Misc. Redding Archives - Essence Photography | California Photographer | capturethestory.com

Dreamy Spring Engagement Session

Betsy Erickson — Mon, 06 May 2019 04:38:23 +0000

Spring has finally arrived, and with it wedding season is also in FULL bloom! We absolutely love this time of year, and look forward to it with joy and expectation. When you plan your wedding you’re not the only one excited about it’s arrival. We are always thrilled to see the day come together, and even more excited to celebrate with our couples as they join their lives together as one!

What really makes it fun though, is that we take the time to build relationship with our couples before their wedding and get to know them. Engagement sessions are the perfect way to capture beautiful photos, AND most importantly….. build relationship with your photographers.

Essentially you’ve just invited two amazing strangers into the most important day of your life thus far… we know that, and highly value the invitation… so we take the time to get to know you and really show up ready to celebrate. Engagement sessions are a FUN ADVENTURE!

Will we get great photos? YES of course.

Will we laugh way more than we should? Absolutely!

Will it be way more fun than either of you anticipate? WE SURE HOPE SO!

That is literally are #1 goal.. we know we’ll get great photos, what we want YOU TO KNOW, is how FUN it can be do to an engagement session.

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Katie + Ricky | Gover Ranch Anderson California | Wedding Photography

Betsy Erickson — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 17:15:52 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving Week! We have another beautiful fall wedding for you today. We loved being able to capture this story at beautiful Gover Ranch in Anderson California. From the moment we met Katie + Ricky we knew their day would be filled with laughter and joy, and it did not disappoint. The day was a magical celebration, and we are so excited to share it with you!

I thought it would be fun to share some words from the Bride’s perspective. So my lovely bride Katie wrote up a bit about how she was feeling the day of her wedding. Enjoy a glimpse into this beautiful Love Story!

Shout out to an amazing team of vendors!

The to die for, out of this world stunning Floral by: Katie | The Floranthropist

Cake | Sweet Spot

DJ | Stay Gold Productions

Venue | Gover Ranch | Anderson, CA

“If I can sum up my Wedding Day with one word, it would be; Heavenly.

After all the stress of planning my wedding by myself and making sure everything went to plan, it couldn’t have turned out better. That morning I didn’t have a nervous bone in my body, I was ready to finally marry the man of my dreams. After getting into my wedding dress and looking into the mirror I felt the most beautiful I have ever felt. I was surrounded by my family and best girlfriends, and realized the day was finally here!”

“I told Betsy that we decided to not do a “First Look,” but we did want to do a personal vow exchange before the wedding and say a prayer. As I turned a corner of a bush there he was standing facing away from me! It was so wonderful to see my soon to be husband dressed up and handsome. We exchanged our vows that we wrote to one another and said a prayer.”

“After that moment, I couldn’t wait to walk down the aisle! It seemed like it took forever to make sure everyone was seated so we could head to the barn, but once the girls told me it was time, I was excited!!”

“I waited for my song to come on. As I heard it start playing, my Dad walked me to the barn and as we turned the corner, there he was, standing there! Ricky had the biggest smile on his face! And I loved that all of our family and friends were in one room ready to celebrate this day with us! As I walked down the aisle, I heard people gasp and say, “Awe, How Beautiful! How Gorgeous!” Afterwords Ricky told me he almost cried seeing me walk down the aisle. The ceremony was beyond amazing, thanks to my long time best friend Nick who got ordained to marry us. And the reception was even greater.”

“I believe that if Heaven was on earth for one day, it would have been my wedding day! It was such a surreal moment being around so much Love and so much Happiness! The Lord definitely was surrounding us with open arms that day! Love was everywhere and in everyone! I cannot thank the Lord enough for blessing me with the best husband ever and the best day of our lives.”

Katie Delaney

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Goodbye 2015…. & a few of my favorite things- California Photographers Justin + Betsy Erickson

Betsy Erickson — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 00:56:03 +0000

As 2015 winds down, and I sit on my couch drinking my yummy maple latte, and reflecting on this past year, one word comes to mind, Grateful. Justin and I have SO much to be grateful for. We’re grateful for our 4 beautiful children, all healthy and brimming with personality and life. We’re grateful for our home in Northern California, that’s full of peace, and the perfect retreat for our family (as much as a home can be a retreat with 4 kids). We’re grateful for this business, that started as a humble dream, and grew to an overwhelming passion. We’re grateful for our clients, you’ve gone out of your way to show us love and support, to send kind text messages, and to tell all your friends about us, and without YOU we wouldn’t be here.

Every year we’re overwhelmed with the clients we encounter, and every year we think WOW that was an amazing year, how could we ever top that?! YET somehow every year, it happens, we meet new wonderful clients, catch up with old ones. This business, our life continues to grow in richness and joy. I don’t want to sit here and pretend it’s all easy all the time, in fact it’s often hard, owning a business will test your character. Choosing what’s right, not what’s easy, choosing to invest in something you never know if you’ll see a return in. But it’s one of the most rewarding experiences we’ve ever had. SO to celebrate the start of what we KNOW will be another incredible year, I’m listing a few of my favorite things (Betsy here). AND We’re going to be giving away a few as well. THANK YOU everyone who made this an incredible year, and THANK YOU everyone who will be a part of 2016 being an incredible year. HAPPY NEW YEAR! See you in 2016 your California Photographers Justin + Betsy Erickson.

1. Starbucks Coffee YUM (I’m not going to lie here, I bought an espresso machine a year ago and have had little need to make frequent runs to Starbucks, however in the realm of coffee they are still my favorite, and coffee in general just makes me happy! PLUS we use only Starbucks beans at home, in honor of my #1 I will be giving away 1- $10 Starbucks card.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
2. Music, specifically Coldplay’s NEW ALBUM “Head Full Of Dreams” (If you haven’t heard it yet, your missing out, “Adventure of a Lifetime” is the perfect jam to get me through my long editing days while keeping me optimistic about the future. I’ll be giving away a $10 iTunes or Amazon card, your choice. To use on YOUR favorite music.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

3. Photography (as if you didn’t know that would be on the list! We love photographing all the special chapters in your story, and this final giveaway will be for your choice of a family session or an engagement session valued at $350.)a Rafflecopter giveaway

A few of my favorite photos from 2015!

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Brittany + Ty {Love Story} – Redding, CA Wedding Photographers

Betsy Erickson — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 17:00:58 +0000

So thrilled to share with you this incredible couple. When talking with them about the details and vision for their wedding they shared that part of their love story was basketball. They met on the court and were both very involved in basketball, immediately I had the idea for the photos below, I was so happy with the way we incorporated something special into their wedding. We loved photographing their day, they treated everyone like family, and it was just such an honor to capture their Love Story. Enjoy a glimpse into their very special day.

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Erika + Austin {Love Story} – Cottonwood, CA Wedding Photographer

Betsy Erickson — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 16:55:39 +0000

When I first talked with Erika on the phone about her upcoming wedding I knew she was going to be a phenomenal bride, with a lot of fun and unique ideas for her wedding I was inspired just chatting about her day. When I had the honor of photographing their engagement session and meeting them in person for the first time I was thrilled to capture their day. Erika & Austin just have a way of bringing out the best in everyone around them, and it was no surprise that their wedding day was filled with fun, and a true celebration of their love for each other! Enjoy a glimpse into their day. Erika not only put tons of time and effort into all the details {floral, decor ect} she also owns Cupcakes for the Kingdom and baked and decorated her own wedding cakes! {Yes they were as delicious as they look!} Thank you Erika & Austin for allowing us the opportunity to capture your Love Story!

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Ali {Senior Story} – Redding, CA Senior Portrait Photographer

Betsy Erickson — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 16:21:32 +0000

I was ecstatic to capture Ali’s Senior Story. I met her a couple of years earlier at the Stirring, a church located here in Redding, CA. Ali’s full of love and life, she’s so friendly and confident. When I captured her story I really got an opportunity to spend some time with her and really discover what a truly amazing person she is! She inspires me so much, as a talented photographer, a passionate lover of Jesus, and with her amazing attitude. Ali, you shine so bright everywhere you go, the way you sincerely love people, and go out of your way to connect with them is exactly what this world needs. Don’t ever stop following your heart and the heart of Jesus, you’re a world changer.

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Lacy’s {Birthday Story} – Redding, CA Portrait Photographer

Betsy Erickson — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 16:01:19 +0000

This was such an incredible session! I had so much fun going on a photography adventure with my good friend and fellow photographer Lacy Fontaine! She’s a fabulous person and I love when we get to hang out. She’s also an amazing photographer and she truly inspires me with her work and her incredible attitude. Love you Lacy, and thank you for letting me capture your 28th birthday!

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Kylie {Senior Story} – Redding, CA Senior Portrait Photographer

Betsy Erickson — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 20:32:00 +0000

So thrilled to FINALLY have a minute to start catching up on my blog. I have to thank all of my fabulous clients for one of the most successful years we’ve ever had! We feel so blessed and honored we were chosen to capture your story this year. And I am still overwhelmed with all the incredible clients I got to work with! To start this marathon of catch up blogs, I bring you this beautiful Senior Story! I LOVED capturing Kylie’s incredible senior session. She’s such an amazing and determined young women, humble, beautiful, & strong.

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Danielle + Brad – Gover Ranch Anderson, California Wedding Photography

Betsy Erickson — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 18:16:52 +0000

I’m so excited to share this beautiful {Love Story} with you all! The lighting was really out of this world, and Danielle + Brad were such a blast to work with. Their whole day was full of love and laughter! Justin and I really enjoyed celebrating such a special day with you both Congratulations! Enjoy a little glimpse into this very special October Day!

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Danielle {Maternity Story} – Redding, CA Maternity Photographer

Betsy Erickson — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 15:43:02 +0000

Another fabulous Maternity Story! Tis’ the season for sweet babies, and I LOVE capturing this special season. Maternity Stories are becoming one of my all time favorites to capture. I especially love this session, we started in their home doing some lifestyle photography in their GORGEOUS Nursery {Oh my goodness so Pinterest Worthy} and then we went on a little adventure! Enjoy!

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Annalisa {Maternity Story} – Redding, CA Maternity Photography

Betsy Erickson — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 17:34:31 +0000

So thrilled to share these beautiful images with you! I captured Annalisa & Claytons {Love Story} Wedding last summer, and I was beyond excited to find out they were expecting! We really had a great time collaborating to tell their story, and I LOVE the way it came together! ENJOY!

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Brittany {Senior Story} – Redding, CA Senior Portrait Photographer

Betsy Erickson — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 16:41:54 +0000

I love photographing Senior Portraits! There’s something so special about that season, so much strength and identity. Excitement and Hope for the future, it’s a season to dream and dream BIG! Capturing Seniors really is a highlight of my job as a photographer, their love for life is contagious and this particular senior was just that! She showed up full of energy and life, ready to rock her Senior Portraits, she knew who she was, and what she wanted and results are stunning images that tell her incredible story! ENJOY!

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Robyn + Craig {Love Story} Engagement – Redding, CA Engagement Photography

Betsy Erickson — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 17:34:23 +0000

So excited to share this adorable {Love Story} with everyone! Right when I met this fabulous couple I knew they were going to be fun to work with. They were so funny, & easy going and their personalities and love for each other really shine. Looking forward to capturing their wedding this fall! Enjoy a glimpse into their story…

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A Family {Mini} Story – Redding, CA Family Photography

Betsy Erickson — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 16:32:46 +0000

It was such an honor to capture this beautiful family. They were laughing and just enjoying the process of capturing their beautiful family story. The photos are just a reflection of what an amazing little family they are, Enjoy!

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{Mini} Family Story – Redding, CA Family Photography

Betsy Erickson — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 14:53:35 +0000

Happy Monday! Today I’m excited to share this adorable {Mini} Family Story. You might recognize this little family from the Maternity Story we photographed last winter when it snowed. It’s always such an honor when we get to capture different seasons in your life. So I was very excited to capture this 1/2 birthday and update this sweet little story! Enjoy the glimpse!

Maternity Story taken last year

Hospital Story taken last year

Newborn Story taken Last year

1/2 Birthday Session taken this year Enjoy!

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Heritage Roasting Company – Shasta Lake, CA

Betsy Erickson — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 18:51:20 +0000

It’s been a while since I posted a non wedding blog, but today I’m so excited to share with you my little secret to getting through a very busy wedding season. COFFEE, and lots of it! Most of my clients know I’m a sucker for coffee, bringing me starbucks gift cards was a known way to making me one happy photographer, but that my friends is a thing of the past. NOW if you want to do go the extra mile to spoil me and make my day a little better you can get me a Heritage Roasting Company gift card, because I have to say, they’re the best coffee I’ve ever tasted! If you haven’t tried their coffee yet I HIGHLY suggest you get up there to Shasta Lake and get a cup, it’s well worth the drive I promise! And if your not local you can go online to Heritage Roasting Company and order some beans to brew at home! This morning I had an opportunity to go up and capture this fabulous shop in action! Not only is their coffee perfection in a cup, but they’re coffee shop is stunning, and sets a fabulous atmosphere to enjoy a little break from your day. Their team of Barista’s goes the extra mile to get to know their customers and make them a part of the Heritage Family. While I was there taking pictures a regular Heritage customer parked out front, and immediately the team at Heritage said “OH Look its {Customers Name} and today’s their birthday” they proceeded to welcome them and then sing Happy Birthday, I was so impressed, it’s rare that a business takes that kind of time and effort to get to know their customers, but that’s another reason I love Heritage, that’s their heart and one of the many reasons they started this Coffee Shop. They also just launched a really cool program called “Love in a Cup” where you can pre-pay for someone’s coffee! If you want to learn more about that click Here our local news did an interview with Sara Sutherland one of the owners of Heritage and she explains this incredible program! Enjoy the photos!

Sara & Stuart Sutherland

This is the Hot Chocolate they made my Daughter Patience, a little heart, she was pretty thrilled about it!!

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Danielle + Justin {Love Story} – Manton, CA

Betsy Erickson — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 18:00:19 +0000

So excited to share this beautiful wedding with you. I wasn’t apart of capturing this gorgeous day as I had another wedding to photograph, but Justin and his fantastic essence photography associate Georgia, photographed this incredible Love Story. I have to say that when they came home with these stunning images my heart leaped! The romantic photos they caught at sunset literally took my breathe away, this is a perfect example of why making time and sunset during your wedding is SO worth it! Enjoy this glimpse into our Manton, CA Love Story!

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Elisha + Josh {Love Story} – Anselmo Vineyards Wedding Photographers

Betsy Erickson — Fri, 16 May 2014 15:30:19 +0000

This Love Story was an incredibly beautiful one! The bride put in a lot of effort planning her day, and doing all her decorations. We felt so honored to capture this wedding. It took place at Anselmo Vineyards, a stunning and breathtaking venue located in Shingletown CA, just east of Redding CA. We worked with the fabulous Heidi from Events by Heidi, Sara from Sera Bella Floral, DJ/Live Music provided by the fabulous Mark McAbee from Clear Cut Entertainment , and Video which can you watch here by Two Spoon Productions! Enjoy a glimpse into their Love Story.

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Ashley + Drew {Love Story} – Palo Cedro, CA Wedding Photographer

Betsy Erickson — Wed, 14 May 2014 19:23:06 +0000

OH I love love love this couple! I met Ashley a few years ago! She makes incredible and beautiful cakes, and had created delicious masterpieces for 2 of my wedding couples in 2011! When I met her I knew I’d want to photograph her wedding one day, and I was SO thrilled when she contacted me to do just that! She put so much thought and detail into her beautiful day, she did her own floral, decor, and cake! Thank you Ashley & Drew for letting Justin and I capture such an incredible day in your life! CONGRATULATIONS!

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~G I V E A W A Y ~ Mommy & Me {Mini Story} – Redding, CA Portrait Photographer

Betsy Erickson — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 17:52:00 +0000

Mothers Day will be here soon {yippee} the day we Honor all the hard work that us Mama’s do! I was thinking about how I could honor other Mothers and really wanted to offer this Mini Session. My heart behind these Mini Sessions isn’t to just do another “updated” photo session of your kids, although of course we will be capturing those adorable little cuties. More then that though I really wanted to Capture the Story between Mothers and their children. Let’s face it, being a Mom is one of the hardest yet most rewarding “jobs” you’ll ever do, even while I attempt to write this blog kids are screaming in the background and my 3 yr. old is creating some kind of mayhem hitting everything in my house with a plastic hammer {who gave him that hammer anyway, worst toy idea ever!}. But while it’s chaotic and full of wild adventures, its truly the most beautiful thing I’ll ever do. And sometime’s I WISH I had the perspective in those moments, the ones were everythings falling apart,to stop, and to see the relationship, to be reminded of the the beauty of being a mom, and fully giving myself to my children. SO THIS MINI SESSION is meant to do JUST THAT! To capture the the beautiful relationship you have with you children, there may be meltdowns, there may be chaos, but the result will be beautiful! ALSO to express my APPRECIATION TO MOTHERS EVERYWHERE I’m going to be Giving AWAY {1} of these Mini Stories FOR FREE! I’d love to hear about why you believe You {or someone you love} Should WIN this {Mini Story}, so fill out the contact form below to enter!

[contact-form][contact-field label=’Nominee {NAME}’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Nominee {Email}’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Nominee {Story}’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Nominee {Phone Number}’ type=’text’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Relationship To Nominee ‘ type=’select’ required=’1′ options=’Self,Husband,Child,Friend’/][contact-field label=’Your Contact {Email}’ type=’text’/][/contact-form]

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