Kelly Stonelake Photography

Corey + Ryan . Engaged . San Francisco, CA

Kelly Stonelake — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:48:52 +0000

Before I’d even met Corey and Ryan, they’d sent me photos of things that inspired them around their neighborhood, including a geo-map of the spots (yes, I told them I loved them). Thanks to their scouting, when we met up with this pair in the NOPA area of San Francisco, we were always one step ahead of the light — zig zagging all over the neighborhood.

The more I learned about Corey and Ryan, the more impressed I became. Corey is a metalsmith from Detroit. She makes incredible geometric jewelry, which you can see modeled in the images below. The art chops don’t stop there. Ryan is from Northern Virginia and works in video production at Apple. He is a talented photographer himself. Together, they share an adventurous, creative, friendly spirit, and I felt so lucky to have spent the afternoon with them.

Congratulations to Corey and Ryan on your engagement! Please enjoy some images from our time together below.

Kindra + Connell . Engaged . Carmel, CA

Kelly Stonelake — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:52:57 +0000

A few weeks ago, I drove down to Carmel where Kindra and Connell welcomed me into their beautiful home. Over glasses of white wine, we started chatting. Topics included travels to Europe (I’m planning a trip this fall; Kindra and Connell studied abroad together in grad school), the show House Hunters (with a bit of guilt, I admitted I had been watching it all day; Kindra admitted she turned it off just before I arrived), and how they met (at law school, they now work together at the family law firm in Carmel). Pretty soon we realized we’d been chatting up a storm, and the sun was starting to set, so we headed on our adventure.

We drove around for a bit before they suggested the Carmel Mission. Only a few blocks from their home, and where Connell grew up attending church, I literally lost my breath when we pulled up. Stone, columns, fountains, flowers; I couldn’t have asked for a better place. We were able to sneak into the courtyard while mass was in session. For the next spot, I asked for another place that was special to them. Kindra mentioned Mission Ranch, a hotel and restaurant where they’ve shared meals together and have a friendship with the owner. I might have jumped for joy when we arrived and saw the sheep pasture. Kindra and Connell said it was particularly special that the animals were hanging out by the fence. Hey, these sheep wanted in on the photo action.

I want to move to Carmel.

But seriously — history, the ocean, good food, SHEEP! And I haven’t even mentioned those yellow pants yet… killer!

I am so excited to be a part of Kindra and Connell’s story. They do not shy away from smiling and laughing — my kind of people. So many congratulations to Kindra and Connell, looking forward to your big day this fall!

Kathleen + Tommy . Engaged . Palo Alto, CA

Kelly Stonelake — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:58:57 +0000

This is a really special one for me — I first met Kathleen and Tommy at the very first wedding I shot. Kathleen was a bridesmaid in Melina and Angelo’s wedding, and I remember feeling all warm and fuzzy watching this pair exchange lovey eyes all night. As you might imagine, I was thrilled beyond thrilled when they reached out to me a few months later about shooting their June wedding.

Tommy serves in economic development for the City of Palo Alto, and Kathleen is a Palo Alto elementary school teacher. It was only fitting to meet for this engagement session at Palo Alto’s historic Gamble Garden. I had never been there before and really enjoyed the nooks, crannies, and beautiful blooms alongside the company of Kathleen and Tommy.

These two have a special way of loving and encouraging the other in a calm, nurturing way — but they aren’t afraid to laugh. And they have every reason to, what a joyful time in their lives! Congratulations to Kathleen and Tommy, I’m so looking forward to this summer!