Visiting | Disneyland Park Family Photography, Orange County, California

So... I'm a little behind!  That's ok, though.  If your experience during this cold/ flu season has been anything like ours, surely you empathize with the lack of time I've had to sit and blog.  It's looking like we're FINALLY all well (except for that lingering cough- you know what I'm talking about if you've had it!) and I'm in the midst of some real FUN with the business and the brand!  Stay tuned for exciting {pretty} changes coming soon!

Enough of that.  Onto my first session of 2013!  I was thrilled when Ally contacted me about shooting her family's visit to Disneyland!  She is a fellow photographer, owner of the beautiful Squishy Prints Photography, whom I've "met" through my favorite photography forum, ClickinMoms, as well as through Instagram (via @clickinmoms, of course!).  They were planning an amazing trip down to Southern California to make the theme park rounds and I am so honored that they chose me to run around Disney with them!

Firstly, her boys are *adorable*!  They're cute.  They're sweet.  They made me laugh a lot!  Lock up your daughters, everyone- these boys are charmers!

This guy is your typical little bro.  He's cute and cheeky; what he lacks for in size, he makes up in liquid brown eyes and mischievous smiles.  He clearly drives his big brother nuts, but in that "we couldn't live without each other" kind of way.  I'm pretty sure he and my son would be the best of friends!

 And then there is the big bro.  A little quiet to begin with, but once I cracked the Star Wars shell, we were fast friends!  He even sweet talked me into a piggy back ride through Adventure Land.  He has a smile so sweet, and his eyes light at the sight of his favorite Disney characters!

We had such a fun day- how could we not?!  The family is connected and laid back- any photographers dream!- and we were at the Happiest Place on Earth, after all.

A fun little "eye spy" game for you... do you see me?

Typical boys.  I just love it!

Thank you so much, E family, for blessing me with your family for the day!  I cannot wait for your next visit to So Cal!  

Holiday Sessions- It's Time! | Orange County, California Family Portrait Photography

Phew!  It feels like it has been forever since I worked on the blog, sent newsletters and generally did much photography work at all... mainly because my full time job as a mommy of three has been so very busy!  I've been enjoying my time off very much and loving every minute (well, mostly every minute) with my sweet three.

While it's only the end of July, it is time to start thinking about holiday portrait season!  I decided this year to manage my time a little better than last year to avoid burn out and be able to enjoy the season with my family.  For those reasons, I will only be taking holiday portraits in mini-session format this year.  There are three dates available for mini-sessions in three different locations; hopefully this will help to make it accessible for everyone!

Each location will have a unique "stylized" theme, which I am super excited about!  Sessions will last 30-minutes and may include up to 5 people.  Your mini session will include:

* 30 minutes of shooting

* 8-10 edited images in your gallery

* 5 hi-resolution digital images on disk with print release

* an 8x10 mounted photo calendar

* ...and a really cute surprise gift!

Mini sessions will be held:

Saturday, October 6th at the San Juan Capistrano Train Station

9:00am

9:45am

10:30am

11:15am

Sunday, October 21st at a park near the Orange Circle

3:00pm- BOOKED

3:45pm

4:30pm- BOOKED

5:00pm

Saturday, November 3rd at the Malaga Cove Library (South Bay)

9:00am- BOOKED

9:45am

10:30am- BOOKED

11:15am- BOOKED

Mini-sessions are $275 for the whole package.  Times and dates are first come, first served and will only be reserved with receipt of $100 deposit.

Handsome Boys | Ladera Ranch Family Photographer, Orange County, California

This was one of many of my holiday sessions at the end of 2011! This was the third time I was able to spend some time shooting this family- first, for mom's maternity portraits; second, for baby bro's newborn portraits. This time, I got to capture the whole family of four!

I love spending time with this family! Mom and dad are laid back and fun to be around... and their boys!! Oh mercy! Big brother, D, is such a charmer and cracks me up! Baby M is mellow, cute and might be worth trying to sneak home with me (though there's no way D wold let me get away with his little bro)!

Thanks, C family, for allowing me to be a part of your holiday images... can't wait to see you again soon!

Beloved | Orange Newborn Photography, Orange County, California

As a mommy, I feel there are not enough words to describe the emotions you experience when you first lay eyes upon your first baby. The children who follow are just as magical, but that first baby is this magical emotion that you have never, ever experienced and could never have prepared for.

I was so thrilled for my dear friends, A&M, who welcomed their first baby back in November. After much anticipation, sweet Avery made her debut and left her mommy and daddy madly in love. I saw it in their eyes the minute I walked in to the hospital room. I had no doubt that Avery was going to be welcomed into a loving family, but it gave me extra heart flutters to visibly see that adoration pouring from them. So beloved.

It was the biggest honor to capture Avery's newborn portraits- she is completely stunning! Try not to fall too much in love; her mommy and daddy have declared her a keeper :)







And then there were three...


No better Christmas gift!


Thanks, A&M, for sharing your precious gift with me- you know I love her!

Scott & Emily; Orange County Engagement Photographer

I've been friends with Scott for many, many years and I am thrilled that he has found someone as fabulous (and patient!) as Emily to spend the rest of his life with! You're marrying up, Scotty! Thanks for letting me take your engagement pics!











Can't wait for the wedding, guys!

L & M; South Bay Child Photographer

Kids are so fun! I was an only child, so I missed all the fun of sharing adventures with a sibling. L is the best big sister to M- we had a great day at the Redondo Beach Pier!