Michael Krakora Photography

Old Friends

Ken and I have been friends since about the 7th grade. He has been like a brother to me for, well, a LONG time. When he met Sarah I was ecstatic – she is fantastic. And, when he called to tell me that there was a bun in the oven, I was even more excited. The only sad thing is that they no longer live in the midwest, but in Portland. I really cherish those last minute calls around the holidays where we can share a bit of chaos. This year they wanted to get some shots of the family in and I am so glad Mike was able to do it!  I love how these turned out. Such a fun session with such amazing people. 

I love this! Emma was soooo fast. 

Ahhhhh!  Giant baby!  :o)

This series cracks me up! Ken hasn't changed a bit!  He has been making these faces forever and it just cracks me up to see these.

Ken and Sarah,  you guys are amazing and we feel so blessed to have you in our lives. I just wish you were closer! Hopefully we will get to see you guys this summer. 

Here are some more images in a slideshow.

A Very Sweet Maternity Session

Back in December Mike had the opportunity to capture some really sweet images. I just love the interaction between the mother and daughter in these images. 

They all had such fun together...

This is one of my favorite shots from the day. So so sweet!

Wisconsin Bride :: Featured Wedding

We are so excited that Ruthie + Tom's wedding was chosen to be one of the featured weddings in the latest issue of Wisconsin Bride.  We just found out we will have another wedding featured in the next issue.  Stay tuned!  :o)

And, while I am at it...It is that time of year again. Voting is open for Wisconsin Bride's Best of 2009.  Vote for your favorite Wisconsin Wedding Professionals by March 1.

Happy 1st Birthday Abe!

Mike has had so much fun with Abe over the past year. Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot.  Though I have to admit, I will have to do a very special post to highlight just how much this sweet boy has grown!  And oh man!  The hair!!!!  

Every boy loves a train cake!

I love the first bite of cake.

Hmmmm...do I like it?

Abe loved his super tricked out radio flyer wagon.  Complete with shade, backrest and cupholders!  Wow!  Don't show this to our guys, they would be jealous.

But when the day is all over, it is still all about the wrapping paper and the tree.

Kari + Greg

Kari + Greg have an energy that radiates and is contagious. Working with them on their engagement sessions was so much fun. The weather was frigid, but they were very tolerant and willing, as long as we started with a cup of coffee. Who can blame them?

Here is a link to more of our favorites.

There is a certain quiet in this image. I love it.

Rachel + Jordan

Shortly after New Year's we had another power wedding at the Overture! It is fun how even though events can be at the same location, they can still be so unique. Beyond Elegant Events did a wonderful job pulling everything together. Rachel did all of her own designing of her stationery. It was beautiful!

Daffodil Parker did a fantastic job with the flowers. The colors were just stunning.

There were a bit of nerves before the wedding. Rachel and her father took turns peeking through the doors to see how many people were there. :o)

Rachel + Jordan's ceremony had so many really special and unique touches. There was a lot of laughter and yes, tears!

Follow this link to enjoy more of our favorites in a slideshow.

Rachel + Jason : : New Year's Eve

There is one word that truly describes Rachel + Jason as a couple – unplugged. It was a word that was heard often to describe Jason. I would say Rachel is more of the plugged-in half of the couple. Together, they are perfect! They totally balance each other. We had so much fun hanging out with them and their friends and families on New Year's eve. What a way to bring in the New Year. Rachel + Jason are so obviously loved by everyone. It was wonderful!

Rachel had the most amazing clear blue eyes!

There were so many nice touches.

:o)  

One of the many cool things about documenting weddings is that we pretty much see it all.  I have to say, I have NEVER seen this!  It was an old-school phone that attached to your cell phone.  TOO FUNNY!!!!

Happy New Year's!

Check out the rest of our favorites in the slideshow!

We cannot forget about the fabulous vendors that we had to opportunity to work with on this wedding!

Location: Overture

Flowers: Fleurishes

Wedding Coordinator: Ginger & Co.

Reception: Sardine

  

Rachel + Adam Get Married

Shortly after Christmas we had the honor of photographing Rachel + Adam's wedding. After getting a huge dumping of snow the week before, we were greeted by weather in the 40s and rain which means a big slushy mess and fog. Despite the weather, their day was beautiful. We began with some preparations at ANUI and then headed over to the Hilton to get dressed. 

I LOVED these shoes!  :o)

A wonderful, almost painless, dress-birth.  (For our brides, you know what I mean.)

Rachel was the epitome of calm, cool and collected and she swore there would be no tears during her ceremony. I don't think she was quite prepared for the first meeting though. It even brought tears to my eyes. 

Rachel's aunt did the flowers and they were perfect. It is always a nice touch when your aunt can fly in Peonies from overseas.

I wish I could remember what we were talking about! 

I love how the blusher looks on brides...

though it makes dabbing those tears just a bit more difficult.

Good luck with the rest of your interviews Rachel! 

Click here to see more of our favorites in a slideshow.

The Madison Wedding Guild

Happy belated New Year!  Just a little news post to ask you all to please join us this Wednesday at the Madison Club to visit with some of the best wedding professionals in Madison.

A Very Special Portrait Session

Mike had the unique privilege of creating some very special images for a new family on the day that they adopted their foster daughter. On the afternoon after the adoption was official, Mike was able to spend a couple of hours at their home. In that time, it was very obvious what a close family they had become. It is times like these where we not only cherish how special family is, but how our jobs as photographers have allowed us into so many wonderful lives.

We have been very blessed this year and we wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.