Monday, March 5, 2012

moving forward.

Hi Friends!
My blog has packed up all the important belongings and moved into a fancier neighborhood.

Please follow my new posts on the link below:
Thanks so much for stopping by!

NEW BLOG HERE.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

my evolution.

This past holiday season was probably the best I've ever had.
I made a big decision that influenced it a ton.
I chose balance over insanity.
I actually said "no" to those last-minute-larry's that wanted me to do sessions the week before Christmas.
I did most of my shopping online so I didn't become an evil grinch if someone stole my parking spot or cut in line in front of me.
I turned off my computer in the evening.
We lit fire's in the fireplace, and relaxed with family.
I did crafts I found on Pinterest, and cooked recipes that I'd wanted to try for years.
I breathed in deep. And was mindful. And sat and watched. And listened.
And embraced all the newness my 18 month old daughter discovered as she seemed to finally (kinda) understand the concept of Christmas.
It was beautiful.










Balance.
It's my biggest enemy.
We fight way too much.
I've tried to break up with him so many times, but he keeps coming around.
I'm learning to let him win.
Stop putting up such a fight.

2012.
It's a new year.
I'm ready for change.
Ready for more freedom to enjoy what's most important in life.
More balance.

One of the first steps is to begin the new year with a new blog!
A new storefront.
I'm ironing out all the wrinkles as you read this.
Check back in about a week for
the FUN, FRESH, FABULOUS
and NEW....

Friday, October 7, 2011

marina + aaron {palos verdes wedding photographer}

I photographed Marina and Aaron's engagement session a few weeks ago, and because they are dear friends of mine, I was super excited to shoot their wedding.

As I was walking up to Marina's room at The Doubletree Hotel, I knew I would be able to tell right away if she was nervous, overwhelmed, unhappy with her hair, or needed me to make her feel at ease.
But when I walked into her room, she was the calmest bride I've ever seen! Completely ready, happy, relaxed and looked absolutely STUNNING.

They chose to do their "first look" prior to the wedding and I discreetly shot the pictures, while watching them sweetly interact, looking so happy, relaxed and excited to begin their new life together.

I saw this wedding not only through the eyes of a photographer, but also as a friend that was fortunate enough to witness the beginning of their relationship blossom, and now turn into a lifelong commitment, and it was very special to me.

Before the wedding, I gave Marina a handkerchief I was given at my wedding (something borrowed!) and told her to wrap it around her bouquet stem, just in case she got emotional and needed it during the ceremony. She smiled and explained, she'd be fine and didn't think she'd need it.

Sure. Everything is just fine. Until you're standing in front of your closest family and friends, staring at the person you're going to spend the rest of your life with, promising to be with him for (GULP) forever and ever, until "death do us part".

As they shared their vows, I saw the tears well up in Marina's eyes. And I got goosebumps. And then I choked up myself.
A quick vision of the first time Aaron came over to our apartment danced through my head, never realizing at the time, it may come to this day.

I thought about how honored I was that they chose me to capture one of the most important events of their lives.

This blog post is a bit longer than most, but this was wedding holds a special place in my heart and I didn't want to leave a thing out.

Congratulations Marina and Aaron. I love you both with all my heart. Have an amazing honeymoon in Mexico!

For an AWESOME SLIDESHOW CLICK HERE!

Venue: Los Verdes Country Club
Second Shooter: Brian Leahy
DJ: Michael Angelo Music
Floral Design: Christine Morales Andrie
Videographer: Zoom In Films