Support Local Artisans {Sanger, CA. Childrens Portraits}

Growing up in our small community, I was always encouraged by my parents to support local vendors. You know, the "mom and pop" places that are sadly becoming a dying breed in the world these days. I remember my dad telling us, "sure you may get to purchase the same thing from the chain store cheaper but when you buy local from the people that know you, if there is ever an issue with the item, you have a person to talk to about it and not a corporation with store policies. And most of the time they'll replace it with or without the receipt...with no questions asked." And I would have to say that I still believe that theory to be true. I love dealing with artisans with creative talents that not only take the time to listen to what I am wanting but who give your items that special attention they give when making it.

I have always wanted to learn to sew. I have my mother's sewing machine she handed down to me but have yet to sew anything with it. I have tried but just dont seem to have the knack it takes to sew. Lucky for me that through the fates of our children being classmates, I have grown a friendship with a local artist who has the amazing talent of sewing the most adorable clothes. Alyssa at Polka Dot Moon Bowtique does an amazing job sewing!! I am so glad to have hired her to create these adorable dresses for these sweet little darlings for Christmas and was thrilled to be able to finally photograph these little ladies modeling their dresses. Thank you again Alyssa for making these and I cant wait to purchase more of your clothing creations!!

Just us and a Handful of Family and Friends { Destination Beach Wedding - Morro Bay, CA.}

I photographed my first wedding professionally at the young age of 19. Throughout the years, I have heard many couples start their wedding plans with, "It's gonna be small, just us and a handful of family and friends" and by the time the big day comes around that "smallish" wedding grew tremendously. But hey, it happens to the best of us...yes, even my own wedding many years and many weddings after I shot my first wedding was to be very small but then developed into something bigger than we planned...and it was wonderful!!
However, I must hand it to this couple. They wanted a beautiful intimate wedding at the beach witnessed by family and friends and that is exactly what they had! I also have to admit that this wedding touched very close to home. You see, the bride is my sister-in-law. I met her on her 14th birthday when her brother (my husband) took me to her party at John's Incredible Pizza. I have been lucky to be around to watch her grow from the young girl I met almost 10 years ago to the beautiful young accomplished woman she is today and I look forward to watching this young couple's marriage blossom. Congratulations you two!!





















The lunch reception afterwards was even interrupted by a pirate! Totally unplanned but I guess this pirate makes an entrance to call out the hour and we took advantage of his appearance with some pictures. He was lots of fun!!





I had my hubby and other sister-in-law give their baby sister a sandwich hug! I think this is super cute!!




Two of my guys enjoying a walk on the beach! What a great day!!

Happy Father's Day

A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty~ Author Unknown

I saw this quote and this idea on a great crafty blog that I follow. I loved the quote and their idea for a easy but very personal Father's Day gift. We did this collage and glued the picture to cardstock as a cover to a card, then my oldest signed the card from him and his brother. My Husband LOVED it!! Happy Father's Day to my amazing husband and to all you wonderful dads out there! Thank you for all that you do for your families!!

My oldest took the picture of me...yes I allowed him to use my "big" camera and he was soooo proud of himself! :)

Meaning {Sanger, CA. Children and Family Portraits}

Having studied art and earned my degree in the field, I have a personal appreciation for those who can create something from a blank canvas. So when my sweetie (aka my husband) wanted to get his first tattoo, I was supportive of his decision as long as the art he chose meant something to him...and he sure did. Not only did he choose to place our first child's name on the tattoo but my hubby chose something to represent his own baptism and having completed all of his sacraments to join our faith during that time.
I created this shot in my mind for many years but for whatever reason never shot it. I am glad that I am finally able to see in front of me the picture that I had envisioned many times in my head. So to my wonderful husband and devoted father to our children, I wish you an early Happy Father's Day!! Enjoy!!

Storyland and Playland Birthday Adventure {Fresno, CA. Children's Birthday Event Coverage}

I am usually busy this time of year but have been especially busy this year, which I am always thankful for!! Lately, I have been doing a lot of event coverage (which you will see as I get caught up with all my editing). This was such a wonderful, fun, and relaxing birthday party for these amazing siblings!! I was lucky enough to photograph this family a couple of months ago and was super excited to get to see them again for the kiddo's birthday party. Mom and Dad did a great job planning such a fun party and through my camera lens I saw nothing but happiness from their guests and their three beautiful children. Thank you again to this wonderful family for allowing me to photograph such wonderful memories and I look forward to seeing all of you again soon!! ~Many hugs to all of you!