Kim and Gabe had the sweetest storybook wedding Mt. Woodson - Amy Strong Castle in Ramona, California.  Kim looked like a princess, Gabe was her charming prince, and the day was made even sweeter as they read their own personal vows.  I did some sniffling through those myself. 

Thank you to Debra Dawe at Mt. Woodson for her event coordination, Paula Rae at Rae Florae for her floral artistry, Jerry Beck of Beck’s Entertainment and DJ Services for keeping those dancers moving all night long (you know which ones!), and Sarah and team at Personal Touch Dining for feeding us all so well!

And a huge Thank You to Kim and Gabe, and both of your families, for inviting me to be part of your special day. XO

Enjoy a few of my favorites, below, or CLICK HERE to watch the photo montage of highlights.  I got lucky enough to see Kim and Gabe’s “favorites” song list, to include in the show.

Highlights coming soon! In the meantime, I had to share my favorite from the day.

Kim and Gabe are getting married in a few short weeks, but we found some time to play at the beach for their Engagement Session.  This was my second time shooting at Shell Beach, and I just love it there.  Even though it was too late for tide pools and overcast, you can see it didn’t take anything away from the natural beauty of the location.  It helped that the couple is super sweet and did an awesome job in front of the camera, too!

Congratulations to Kim and Gabe. I can’t wait for the wedding!  Enjoy a sneak peek, below, or CLICK HERE for the full gallery, if you have the password.

I had the honor of photographing La Jolla Country Day’s annual auction gala, again, this year.  Congratulations to Linda Church, the amazing auction committee and our PA for doing an incredible job to raise money for our school.  Country Day truly is the 8th Wonder. XO

CLICK HERE for SHOW

If you’ve visited my blog, before, you’ve seen this family several times.  I have been photographing them for years now - most recently recording milestones for Saoirse (SEER-sha) who just turned one!

We hung out at a park I hadn’t been to in forever, and I really hope I can keep getting back there.  It’s one of those “just trust me” locations because, although it’s a popular park, I like to hang out in the nondescript area off the parking lot. ;-)  The lighting is gorgeous and it makes for a great woodsy backdrop.

Check back for the full gallery soon.

The following picture supports my answer to the question, “When is a good time for family portraits?” I always say, “ANY time is a good time, but you have to adjust your expectations.”

With young kids, you might be disappointed if you’re looking for perfect posing and all eyes on the camera.  This shot is still “perfect” to me, though…  A family enjoying each others company, captured during a stage that will all too quickly change.

All we were missing was a fishing rod… and a frog leaping out of the water.

This patch of tall grass was SO small, but just the right size for our girl.   Great locations are everywhere.

The answer is, “I don’t know!”, but it makes me smile.

Her missing shoe was on my head.

I don’t normally post wedding photos before I’m finished with the slideshow, but I couldn’t wait! Stephanie and Steve invited me to photograph their wedding in the Florida Keys at the Hawks Cay Resort, and it was hard not to feel like I was on vacation (minus all the gear I was toting). ;-) 

It was a gorgeous wedding - the location AND the couple.  Despite almost being blown off land by really strong winds, it was a perfect day. 

Thank you, Stephanie and Steve for inviting me to be a part of your special day. XO

Enjoy the sneak peek, below, or CLICK HERE for the slideshow!

Notice the little island monkeys hanging from the trees.

I fell in love with Shell Beach during this session, and still can’t believe I had never been there before.  It’s right in the heart of La Jolla, but somehow still easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. 

I have Amy to thank for it, since she called me and asked if we could hold a Mother’s Day session at the tide pools there.  She and her daughter, Kayla, took walks and inspected anemones, and I felt lucky to capture it.

Thank you Amy and Kayla, and Happy Mother’s Day!  Enjoy the images, below, or CLICK HERE if you have the password for the full gallery.

These rock backgrounds were so amazing.  I love how Amy and Kayla’s dresses popped against them.

The shot below had such a vintage feel to it, I had to change the coloring to match.

They honestly posed this way on their own.  I could not have done it better myself! I love this shot so much… 

Miss Kayla was shy about the camera, but I caught her! :-)  Great things happen very quickly.

Kayla wasn’t too sure about sitting up on this rock, but she knew Mommy wasn’t far away.

Mothers and daughters…

I had so much fun photographing Reyna and Tony’s wedding… I have known the couple for years now, and was so honored to be asked to share their special day with them. The ceremony and reception were both held on board the Royal Princess - part of the Pacific Avalon line of charter yachts in Newport Beach. Every one had a great time and the music was really fun - SO fun that I had to join in when Reyna and Tony had the DJ dedicate a song to me! I can tell you I don’t normally do ANYthing like that (dancing on the job, that is) but since we’re friends, it was my one shot.

Congratulations, Reyna and Tony!

CLICK HERE to watch their “Highlights” photo montage.

This couple was pure joy.  They were so loving and playful with each other, and so comfortable to work with, I was disappointed when our hour was over.  Oh, and they’re pretty cute if you hadn’t noticed. :)  I teased them that it felt like a J. Crew catalog shoot!

Rachael and Nate were referred to me through Rachael’s mom, by a very special client of mine.  They wanted to see if we were a good match for their summer wedding, and what better way to find out than jump into an e-session! We had a great time at my favorite beach in La Jolla, and they did an awesome job.

Congratulations to Rachael and Nate!, thank you to Kelley for contacting me, and thank you to Eileen for referring me! :-)

If you have the password for the full gallery, CLICK HERE.

Reyna has been working with my husband for many years now - an absolute positive force in the office that he wouldn’t want to do without! When Reyna and longtime love, Tony, started planning their wedding, I was flattered that she asked me to photograph their special day.  We kicked things off with a fun engagement session at Windansea in La Jolla and made it a family affair - photographing them with their beautiful son, Isaiah.  The beach hasn’t quite warmed up yet, but the sea and sky were picture perfect.  If you have the password, CLICK HERE for the full gallery, or enjoy my favorites below.