So a few weeks ago the Martinez Family and I headed off to Oak Glen, obviously my new favorite spot to shoot. It’s the fall colors that get me- I love the gold and orange colors, makes me feel like we actually have a fall season in California. We had a good time, the kids cooperated and so did their parents ; )
We pulled off the side of the road and found this awesome picture spot.
So I told them to just keep walking and I’d follow…
This little series just makes me smile. I couldn’t pick a favorite so I just included each of my favorites.
Then there’s our little Ally, that I could photograph all the day long.
And Benny who’s as handsome as ever…
And of course little Bailey, who’s just full of sugar and spice and everything nice.
I like this last picture, it just makes me smile. Probably because 9 years ago, I would have never imagined that they’d look like this. And 9 years ago I couldn’t have imagined that I’d still be a part of their lives. And for that, I’m thankful.
I love you guys and I can’t wait to do it again next year and the year after that.
Love Deeply.
It’s hard to believe that 4 years ago tonight, I went into labor with our oldest son. Actually, I didn’t really go into labor- my water just broke. But that was enough for them to keep me and so goes the story of delivering a healthy, plump, roly-armed little boy. A lot has happened in the 4 years he’s been alive on this earth. My heart has grown into what I like to call my “mommy heart”. You mommy’s know what I’m talking about. That part of your heart that becomes unlocked when you find out you’re gonna have a baby. It’s hard to believe at first that your heart can love someone so much. It’s even harder to believe when that little someone loves you back- unconditionally. I remember the day I brought him home. I remember being scared, tired, sore, tired, apprehensive and I think I second guessed myself on every little thing. Did I feed him the right way? Was his diaper too tight? Were his jammies comfortable? Would he grow up to look like his daddy, or his mommy? Would he still call me mommy when he turns 16? I remember the moment when all those fears and all those insecurities went away entirely. Well, maybe not entirely, but I didn’t question myself or my place in his life so much. It was the day when I looked at him, and he recognized me. He smiled. And so blossomed, my mommy heart. I mean- can you even imagine my excitement when he looked at me like this:
And so over the last four years, he’s done all the things that little boys do. He’s learned to walk, to climb trees, to hit a baseball, to wrestle with his dad, to make everything a gun, how to pester his little brothers…endlessly. He’s learned what snow tastes like on his tongue, that Jesus loves him more than we do, that his Papa is his biggest fan and that being silly is just fun.
More than anything, I hope he’s learned that his mommy and daddy adore him. Whole heartedly and completely adore him. That nothing he ever does will change that. That he’ll always be my little boy. That he’s the best big brother. That I love him…completely.
Love Deeply
As I sit here writing this, my heart is about to pound out of my chest. I’m entering this into an online photo challenge. I’ve never done this before. But I figure- there’s a first time for everything right? Oh, and a little side note- it’s being judged by the Michael Jordan or the Tiger Woods or…(you get my point) of wedding photography. [b]ecker.
yeah. I think my heart just stopped. But here goes anyways. : ) my attempt at sun flare-
oh…and I know I haven’t blogged anything about Melissa and Johann’s wedding, but I’m going to. Very soon.
Love Deeply.
I’m a little behind on my blogging. But I’ve just about completed editing my recent sessions so keep your eyes open because I’ll be blogging a bit more this week. A few weeks ago I met up with the Papavero family for their portrait session at the University of Redlands. I was a bit nervous, but more excited to get some fun portraits of their family. Emily mentioned a few times that this is the first time they’ve done family pictures in, well, years. So we took a very short ride down the street to the University and started our session.
Let me begin by stating the obvious. Tony and Emily are two very beautiful people- not just outside- but inside. I can picture them walking down the street hand in hand when they’re 90 years old. Or sitting together holding hands while they watch the sunset. They both have such a quiet elegance about them, it’s very charming. Here’s what I mean-
Don’t they just make you smile? Anyway- here’s the whole family- they’re not so bad either ; )
Certainly the cutest one of the bunch is Elijah-
I love the fact that during most of the session, someone was touching or smiling at Elijah. They just adore him-
I didn’t have the heart to keep telling them to look at me. And now I’m really glad I didn’t because I think it makes for the sweetest pictures.
Lastly, this picture just makes my heart smile. Maybe it’s because I have three of my own or maybe it’s because I know how proud their parents are of each one of them. Either way, it makes me smile.
Tony and Emily- you two are the best- your family is beautiful. But I think you already know that. Thank-you soooo much for letting me be a part of these moments, it was fun! See you all soon.
Love Deeply.
Last week I headed out to Pasadena to the Descanso Gardens to shoot an engagement session. To say this place is beautiful is an understatement. I walked in and wondered- could this be the Garden of Eden??? Aren’t there supposed to be 2 angels guarding this place? Ok I’m being dramatic. I know. BUT- this place is unreal. If anyone reading my blog wants to shoot an engagement session or a family session at this place- I’m sooo there! It’s a bit of a drive from Hemet, but your pictures would rock.
Speaking of pictures…meet Johann and Melissa-
They’re getting married next Saturday and I’m thrilled that I get to shoot their wedding. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. They exude that old school love, like the older Noah and Allie from the Notebook.
Johann is so tender and sweet with Melissa- it’s beautiful to watch. And it’s something that you just can’t fake. You have it- or you don’t.
Towards this point in the shoot- I like to just follow my couples around and photograph whatever happens.
See what I mean about old love? I know I say it over and over again. I’ll say it till the day I die. I love LOVE.
And I love beautiful Oak Fields too.
I can’t wait for their wedding. Think Jane Austen meets Noah and Allie from the Notebook. Yep- it’s gonna be a little eclectic, a little old school, a little new school and whole lot of awesome.
Love Deeply.
When Bre contacted me a couple of weeks ago to do her Senior Portrait session- I was stoked. I actually really enjoy doing senior sessions, they’re relaxed and totally excited about being a Senior. Sooooo off to Oak Glen we headed- it might be my new favorite spot. There’s something about the light up there- it’s just- wait for it—–yummy ; ) (that was just for you Laur).
Anyway- meet Bre, well before you do that- check out her details. You know me- I’m all about the details. I LOVEd how much attention and thought she put into each outfit-
Here she really is and please- check out her lashes. I mean seriously- it’s not even fair. (they’re real in case you’re wondering- you know I asked)
One of the things I ask is for my seniors is to describe themselves. Bre described herself as happy- I don’t know if I believe her ; )
She also said that she really loves Jesus. I really love that about her-
I should also mention that her mom and little brother Joel were there with us. At one point I was showing them pictures on my camera and Joel commented, “Bre, you’re really pretty”. I agree Joel- but not just her outsides, her spirit too-
Now she really starts workin’ it- I love it!
I think every girl needs a pink Princess hat, don’t you?
We wrapped up her session around dusk, when the light is just perfect. It’s dreamy.
Bre’s laughing at me squealing–”this is soooo pretty!” in my most high pitched voice. But it is isn’t it?!!
Bre- I had such a great time with you and your mom (and your little brother). I’m so glad I got the opportunity to meet you and to document you at this awesome time in your life. I pray the Lord shows you His clear direction for your life and that you seek Him with all your heart. Happy Senior Year- and give your momma a big hug for me!
Love Deeply.
Last week I got to meet up with one of my old college bestie’s (yes that’s a real word) Penny, for a photo shoot and dinner. Actually- I just went for the dinner and conversation ; ) As I was taking pictures of Zoe (my bestie’s little girl) I couldn’t help but remember how much fun we had in college. Those days seem like they happened forever ago. Days that I’m thankful happened and days that I’m thankful are over. I met the love of my life during those days and am so blessed to say I met friends that I still know and love today. Anyway- enough of the reminiscing and on to the good stuff.
Of course Penny’s little girl Zoe is rockin’ the shoes- like any good little girl does:
I wonder what she’s thinking in this picture. I would tell her to think about raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens…
Sometimes it’s the pictures without any faces that hold so much emotion and meaning for us.
Their just a good looking family aren’t they?
She’s just SOOOOO kissable!
I have no words:
None at all-
They just make me smile and smile-
This location makes me smile too. I love this last picture- Zoe kept running back and forth and jumping into Penny’s arms. So sweet.
I can’t wait for our next session, it will be fun for me to see how Zoe’s changed in the months gone by. Mike and Penny I had a blast, thanks for dinner and the great conversation. Kiss that baby girl for me- a hundred times a day. : )
Love deeply.
I woke up on Saturday and smiled. I’ve been waiting to photograph Katie and Jason’s wedding for a loooong time : ) Katie has been excited to get married for months, each e-mail we exchanged she’d always talk about how excited she was. I love that. It reminds me that love is not dead. That love is still alive and that there are people left in this world who can’t wait to start forever, together. So with butterfly’s in my stomach, I made my way to Jen’s house (I only know her as Jen- and I’ve come to love her and her house! It has beautiful light and great accents.) Anyway- here are a few of my favorites from their special day.
First off- hellllllooooo beautiful details:
I nearly fell over when I saw her beautiful Alfred Angelo gown. And I can’t explain how giddy this picture makes me- it’s usually about this time that the bride doesn’t stop smiling, neither do I-
Hello beautiful ladies in your beautiful dresses and smiling faces-
Oh and by the way- this is Jason, can’t forget about the groom-
But who am I kidding- I could have photographed her all day. Brides are what I live for, it’s their radiant faces that just make me smile-
And while I have about 1000 different photos of the ceremony and the reception and the first dance, I didn’t choose any of them to blog about. I just wanted to take photos of the two of them all day long. Here’s why-
This is why I photograph weddings- I mean seriously? How stinkin’ cute are they?!
Ok- here’s a cute one from the ceremony. I love how Jason’s eyes just lit up when Katie walked down the isle. And I think it’s cute that the groomsmen are smiling at her too-
But I leave you with this- because it just makes my heart melt.
Jason and Katie- it was more than a privilege to photograph your wedding, it was my honor. I wish the two of you years and years of happiness. Thank-you for letting me be a part of your day. It was awesome and I hope you both love these : )
Love deeply.
This past weekend I had the privilege of taking senior portraits for Christin. When her mom e-mailed me and asked for a session I could hardly believe it was for her. I’ve known Christin since she was about 8 years old and she was still 8 years old in my mind. Fast forward 9 years… She’s turned into a beautiful young lady. I mean seriously. She’s just beautiful-
I was really excited when she told me she wanted pictures at the tree. You know which tree I’m talking about- my tree. ; -) The tree that sits and just waits for me and my camera. I have a weird obsession with it. I know this. And I’m ok with it.
Anyways- enough about the tree…so this is Christin’s Senior year. I’ve learned a few things about her. Like the fact that she could very easily turn into a supermodel-
I’ve learned that she has an infectious smile-
That she’s very easygoing, my kinda girl-
Oh and one last thing, she has great ideas. There was this random patch of sunflowers that she asked if we could get a few pictures by…why yes…yes we can-
I can not tell you all how much I love this picture. I think it’s so symbolic of this time in her life. There are so many ways for her to go. Mostly, I hope she chooses the way the Lord is leading, whether it’s left or right or straight ahead.
Thank-you Christin for letting me capture this exciting time in your life. I pray the Lord’s blessing on the years to come. There is so much for you to do and see and discover- and I hope you do it all. With that beautiful smile. Oh- and Giovanna- I’m so honored that you thought of me to take pictures of your baby girl. It was a blast!
Remember to love deeply.
I’m more than happy to say, that 7 years ago today I woke up to a cool October morning, much like this morning and realized it was the first day of the rest of my life. My new life. With my husband. The husband created for me by the Creator of the Universe. I believe, more than 30 years ago, when he was formed in his mothers womb that God designed him with me in mind. I believe that God answered his mothers prayers from 30 years ago about the girl her little boy would marry. When his dad laid his hands on him and prayed at night, I believe God smiled and knew exactly who they were praying for. The thought overwhelms me, it makes me all sappy and teary eyed. But mostly, it makes me incredibly thankful and delightful. I believe that my heavenly Father gave this husband of mine to me to complete me and I him.
The past 7 years I have been understanding this more completely. The husband is quiet. Sometimes I need that. There are days he comes home and I talk his ear off, he just sits and nods his head- “uh-huh”. There are days when I’m all drama, and he’s the quiet calm that I need. There are days when a hug- no words- just a hug- get me thru the day. There are days when I’m a little teary eyed and he makes me laugh. These characteristics that used to drive me crazy- I’ve realized – are his characteristics because they suit me. I don’t know how it’s possible, but each day I fall more deeply in love with him. Watching him with our sons, watching him sleep, watching him work. It all works together to make me love him even more.
He is the love of my life and daddy to our three beautiful sons. He’s not a perfect man, just the perfect man for me. Happy Anniversary honey and thank-you for choosing me 7 years ago to be your wife.
ps- the flowers were a sweet surprise.
