Events | Mia Marisa Blog

Hello, my name is Mia

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I'm a wife, a mother, a teacher and a photographer. These are just a few words that define who I am. The love of cooking and international cuisine give me inspiration along with sweet memories of cooking with my Sicilian grandmother Eleanor. Homemade manicotti, spaghetti sauce with homemade meatballs cooking for hours, and Italian wedding soup are just a few of the dishes served at my house. Whether cooking, teaching, or taking pictures, my spontaneity, passion and creativity will be unleashed.

You can see more of my work on my portfolio website (miamarisa.com). Please follow me on twitter and @reply me or contact me by email so that I know who you are. :) Cheers!

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Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

{Habitat for Humanity} Home Dedication, The Partida Family

November 16, 2011

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

Tags: AAFA, Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Breathe Smart Breathe Easier, Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles, HGTV's Carter Oosterhouse, LBHDC, Long Beach Housing Development, Merck
Posted in Events, Families, Fundraiser, Uncategorized | No Comments »

{Wedding} Ann + Tim – October 15th, 2011

October 17, 2011

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

Tags: Anaheim Weddings, DIY weddings, DJMC Ian B, First Congregational Church of Anaheim, Garden Weddings, Mia Marisa Photography, Souther California Weddings, Sweet Mia Photography
Posted in Events, Weddings | No Comments »

{Events-Birthday} Happy 80th Birthday Eugene! – “The Reef”

November 20, 2010

What a night! My good Sabrina approached me a few months back about shooting her father’s 80th birthday. I was so excited because I know what a great family they are and how much fun they like to have. This was a surprise, and Mr. Eugene McGuire was definitely in shock. He kept asking if it was really for him or not. Once he settled in, and greeted his family and friends, he was right at home. His loved ones shared stories, his best friends shared some inside jokes, and his siblings honored their brother whom they all love very much. Sabrina and her family did an amazing job, from the decorations, to the programs, and of course one of Sabrina’s beautiful homemade cakes that she created. It was held at “The Reef” in Long Beach, such a beautiful location.

My friend and ESL student, Edgar Penilla, assisted me on this shoot, and I was so thankful for his help.

Ashlea and Abrea (Eugene’s granddaughters) miming and dancing! So beautiful.

Eugene singing to his daughter Sabrina.

Tags: Birthday, Events, Families, family, The Reef
Posted in Events, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

{Habitat Restore} Norwalk, CA

August 19, 2010

The “Habitat ReStore” is part of Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) that sells new and used home furnishings and building materials to the general public. I had the privilege of shooting this private event last month. The event was held to thank the many friends and family members, including donors and board members of HFH GLA. The Habitat ReStore is there to provide an additional funding source to support the low cost housing that HFH GLA provides to the community and families. Read more about the mission here. All of the items sold at this store are marked at 50% below retail value. It’s worth a stop if you are looking for something specific for your home, or just want to browse. They are constantly receiving new items. My main focus was to take pictures of “stuff”…may I say such cool stuff I wish I had another home to decorate. Here are just a few of the pictures I took that night.

Tags: Habitat for Humanity, Habitat ReStore, Non-Profit
Posted in Events, Uncategorized | No Comments »

{Events} Uilleann Pipe Concert

November 9, 2009

What are the Uilleann Pipes you may ask? When one thinks of bagpipes, you instantly have an image of a Scottish man, dressed in a kilt, playing the “Highland” bagpipes. But, what many people don’t know is that the Irish also have bagpipes. The differences are quite distinct. The Scottish play with their mouth, forcing air into a bag, and then pushing the air out with their arm. The Irish don’t use their mouths at all. Instead they have a separate bellows that forces air into the bag in which they press through the pipes. The sound is much more subtle than the Scottish bagpipes. The Scottish traditionally used them in times of war. The Irish use them in times of song and drinking. But, don’t quote me on these facts.

My husband became obsessed with bagpipes after seeing a band from Australia called “Brother” play the Highland bagpipes. It was a great mix of rock and bagpipes. Looking to purchase his own set he stumbled upon the Uilleann Bagpipes. He soon found a club in Southern California that meets to play and learn about these beautiful instruments called the “Southern California Uilleann Pipers’ Club”.

We had the privilege of attending an amazing concert held down in San Juan Capistrano of some very talented artists playing these amazing instruments. The first was a man by the name of Ivan Goff. He’s originally from Dublin, but now living in New York. The second guest was Kevin Rowsome. To hear some tunes check out this website and enjoy the sounds of the Uilleann Bagpipes.

Patrick D’Arcy

Ivan Goff

ivangoff

Kevin Rowsome

kevinrowsome

Ivan and Kevin playing a few tunes together.

Posted in Events, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

{Adoption} Family Baby Shower

October 24, 2009

As you all know adoption holds a very special place in my heart. Adopting our beautiful daughter was such a gift from God. Our very close friends adopted a little boy the same year we did. Our lives have been parallel in many ways, from marrying the same year, to our shared infertility struggles, and now as we both approach adopting a second child.

The adoption of their son was different then what we have experienced and what is normally experienced when adopting through the County. They’ve become good friends with the birth parents of their precious son, and have built a close relationship with them. Much to their surprise, on a Sunday afternoon when the birth parents came for their monthly visit, they announced that they were expecting. The birth parents had thought long and hard about this new baby, knowing that they are in a different place then where they were a few years back, but knew in their hearts they wanted to give this baby to Jen and Andy, and for little Lance to have his full biological sibling.

It’s amazing how things happen. Neither one of us, 11 years ago when we married, thought we would have each adopted a child let alone a second one. We are so incredibly happy for our dear friends, and can’t wait to welcome this precious baby into our hearts and lives. By the way, IT’S A GIRL! Lance prayed for a baby sister for over 1 year. God hears the cries of his little ones, and HE does answer our prayers!

Jen’s sister-in-law Tina, threw such a beautiful baby shower. I loved all the details and the location.