The name reflects the invisible threads that bind us to each other and the stories that deserve to be preserved in artful, unforgettable ways — between lovers, families, generations, and moments that define a lifetime.
Every image created isn't just a snapshot; it’s a tether — a tangible link to the emotions, love, and fleeting beauty of a day that will never happen again.
Our approach is simple:
Connection first. Story always.
I’m Kriztelle, the heart behind Tethered Stories.
I started Tethered Stories because I believe the most powerful photos aren’t posed—they’re felt. After years of capturing weddings, elopements, and families in Chicago and beyond, I’ve seen how photography can slow time and anchor us to the people we love.
How it all began
There’s a photo album tucked away in a bottom drawer — old images that survived the loss of a home, fragments of moments that built a family’s history.
That’s where it all began for me.
From the time I was little, I was drawn to photographs — not just for how they looked, but for how they felt. I would sit quietly, flipping through pages of family memories, feeling the weight and beauty of every preserved moment.
It wasn’t about perfect poses. It was about remembering emotions: the laughter, the love, the life that once filled a room.
When I first owned a camera at age 12, I wasn’t chasing perfection. I was chasing feeling.
I still am.
We have bunnies! Our oldest rescue is named Gigi. She's a sassy queen who is now showing her cuddly side. Our newest family member is Sir George (Curious George a.k.a Mr. Wobbles) because he's very curious and goes all over the house and well.. he's very wobbly.
And of course, our angel, Leo, who crossed the rainbow bridge in August 2024 🌈 🤍
I'm a bun mom
grandma hobbies
about Kriztelle
In the fall of 2024, my besties and I started playing Dungeons and Dragons and we're hooked. While I'm a newbie to DnD, RPG is not new to me. I grew up playing Ragnarok in the Philippines and appreciate RPG games so much. I started playing Baulder's Gate 3 as well 😜
Newbie at dnd
On my spare time when I'm not feeling very social, you can find me reading a book or listening to an audiobook, crocheting, or learning how to sew with my sewing machine. Yep. Talk about grandma hobbies but I absolutely love it!
I didn't go to school for photography. I have a Bachelor's in Rehabilitation Science who was on track for Occupational Therapy. Clearly, I am not using my degree. Instead, I spent and still spend a lot or time learning anything and everything about photography, or anything relating to cameras.
Self Taught photographer