Sparkle & Shine Baby Shower

December, where have you gone? Is time flying or is it just me? This baby shower was just last week, but it feels like it's been months and months since I hosted it. Valery and her first baby girl were showered with heaps of love and glitter last Sunday. The theme was "Sparkle & Shine...A Baby Girl is Next in Line". Gosh. I'm all about rhymes... at all times;) Ha! But seriously, it's been a huge blessing seeing Valery grow into motherhood. I met her when her and her husband, Paul, were only dating. I remember we went to In & Out after church and I was sold after she put a couple of packets of pepper in her ketchup. Who does that? Apparently, I do that now too because it's delicious! (Try it!)

I better get back to the baby shower because all this In & Out talk is distracting... Yes! The baby shower was a good one if I say so myself. I'm proud of how everything turned out. So many times I have a vision of how I want something to be, only to fall miserably short. I attribute this to planning. I've been preparing for months, making little things here and there. Everything was handmade (except the cake) and most things were made with materials from the Dollar Store and a can of gold spray paint (okay, 3 cans). I'm all about budget-friendly fun, guys! Plus, I love crafting, it's therapeutic and gives me something to do while Lovey studies endlessly. (Not even complaining...)

Here are some pictures of the decor...

Congratulations DoCampos! May the Lord continue to bless your growing family :)

Want to see pictures from another friend's baby shower? YES | NO

Le Weekend

I had thee best weekend! What did I do? Spontaneous trip to San Diego? Nope. Disneyland adventure extravaganza? Nah. (Although that would've been magical!) I actually just stayed home (for the most part) and did nothing. Okay, not nothing.  I organized my crafts/scrapbook suitcase thing. It looks like a small carryon. You know the kind. Anywho. I cleaned that... And I completed an illustration I started a few months back. FINALLY! I feel like such a responsible adult whenever I complete a project. Especially one that was left half-done for so long.

It's been a while since I've illustrated by hand using actual pencils. Mostly I've been drawing digital doodles on my iPad (as you may have seen on Facebook), so it was nice to hold the weight of a drawing tool and not my stylus. If I messed up, I felt it more. Does that make sense? I couldn't just click "Undo" like on the drawing app. I had to pick up an eraser and use some elbow grease. It meant more... I really feel there's a metaphor to be explored here, but maybe I'll come back to it later (story of my life)...You know what it was? The flowers. Doodling in the shadow of a pretty bouquet of roses from my garden made everything feel more inspiring. More real. Yeah. That's it :)

Speaking of arts and crafts, would you like to see what I've been DIYing lately? YES | NO

PS. You know what else makes me feel like a responsible adult and contributing member of society? Finishing a tube of chapstick/lipbalm. Go figure.

Craftiness

Do you ever look through your hard drive and rediscover pictures of things you started, but never quite finished? I do. All. The. Time. I like to start projects, and then move on to other projects before I complete anything. I chase inspiration in a haphazard way, leaving trails of unfinished projects behind. The main destination of these half-completed fancies? My hard drive and under my bed.

However lately I've been singing a different tune. I'm actually undertaking projects and finishing them. Quite shocking I dare say! My poor husband-- Lovey comes home and finds my latest creation and simply smiles. What a patient man.  (P.S. You know what makes him the opposite of smiley? Spray painting his favorite brown owl figurine white. Just sayin'.) Anyway. I wanted to share some of my latest projects. From flower crowns to fruit-infused water and banana "ice cream". You gotta chase the inspiration when it comes, right?

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Dollar Store Crafts///Peony Flower Crown///Accessory Display///Chalk Art///Pillow made from T-Shirt///Dining Table Tray///Dairy-Free Chocolate Banana "Ice Cream"///Raspberry Infused Water///Mango-Watermelon Water///Coffee Table Tray///Hand painted Wooden Initials///Spray-paint collection.

PS. Would you like to read a post about an inspiring woman? YES | MAYBE NEXT TIME

Event: Emma's Baby Shower

I've been really dropping the ball with this photography blog, and it's kind of a shame. Why haven't I been sharing all the moments I've been blessed to capture? Why has it been months and months since I've posted??! Exhibit A: Emma's Baby Shower. This happy event took place a while ago... as in January! (WOW! Where have I been?) I've known Emma since High School, but it wasn't until a few years after graduation that I got to know her a bit better. Honestly, it makes me sad we weren't friends sooner because she's the sweetest person alive! No joke. This girl makes you feel like an instant best friend.  She's so welcoming, kind, and gives the best hugs in California. (Apparently I rate hugs.)

It was a HUGE blessing to be able to capture the celebration of the arrival of Sierra Grace (who is probably in HS by now, this is so late.) The shower was held in a family friend's backyard. This wonderful home had character and a touch of Southern charm, a rarity in Orange County. There were chickens, a tire swing, real swings, and even a barn. (Basically my dream home.) It was truly the perfect setting for an afternoon tea party with Emma's friends and family. Take a look at this delightful baby shower and be sure to leave your kind comments at the end!

Thank you to the Ramlo family for allowing me to be part of the celebration!

PS. Would you like to see pictures of another baby shower? YES | NO. BUT THANKS!

Wedding: Tom & Melissa

It's funny how life turns out. I remember being 13 and talking to Melissa (who I've known since 5th grade) about how we both wanted to get married at 24 when we were "finally adults and had seen the world..." As if you could plan such things... Thankfully, things didn't turn out the way we envisioned. They turned out better. Last weekend, my lovely friend married her beloved in an intimate ceremony overlooking sand and sea.

Everything was simply GORGEOUS! Especially the bride! Actually, both Tom and Melissa were radiant on their special day. And their felicity was only matched and magnified by their family's happiness (I've been reading Jane Austen lately, can you tell?) Truly, a feeling of love blanketed the venue. You could feel it and see it... even to the last detail. Here are some images I captured as a guest and witness of this happy day...

Congratulations Tom & Melissa Caldwell! Wishing you happiness, love, and success in your every endeavor! God bless you both!


PS. See Tom & Melissa's Save the Date video here.

PPS. Want to see more of Melissa? (Of course you do!)

PPPS. Not as many wedding pictures as I'd hoped because I was having major eye irritation. You can kind of see it in the picture above. Boo!

Tea Time

Tea time is quite commonplace at our place. On lazy weekends of course... Especially if it's raining. I'm hoping for some Fall weather this next week. I simply need cooler weather because I've recently purchased some Harney & Sons pumpkin spice tea that smells DELICIOUS!

Do you like tea? Or not really?

A Proverb

Good morning friends! Just a friendly reminder for you today...

How is your Fall coming along thus far?

Wedding: Miriam & Alejo

Photographing weddings is beyond stressful, but also one of the most rewarding things that can happen to a photographer. You really can't take a single break because chances are you'll miss something magical. Yet it's a whole different ballgame when you're simply invited to attend a wedding as a guest. It's one of my favorite things in life really.

My BEAUTIFUL friend, Miriam, married this past Sunday in San Clemente, CA. The locale was perfect, as was the bride, the family, her dress, all the food, flowers, weather, kids, etc. (I could be here all day.) But that's not really what made it unforgettable...Let me explain.

I met Miriam via some tragic events in her life. She's lived through some heartbreaking things. Moments that could undo a person and cause one to lose faith in God. She's been shaken to the core through loss and sorrow, yet she's always had this unmistakable strength, poise, and peace about her. To see her beaming on her wedding day, in the arms of the man she loves, was good for my soul. A day I will never forget. I mean, just look how happy she is!

In the past, I've seen her choke back tears of pain, but today I saw her cry tears of joy...

Having seen her on opposite sides of the emotional spectrum, made me realize a few things. 1.) Life is tragic and beautiful. 2.) Life goes on. 3.) God is faithful  4.) God is with us even when we least expect it. And 5.) I love Prime Rib. (I'm kidding! But really.)

Miriam gave a beautiful speech during the reception that really struck and encouraged me...She said something to the effect that the Lord had brought many into her path throughout the years during bittersweet times...And each person she met on the road of life was a token of His presence. Whether she turned left or right at her reception, she was surrounded by family. We were all her family...Each face she looked upon, a reminder that God was with her through it all... Is that amazing or what?

Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your day! We wish you happiness and many blessings Miriam and Alejo!

Engagement: Melissa & Tom (Includes Video)

Melissa and I have been friends since 5th grade! We grew up in the same neighborhood, went to school together, traveled the world even. She's one of my dearest friends. When she asked if I could do her engagement photo shoot, my heart and mind swelled with ideas. So we set up a date and time and headed to my favorite beach with her beloved, Tom (A fine fellow hailing from across the pond).

It's a funny thing doing a photo shoot for someone you've known practically your whole life. I mean, there I was walking up to her house with my bags, but this time it wasn't for a sleepover or a lazy pool day (Although I think we should have one of those soon!)... It was for her engagement shoot! How time flies!!! It does my heart well to see this beautiful couple so happy and in love. Don't believe me? See for yourself...

And now here's the video. It's a mix of more photos, "behind the scenes" stuff, and an important announcement! Click on the image below to play.

Cheers and much love to you guys!



PS.Want to see more of Melissa and her amazing different colored eyes? YES or NO.

Family Portrait: Isabel & Jasmine

So the idea of shooting at Disneyland was a stressful one. Number one reason? INTERFERENCE. There's nothing worse than having a good shot ruined by an unexpected bystander. Beach weddings are the worst because of beach-goers gawking and standing too close to the action. I can Photoshop one awkward person out...But hundreds?!!! Yeah. Disneyland was definitely worse! But luckily I joined Isabel and Jasmine (for a mother-daughter shoot) on a day that wasn't too busy. And they didn't seem to mind. Especially Jasmine... As long as that baby girl had a burrito between takes, she was ha-ppy. Can't blame her either. Those burritos looked delicious!

Here's some shots of them putting the happy in the happiest place on earth! (Ha! I've always wanted to do that...)

(These were taken this past winter. Wow! I'm so late on everything. Sorry! I'll try to be better about it henceforth!)