Wish upon a wedding is here in Minnesota! “They are the world’s first nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, providing weddings to terminally ill individuals, regardless of sexual orientation. Official wedding wish granting organization and partner of the Association of Bridal Consultants.” This is such an incredible organization that I feel so strongly is going to make such a big difference for so many couples! I first learned about Wish Upon a Wedding last year while attending a photography conference (WPPI) in las Vegas. The stories and lives affected by this amazing group brought tears to my eyes! To learn more about how you can help check out their website http://www.wishuponawedding.org or their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/WUWMinnesota?sk=info

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We are very excited to support and attend this walk raising awareness and donations to support No-Kill Animal Shelters and Rescues in Minnesota. From now through April 30 we will donate 100% of all session fees purchased to an animal rescue of your choice participating at the “No-Kill Walk for the Animals,” April 30 at Como Lake Pavilion.  Let us know if you would like to join us and our rescue pups DJ and Jerico at this event! For more information http://www.facebook.com/nokillwalkfortheanimals

Don’t forget “Wags & Tails” Animal Portrait Session can be purchased throughout the year with 100% of their session fee proceeds benefiting an animal rescue of your choice.  For more information please visit http://imagesbykris.com

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These two cuties were so silly and a lot of fun. We spent the morning running around the studio and even spent a little time playing outside in the chilly weather for an adorable winter look. Enjoy…

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As the winter months are sneaking up on us, I’ve been searching for the best way to bring some holiday goodness this year. I took to the advice of some friends and visited 360Communities.org, a Burnsville-based  organization that focuses on strengthening and helping our neighbors.

From there, I read several stories in local media about Minnesotans helping other Minnesotans through various means, including the act of providing necessities and gifts during the fall holidays. I inquired about the program and later met Steve Haschig, who is the Senior Director of Development. He was the subject of a Star Tribune article on the “Armful of Love’s” Holiday Caring Program.

The lead of the story caught my attention:  ”A couple of years ago, Steve Haschig was taken aback by one man’s request for an iPod for Christmas, especially in light of the rest of the family’s modest wish list, which included food, socks, underwear and a blue-hooded sweatshirt.” The story went on to talk about how the man wanted the iPod to listen to music that helped him stay comfortable while receiving chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Mr. Haschig and his wife provided an iPod to the man so he could enjoy the soothing music.

Mr. Haschig later said” “It changed our attitude about our response,” and that’s when I knew that I’d found my avenue to help this holiday season.

“Armful of Love” helps hundreds of families around the Twin Cities each year during the holiday season to provide needed clothing, food, gifts and a great boost to their holiday spirits.

As we approach the busiest time of the year for in-studio shooting, Images by Kris has decided to assist “Armful of Love” by sponsoring three of their families for the holidays. Images by Kris will host a weekend long “Holiday Mini Shoot” at our Minneapolis Studio, Nov. 20 and 21. A portion of all sales from this two-day event will help us sponsor three families that need some extra help this holiday season.

We’re all aware of  the local headlines showing the impact that the economy has had on everyone in the Twin Cities this year, but even the smallest actions can make a big difference to just one person. Please visit Communities360.org where you can find other ways to help our neighbors not only this holiday season, but throughout the year.

Happy Holidays to everyone, looking forward to seeing you in the studio!

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The dogs days of summer are long gone in Minnesota, but our Wags & Tails benefit came close on yesterday! We met several adorable, energetic. slobbering, loving and tail chasing pups as we took advantage of the Sunday’s great weather for awesome photos. The family members who brought the dogs were so sweet and each dog’s personality and character stood out as we photographed in the studio and walking the streets near our studio in Northeast Minneapolis. I would like to thank all of the participants who joined Images by Kris to help raise money for Homeward Bound Dog Rescue of Minneosta yesterday–we raised money that’s going to go along way in helping rescue dogs, like my two: Jerico and DJ, and even other rescue dogs who were there.

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A portion of our sales from October will go to Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.  Join the fight against Breast Cancer!

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