Sometimes I wish I could go back to high school… first of all to knock some fashion sense into the 15 year old me, but also to make more informed choices about college. I probably would have enjoyed a smaller campus with proffesors who were actually approachable, but I chose to go to the big school with the big name. I wish I would have had Lauren around to tell me that I had more options, more choices. 

She’s the loveliest college freshman to hit campus this year… and I’m sure she is going to have an extraordinary time there! Lauren just started at a little college in the pacific northwest where she can wear coats and jeans and boots and all that cute clothing that we rarely get to wear here in Southern California. She’s also going to have such a wonderful time sharing moments and experiences with people that are a lot like her… articulate, intelligent and brilliant! She’s going to look fabulous in her pea coats and Wellies when it snows and I am so excited to see her grow into the amazing woman I know she is on her way to being.

I am so blessed to have had an opportunity to spend one of the last warm summer afternoons with her and am so happy to know her. Thanks Lauren for hanging out with me, I’ll never forget it!

We raced against the late summer sun to capture these two magnificent people in the golden light that exists only right before sundown– Jennifer and Ismael climbed the hill hand in hand, and I could feel their love for one another.  

It was just a few weeks ago that I had the opportunity to photograph and capture the love between these two best friends, this husband and wife to be. We wandered through the streets of what seems like the last small town in Southern California and ended up finding some beautiful spots for some really fun and vibrant portraits.

I met Jennifer just a few months ago through a mutual friend, and on that same night we shared a mojito, some questionable tacos and a wonderful conversation– I knew our friendship was meant to be. Since then she’s gotten herself engaged to an honorable (and incredibly handsome) man, and I am so happy for her! They are the most beautiful couple, inside and out, and I am blessed to know them. 

CH-CH-CHeck it out! If you loved this little preview, take a look at a little {slideshow} I put together of this incredible shoot!

Also (I’m on a roll here)… I created a little engagement album/wedding day {guest book} from Jen and Ismael’s shoot that can be used for your guests to leave wedding day messages for you and your love! There’s extra white space left around your beautiful images for your guests to write well wishes and congratulations! It’s a good companion book for your traditional wedding album and can be ordered in tons of fun colors! 

Even from afar, you can feel the love between these two. Melissa and Robert were meant for one another-anybody can see it. They are kind, generous and so incredibly genuine. I am pleased to know them, and am especially pleased to have been a part of such an emotional wedding celebration that brought two childhood friends together to make them one.

Their wedding took place on a warm July evening that ended up being one of the most fun nights in recent memory for me. There was great food, dancing and friends everywhere! It was a blast to dance along with some old college friends- because you know I become a dance machine as soon as I hear an MJ song! Dancin’ – Dancin’ – Dancin’ – I’m a dance machine!

A huge thank you to the Ward and Judd family for being so kind and welcoming us into your homes (oh, and for raising such wonderful people)! Thank you to the bridal party for being such phenomenal friends to Robert and Melissa and allowing us to witness your incredible friendships with the bride and groom!

Many blessings to you Robert and Melissa… we are so honored to be able to share in your joy and bask in your love for one another.

dancing pictures like these make me so happy…

You know that feeling you get when you see an old friend after you haven’t seen them in a long time? It totally felt like I was meeting an old friend a few weekends ago when I met up with Wendy for her portrait her most recent portrait session. 

Her energy and vibrant personality radiate from her– she can really find the fun in anything! We wandered around back alleyways and side streets in Downtown LA and had a blast the entire time! I’ve never me t a woman who can work a bright blue storage facility door like she can! She the most fierce woman I know!

Thank you so much Wendy for allowing me to photograph you and your beautiful smile!