yumtwist: chef sarah knecht

How much fun is this part of my job? Earlier this summer, I embarked on a set of shoots for local chef Sarah Knecht, a wonderful woman who is becoming a wonderful friend. Sarah and I have worked together at several weddings, and got to spend lots of quality time together bonding in Wyoming at a Dude Ranch wedding we worked last August . . . and when Sarah and I sat down to discuss the possibility of her cooking for my wedding, she asked me graciously to photograph the food and details for her up and coming cookbook, Yumtwist. And I kindly accepted. My love affair with good food is a widely known trait by now. ;) This was the second of three styled shoots that were held to make this project complete, this one being photographed at the simply gorgeous and stunning Double T River Ranch in Clyde Park. I arrived to this set up, designed beautifully by Angela of Fresh Designs and Elsa of The Woodlands at Cottonwood Canyon. Montana Party Rentals provided the gorgeous vintage tables and decor, which they choose carefully and make available for any event. This team was incredible! Here are some details of the edibles: This kind of kicks bacon-and-eggs ass, doesn't it? After the brunch menu was photographed, Elsa and I moved to one of the beautiful cabins to style and photograph a grilled cheese spread, reuben sandwich, pizza and grilled fish, and we finished the day photographing a glorious pan of mussels tossed with all sorts of things beautiful and worldly such as olive oil, red onion, garlic and fresh parsley . . . mmmmmmmmm . . . Sarah is an incredible chef - we used her at our wedding this past Sunday, and we were approached by numerous guests who could not stop ranting and raving about how delightful the food was. Click here to Like her on Facebook and get all of the good information on ordering her very first cookbook!

latest project

I am super duper excited for my latest photography fun! My sweet friend Sarah Knecht and I are collaborating food and photography to be published in her cookbook that is due out this summer . . . yay! Since I love everything about food, I am beyond thrilled to continue this project together. This past week I ventured out to her home to photograph some detail shots, as well as Sarah's incredible cakes that she was selling at the Livingston craft show. Here is a little snippet of what you'll be seeing much more of in future posts:



Sarah will also be working her magic at my wedding this summer, and I couldn't be happier to have her deliciousness at our tables. If you are searching for a private chef for your upcoming wedding or event, please call her!

occupational hazards

Guess where I ate dinner on a gorgeous fall evening in early October with my best girlfriends?



Yes, yes . . . probably my biggest occupational hazard yet, I got to spend a Saturday night at the Double T River Ranch in Clyde Park with the Assets . . . now don’t get me wrong, this was a working weekend. This night benefitted so many of us. In a wonderful twist of collaboration, this night brought us all together to style a photo shoot for the most lovely chef, Sarah Knecht, using the ideas, design and products of Leslie Lukas, Angela Trudeau-Klotz, and Elsa Campbell of The Woodlands. Addy and Deborah of the Double T Ranch hosted their amazing venue while keeping us entertained with their fabulous banter. Leslie and Angela brought in bucket after bucket of flowers to decorate two tablescapes each, photographed by both Lauren Brown and myself. And in between those setups and breakdowns, we photographed Sarah’s amazing food. (Angela’s and Leslie’s tables will be shown in two separate blog posts, but hurry on over to their websites and blogs to see what a fabulous addition to your wedding day each of these ladies would be!)

We arrived to a lunch of Homemade Macaroni and Cheese with Prosciutto. Two of my favorite foods in one hot dish? Yes, please!



While we were off shooting and designing, Sarah was preparing Sunday's breakfast . . . Buckwheat Bagels and Caramel Cinnamon Rolls. Now, normally I am not a breakfast person, but you can bet your hiney on that Sunday, I was!





This is the kind of food I cannot. stop. eating. Sarah started the amazing dinner meal with a Ratatouille Bruschetta with Artichoke Leaves, which was topped with fresh goat cheese and a balsamic reduction. I think at one point she had to pull the plate from my hands and offer it to the others. I even called her for the recipe a couple weeks ago. :) Eat your veggies!



Hi, Sarah!



And for dinner? I have seventeen words for you. Chili-Rubbed Prime Rib, Thai Noodles with Cinnamon-Curried Scallops, and Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomato Crust.



We spent the rest of the evening sipping wine, gossiping in the hot tub (don't worry, we weren't talking about you), playing pool, and comparing the size of our bellies after all this fabulous food. Sarah, thank you from all of the Assets. You are an amazing chef, a beautiful person, and a new friend. Muah!