Time to Get Ready

Things have been ramping up around here. This coming weekend we're photographing the wedding for "The On's" (my nickname for Dawn and John), with Sarah and Matt's the following weekend in Cleveland. But my focus right now is on finishing the photos from Travis and Aliah's stunning wedding in Mexico.
Finding time to blog again is going to be tough, but I thought I would toss one out there for you to peek at. Aliah is simply breath-taking. And in this shot, she was only getting ready for the wedding rehearsal! I will be posting some more from their wedding as soon as possible, but I'm putting this one out there now just to wet your appetite.

The Brown Family Comes for a Visit

What an honor it is to continue to be a part of a family by photographing them as they grow. The Brown family has given me that honor and I'm thrilled about it. Bernadette and Al have now welcomed baby Justice into their lives, and he sure makes the family complete. The family lives on the East Coast, and still look me up to photograph them on this same beach each time they're in town. It's the same beach where I first photographed them when Bernadette was pregnant with her oldest son, A.J. As you see by his size, that was a little while back, and before my digital days.

The beach was crazy busy on this day, and I had a star sighting! David Baxter from Ohana Photography was there on a photo shoot too. Clearly it was a fine day to be photographed.

4-5-4

Saying "please" and "thank you" are important. And personally, I think knowing them in many languages is also important. Charlie hadn't said those words in Spanish for awhile and I taught them to him again. About a half an hour later, Charlie asked me for a drink, then said, "4-5-4." He meant to say "por favor."

A Few More of Sarah & Matt

Finally I found a moment to upload a few more images from Sarah and Matt's engagement session, including one where I was having a little more fun with "the ring" shot. And I just have to say that I LOVE New York! You don't get this kind of graffiti just anywhere. Kidding aside and artistically speaking, it's the love, warmth and tenderness you see between these two, regardless of the rough grunge surrounding the graffiti brings to these images that makes me like them so much. But then again, maybe that's just me.
Gotta comment? I'd love it if you'd post it.

Sarah, Matt & New York City!

Have you ever been so excited about something you don't even know how best to start? That's how I feel about this. After being asked by Sarah if I could photograph her and Matt's engagement session, and in New York City, I could hardly be contained. A gorgeous couple... a fabulous city... What an opportunity!
Here are just two pictures from the 2 day session. The first one has to be one of my all-time favorites. Sorry Matt & Sarah, it's not just because your both smoking hot, but it's the spectator on the bridge who clearly agrees with me that makes this one of my favs. Just as we were about to begin taking photos on the Brooklyn Bridge, the very place that Matt made one of the worlds most romantic proposals to Sarah, I captured this man walking by and "enjoying the view".
As for the second photo, Sarah's smile is so warm genuine that most of their photos from the shoot show her that way, but this one of her and Matt... there's just something about it. How she's melted into him with the soft expression of being deeply and truly contented and fulfilled with this man. I just love it.
Please add your COMMENTS too. I know that many of you peek at my blog, but I would love to get your input, so please do. If you are worried Blogger is going to send you junk mail, it's not going to.

Brittany & Dylan's Big Day

I'm excited to share some photos from Brittany & Dylan's big day. They are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. These are just a few of my favorite images from their incredible fun day. I'm so happy for these two. I also have to share with you that one of the best parts about the reception had to be the food! No, not that fancy schmancy stuff, but Brittany's favorite meal... Cheeseburgers and Fries! They rocked and it was such a fun way to make their wedding reflect their fun personalities. It when the wedding is truly personally that it becomes something special.

My photo buddy Donna didn't get the chance to try the way yummy burgers because this was the wedding she broke her arm at while working with me! That's right, at the very beginning of photographing the before ceremony shots, she tripped, fell on her elbow, and broke it. My over achiever friend didn't even tell me until AFTER we were finished with the ceremony, and formal portraits of the families and the couple. Can you believe that!? Hat's off to Jessica Claire's Shoot Sac on this occasion as well. It's what Donna fell on. Although her elbow broke, the lenses in the bag were fine. How's that for a testimonial of a product. I keep telling Donna she needs to share that story with Jessica Claire.

Love at First Sight... and 15 Years

A couple of weeks ago I got a call from a man named Dave who had plans to surprise his wife with a recommitment ceremony. They live in Tucson but were going to be coming to Coronado like they often do, only this time, Dave was going to surprise his wife with the recommitment ceremony.

The love at first site part has to do with me. Dave, his wife Cristin were the cutest things, I couldn't help but fall in love with these two and the love that they share. It's so sweet to see that after 15 years of marriage, a husband would go to such lengths to surprise his wife with such a wonderful gift of wanting to do it all over again. Dave and Cristin had there 2 gorgeous daughters and a handful of friends at the ceremony. It was a sincere pleasure to meet everyone of them, and thanks to the intimate size of it, I was able to do just that.

Cristin was so cute when she said she was nervous. By this point, she should know what she's in for. And when you look that good... Please. There's no need for butterflies in the belly.

The ceremony was conducted by Pastor Gary Boggs of Living Water Fellowship (www.calvarychapelcoronado.com), and it was lovely and meaningful. I'm a Christian myself and I just loved what he had to say, and how he said it. I may run around a lot during theses things, but I'm always listening and "there" with the couple. This was beautiful.

On a funny note... there were only 6 guests, and a man walked up right behind them and I mean RIGHT behind them, and started snapping pictures or taking video on his camera. We were taking bets that it may end up being somewhere on YouTube by now. Also, after THE KISS, a couple of strangers gave out a cheer. And why not! Dave and Cristin are a special couple. Congratulations (again) you two!

Remember Tanner?

Back in December, I posted a photo of my niece, Angel, and her newborn son, Tanner. Well look at how big he's getting! He's so dang cute, and turning into such a sweetie. Let's hope my boys take it easy on this little guy.

Jeriqa & Jeremiah Got Hitched

Okay, so I'm running behind schedule with getting images up, but here's the first one and I' thrilled to share it. Jeriqa & Jeremiah exchanged vows and looked beautiful doing so. I personally love this picture. I did a tiny bit of touch up with some Totally Rad Actions, but very little. Jeriqa reminds me of a china doll, shape of the face, skin and all. You may not see too much of her face in this image, but her skin really does just have a glow to it. I've also learned that I just love kissing pictures. I can't help it, I just do.

Confessions of a bad, bad, bad blogger

Okay, so I'm more than a little behind on things. At least as far as keeping my blog up. After my trip to WPPI, I've been spending good time behind my computer, but I'm doing a lot of research and working on creating a studio/reception area in my home. I've also been lucky enough to be busy with more than a few photography jobs recently. They include a couple FABULOUS weddings, an event at USD, and a photo session for a Champion Cowboy to name a few. Sadly, you'll have to take my word for it for now since STILL don't have any new photos up.
On the down side of the things keeping me away from my blog, both my boys have gotten sick. I hate high fevers with kids. It sucks. Hopefully Colton will beat this soon. Charlie's been better for about a week now. They're such troopers.
Anyway, I just wanted to say hello to everyone and keep faith that I WILL have new images up here sometime soon.

Conversation with Charlie

I just told Charlie, my 4 year old, "You're so cute."

He replied, "I am not"

"Why aren't you cute?" I asked, and to which he answered...

"Because I don't have a ribbon in my hair"

He has cracked me up yet again. And inspired me to start wearing ribbons in my hair again, just in case he's right.

WPPI

I know, you're looking for my pictures but you'll have to wait a little bit. My head is still spinning with all that I'm still trying to take in. I can tell you that I had a ROCKIN' good time! I LOVE photography and I'm thrilled to be around so many great photographers that have me so fired-up, it's almost out of control.

Dawn & John

On Saturday Donna and I photographed Dawn & John's engagement session. They are the type of couple who just gets more cozy and comfortable with each other in every pose, and it shows. Donna and I commented to them about how nice it is when a couple doesn't just pop out of their pose. I've been really lucky that most of our couples are like this. They seem to use this time as the perfect opportunity for a little P.D.A., and how they seem to relish the engagement session as an other opportunity to touch and hold each other, like Dawn and John did on Saturday.
To see some more poses of their session, click on the link to Donna's blog to the right.

Aliah & Travis

Can't you almost feel the intensity of their love? Aliah and Travis are going to be exchanging vows this summer in Mexico. The only thing that's going to be hotter than Mexico in the Summer, is going to be seeing Aliah in her dress!
I know that most of these images are on the serious side, but make no mistake, these two are very funny and easy going too. I just can't help but love the more seemingly "private" moments that these images show.

having MY cake and eating it too

Pretty Isabella wasn't the only one who got to enjoy the sweet life at her 1 year birthday party yesterday. Thanks to David Baxter from Ohana Photography (you can find their link to the right), I got to "play" with two great photographers, get some great tips and leave feeling very inspired.

David invited Jamie Lawler and myself to join him as he photographed Isabella's birthday party. It really was a great way to play around with the camera and see how other photographers do their thing. I have admired the Baxter's style for a long time now, so it was a sincerely fantastic treat to see some of the things David does to get those shots. Jamie and David also gave me some really cool camera tips that I know I'm going to use all the time now.

David was right, this was a fantastic opportunity to "play" around with the camera and the subjects without any pressure. Even if I'm with my own family and friends and not working but have my camera, I spend time being a parent or gabbing with the pals, so I don't usually get to focus on my work like this opportunity allowed me. It was a real treat and I appreciate the invite and the opportunity. Mahalo David!

Okay, I had to post this last picture of Jamie and David because when it comes to photographing families with everyone looking at the same place at the same time, we do what we must to get the little one's attention.

Jeriqa & Jeremiah

Look who's tying the knot! Jeriqa and Jeremiah are getting married later this year. Don't they look great together? On a side note...

I was actually in the hospital, visiting my friend Rhonda (Jeremiah's mother) waiting for Jeremiah (the handsome man you see in this picture) to be born. I'm telling you that I can remember it so well. I can't believe that little baby is about to get married. I'd say that it makes me feel old, but I was nearly a baby back then myself. Oh forget it. Who do I think I'm kidding.

Here's to a happy life together Jeremiah & Jeriqa!

All In a Day's Work - Happy 3rd Birthday Princess Kate

Saturday the kids and I went to Charlie's girlfriend's birthday party. Being the Guest of Honor comes with a lot of expectations. I mean, your responsible to play with each of your guests, there's the pony rides, the petting zoo, and the jumpy... and that only begins to scratch the surface of the responsibilities. It begins to take it's toll. If you don't believe me, take a look for yourself.


Happy Birthday, Kate! And hat's off to her mother for throwing the biggest little party I've ever been to.

He Followed Me Home. Can I Keep Him?

We went to Sea World on Wednesday. It was a little cold, but we couldn't have picked a better day to go. There were so few people there it was fantastic! Charlie and Chris took the stairs down to see Shamu while Colton and I took the ramp. When I came around the corner and saw Charlie having a one-on-one moment with the Killer Whale, it took my breath away. They just kept looking at each other and sort of bounced around playing some. I wish I hadn't captured the reflection in the glass but I just had to post them. The others are the boys sharing some good times with their daddy.

I think Charlie's made a new friend.