When Kerestin contacted me a few months ago about her upcoming rustic farm wedding with fiance Gennady, I had no idea I would totally fall in love with these two as a couple! We met at a very small lake on a private residence in Sumner, WA near Lake Tapps on an unexpectedly gorgeous sunny day. This was the kind of day I cross my fingers (and toes!) for in January! As we made our way to the lake through the woods, I realized the sun was going to be harshly shining directly on their faces. I did what I could to get the photos I needed from that particular angle, and then started brainstorming. As I was doing this, Kerestin and Gennady got into the canoe and started paddling out like champs. These two are really amazing to watch work together! Seriously. They kind of kick booty!
After I got the first set of photos I needed, I knew I had to position myself so the sun was back lighting them. There was only one option. I had to somehow ask this newly engaged couple if I could get into the canoe with them and get to the bank on the other side of the lake. I sort of thought they would think I was, I don’t know, psychotic? LOL But they we’re so open to the idea and said, “Oh yeah! Jump in!”. The next problem was my undeniable fear of water that fish swim in and my other small fear of my beloved camera equipment falling overboard. As I was getting in the canoe, Kerestin kindly let me know that they had “only” tipped over and fell into the water once last summer, but that was in a kayak.
These two were PROS and even though I was completely petrified of falling out, they truly impressed me and I had the BEST time hanging out with them in that canoe. It says a lot about who they are if they can turn one of my fears into a fun experience! Once I got to the other side, I perched myself onto a fallen tree and spent the next 45 minutes in complete awe of the romantic nature these two share with each other. The lighting also just happened to be dreamy!
Kerestin and Gennady are two of the most kind, generous, fun and adventurous people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. It was a true honor to photograph their engagement session and I’m overjoyed to photograph their wedding this September at the Ritter Farm in Cle Elum!
