Featured on Destination i do! – Puerto Vallarta Wedding

This past March I traveled to Puerto Vallarta to photograph what I thought to be the most gorgeous wedding! Little did I know, that Destination i do would feel exactly the same!!!

Overjoyed & honored to see my images published on Destination i do! To view the complete feature, click here!

Posted in Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

An English Cottage Garden: Spring at it’s Finest!

Last week I flew to England to capture this spectacular cottage garden! …Or so you would have thought ;)  Who would have guessed this gorgeous garden resides in my very own sunshine state; bordering La Canada, CA!

The timing of this shoot could not have been more perfect!   The overcast skies covered the flowers with a lovely soft glow, and the roses… Oh the roses!  Well, they were exploding all over the place.  I honestly could have spent over 3 hours photographing every last detail. If you are looking for inspiration this Spring, look no further!

I present to you Sylvia’s English Cottage Garden…

 

 

 

 

How sweet is this fountain?

 

 

I am obsessed with vines growing up the sides of houses! How I wish I could make this happen in my own garden!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, that is a antique crib frame!

 

 

A purple garden hose… Only Sylvia ;)

 

 

This image makes my heart happy =)

 

The Green Thumb behind it all!

 

 

 

 

 

Loooooooooooooove these images!

 

Yes, this garden has everything… including the kitchen sink!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Crudites, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Client USB Drives!

I am beyond excited to unveil my new client USB drives!!!  I’ve been thinking about making the switch from CDs for quite some time now. 
Well, I finally bit the bullet!They are easy to swap in & out of computers, and NO chance of scratching!  Not to mention, they look pretty darn cool =)

 

 

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New York, You Stole My Heart…

It’s hard to believe, but I had never set foot in New York City until last month! Sure, I had seen every episode of Sex & the City about 50 times, but there had never been a reason for me to visit… until now!

My amazing friend & fabulous East Coast photographer, Brooke Allison, agreed to take me into the city and show me the sights! I cannot even begin to explain the emotion that enveloped me as we walked along 5th Avenue and Central Park. It was almost too much for eyes to take in!

Thank you for everything Brooke! I adore you & cannot wait until our next adventure! XO

Here are a few of my favorite images from my day in the city…

 

 

New bucket list item, photographing at St. Peter’s!

 

I just couldn’t resist…

 

My favorite image from the day!

 

We darted into Fig & Olive to escape the blustering wind, and order a glass of bubbly =)

 

Central Park in all it’s glory!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Heather & Michael – Elihu Island Wedding Photos

This past week I made my way to Connecticut for a much anticipated workshop! Having never been to the East Coast before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Let’s just say, I was blown away! The beauty, the history, the hospitality… I truly fell in love.

Having followed Justin & Mary for some time now, I finally had the opportunity to see them speak at WPPI this year. When Mary mentioned they were hosting a workshop in their hometown of New Haven, I decided to take a leap of faith. I made my way back to my hotel room, took a big sip of champagne, and bought a ticket! I was unsure how much plane fare would be, or where I would stay, but one thing was for certain. It felt right.

I could go on for hours; trying to convey just how amazing, inspirational, and fulfilling this journey was for me. Instead I will just say, “I walked away with a full heart and a clear mind.”

I leave you with these images…

 

 

 

Heather was our model for the day. A classic beauty!

 

 

Off to Elihu Island in Stonington, to photograph the lovely pair!

 

 

 

 

The perfect backdrop…

 

 

 

Amazing light everywhere!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heather, you are stunning…

 

 

 

It took every ounce of control I had, to refrain from diving across the table & devouring these beautiful sweets!

 

 

 

Thank you Justin & Mary!  I adore you both!

 

 

Posted in Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice, Weddings | 11 Comments

Mary & Eric – A Love Story

You may remember Eric & Mary from the Parisian styled shoot I did last year. They were AMAZING models…
 

 

 

 

 

But what you may not know about these two beautiful people, is that they were already a real life couple! And as much as I would love to, I cannot take credit for this enchanting romance ;)

Their story actually reads along the lines of a movie script… Eric was living the beach life; building his career in sunny San Diego. Mary on the other hand, found herself in a much cooler climate, just outside of Portland. Consciously or subconsciously they were both looking for change.

Under normal circumstances their paths would have never crossed. Luckily their close friend could spot a match a mile away, and casually suggested that Mary & Eric meet up. A few emails, loads of texts & one very special phone call later, and you could say this was the real deal. But how could it be? They had never been on a date, let alone met in person! But all the tell-tale signs were already there…

One visit was all that it took.

The chemistry that they shared, only intensified as they spent a weekend face to face. It may have seemed quick to an outsider, but when you know… You just know! Before long Mary was on her way; trading her thick pea coats for cotton dresses & flip flops! And Eric, well Eric had never been happier :)

Fast forward to the Spring of 2011, when I decided to organize a styled shoot. I was hesitant, not sure of their reactions, but decided to ask if Mary & Eric would pose for me. They were exstatic, and agreed to be my models right away! I could not have chosen a more perfect couple… 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now what happened next, made my heart leap with excitement! Mary sent me an email after the shoot, thanking me, “It was one of those things that ended up being really special for us… Here we are all dressed up and I have a ring on my finger, and I think it ended up being confirming in a way…”

I am sure you can guess what was to follow, a real life engagement! No Parisian linens, or parasols, or cameras… just a heartfelt proposal & a tear filled, “I Do!”

 

 

 

 

Did I mention they do Blue Steele? I just adore them!

 

 

 

Mary & Eric, I cannot wait to capture your gorgeous wedding this July! You are amazing!

 

Posted in engagement photos, Engagement session, Specialty Items | 2 Comments

Ashley & Kevin – San Diego Engagement

Love at first sight.
For Kevin, it all began when he asked who had made the wedding party’s final cut. His friends were in the midst of planning, and Kevin’s curiosity was getting the better of him. After glancing over a few faces, he spotted one stunning bridesmaid-to-be. He just had to know who the blonde bombshell was! But his friends carefully extended words of discouragement, “She is way too crazy for you!” I can only imagine the spark in Kevin’s eyes & the smirk on his face, as he quietly accepted the challenge =)

Ashley, on the other hand, did not see it coming… from a mile away. She arrived at the engagement party eager to start the celebration. Typically the life of the party, Ashley started to make her rounds, chatting with friends old & new… And then she saw him. It was an instant attraction! Butterflies in the stomach. The whole 9 yards. But she couldn’t find the strength to approach him. It was as if a wave of nerves had suddenly come crashing down on her. So, Ashley made the only logical move she could think of… to avoid Kevin at every opportunity!

As luck would have it, an introduction was eventually made, and a connection soon formed. And with a little help from Facebook, Kevin & Ashley organized their first date! It turns out, Ashley was just the right amount of “crazy” for Kevin =)  The destined pair are now planning the rest of their lives together!

Whether you accept the role that fate plays in our lives or not, if you have met Ashley & Kevin… well, you just have to believe. There is a spark of excitement in the air, and a palpable energy that forms whenever they are together. Love at first sight indeed.

 

Here are just a FEW of my favorite images from their San Diego engagement shoot…

 

 

 

Sunset Cliffs Park was the perfect location for these beach lovers!

 

 

 

How gorgeous is Ashley’s Anthropologie dress!?!  The red simply popped against the beautiful blue seascape!

 

 

 

In looooove with all of the sun flare!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I could not have asked for more beautiful models =)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashley & Kevin, you are simply amazing! I cannot express how honored I am to document one of your greatest adventures, saying “I Do!”

 

Posted in engagement photos, Uncategorized | 18 Comments

Purple Meadows Events and Design: Debra

Debra is the creative mind and owner behind Purple Meadows Events and Design, an event planning company.  Purple Meadows provides everything from consulting, to destination wedding planning, to full event production. So you can imagine my excitement when she thought of ME, to take new head shots for her website =) A fellow lover of unique & elaborate weddings; I knew we would have an amazing time talking shop during her session!

This year Debra is taking her business to a new level, and focusing more energy on destination events. She loves searching for eclectic boutique hotels & travel experiences that are off the beaten path. If you are on the fence about planning a destination wedding due to the time & research involved, I highly recommend looking into a planner. They will lift a huge weight from your shoulders!

I could not think of a more fitting backdrop to photograph this lovely lady…

 

 

Debra, I cannot wait to see what 2012 has in store for you!

 

Posted in Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice, Wedding, Weddings | 2 Comments

Puerto Vallarta Wedding: Christina & Ezra

There was not a dry eye in the house.  All. Day. Long.
From the beautiful vows uttered over the crashing of the waves, to the heartfelt toasts that accompanied the reception, Ezra & Christina kept their guest reaching for tissues again & again.

Some couples have a love so beautiful, so special, that it radiates from their very souls. Others embrace & celebrate love every single day. To describe the relationship that Christina & Ezra share is quite simple really… They have the whole package! They appreciate life. They treasure one another. They celebrate family & friends. It was only natural that they planned a wedding to include and honor all three.

It was everything that a destination wedding should be; gorgeous oceanfront views, balmy 80 degree weather & a relaxed energy flowing through the air. There was just one thing that did not quite fit the mold… countless details and personal touches around every corner! How was it possible that the bride & groom had planned this stunning event from over 1,000 miles away? Well, they found a way!

Just a few of my very favorite images from Christina & Ezra’s Puerto Vallarta wedding day…

 

 

 

 

So grateful to have these amazing groom shots by Mike!

 

 

 

 

 

Did I mention that La Mansion Vallarta is breathtaking???

 


 

No detail left unturned…

 

 

 

 

No matter when the first look occurs, it always takes my breath away

 

 

 

 

 

Mr & Mrs Cruz!!!

 

 

 

 

Now these are the smiles of newlyweds :)

 

 

 

 

Everywhere I turned, chandeliers appeared!

 

 

 

 

In case you couldn’t tell just how much they love one another, this says it all…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting the party started!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And this is how the evening came to an end; in eachother’s arms…

 

Vendors:

Wedding Venue: La Mansion Vallarta
Wedding Gown: Maggie SotteroBride’s Shoes: Barney’s Co-Op
Bridesmaid Gown: Watters
Wedding Coordinator: Blaire Osborne, Plush Catering & Events
Catering: Plush Catering & Events
Flowers: Iris Design
Cake: Charme Pasteleria
Artist: Kevin Harney

 

Posted in Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice, Wedding, Weddings | 28 Comments

Embracing the Light

I am not even going to try to hide it… I am a stressor! While turning on the porch light I am thinking, “How in the world is our electric bill so high?” When I wake up at 6am the random thought, “I really need to back up my tax spreadsheets” pops into my head.  And as I drive to a client meeting, all of a sudden a wave of panic comes over me, “Did I lock all 7 locks before I left?” I can’t help it. I need structure & well, yes… spreadsheets in my life! My husband, on the other hand, is an alien. He might as well be a surfer, living in a hut on the shores of Fiji. Ying & Yang!
 
Every so often, I am yanked out from under my stress and remember to embrace the light. This past weekend was one of those experiences. I woke early, a bit thrown off by the time change, a tad confused by the the feel of a new mattress. I pulled back the drapes, slid open the glass door & stepped out onto the balcony. I squinted tightly; slightly startled by the bright light. And as my eyes began to focus, this is what I saw…

 

Helllllooooo Puerto Vallarta! On this day I saw beauty. On this day I forgot about my taxes. On this day I was going to do something that feeds my soul, for a couple that I adore.

 

 

I am dying to share this destination wedding with you! Stay tuned & remember to embrace the light.

 

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