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!

Singing in the Almost Rain {Exeter, CA. Family and Maternity Portraits}

One aspect of this job that I would have to say is one of my favorites, is the ability to be a small part of a growing family each time I am invited to capture images of their new additions (or soon to be additions in this case). It seriously just seems like the other day I was taking maternity pictures of this big boy when he was in his mama's tummy! And now, he's about to be a big brother!! Oh the years go by sooo fast!! I had a blast spending time on this gorgeous overcast mother's day. Thankfully we missed the rain but we did get to do some singing despite the rain's absence. :)

I am so happy for this family on their soon to be new addition! Many blessings and love to all of you! Here is your preview to enjoy!