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Jan 23 2012

Coffee Talk Monday #54

Posted in: Coffee Talk Mondays

Our heat is broken and seeing as though we live in the hottest state in the country, I figure, why fix it? However, this morning it was 59 degrees in the house. FIFTY NINE! That’s cold, people! But being the cheap/stubborn girl that I am, I’m determined to make it through this winter without the heat. Is it a bad sign that I can’t really feel my fingers anymore as I type? ;)

Whenever we go out to eat, particularly to a new place, without fail I end up eating off of Joe’s plate. We went to this fancy steakhouse for our anniversary last year and we ordered the same meal. Sort of. He got his steak medium rare. I ordered mine medium. He got his with fries while I substituted for mashed potatoes. He ordered the chocolate ice cream. I ordered the carmel. He advised me to order it his way, but I didn’t listen (go figure). Unfortunately, he was right. My steak was dry, the mashed potatoes were not very good and the carmel ice cream was too sweet. Thankfully I have a hubby that is willing to share with me. After, of course, I openly admit that I was wrong :).

I need more excuses to get out of my pjs. Right now, I only HAVE to change into non-pj clothes when I a. go to the gym (which let’s be honest, gym clothes are just one step up from pjs anyway) b. meet with a client/friend or c. go to church. My ‘work attire’ would definitely make for a good ‘What Not to Wear’ episode, that’s for sure!

Hope you have a Happy Monday! Enjoy the Bachelor tonight…I know I will!

xo stacy kokes

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January 31, 2012 - 11:27 am

Jillian Tree - PJ’s are def a regular for me as well ;)

Jan 20 2012

Joe + I: Styled Desert Shoot

Posted in: MY Life

I’m a photographer (duh!). Which means I spend WAY more time behind the camera than I do in front of it. I tell my clients how important photos are, so how silly would it be if I didn’t take my own advice? Obviously photography is SUPER important to me, and I jump at the chance to get new photos of Joe + I whenever I have the chance. Since our wedding 3 1/2 years ago, we’ve had our photos done professionally at least 8 times that I can think of. I love being able to look back at our images and see how we’ve changed and be reminded of how beautiful our love is. There’s something special about SEEING your love. It makes you fall in love all over again.

This session was super exciting for me. My friend and fellow photog, Sara Hasstedt, who lives in Colorado is a PHENOMENAL photographer. She shoots film which I admire SO much. I had dreamed of one day being in front of her camera and seeing her work her soft, sweet magic. When I found out that she was going to be coming to AZ for a few days, we made it happen! She had been itching to shoot in the desert and I was all for it. We planned the shoot entirely through emails and pinterest until we came up with JUST the look she was going for.

I am obsessed with these images. The softness. The styling. The sweet desert. The sexy man on my arm. I am in love!

THIS is how I want my clients to feel. THIS is why I tell people to get photos taken. I’ve never had anyone regret spending a little more than they ‘should’ to have their sweet moments captured.

Do yourself a favor and get you and the ones you love in front of the camera!!! You won’t regret it.

xo stacy

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January 26, 2012 - 9:25 pm

Sara Hasstedt - Oh Stacy! It makes my heart so happy to know how much you love them! It was so wonderful photographing the two of you! I would do it every single day if I could-you guys are a dream! Much love! xoxox

Jan 16 2012

Coffee Talk Monday #53

Posted in: Coffee Talk Mondays

Happy Monday friends! Mine certainly is. A bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream + an episode of The Bachelor= awesome sauce!

So I’m watching the Bachelor right now and am basically hyperventilating watching them climb the Golden Gate bridge. I am TERRIFIED of heights and there is no way I would EVER be able to do something like that. I’m freaking out from my couch for goodness sake!

I hate to admit it, but I’m definitely one to laugh at the expense of others. Embarrassing stories are like gold to me! However, when the embarrassing story is about me then I’m not a fan :). Well here’s a good one for you. Tonight while I was grocery shopping, I remembered that the yoga pants I had on had a hole in them. Right on my backside! I was so paranoid the rest of my shopping trip and got out of there as fast as I could. Go ahead…you can laugh at my expense!

Happy Monday!

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Jan 13 2012

Frank + Megan Farina :: Downtown Tempe Wedding

Posted in: Weddings

WARNING: This post may cause you to smile uncontrollably, get goosebumps, experience watery eyes and/or swoon. Or at least that what I’ve experienced ;).

I’m going to speak for everyone that attended this wedding and say that this one of the most special weddings that we’ve ever been a part of. Frank + Megan’s marriage was such a beautiful picture of the Gospel, and of God’s redeeming love for us. One 1/7/12, not only were Frank + Megan joined as husband and wife, but Megan’s son Jude received a father. Frank adopted Jude as his son, just like the the Heavenly Father does for each of us who come to know Christ as our Savior. I’ll never forget something that Megan said when we first sat down to chat about their wedding. She said “I’m SO excited to have Frank as my husband, but even more excited that Jude is going to have a dad.” 

Joy radiated from everyone in attendance as we witnessed three lives become ONE family. I can’t even really put it into words. It was simply beautiful and I’m beyond blessed that we were able to document it.

On top of all the beauty that was taking place that day, this wedding just plain ROCKED! Let me list just a few of the reasons why:

1. Megan had the BEST combo of a giddy/laid back attitude. She did a happy dance after she got in her dress :).

2. Their first look made me cry. They were SO excited to see each other.

3. They got married on Megan’s brother’s front porch. the FRONT PORCH!!!

4. The entire wedding party rode bikes to the reception site. F’reals!

5. It was catered by Joe’s Real Bbq. Need I say more?! ;)

6. Their guests knew how to tear up the dance floor!

This was a big day for this little man!

I wasn’t lying that she had the BEST attitude the whole day

Ummm…so cute, right?! He could not wait to see her.

Black Iphone for the groom: White Iphone for the Bride :)

LOVE this bridal party!

This moment KILLS me!

Yes. They are way cooler than I’ll ever be.

Frank’s grandparents just celebrated their 60th anniversary the day before the wedding. Frank + Megan, here’s a look into your future. Yay marriage!!!

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January 14, 2012 - 2:27 am

Carlee Danielle - This is absolutely beautiful! I love all the pictures their happiness were captured so well! And I can totally tell they are just overly happy to be together! :) and My fav is the little sign for the seats! Too cute!

January 14, 2012 - 5:09 am

Amy - What a stunning wedding day. It looks perfect.

January 14, 2012 - 10:16 am

Renee Kaminski - Stacey….seriously did you HAVE to put in the pics of him signing adoption papers….oy vey…TEARS galore! You rocked this!!!

January 14, 2012 - 4:15 pm

Jen - I love the “pick a seat not a side” sentiment. And their 1st look excitement was fantastic!

June 8, 2012 - 6:24 pm

Candice Gavran - I LOVE this wedding!

Jan 10 2012

Chris+Carrie :: Scottsdale Engagement Session

Posted in: Engagement

Okay, let me preface this post by saying that this couple is SO special to me. Chris has been Joe’s best friend since they were kids. They remained close friends throughout high school and college and when Chris got a job offer in Phoenix, Joe thought it would be a fun adventure to move along with him. SO I have Chris to thank for bringing Joe out here in the first place! Joe + Chris were roommates throughout me + Joe’s whole dating/engaged relationship and Chris quickly became like a brother to me. He stood up as the best man in our wedding and will ALWAYS be near and dear to our heart. I always knew that Chris was going to make a great husband someday, but I always joked that it would be hard to find someone good enough for him! Then Carrie came along and she more than passed the test :). She is sweet, funny, intelligent, gorgeous and someone I am proud to see my sweet friend taking as his wife.

Chris + Carrie, I can’t even express how EXCITED am I for the two of you. Marriage is such a blessing and I know that you will both be such excellent spouses to one another. Chris, it’s been such a blessing to watch God ignite your heart for Him and you’ll be a wonderful husband to Carrie because of it. Carrie, I am so excited to see you marry our sweet friend. You love for him is so evident and I couldn’t be happier that the Lord brought you two together! Can’t wait for the big day :) xoxo

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January 10, 2012 - 1:40 pm

Ashtyn Kocherhans - These are so beautiful. The lighting is stunning!

January 10, 2012 - 3:54 pm

Betsy Alaestante - Absolutely beautiful! I’m so excited!! :-)

January 17, 2012 - 7:32 am

Mike Olbinski - Crazy adorable couple, nice job Stacy!
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