Archive for November, 2010

{Post-Thanksgiving Walk} Nate and Jess-Mission Viejo, CA

November 29, 2010

I couldn’t think of a better thing to do after our delicious Thanksgiving meal, than to take a walk with our cousins.  Especially since the dinner we eat at 1:00, is followed by pie and coffee at 4:00, and then the sandwiches and dip busted out around 7:00. It’s an eating frenzy the entire day, but so good. Thankfully Thanksgiving is only once a year.  Jeff’s cousin Nate, and his beautiful girlfriend Jessica, wanted a Christmas picture to send out with their Christmas cards this year, so I brought my camera along to take a few pictures of them. They are both absolutely gorgeous, easy going and easy to photograph.  I can’t wait to get my card in the mail.  :)

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Posted in Head shots, Headshots, portrait, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

{Engagement} Erin + David- Long Beach, CA

November 24, 2010

James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows”. I’ve always loved this scripture, and thought of it when I was thinking of Erin and David. Our cousin Erin, recently met an amazing man David. They corresponded long distance for many months. With a few visits between them, her flying to South Carolina, and him coming out here to California, they knew early on that they were meant to be together. On his first visit out to California he proposed and surprised Erin while they were riding a hot air balloon over Temecula Valley.

We couldn’t be happier for them. He has two beautiful daughters, Emily and Rebekah.  They’ll all be out here again for the January wedding. But, first they must all endure Thanksgiving with the entire crew. We’ll be easy on him, I’m sure. :) Let the inquisition begin!  We love you guys and we’re so excited to celebrate with you both in January.

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Posted in Engagement, Headshots, portrait, Uncategorized | No Comments »

{Rockabilly Family Portrait} The Booth Family-Signal Hill

November 22, 2010

You’ll remember one of my very first family portrait sessions of last year titled “Our Neighbors”.  Kryssie and Robert called me last week and asked me if I could fit them in for a family shoot, Rockabilly/Retro inspired.  I immediately said, “Yes, Yes, Yes!”.  I knew it would be a good one. She briefly mentioned what they’d wear, and that she was planning on getting her make-up done. If this doesn’t blow up my blog, then I’m not sure what will, because I think this family looks amazing.  Kryssie did her own hair, and she totally rocked the look. She styled the entire family and helped pick the location. I might need to hire this girl, seriously.  We love this family so much, and we’re so thankful they are our neighbors.

I seriously had a hard time narrowing my favorites down. You’ll notice we had to include the Mini Cooper for the shoot.  So fun!

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Posted in Children, Families, portrait | 3 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.

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Posted in Events, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

{Family Portrait} The Saenz Family-California Heights in Long Beach

November 14, 2010

Last year, I had the privilege of documenting my best friend’s baby shower, as they awaited the birth of their precious daughter. She was born in mid-December of last year. Just this past summer, the adoption was made final, and we couldn’t think of a better time than now to document this precious family. The Saenz family is dear to our hearts. As you can see in my post from the baby shower, we’ve walked a very similar path. Jen and Andy are more than friends, they are family to us. We love them and their children so much and can’t imagine our lives without them.

They have such a beautiful home, that we decided to use it for our photo shoot. There are so many amazing elements to their home, from the red brick front porch, to the lush back yard and tree-lined streets of the California Heights neighborhood.  I love you guys!

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Posted in Adoption, Children, Families, portrait | 1 Comment »

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