Isabella [newborn session]

A couple of weeks ago, I posted on my facebook page that I was offering a free newborn session and Suzauna contacted me within seven minutes! I was planning on doing the shoot on a friday and she was due the tuesday before. Surprisingly, she was right on time and we were able to photograph Isabella at just 4 days old.

Bella did beautifully during her session. She slept almost the entire time and was such a trooper. I was actually more concerned about her mom because she was of course a LOT nervous about her first, new baby. But they both did amazing and I couldn't have been happier with the entire session!

It was my first time trying natural light for a newborn photoshoot and I must admit, I prefer it now. Sorry studio lights... I must neglect you for a while!

Darold and Suzauna, thank you so much for driving all the way from Temecula to do a session with me and for introducing me to your gorgeous new daughter. I know you are enjoying being new parents and I can't wait to see her grow up... one facebook mobile upload at a time ;)

Russell and Dawn [married!]

We were up at 2am the night before putting together a video slideshow that had been made and lost before the wedding day even came. Dawn tried to download "I hear voices" by Chris Young for Russell's childhood segment of the slideshow and we chuckled because it makes him sound crazy. It wasn't until the rest of the day that I started to believe he was. But it wasn't in the sense that we had initially thought... I was starting to notice just how crazy...in love... Russell is with Dawn.

The ladies got dressed at the Ayres Suites in Diamond Bar, CA, where I stole her dress and took it downstairs in the lobby for this shot which is one of my favorites from the day! 

Dawn worked extremely hard to prepare for this day. She was the ultimate DIY bride from making her own invitations, favors, place cards, menus, and even... her own rendition of a pair of white wedding shoes.

Many thanks to Katie B Cosmetics who provided Dawn's exquisite makeup and hair...

 The ceremony was held between walls of stained-glass windows at the altar of  St. Denis Catholic Church in Diamond Bar, CA. Rich with tradition and witnessed by all of the couple's beloved family and friends, the two exchanged their vows to always love, always cherish and always be faithful.

I had so much fun with the bridal party because they really trusted me as I directed and posed them. The guys even took a stab at some jumping poses though in their words they were "old men". At least it gave us some laughs and a good time!

 I finally got to steal the bride and groom away before the reception began to capture the love that only they share. The Coco Palm Restuarant in Pomona, CA provided a beautiful backdrop nestled in the hills of Riverside County and the sun couldn't have been any more amazing as it set exactly when I wanted it to! (I told it to, right?)

Russell and Dawn, I can't thank you enough for letting me be a part of your wedding day. Its a day that girls dream of when they are two-years-old and I am so honored that you have let me and my camera document the dream that you have always dreamt of. I know God will continue to bless your marriage and I look forward to being a part of it all!

Kris and Natalie [expecting!]

Belly laughs. That is what I think of when I think about this maternity session. You know, that chuckle from the underbelly, the one that only loved ones can bring out of you. I think Kris gives Natalie these types of laughs everyday of their love story because during our session, I captured frame after frame of Natalie's belly laugh!

We started the day in the studio to document the intimate moments of their growing family. We then met up in Downtown Encinitas where they met and we went for a light-hearted stroll. We even had time to have lunch at D-Street Bar and Grill where I got to know them a little better! This is always my favorite! Finally, we ended up on the shore and the couple was so amazing to brave the freezing cold waves... fully-clothed!

These two are expecting a daughter in May and I can't wait to do their newborn session! Kris gave me the biggest smile when I asked him if they were excited to be first-time parents and all throughout the day I could tell his words were true. Kris and Natalie, I am so excited for your new family and I am positive Brielle is going to be one good looking baby girl!