me if I'd be up for photographing his twin sons' high school senior session at Bear Creek sometime this winter, I immediately accepted!  I obviously love photography, and if you know me then you know how much I love snowboarding as well.  When I'm able to combine both of these passions, I really am in my element!

Little did I know that Mother Nature would attempt to foil our plans multiple times over the next few months.  On the weekends that the weather actually cooperated this winter, I was out of town cheering for my daughters at their own snowboard races.  Thankfully, the temperatures cooled off recently and the local resorts were able to stay open a bit longer - and all of the puzzle pieces finally came together this past weekend.

We met up at Bear Creek Mountain Resort on Sunday morning, just in time to catch the first lifts up the mountain and beat the crowds.  Being that it was a Sunday morning, and the morning after St. Patty's Day, I think a number of snow lovers decided to sleep in a bit.  We practically had the mountain to ourselves for the first few runs!  I was stunned at how much snow coverage was left this late in the season.  It turned out to be the perfect morning for this photoshoot.

Thanks for hanging out with me on Sunday, Tyler and Dylan!  And, thanks to your dad, Shawn, for making some turns with us and keeping us laughing!  I hope the rest of your senior year goes well and that you make a few more great memories before you start the next chapter of your lives.  Congratulations to you and the rest of the members of the Class of 2018!

Here are a few photos from our time on the hill together!  (The groundhog also made an appearance that day, and I thanked him for extending winter by a few weeks for us...)

Liz + Phil | Berks County Engagement Session | Penn State Berks | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Last weekend, I met up with Liz and Phil to photograph their engagement session.  Liz is my cousin - and one of the biggest Penn State fans that I know!  Choosing the Penn State Berks campus as the backdrop for their photoshoot was a pretty easy decision.  This location has a lot of meaning for Liz, and I personally love it because there are so many incredible little nooks for portrait backdrops.  And, I'm pretty sure Phil is happy anywhere that Liz is by his side.  So, Penn State it was!

Liz and Phil had hoped for a wintry backdrop for their photoshoot - and even though the temperatures were definitely winter-appropriate that day, there was no snow to be found.  We were, however, gifted some pretty incredible golden light.  At the end of our session, we even happened upon an amazing field of yellow flowers.  That was a pretty great consolation prize for being denied the snow that we were hoping for.  Mother Nature is unpredictable, just like so many aspects of life.  At the end of the day, all that matters is how you spend your time and who you spend it with.  Everything else is just noise.

That being said, I LOVE how their photographs turned out!  I hope you enjoy this little preview from their session.  Congratulations, Liz and Phil!  I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

(Disclaimer - Liz and Phil brought the empty champagne bottle along that they celebrated with on the night of their engagement!!  Awesome, right?!  They toasted to their engagement - but they used ginger ale this time.  We wouldn't want anyone to get scolded for an innocent, alcohol-free toast on Penn State grounds.)

Nona + George | Everly at Railroad | Icona Golden Inn, Avalon | New Jersey Wedding Photographer

On Saturday, I had the incredible honor of photographing Nona and George's wedding.  Their engagement session at Longwood Gardens is still one of my all-time favorites - click on the link and you will see why!  While their engagement photoshoot happened to take place on one of the hottest days of summer, their wedding day was just the opposite.  Once I arrived at their hotel in Avalon, however, I didn't even notice the below-freezing temperatures outside.  Just seeing Nona and George instantly warmed me up.  They were absolutely stunning - seriously, they both took my breath away.  But more importantly, the love that surrounded them was palpable.  Anyone in their presence can instantly tell how head-over-heels in love they are for each other, and their friends and family very obviously share in that joy.

Nona and George's final preparations took place at the Icona Golden Inn, in Avalon.  This hotel is amazing!  The rooms were completely white, and gorgeous natural light just poured in through all of the windows.  (Oh, how I wish I lived closer so that I could schedule some sessions there!)  After getting ready with a few of their closest friends and family, Nona and George snuck away to a staircase for their "first look".  Their reactions were priceless, and George shed a few tears at the sight of his stunning bride.  (I have such a soft spot for my grooms who cry!!)

After a few bridal party portraits, we packed up and headed to the wedding venue - Everly at Railroad, in Tuckahoe, NJ.  I hit the venue jackpot today!!  Everly was so unique and full of character, and was the perfect place for Nona and George to exchange their wedding vows.  Nona and George made their marriage official surrounded by their loved ones and a few thousand super cool antiques!  After Nona and George became husband and wife, we snuck outside and braved the cold for a few more portraits across the street at the Tuckahoe Railroad Station.  Then, we came back inside and the girls kicked their shoes off - and replaced them with Eagles socks and glitter sneakers!  When they scheduled their wedding, they had no idea that it would also serve as a pre-Super Bowl party for their favorite NFL team!

What a celebration this was!  The food was delicious, the drinks were flowing, the band was so talented and full of energy, and the bridal party and guests were so much fun.  Everything was as perfect as Nona and George had planned it, and more so.  I have to take a moment to praise Nona in this blog.  She is such a talented artist and created so many of the wedding details herself, including the dip-dyed bouquet and boutonniere flowers, the centerpieces, the invitation suite, the hand-painted chalkboard sign easels, and more!  Nona's father built the arbor that they used in their wedding ceremony, and their bridal party created their own wedding version of the "Guess Who" game you probably grew to love as a child!

Nona and George, thank you for including me in your Day #1.  I'm so glad that I happened to be online and came across your Facebook post last year when you were in the hunt for a wedding photographer - and out of the long, long, long list of photographers who threw their names into the mix, that you both chose me.  I'm so honored that our lives are intertwined, and the love that you share for each other inspires me.  I hope that you have an amazing time on your honeymoon!!

I would like to thank all of the incredibly talented people who poured their hearts and talents into Nona and George's wedding day!

Getting Ready Location:  Icona Golden Inn, Avalon, NJ

Wedding Venue:  Everly at Railroad, Tuckahoe, NJ

Wedding Coordinator:  Emily Moulder

Florist:  None!  Nona created the arrangements herself with flowers made of sola wood!

Cake Artist:  They bought their wedding cake and one for every guest table from their local Acme grocery store!

Hair Artist:  Kate Bryan

Makeup Artist:  Micaela Vibanco

Wedding Dress Boutique:  Tesi Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses Boutique:  David's Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedo Boutique:  Express

Officiant:  Nona's cousin, Jack Poole

Shoes:  Marc Fisher

Catering:  Shore Side Catering

Band: The Red Hotts

Videographer:  Sia Koletas

Lead Photographer:  Carrie Kizuka

Second Photographer:  Olga Hinchman (Olga, you are a rockstar and it was so great working with you!  Thank you for sharing your passion and talent with me today!)

Kayla + Colin | Berks County Winter Engagement Session | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

Before I decided to follow my dreams of running my photography business full time, I was a high school math teacher.  As a teacher, you are supposed to make an impact on the lives of those you teach.  However, during that time, I met a a number of students who taught me just as much (if not more) than I taught them. I recently had the honor of photographing one of those students as she and her soulmate celebrated their engagement to each other.

Kayla, Colin, and I met up at Penn State University, Berks Campus for their engagement session.  It was windy.  It was cold.  I think the temperature was somewhere in the teens.  But you would never know it, looking at these photographs that we made together.  From the way Kayla and Colin looked at each other, smiled at each other, breathed each other in, and had a way of doing something at just the right time that would make the other one burst into laughter, I don't think they even noticed the chill in the air.  In fact, I think they hardly noticed me and my camera there at all - which is my goal at all of my photoshoots and weddings.  They were so into each other, and it was amazing to witness.  One of my favorite parts of this job is being surrounded by so much love, and this session did not disappoint!

Kayla and Colin, congratulations on your engagement.  I'm so happy that you found each other, and I'm honored that you asked me to photograph this milestone event in your lives.  Kayla, it has been an absolute joy getting to know you over the years, and watching you turn into the incredible woman who you are today.  Everything happens for a reason, and those reasons brought the two of you together at just the right time in both of your lives.

On a side note, I've been trying to introduce a new editing style into my work that has been really tugging at my soul.  It's difficult to time such an artistic change, but something about the light, the mood, and the energy at this session just made it feel like the right time to do it.  So, I took the leap.  I hope you enjoy these samples from our session.

Finally, I owe big thanks to my daughter Kaiya for braving the cold with us and assisting during the session!

The Jines Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Jines Family!  I had the honor of capturing some lifestyle photos for them in their home outside of Philadelphia after Charlotte was born earlier this year, and I was thrilled when they signed up for a Christmas mini session!  Charlotte has grown so much since I last saw her, and she is developing quite an amazing personality!  She was my last client of the day, and I haven't stopped smiling since.  I hope you enjoy these fun previews as much as I do!

The Pittman Brothers | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Pittman brothers!  This family was one of my first clients when I just started offering photography services, and I have had the honor of watching these two awesome little men grow up in front of my lens!  They are always so full of energy and joy, and I'm already looking forward to our next session together, whenever that may be.  Thank you so much for stopping by! 

The Bowman Grandkids | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Bowman grandkids!  Their grandma reached out to me a few days ago because the planets were aligned and they all happened to be in town at the same time I was offering my mini sessions!  I'm so glad they were able to find the time to stop by my studio for some photographs!

The McNeil Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the McNeil Family!  This is my 3rd year in a row photographing their family, and I had a great time, as always!  These kids rock, and always put a smile on my face and in my heart.

The Dibeler Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Dibeler Family!  These two adorable guys are packed with personality.  I have the pleasure of hanging out with them and their awesome mom and dad all winter, because we share a mutual love for snowboarding!  Thanks for driving all the way out here from Harrisburg!

The Gumba Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Gumba Family!  These guys always bring so much energy and laughter to my photoshoots!  I'm so glad they stopped by... and I LOVE that they wore matching Christmas pajamas!!