My dear friends wanted me to come again and document their family, mainly the kids, especially since they have a new little guy, almost a year old. I took their family pictures over a year ago at their home when it was just the four of them, click here to view. The kids are always so comfortable in their own surroundings, and it was fun to do the shoot again at their beautiful home in California Heights. Jen told me she wanted me to get lots of close-ups of the kids eyes, feet, and hands. It was fun to bust out the macro lens for this shoot. I love you guys!

These two hold a very special place in my heart. Nate, is one of my husband’s first cousins, and like a brother to us. We were so excited when he introduced us, almost 2 years ago, to the love of his life. Nate and Jessica met in high school, but were acquaintances only. I love how social networking brings people together. Over 10 years later, Jessica found Nate on Facebook and wrote him. At first he couldn’t remember her, but then realized who she was. They quickly started dating. We are so excited to welcome Jessica to our family and can’t wait for their May wedding. Not only were they engaged last year, but Nate passed the Bar exam. Yay! We can’t wait to see you both start your lives together. We love you guys.

It’s the third year in a row that I’ve had the opportunity to shoot my sweet neighbors and friends the Booths. It’s been so fun to see their kids grow up, with their oldest already in 1st grade. Kryssie, always has such great ideas for location and props. We have the best time together. Click on the links below to see the previous years.

Click here (2010) and here (2009) to view their other shoots.

Yesterday, I had the privilege and honor in photographing a Home Dedication for the Partida family. Just over 1 year ago, I took their family picture for Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles and met this awesome family. Two of the children have asthma and one has allergies, and this is why the Build Smart, Breathe Easier collaboration was created.

“This past year, Merck kicked off a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and HGTV’s Carter Oosterhouse in an effort to build four affordable homes across the country as a part of Build Smart, Breathe Easier national asthma education program. The homes incorporate asthma-healthy features using specific building techniques, materials and ventilation systems. In addition to building these homes, the program teaches families affected by asthma how to address common triggers and help minimize the impact of the disease. Their commitment to building healthy affordable housing is unfaltering and greatly appreciated.

Alongside Merck, AAFA and Build Smart, Breathe Easier, the City of Long Beach and The Long Beach Housing Development Company have so graciously supported the vision of Habitat for Humanity of Grater Los Angeles in building home, lives and communities.”

Meet the Partida Family.

This is my favorite part of the dedication where the family receives a Bible and the keys to their new home!!!!

The Merck Family

It was a cold, rainy day, but that didn’t stop this beautiful family from having fun up in Oak Glen as we took some family photos. This was actually my second photo session this year with Danielle and her kids. But, this time she wanted to include her parents in on the fun. You can check out the other photo shoot here.

It was such a pleasure to be part of Ann and Tim’s wedding celebration. They are such a sweet couple and have been so fun to get to know. I first met them at a church gathering, where their friend Jen introduced us. I’m so glad she did. During their engagement session, it took them awhile to warm up to the camera, but once they did we had the best time. I saw the playful side in them, and how gentle and loving they are to each other. If you’d like to view their engagement photos, click here.

They first met at a church function called the “Turkey Bowl” finally setting up their first date at Cheesecake Factory at the Americana in Glendale. It was right by Ann’s old apartment and late at night, afterwards they walked around the huge fountain and park they have inside. This was the beginning of their forever. When I asked Ann what their favorite date nights consisted of, she said this, “Mine would be staying in for a cozy, intimate dinner (made by him of course) followed by watching a movie and/or checking out a restaurant in the city followed by watching a play at a theater nearby (went to Bottega Louie and Pantages for my birthday).. his would be the opposite (minus the eating).. he has taken me to go-cart racing, the batting cages and shooting ranges (a bit more adventurous which I enjoy as much as he enjoys our nights in or at the theater - i can only hope/assume)”.

Ann, you took my breath away when I saw you in your dress. You are beautiful inside and out. Tim, you are such a gentleman with a heart of gold. I wish you both all the best on your new adventure as husband and wife.

Venue: First Congregational Church of Anaheim

DJ: DJMC Ian B

Check out more of our wedding photos and become our fan: Sweet Mia Photography

My neighbor called me out of the blue and said, “Mia, how would you like to come with me and take pictures of my sister Brina, in a dress that she doesn’t mind getting dirty as she splashes in the water?” Me, “Yes, please. Count me in!” We packed up all our kids and headed for our local park that always gets flooded. The kids had a blast, and Brina was the perfect model for a rainy afternoon.

We had the privilege to share our testimony today in church about our experience with foster/adoption. I’ve attached both our testimony and the video slide show we put together. Go directly to this link: http://www.cerritospc.com/sermon/, and click on the movie icon to first watch our testimony. You’ll see us listed first.

Secondly, watch the video below, and make sure to watch until the end of the video, the best part in my opinion. We are so thankful for all of you that have supported, prayed, and loved us through this process. We have felt your prayers and love daily.

Love,

Jeff, Mia, Eva and Emma

P.S. Click the link below to view our video.

Our Adoption Journey2web

Have I told you recently how much I love my church? We feel so blessed to have found such an amazing home church and we are so thankful for our Pastors and staff. Thank you CCSC for entrusting me with your head shots for the new website.  If you are looking for a church, or just want to come and visit, we’d love to have you. Click here to check us out.

Rev. Harold Y. Kim-Lead Pastor

Rev. David H. Choe-Executive Pastor

David Ha-Worship Leader

JooWon Choi-Women’s Ministry Director

Lester Kim-Pastoral Intern

Prairie Park- Children’s Ministry Liaison

Michelle Mo-Office Administrator

Sun Hi Kim-Nursery Director

When the idea came around that my church wanted to make a “Mother’s Manual” comprised of many different articles written by the amazing mothers at our church, I loved the idea. For me, it was great to contribute as well, sharing our story of foster/adoption and our struggles with infertility.  We have so many newly married couples and new mothers, that putting together this amazing manual to help new moms trying to figure out the ins and outs of motherhood is so great. As a gift, I offered to give the manual a little something extra by giving each mom a face to their name by doing the photography. As our church grows, it will be awesome for those new moms reading the articles to be able to look at a picture of the mom that contributed and make a connection with her as they share in their trials and triumphs.

Motherhood is a journey, and we need each other to encourage one another and help in times of need. I’m so excited to see the finished product. We still have 6 more families to photograph, including mine (that’s always the challenge getting my family pictures done), but for now, here are the the first 13 moms and their precious children. A few of the husbands came too, so we seized the opportunity for a family picture as well if time permitted. We did 15 minute back to back sessions, so it was quite busy, but so fun.

If you’d like to come by and check out our church, we’d love to have you.