Brooke Bakken Photography » Personal

Classic, Couture, Camilla {Utah Wedding Photographer}

Brooke — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:19:56 +0000

Last month I had the incredible opportunity to work with some amazing vendors on a gorgeous stylized shoot! Alyssia from Alyssia B Photography and I joined forces and created something so beautiful, so elegant and truly classic. It was so much fun (and incredibly stressful) to plan and I have a whole new perspective on planning a wedding. Brides, both past and present, you have all of my empathy. Planning a wedding, and all the details that go into that can be so crazy! And interest doesn’t make it any easier! Anything I see on there, I wanted to re-create, but making it all flow together, while keeping with our simple and elegant theme, proved to be quite the task. In the end, I am so proud of how it turned out. I am so grateful to all the vendors that participated, as none of the beauty before you would have been possible without them. Once again, I will tell you that I truly do have the prettiest friends around, and Camilla and Mike are no exception. I was literally drooling when looking at the back of my camera all night! Love their chemistry and the love they still feel for one another!

First, the images, then after the jump, look for the full list of vendors!

And the lovely vendors are….

Location: Highland Gardens

Invitation: Polka Dot & Daisies

Dress: Avenia Bridal

Hair: Dacry with Suggestions Salon

Make-up: Jen with Doll By Jen

Jewelry/Shoes: Nordstrom

Tux: Men’s Wearhouse

Flowers: Urban Chateau Floral

Linens: Fusion Linens

Table Setting/Chairs: Diamond Rental

Cake: Apothecakery

Desserts: Dear Lizzy

Photographer: Brooke Bakken Photography and Alyssia B Photography

My Life, in iPhone Photos…

Brooke — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:30:31 +0000

Life can get a little crazy…ok who am I kidding?? My life is wild!! But i have learned to roll with the punches and find humor in everything. Lucky for me I have 2 beautiful and amazing children. They light up my life, and one incredibly supportive husband. Couldn’t ask for anything better. Happy Friday everyone!!

I’ve Been Changed

Brooke — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:23:23 +0000

Allow me to get a little personal today on my blog. I am after all, I am more then just a photographer. I am a wife (to the most amazing and supportive man), mother (to 2 of the cutest kids I have ever laid eyes on), a daughter and friend (and would like to think I am a good one too!). 5 months ago I was sitting in a hospital room, patiently waiting to meet my baby girl. We had a name picked out, big brother was at his best friends house playing, and my cheering squad, my little sister Kaitlin and hubby Mikey, along with my personal photographer, my mom, were all waiting. I tried everything I could to get her to come on her own, but little miss wanted to make it known she was on her own time! We finally decided that I would be induced, and make things happen. It was such an odd feeling waiting for that phone call that I could come to the hospital to have my baby. It felt completely unnatural, but looking back it was an amazing experience, so I feel completely grateful, things happened the way they did. The night before, I was a HUGE ball of nerves! Mostly, about how my little boy was about to have his world rocked. Would he still feel important now that mommy and daddy have someone new to take care of? Would he still know that we love him just the same? Would he feel like he needs more attention and love…..I could go on for pages! I literally cried for a few hours and eventually cried myself to sleep. I guess you could say becoming a mother has made me into a bit of a worrier! Anywho, the day came, and it was time to have a baby…ready or not, we were going to be a family of 4! There wasn’t too much excitement and the labor went really fast and incredibly smooth. I was so lucky to have the same doctor deliver Charlee, that delivered Brady. Michael even got to cut the cord this time around! On September 25th, Charlee Rose Bakken was born at 7 lbs 12 oz, 19 in and a head full of beautiful brown hair. She was perfect in every way, and I couldn’t be more proud to be her momma. Big brother Brady absolutely adores his little sister, and all of my fears were for nothing. He loves her, plays with her, kisses her every chance he gets and still gets PLENTY of attention on love from me and dad. We couldn’t be more blessed as a family and are so grateful for all the love we have felt from our friends and family.This little girl has forever changed me. I love her with all my heart, yet I love Brady and Michael with all of it too. She has proved to me there is always enough room and love in your heart as a mother. It only grows with each new child. She is an absolute blessing and I feel incredibly lucky to snuggle her each day. I love her smiles. They light up the room every time those big cheeks grin at me. I love her giggles, and I LOVE the way she looks at her older brother. There is a special bond between them already and I am so thankful they have one another. I am truly blessed on so many levels. Thank you for allowing me to share a little bit of my personal life with all of you. I am so thankful we all have photography to capture those moments you never want to forget!

Thanksgiving Point Bridal Showcase Recap {Utah Wedding Photographer}

Brooke — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:12:21 +0000

I had such a great time this last Saturday at the Thanksgiving Point Bridal Showcase. It was so great to meet so many beautiful women, who are all at such a special time in their lives. They are all about to embark on a journey with “the one” and I couldn’t be happier for them! Being married is such an amazing blessing, and being able to capture those memories for someone to remember years down the road, is an incredible honor! I am so grateful for all of my 2013 brides and can’t wait for each one of you to marry the man of your dreams! I am so happy with the girls I met, and I can’t wait for the friendships we will form while celebrating your love. I have also decided to extend my “special” through the end of January. Any bride that books her wedding package this month will receive $100 off her package of choice. Thank you all again for the opportunity to meet with you and get to know you a little bit. I sure do LOVE my job!

Special thanks to Fusion Linens for my beautiful gold linens! Everyone LOVED them!

Also a big hug and love to Julia of Bloom Florals. The flowers were perfect! Loved them so much!

A Crazy, Busy Month!! { Utah wedding Photographer}

Brooke — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:17:03 +0000

Um has it already been a month?? My head is seriously spinning, this last month has been like a big, fat blur! I haven’t posted anything in what seems like an eternity, but between engagement sessions, bridal sessions, family sessions, a wedding oh and having a baby….I would say my plate is rather full By no means am I complaining, I LOVE it! I love my brides, and I am so grateful to be celebrating something so special with them, but boy do I LOVE the little princess I brought home with me from the hospital! She has forever changed my life, and this past month with her has been one of my favorites! I absolutely love being a mom, and I feel even more lucky that I have one of each…I love my little boy (who is ALL boy!) and I adore my little girl! Since I haven’t posted in forever, I thought I would do one long sneak peek of all the sessions I still need to blog!! Get ready, the list is long!!

Getting Ready to Pop!! {Utah Family Photographer}

Brooke — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:59:06 +0000

HOLY HANNAH!!!! It’s September??? When did this happen?? Why didn’t anyone warn me?? I swear this pregnancy just about flew by! It’s almost that time to have a baby!!

But that also means I have a fun little game for us to play!! I love games, and I love being competitive, so I have something awesome to make it worth your while I promise! Since, I don’t have an induction date, I could go into labor at anytime (kind of a scary thought but it’s all good). So while I am waiting for my sweet little baby girl to make her debut…perhaps we could put a little wager on it. Make it interesting, if you will.

It’s time for a FREE SESSION GIVEAWAY!!! All you need to do to enter is, ONE: State the DATE & TIME you think I will have baby Charlee (either here in the comments or on facebook in the comments) . Two: Go to my facebook page Brooke Bakken Photography, while you are there “like” it, and then THREE: SHARE the photo (of Brady boy) on your own facebook page for a chance to WIN! Fun side note, if someone does guess the date and time correct, not only will you win the giveaway, but I also have a special surprise in store for you as well (kinda like the price is right….sure do miss Bob Barker)! I LOVE me some giveaways!! Share, Share, Share!!

Fine print: Sessions can include, engagements, bridals, senior portraits, family, maternity, children, you name it you got it….the only session it does NOT include is a wedding…but don’t worry brides…I’m cookin’ up something special for you!

Now check out this handsome dude that most likely has NO idea his world is about to be rocked, and will have to (insert gasp here) share his daddy. Yes, he is without question a daddy’s boy. Dad is the best!! But then again I can’t really argue with him on that point, I married him for a reason

The Boss {Utah Child Photographer}

Brooke — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 20:28:21 +0000

I should have posted these like 3 weeks ago, but we were actually out of town and in CA for his birthday, so we were too busy playing at the beach and with the dog, to do anything related to using the computer–and I am totally ok with that! I swear these last 2 years have come and went like a blur. My baby boy went from newborn to toddler what seems like over night. I couldn’t be happier with where he is right now. This stage is so much fun!! He is opinionated (to say the least), bossy, yet so much fun to be around and has the best little heart and personality. He has been blessed with what we call the “Thulin laugh”, bless his little heart. It’s deep and hearty, but sure to make you laugh along when he laughs. He is still obsessed with two things, Toy Story (Buzz, Woody and the whole gang) and Cars. Last night he went to bed with Buzz, Woody, and his Mack truck that holds McQueen. They are all musts when bed time rolls around. They are his peeps! I think one of my favorite things he does right now is boss around the cat. He points his finger at her, rambles who knows what at her, and really tells her like it is! He doesn’t let her get away with much! We are so blessed to have such a fun little boy in our family. He makes us laugh on a daily basis and makes my heart melt just as much! I am so lucky to be his momma and love watching him learn new things everyday. We are so grateful he is a healthy and happy kid and I know he is going to make the best big brother ever (even if he is quite clueless that someone knew is joining our gang in September!). We sure do love you Bubba-Lou!

He has a KILLER power stance!!

Look at those “muscles”!!!

This is his bossy face and finger….you know he means business when the finger comes out!!

And in case you want to see just how contagious his laugh is…check it out HERE

3 Years Later {Utah Family Photography}

Brooke — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:19:31 +0000

Three years ago my life forever changed! I married a man that is so perfectly fit for me, I never knew it was possible. He takes me for who I am, makes me want to be a better woman, mom and wife, and still loves me when I fall short! Score for me! I love the life and family that we have created together, and can’t believe we are about to add another little one to the mix!

I figured I would put up a couple pics from our awesome wedding day! Seeming that I DEF don’t look like that currently…but vow to fit back into that dress post baby!! Lucky for me, Michael looks exactly the same, only now 10 times hotter seeming that he is an amazing dad (such a hot quality in a man!).

Now, raise your hand if you have more exciting news today….

SO EXCITED WE COULD JUST SCREAM!!!

WAIT FOR IT….

READY????BOOM…..

We are having a baby GIRL!!!

Ya Ya Ya Ya!!

Brady has no idea what is about to hit him come September, but I know he will be such a great older brother!

Love this kid, and cannot wait to meet his baby sister this fall!!

Bump NOT Plump!!

Brooke — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:15:07 +0000

I guess it’s time to let the internet world know that, I am in fact, with child!! Michael and I couldn’t be more excited (or nervous) to expand our little family! I feel incredibly blessed to be able to bring another special little one to this world, and so grateful to be trusted with such a special gift. It is so weird to think that we will now be a family of four plus one crazy cat known as “Moose”! I absolutely LOVE being a mom, and I am so proud of the little boy that Brady is. I love his temper tantrums, his obsession with Buzz Lightyear, his love for food, his infectious laugh, his determination, the way his cheeks jiggle when he runs, and I can’t wait to see the personality this next one brings to our home. My only wish, besides a healthy baby, is that he or she is ready to play, and wrestle. B likes to go hard until the moment his little head hits the bed! He is 100 mph a minute, but that is what I love about him. There is never a dull moment, and I can’t wait to see him use that energy in sports. I will wear my soccer, t-ball, or whatever other sport he plays “mom badge” proudly!

Ok back to the matter at hand….I am going to be a mom to two kiddos!! Wild! Brady is going to be a big brother, but I don’t think he has a clue yet. He will soon find out that there will be a new boss or sheriff in town. Luckily, I know he plays well with others and shares (for the most part) because of his wonderful sitter Lyn, and the time he spends at daycare. Hopefully that can translate over to mommy holding a new baby. I hope he will love to help and be a big boy, and show the new one the ropes as time goes by! Brady has honestly been such an amazing little boy to be around, and if this next one is half as cool, we will be the luckiest parents!

Cannot wait to meet our new addition September 23!!

I just want to thank my mom for helping me and capturing such a fun time right now. Brady was in a HORRID mood, but she braved it with me anyway, and kept snapping away even when the tears started to pour down, and no bribe in the world could make them stop! I love you mom!! You are the best! We loved having you here with us!

White Out {Utah Portrait Photographer}

Brooke — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:29:15 +0000

Last month was a crazy month, to say the least. I was in Utah, then to Cali, then to Utah, then to Cali, and then finally back home (Utah I guess is home). While in CA, I was lucky enough to have my fabulous and ubber creative friend Kamee, let me tag along for one of her elevate projects. She does a project once a month, thinks outside of the box, and rocks our socks every time! To say she is a genius, is probably an understatement. She decided to try a little white on white action, and I was so stoked to be a part of it! You can see her full post HERE, it’s unreal. Kamee always is blazing her own trail, and that’s what I love and admire about her. She is beyond inspiring, but the best part is she is an amazing teacher too! I am so lucky to call her a friend!

This is just a sneak peak of what I was able to capture, and I can’t wait to post a few more! I have LOVED looking at this beautiful girl on my screen! Avery, you know how to work it! Thanks for your serious skills, and being up for anything! XO