Cerritos Newborn Session
Can there be anything sweeter than bringing a healthy baby into the world and holding that child in your arms?? This Cerritos newborn session was a true celebration of life! Good things do come to those who ask… and wait! Baby Dean was a trooper the day of our shoot and Lindsay and Mike are taking on first-time parenting like pros! Please enjoy these highlights! xoxo
Orange County Newborn Session
This Orange County family session reminded me that there’s nothing sweeter than a newborn baby. Introducing Benjamin Ward, also referred to as Benjamin Button. 🙂 Love radiates in this home. I was particularly struck by this first-time momma’s candid emotions. Everything, from how she and her husband met, to how she knew that she had finally found the right man, the future father of her son. She held her baby so tenderly. Bringing a child into the world creates the context for endless sacrifice; giving up time, sleep, leisure activities, sharing all that you have and are to help your little person thrive. I imagine that in return, your heart doubles in size. Your capacity to give and feel love expands. What a priceless gift. Thank you Sarah and Smith for choosing me to document one of the sweetest moments of your lives together. May these images bring you great joy! xoxo
Los Angeles Wedding and Quiet Canyon Reception
This beautiful L.A. June Wedding was brimming with tender moments; misty eyes, warm embraces, and heartfelt sentiments. Two favorite moments came when the speeches were given at the reception. The groom, a non-Spanish speaker, prepared a message in Spanish, the bride’s native language. I caught a few words, but the bride’s expression spoke volumes! So much LOVE! The brother of the bride also spoke and shared that the only tears the groom has caused are tears of joy! I am so happy for this sweet couple and so grateful I got to be a part of their special day! xoxo
Many thanks to the amazing team who helped bring this wedding to life…
Venue: The Quiet Canon Event Center
Makeup and Hair: @la.petite.artiste
Florist: La Mirada Florals
Floral Backdrop: @bloomindream
DJ: David Real @ www.dizzleit.com
Griffith Park Engagement Session
It was such a beautiful, bright spring day for this engagement session at the old Griffith Park Zoo. We were not the only ones who thought it was a perfect day to be here. Once we arrived, we found film crews tucked behind every nook and cranny– and there was the beginning gatherings of an outdoor evening movie at the park; soon thereafter the Halloween theme song began to waft through the air on an endless loop; not exactly the most romantic soundtrack for an engagement session, but it made us all laugh! Lauren and Ken were up for anything and made this session a lot of fun! Looking forward to their Veteran’s Day wedding later this year! xoxo
Costa Mesa Portrait Session
Light and shadow were in full effect for this Costa Mesa portrait session. This couple had been wanting to have professional photos taken for some time now to celebrate their love. I am a huge supporter of documenting relationships at any and all stages. Whether you are celebrating 6 months together or 60 years… I am ready to document your love! Thanks for trusting my process and experimentation Mary and Jordan! SO happy with this first “ring of fire” shot!!! It was a blast working with you both! Enjoy! xoxo
Swami Beach Family Session
It was 62 degrees and raining when I arrived, but this Swami’s Beach family session turned out beautifully. Baby Ronin touched sand and the Pacific for the very first time. The low tide gently lapped at our feet. Mom and Dad grinned as they watched Ronin’s reactions to the ocean water washing over his toes. The sky was overcast and the sun finally popped out 5 minutes after we were packed up and piled into our cars. No matter. It was a morning spent in the best possible way: documenting a family’s love for each other.
Arlington Garden Engagement Session
This Pasadena engagement session at Arlington Gardens was filled with lush landscapes and native California flora. I loved exploring the garden with this sweet couple! Notable details included a plethora of passion flowers, (ooh la la!), an agave larger than us, and a super cool walkable meditation labyrinth!! (Insert heart eyes here.) Enjoy! xoxo
Los Angeles Wedding Matt & Mayra
Matt and Mayra were given this advice on their wedding day: Become best friends. Become one (in heart and mind). Keep God and prayer in your marriage. I can think of no better recipie for a happy marriage. Thank you Matt and Mayra for hiring me to be your wedding photographer! It was a joy working with you both and I wish you all the love and success in this new journey together. xoxo!
Lakewood Family Session with the Washburns
There is something very special about being in the presence of a brand new baby. Their sweet innocence fills me with reverence and awe. It was a privilege to get to work with the Washburn family and help them to welcome their little girl Alison into the world. Sessions at home are a great way to go because you get to be in a familiar and comfortable environment, can easily change wardrobe if desired, and it involves zero travel time for you as the client. Something to consider if you are wanting to book a family session but aren’t sure about a location. If you are interested in setting a session up or have any questions, please use the contact link above and send me an email. I’d love to work with you and your family! xoxo
Los Rios Historic District Wedding Portraits
A beautiful couple and a stunning location produced the results of this quick session that was sandwiched between the ceremony and temple portraits in L.A. and the drive southward to Meridith and Troy’s reception in San Clemente. The first time I visited the Los Rios Historic District, I knew it was a prime location to photograph. I’m so grateful I got to return with these two and create these images with them. Meridith is wearing one of her three wedding day dresses. I will be posting more on Instagram and Facebook! 🙂
Pasadena City Hall Engagement Session
It was so much fun to shoot at Pasadena’s prestigious City Hall. Talk about a stairway to heaven! Mayra and Matt are such a sweet couple, full of generosity, knew exactly what they wanted, brought their own ideas to the table, and were a breeze to work with. I don’t think a photographer could ask for anything more. Looking forward to your wedding in March!!! xoxo
Summer 2015 Portraits
It’s hard to believe that summer is coming to a close. I look back over the past few months and feel most grateful for two things: 1.The intense temperatures will soon be on hiatus, and 2. for the fun I’ve been able to have behind the camera with Andrew and Becca, The Walkowskis, Ana Sophia and family, and the Gleasons. Here are a few highlights. Enjoy!
San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail Family Session
I love this family for so many reasons! Fun, fashionable, and faithful are a few words that come easily to mind when I think of the Araizas. I know them through church association and have so many good memories with them individually. All the hours of ironing and agonizing over wardrobe choices, prepping and bribing the children to smile paid off. 🙂 Loretta and Henry, you have a beautiful family~ I hope to have such a legacy of my own. Much love to you all and thank you for your patronage! xo!
Rancho Los Cerritos Family Session
Talk about panache! You may remember Angel from her graduation shoot here. Since then, she has married, brought a son into the world, and is in the midst of obtaining a Masters degree in Education. GO girl!!! 😀 We had a great time catching up and I loved the energy they brought to the session. Here are my favorite images. Enjoy!
Downtown Long Beach Couples Session
I’ve known Hannah since the day she was born. It’s hard to believe she’s all grown up and married now! (Adam and Hannah flew in from Washington the night before our shoot. Needless to say they were a bit tired the next morning.) I had suggested we start at sunrise for a dramatic sky. I’m so pleased with the results! Check out the first two images! Well worth rolling out of bed at 5 a.m.! 😀 Thank you for your patronage Hannah and for a wonderful morning cruising around Long Beach! Congrats to you and Adam and much love to you both!
Disneyland Engagement Session
For a romance that budded and bloomed at Disneyland, it wasn’t hard for Lindsay and Mike to pick a location for their engagement session. Their first kiss happened on the tram that takes guests to and from the park and it seems as if all the major dating milestone moments could be connected to a ride, a restaurant, or location within the park. What a fun place to fall in love! Mike even proposed to Lindsay at that scenic walkway next to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. When they asked me if I’d be opened to shooting at Disneyland, how could I resist? It was a blast! Here are a few of my favorites from the day. Congrats Lindsay and Mike! Looking forward to your wedding in October!
