{ ryan is one! }

I can't believe Ryan is already 1! It really doesn't seem like a whole year has gone by since I took this photo:

Today was such perfect day to chase Ryan around his house- the weather was cool, the sun was hidden by a perfect cloud cover, and I showed up just after he had awoken from his nap (yes!). 

{ hope anne - newborn }

Here my fantastic little niece's newborn portraits. She was the best baby ever (and I'm not just saying that because I'm related). She just slept and slept and let me pose her however I wanted- a photographer's dream. 

{ Hope Anne is born }

This is a particularly special post for me because not only did I get to be in the room for my niece's birth, I got to photograph the day as well. My sis-in-law is the most amazing woman. This is her third child (and first daughter!) and she was the most laid back mom I'm sure anyone has ever seen in the delivery room. She was all smiles and happiness- even before the epidural! 

{ rafael alcala - photographer }

I met Rafael at a photogapher get together a few months ago and we got to talking about business and photography. He's a super talented photographer and I've already learned so much from just chatting with him. Well, he's revamping the look of his business and needed a new photo for his 'about me' section- and he asked me to take it! I was so excited (and a bit nervous to shoot another photographer), and it turned out to be lots of fun. I LOVE shooting in Downtown Fullerton- there are so many great textures and colors.

He took great photos of me, too- check them out www.raphotographer.com

He said he was nervous, but he's a natural in front of the camera.

This angle was his idea...cool, huh?

Hehe, just realized this one looks like a Becker pose and process. 

Thanks for the opportunity to work with you, Rafael!

{ the kirkland family }

Meet the Kirkland family- aren't they adorable? I've know them for a few years now, but only recently got a chance to get to know them- Kenny is my hubby's brother's wife's brother (you got that?). Together we just welcomed a new niece into the family (photos to come soon) and they just hired me to shoot their wedding next year- Shannon is going to make the most stunning bride, don't you think?

Here are my favorites from their family photo session- and don't forget to keep your eye out for their engagement session within the next year and their wedding next Spring!

Sofia has the cutest expressions...

I love a good laughing photo

Playing in the curtains

{ jeff + tracy }

I'm finally blogging this wedding! (I've been trying to wait for my newly designed blog to be up, but my impatience won out :-)

Tracy & Jeff did the most amazing job planning and designing this day...it was beautiful! Both the ceremony and reception were outdoors at the beautiful French Estates in Orange, and I couldn't have been happier with the weather- clear skies, soft light, and gentle breezes to catch Tracy's veil...perfect. 

And, thanks again to Sarina Love for being my second shooter. You make a great partner!