Check Out Kristina Rusch’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Rusch.

Hi Kristina , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography has always been a part of my life. My dad was a wedding photographer, and from a young age I was always “borrowing” his gear to document the world around me. I took my first paid gig at 18 (with no idea what I was doing) and immediately fell in love with telling stories through images.

After earning a film degree with a minor in creative writing and drama, I spent years behind the scenes as a lighting assistant and eventually launched a photo/video business in the music world, capturing the euphoric energy of concerts and festivals.

In 2021, I shifted into weddings and the adventure travel industry, curating one-of-a-kind guest experiences in national parks: think s’mores stations, remote charcuterie boards, and happy hours in the wilderness. That’s when it clicked, I didn’t just love photography. I loved creating experiences people would remember forever.

Krush Photography is the result of all those chapters coming together: art, logistics, storytelling, adventure, and heart. Today, I photograph weddings and elopements in Colorado, Hawaii, and anywhere couples want to break free from tradition and make their own rules. Whether we’re hiking to a mountain lake or celebrating barefoot on a beach, my goal is to make the entire experience feel easy, meaningful, and completely you.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road… but that’s where all the growth happened.

Leaving the security of a corporate marketing job to build something of my own was scary. I dealt with imposter syndrome, burnout, and the pressure to “do it all”, especially as a one-woman business juggling photography, travel, logistics, and client care.

Then there were the curveballs, weather mishaps, timeline postponements, gear failures in remote locations. But the hardest part was trusting that people would find value in something different. I wasn’t offering cookie-cutter weddings or stiff portraits, I wanted to create something more immersive, intimate, and real. That meant carving out my own lane in a saturated market and staying rooted in my values even when it felt uncertain.

But those challenges shaped my business into what it is now: intentional, bold, and built on genuine connection. Every struggle made me more confident in the way I serve couples and more excited to keep evolving.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Krush Photography specializes in adventurous weddings and elopements in Colorado, Hawaii, and anywhere couples are drawn to wild, beautiful places. I work with couples who want more than just pretty photos, they want an experience that feels like them. That might mean hiking to a remote alpine lake, hosting a cozy weekend with their closest people, or exchanging vows on a windswept beach at sunrise.

What I do goes beyond showing up with a camera. I help guide couples through the entire experience, from permits and timelines to location scouting and vendor recommendations so the day feels easy, intentional, and totally stress-free. My background in adventure travel and festival production means I thrive in unpredictable environments and know how to bring the magic.

I’m most proud of the trust my couples give me. They let me into one of the most personal and emotional days of their lives, and I don’t take that lightly. I’ve cried behind the lens, cheered during first looks, and lugged camera gear up steep trails to get the shot.

What sets me apart is the blend of creativity, logistics, and heart. I’m not here to recreate Pinterest trends, I’m here to tell your story with honesty, artistry, and a little bit of grit.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people are surprised to learn that I work behind the scenes at music festivals an adventure travel company, planning immersive experiences in some of the most remote places in the country. From setting up candlelit dinners in the middle of the desert to organizing large-scale art installations at festivals, I’ve always been drawn to creating moments people never forget.

That background is a big part of what makes Krush Photography different. I don’t just show up and take photos. I know how to manage logistics, keep things calm under pressure, and make even the wildest locations feel effortless and fun.

Oh, and I’m also a certified scuba diver, CPR-trained, Leave No Trace certified, and have a serious love for snacks. So if your elopement needs a safety plan and a charcuterie board I’ve got you covered.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.krushphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krush.photo/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/krushphotovideo
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinarusch/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@krushphotovideo

Image Credits
Kristina Rusch, Krush Photography