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.

Last Wednesday I headed up the hill to Oak Glen for a family photo-shoot with the Masonis’.  It turned out to be such a gorgeous day- only a few more weeks until all those tall trees start changing colors. I can’t wait!  In the meantime- here’s a sample of what we got.

Asher was all over the place and when I mean all over- I mean he didn’t stop running or climbing the entire time.  That’s what I just love about boys- they’ll keep you active!

Noah’s laughing at all my funny jokes- see-

I asked little Peter what he wanted me to call him. He said Pete, but I just couldn’t do it. I tried a few times but he’ll always be Petey to me, see what I mean:

Oh sweet little Asher- what you can’t see is the pumpkin he’s reaching for in between his legs! Still- I think it makes for a cute picture.

I love this next picture. There’s just something so sweet about brotherly love.

10 years of marriage, 3 kids later and they’re still in love with each other.  I love it.

The Masonis Family-

Thanks you guys for letting me capture your family. I had a blast and can’t wait to do it again!

Remember to love deeply.

Meet Elijah Paul-

Eli’s #6 in a long line of nieces/nephews/grandkids.  He’s surrounded by 3 older boy cousins (and Bailey who might as well be a boy  and I’m quite sure he’s gonna give us a run for our money.  He just makes me smile every time I see him, those big blue eyes and his sweet little smile. Doesn’t he make your heart melt?   I love seeing how much he changes each week, whether he’s making new noises, rolling over, trying to crawl.  I remember the first time I felt him move in his mommies belly, I remember the first moment I saw him enter this world, and the first time he laughed at me.  Yesterday while I was on the floor taking pictures of him, I realized it wasn’t very long ago that I sat and watched Allyson do these very same things.  Allyson’s the oldest and it literally feels like last week I was watching her do this.  I tried to remind myself to just enjoy it-

I know sooner than I’d like, he’ll be 7 years old and today will be a distance memory.

Auntie loves you Eli-li, with all my heart and so much more.

Remember to love deeply.

Nothing in life makes me happier than these three little boys.  Well, their daddy makes me equally as happy but since he’s working I couldn’t really take any cute pictures of him.  Which reminds me that I need to get some family pictures on the wall, pictures that include yours truly. Anyway- that’s not what this post is about. It’s about the boys and how they just make my heart melt with happiness.

Joshua- the littlest one.

I still can not figure out who he looks like, I’m thinking that he’s the perfect combination of his older brothers. He’s got Samuel’s chubbiness (I think that’s a word) and Michael’s features. He’s starting to coo and ahh a lot, which totally makes me smile every time I hear him.  He’s officially sleeping thru the night (yeah for Baby Wise!).  I feel like I’m finally turning the corner into sanity, you mommies know what I’m talking about.  No more 2am feedings and no more every 2 hour feedings.  It’s amazing what a little sleep will do for a girl!

Samuel- the middle one.

Shown here doing what he does best- climbs up onto the table and sits in Mikey’s chair.  I love that he leans his head forward to give you kisses, kisses for no reason at all.  He’s very fond of giving you things right now.  He’ll waddle over and hand you a toy, or a shoe or a cup, or you know-whatever he’s NOT supposed to be playing with. Just this morning I noticed he was trying to bottle feed his little brother. By bottle feeding I mean, sitting on him and putting the bottle in his eyeball.  That’s Samuel- just trying to be helpful.

Michael-the oldest one.

I can’ t wait until he’s in junior high and I can show off this picture.  For now I’ll just show it off to all of you.  Michael is enjoying preschool so much, each day he tells me about all the things they do. And almost every time I pick him up he asks why he has to come home already. He also loves cubbies and wants to race thru his cubby book to complete every bear hug. I have to explain to him that he can’t memorize all 35 verses so he’ll have to wait.

Never did I imagine that three boys would bring me so much joy. Each time I got pregnant I prayed for a girl, now I can’t imagine NOT having these three little boys. It’s true what they say- boys love their mommy- I’m thankful for that.

Remember to love deeply.

When Danelle called me and told me her idea (actually it was her husbands idea, but who’s really asking?) for their Christmas card I was ALL over it.  Like white on rice, like a kid and chocolate cake, like…you get what I’m saying.  Anyway- we met up at our church and started to set the stage.  I’m talking literally- but I’m not sharing those until I finish their Christmas card.

I love the look on Emma’s face (the toddler).  It’s a cross between “I can’t stand you” and “I’m bored with you”. I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry!

Here is Juliann- looking as adorable as ever:

This was Judah’s idea of a “tough” face- he’s too cute for me to take seriously.

If I was 30 years younger- I’d fall in love and marry him. I mean honestly- how can you resist a boy and an electric guitar???

Emma finally warmed up to me after I bribed her with a granola bar.  Hey- I know what makes a girl tick!

It was a great shoot that I’m super happy about, I hope you guys are too!