It was a busy week for Gemma and Derek! We shot their engagement session on Monday, with the wedding on Saturday! It was a beautiful affair at the Hotel Del Coronado, with the ceremony on the Windsor Lawn, then dinner and dancing in the historic Crown Room. Handwritten vows and a bagpipe processional were among the many personal touches throughout the day. Stunning floral design by Karen Tran Florals, flawless event coordination by Susanne Duffy of Crown Weddings, videography by the very talented Jason Taylor of Taylor Films, and sweetest custom paper goods by Jennifer Dailard with Simply Posh Designs.
Congratulations, Gemma and Derek! Here are a few of my favorite highlights from the day…





















Gemma and Derek are getting married this Saturday, and we weren’t sure if they would have time for an engagement session. Luckily we found a chance to squeeze it in, and I’m so glad we did. It’s such a great way for everyone to get in sync and bond before the big day. And since Gemma and Derek felt pampered by their special portraits, and enjoyed an evening to relax before the hectic week ahead, that made it even better. Congratulations to a very sweet couple!




I adore Debbie and Bob – absolute soul mates who met on eHarmony… I was honored to be their chosen wedding photographer, and feel like I can forever call them my friends. XO
Married at sunset, on the Lower Balcony of the beautiful Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Debbie and Bob exchanged personal love letters and a few tears (not counting my own).
A big Thank You to Trese at the Loews, the talented Mary Noble (Classic Weddings) for her perfect planning, the ladies at Bridal Beauty for flawless make-up and hair, and to Scott at Botanica for his beautiful florals.
Here are a few of my favorite images from the day, and a slideshow to enjoy (at the end of the photos). Congratulations Debbie and Bob! XO
…
Debbie was a stunning Bride…



And Bob looked so handsome!



This look says it all…

A perfect day at the Loews Coronado!


Among the many amazing links between Bob and Debbie, they both have a set of twin sons… both sets born six minutes a part.



They found joy in every part of the day…

I love approaching the First Dance photos from the floor… They can forget about me, and just enjoy their moment…

What every couple hopes for… to find this kind of magic. XO
CLICK HERE for their SLIDESHOW
I love watching families grow up. These were from a recent session with clients I have been photographing over the years. One of their earlier portraits is such a favorite of mine, that I used it as the title image for my Families gallery (on the main web site). :-) If you have the password, CLICK HERE for the full gallery.





I need to remember to do a mini-shoot of every album I make. Here’s a collage of a recent wedding album, with Finao’s “Ludicrous” leather cover. It showed up smelling like a new car, and Stephanie and Steve loved it!

How romantic is this? The Groom surprised his Bride with a destination wedding getaway! Betty and Mauricio had always planned on getting married, but scheduling conflicts made it tricky. Finally, Mauricio told Betty to clear her schedule, because this would be their weekend to get married – she just didn’t know where, or any of the details! Mauricio planned the whole day for them.
In just one hour, we enjoyed the intimate ceremony, champagne toasts, cake cutting, dancing, and of course – romantic portraits at the beautiful La Valencia in La Jolla. Thank you to Aileen of Karen Tran Florals for the beautiful canopy and bouquet.
Congratulations to Betty and Mauricio, and thank you for inviting me to share in this very special day for you both. XO










As members of the Brazilian Arts Foundation, we decided there had to be dancing…

I have been photographing Brandon and his family since he was 13, so it was really cool to get to take his Senior portraits. He is such a good guy, and can hold a pose like no one else I know! This is the front of the graduation announcement that I custom designed for him (sans the logo).
Brandon, great things are ahead for you. Enjoy the ride!

Had an impromptu mini-session with my son, today. He wasn’t a fan of taking pictures when he was little, but now that he’s 8 1/2, he’s directing the shots… ”Hey, Mom, try this one! How about this one?!”
I basically sat him in good light, and he just cracked himself up.
More images to come…

I loved this wedding group. It was the second time I’d been with the family within the year – the first time being for sister Jamie’s wedding, and now brother Brian’s. The families and bridal party were so much fun to be around, and so helpful! I even had groomsmen volunteering to hold my reflector! You guys were awesome – thank you.
Danielle and Brian, you are both so warm and gracious, and it shows in how close you are with your friends and family. Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your day. I enjoyed being there for you. XO
CLICK HERE to enjoy the “highlights” slideshow! These are a selection of my favorites, but there are many more! Check back soon for the full gallery. (Vendor credits below the photos…)
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Quick portrait of Danielle before the ceremony – a little teary eyed and beautiful.



Danielle’s friend was just telling her, “We’re peeking out, but no one knows we’re here.”
Well, except for the stealthy photographer.

Married!



They are genuinely this sweet together. Pictures don’t lie.


They have a GREAT group of friends. They grew up hanging out at this park, so I wanted to capture something casual…


First dance as husband and wife…

Father/Daughter dance… so sweet.

Took some quick night shots before I left the party… It’s always fun to get a few.

Florals: Abundantly More … DJ/Entertainment: James @ Proper Knowledge (thank you for sending me their favorite songs for the show!)
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