Karissa

Karissa's approach to wedding photography aims to connect the people she photographs with how they feel in that moment rather than how they were posed. With humor and empathy, Karissa connects with others as if they were already friends. (Fun fact: she "accidentally" shot her first wedding 9 years ago while aboard in Austria!) When not shooting, you can find Karissa gaming on Twitch, traveling to Ireland, or thrifting at a local thrift shop. 

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

The first photo I ever took with my grandparents that was just them and me as an adult. This photo ended up being my last photo ever taken with Grandpa since his passing a couple years later. I am so grateful to have a printed photograph to remind me of him and the memories we shared together. 

WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?

My idea of perfect happiness is being around my loved one, having a meal together, and laughing/crying tears of joy with one another. Besides that, I would say a cup of Irish Berry's tea and a bowl of hot pho. They say that a way to a person's heart is through their stomach! 

IN WHAT HISTORICAL PERIOD WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE LIVED?

Practically- I'm grateful to be living in the time period that we are in. With technology, art, travel, and medicine - there's no other time period that I would rather live in. But if I HAD to pick one, I would say the 20's because of the fashion.  

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE Central Valley HANGOUTS?

I love shopping in my hometown's local thrift shops along McHenry Avenue. I feel so much better about shopping for things where there aren't quantities of the same thing. But a buried treasure hunt of item that I only had to pay a few dollars for! 

WHAT FICTIONAL CHARACTER DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?

I would have to say Monica from Friends. She's a bit of a clean freak and a hopeless romantic. However she's a loyal friend, career independent, and sees the humor in the little things. Although I'm not a chef, I do like make sure that my loved ones is taken cared of. 

WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE RIGHT NOW?

I would love to travel to Indonesia to visit and tour the area where my mom's family lives. Bail is definitely on my bucket list! In addition, I would love to travel more of Asia in general: Japan, Korea & Singapore. Who wants to go on a food tour with me?!

Go-tos

GAMING

I love to stream my newbie gameplay on Twitch! Playing Souls like games, League of Legends, Fortnite, and more!So hard to get out of bed without it.

SINGING

I learned to harmonize by ear in 3rd grade. You may catch me singing when I'm shooting or walking around. I also take requests! 

ANIME

I love watching anime! With Naruto being my first anime ever- I currently love watching Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titian, and Haikyu. 

MY PLANNER

As a Type A personality, I am addicted to my planner. I love aiming to accomplish my goals- Big or small! 

IRELAND

Ireland is my happy place. Hence where my addiction to Barry's black tea comes from. I believe a good cup of tea consist of small spoon full of sugar and milk. The rolling hills of Ireland bring a lot joy to my soul. 

PHO

If I could eat one meal for the rest of my life, I would choose a bowl of pho. I eat super fast compared to a normal person. Put a bowl of pho in front of me and I'll make it disappear.