Salt Lake City LdsWedding
S to the T to the L*U*V*! I know what you’re thinking right now… Wow! That is one heck of a bridal party!! The back story: September 2010, Sunny hired me to photograph her dance group, the incredibly talented: MAHANA Polynesian Dance Company! We met at Laguna Beach at high tide– it is a day we will always remember! She told me then, it didn’t matter where we were in the world, the day she got married, I was going to be her photographer. Fast forward to the end of 2012/2013, she met her man. They set a wedding date for the end of November in Salt Lake City and it just so happened we were in the same place at the same time! It worked out perfectly. Sunny and Tino, you make a fantastic couple! Mahalo! My love to you both:)
Las Vegas Family Session
Meet the Popes, whom I originally met in California, before they moved to Las Vegas. Would you believe Julie and Kenny have been married for almost 20 years?! These two have walked through the fire of life together, are still in love, growing strong, and have formed a beautiful family. It is always a pleasure to catch up with them, which happens every once in a while as they live in Vegas. This year they asked me to take their 2013 family portrait. We did some family pix and then some couples pix in honor of their upcoming wedding anniversary. Here are some of our faves. Enjoy:)
Los Angeles Wedding with Stephanie and Daniel
Stephanie and Daniel, wherever you are right now, know that I’m giving you both a big hug! It was a joy to work with you and be a part of your special day! Your ceremony was full of beautiful symbolism, anticipation and love, and your reception was a blast! Thank you for a memorable day. Here are some of my favorite images, the unity candle being my favorite shot of the day! Please enjoy! XOXO 🙂
One of my favorite images of all time!!
Big Cottonwood Canyon Engagement Session
It was a dark and stormy Utah afternoon. The dark clouds loomed thick overhead and we had already been rained on. Pressing forward despite inclement weather, we drove to the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon to commence a photographic celebration of Radhika and Ryan’s recent engagement. It was worth the effort. A soft afternoon glow carried us through a wondrous lakeside adventure of tall pines, grassy meadows, and a little game of go fish! (You’ll see what I mean as you scroll down.) I look forward to Ryan and Radhika’s wedding in November!
Walt Disney Concert Hall Engagement Session
I am EXCITED to share Stephanie and Daniel’s engagement session at The Walt Disney Concert Hall with the world! I’ve been wanting to do a shoot in Downtown L.A. for ages. Thank you Steph and Daniel for helping make that dream a reality! I look forward to working with you both again at your wedding in October! Congratulations and much love~
Laguna Beach Family Session with The Tinsley’s
This is one good looking family catching some salty sun at Laguna Beach! It is a pleasure and privilege to know and have worked with the Tinsley family. For the past 6 years, I “worked”, (code word for played), at the Isabel Patterson Child Development Center in Long Beach. This year, Ana Sophia was one of my preschoolers. Her vivacious spirit added so much life to our program. It has been a joy getting to know her and her family. We spent an afternoon climbing rocky tide pools, soaking up the ocean mist, and creating memories and images that will last a life time! Enjoy!
Katy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with twenty years of experience in the field of education. She specializes in forming intervention plans for students who are struggling with learning and works with students who have unmet emotional needs which can lead to behavior issues in the classroom and at home. Helping families create effective behavior support plans is her passion. If her services sound like they can benefit you or someone you know, you can find more info here~
Seal Beach Portrait Session with Denise
The black mustard was on a golden rampage when Denise and I got together for a portrait session to promote her art. Denise, you are such a beautiful person inside and out! Your depth, authenticity, playfulnes, and creativity are inspiring. It was such a pleasure to brainstorm the details of this shoot with you. Your inner artist shines through. (The heavy lifting was worth it!) 🙂 Thank you for your patronage and friendship and thank you to Jon and Becca for all your help! Much Love!
Long Beach Newborn Session
Welcome baby Dora into the world. She is such a sweet baby! It was great to work with her and to be assisted, led really, by the amazing Kayla Powers! See Kayla’s work here. Thanks to Erin for being such a patient mom! Here are my faves:
2 year anniversary of my blog
april 8, 2013
Another year has passed and my blog is now 2! This fills me with excitement! Why? Because I’ve concluded, after hours of research (aka blog stalking), that there is something magical that happens to photographers in their 3rd year of business. We come into our own. After wading through the trenches of portfolio building, finding a stylistic voice, and allowing the bruises from inevitable learning curves to heal, an irrefutable switch is flipped. We become visually sound (and hopefully financially as well!) To celebrate another year older and wiser too:), here are a few pix I took while visiting the L.A. Arboretum in February. Enjoy!
Lakewood Maternity Session Ron and Ivonne
Lets go for a walk down Memory Lane:) Meet Ivonne and Ron. The following image is one of my favorites from their engagement session, shot 7.31.10. Their engagement session was the official start of my photography career! I had spent a couple years building a portfolio and Ivonne had kept an eye on my work. It’s hard to believe it’s been over two and a half years since our Seal Beach adventure!
They were married on 10.15.10, with a reception the following day at The Reef in downtown Long Beach. There was so much love in that room!
We reunited this year for a session to honor the coming birth of their first child. Ivonne showed up in heels, on a phone call with her workplace-
She was still working full-time while 8 months pregnant! I couldn’t believe it. Who are you lady?!? Are you mortal?:)
Are you GORGEOUS? …YES!
Newport Beach LDS Wedding with Kristen and Daniel
Another beautiful day at the Newport Beach Temple for Kristen and Daniel’s sealing. During their engagement session, Kristen said something profound about marriage, “It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, only where you are going together.” Kristen and Daniel, you are so brave for taking that sentiment to heart. I desire your courage. I am so grateful to have been a part of your wedding day. Kristen, thank you for the years of friendship. All the best to you and your hubby~
The bride’s sister, Marie, was the Maid of Honor. When they were teenagers, Kristen asked Marie to sing at her wedding when that day came. The request was never renewed, but Marie remembered. She surprised Kristen and Daniel at the end of the reception with a serenade.
Lakewood Family Session with The Bons
The West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail is a beautiful suburban gem, tucked away beside a myriad of parks in the city of Lakewood, a neighboring city to the Bo family. The Bons are so art-full! Musically talented, theatrically inclined, on screen, on stage, and behind the scenes, they could put on a variety show that would be entertaining to all. It’s an honor to know them and to have been hired to photograph them. Check out the drum-line at the end! 🙂
Santa Monica Engagement Session | Kristen & Daniel
This Santa Monica engagement session was so much fun! Who doesn’t love California weather?! Where else can you splash around in the ocean while other parts of the country are bundling up for snow?! Kristen and Daniel were a pleasure to work with. So easy going~ We had such a fun time exploring the Santa Monica promenade, beach, and pier! Congratulations on your engagement! I look forward to photographing your wedding in 3 days!
Los Angeles Wedding Portraits
I was introduced to my beautiful friend Michele on the grounds of the Los Angeles LDS Temple where we were both volunteers. Little did I know, a couple years later she would be asking me to photograph her wedding day. Michele is one of the most optimistic women I have ever met. She’s spunky, fun, and her energy never seems to stop! She is a wonderful example of what it means to be comfortable and happy in your own skin independent of external circumstances and influence. When we first met, she was on a mission to enjoy life and meet new friends. Finding her future husband was somewhere in the mix too….
Then David entered the picture…. literally.
This is the spot where David purposed to Michele.
My favorite shot of the day!
Los Angeles Newborn Session
In case you haven’t heard the news, I am officially Auntie Dizzle. Yes, this is my new nephew and the first grandchild in the fam! Of course his welcoming into the world meant PHOTO SHOOT! He’s a sweetheart and we are so blessed to have him in our family. After numerous feedings, burpings, diaper changes and so forth, here are our favorite images:) Much love to you Little One and your parents! xoxo
Bakersfield Bridal/Groomals
september 29, 2012
Home is where family is and that’s what brought Kathleen and Ken to Bakersfield. They gathered with Ken’s family in California for a ring ceremony and reception, following their wedding in Texas with Kathleen’s family. These shots followed their California reception. I love the playfulness that exists between Kathleen and Ken. They are a super fun couple and it was truly a pleasure working with them!
Irvine Regional Park Engagement Session
august 27, 2012
Ashley and Ryan were teenage sweethearts. Eight years later, Ryan says, “I love Ashley because I know she would do anything for me. I love the way she smiles. She always smells good. I love her because she loves me for who I am, inside and out, no matter what.” In return, Ashley loves Ryan’s fun-loving spirit and how kind he is, not just to her, but to all people. I admire you both for your commitment to each other and the journey that has brought you to this point. I look forward to photographing your wedding in January! Congratulations!
Los Angeles LDS Temple Wedding with Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden Reception
Wow! What a day this was. I felt so privileged to witness two families coming together with such a deep love for each other. Nick and Angela were married in the Los Angeles LDS Temple, followed by a reception at CSULB’s Japanese Gardens. Personal touches were abundant including Angela’s wedding dress, which she sewed herself, and succulent center pieces, bouquets and boutonnieres (Angela is a landscape architect with a focus on water conservation- Go Team Earth!) A friend composed an original song especially for their wedding day. Guests enjoyed the afternoon, taking a leisurely pace, soaking up the overwhelming warmth of the occasion. <3
Newport Beach LDS Temple Sealing
june 30, 2012
There are many wonderful things I could say about Ashley Bell. I met her while she was serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She gave 110% to her mission and it was a privilege getting to know her in that capacity. She and Ethan recently returned to California, (where they both served and met), to be married in the Newport Beach LDS temple. It was a beautiful day. Here are some favorite pix from our mini session just before their sealing (wedding). Enjoy!
