{ brian + jordan }

Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE second shooting? Well, I do. It's the best. I was able to take my new camera for a spin, relax, and catch the fun moments that happen when people are paying attention to the main photographer and not me. Thanks again Stephanie for having me along... you're awesome, and I think we make a great team. Can't wait for the next wedding coming up!

Ok, now on to the happy couple: Brian and Jordan were another super laid back, easy to work with couple. I loved how they just enjoyed the day and didn't get caught up in all the craziness that was happening all around them- it was all good, and they just had fun. All couples should be so lucky!

Here are a couple shots of Jordan getting ready. Just look at all the smiles and happiness...

One of the bridesmaids had a 'vision' of this shot as soon as she saw the patio, and Stephanie made it happen.... and I LOVE it.

Big smiles and laughter are always a good thing on your wedding day.

Sister flower girls = super cute. 'Nuff said.

I planted myself in this spot and didn't ever want to leave... the light was just too good.

Love the feeling of this moment... everyone is having fun and smiling, but Brian and Jordan are just in their own little world.

Best light. Ever.

Don't they look so content?

I don't know why I love this photo so much, but I do. Jordan was simply going to the dock to wait for their big introduction to the reception and I loved the look of it!

Details!

I love toasts. Smiles, tears, laughter, embarrassment... it's all good.

Another toast... these bridesmaids made the BEST fun, clever, little poem about Brian and Jordan... they had everybody laughing.

Gotta have the camera on the bride when her dad gets the mic.

{ artistic hair portrait party }

You may remember hearing of Artistic Hair a few months ago when I did a photoshoot with all their fantastic hairstylists. Barbara, the amazing owner of the salon, is always thinking of fun ways to take care of her clients and show her appreciation... And for her latest idea, I was happy to help by putting on a portrait party. I squeezed my awesome new funky chair into my car, set up a mini studio at the salon, and had so much fun meeting her amazing clients and taking their portraits.

Barbara, thanks again for hosting this event! You have great clients and a fabulous salon. You're awesome!

I also wanted to thank Melissa for being an awesome assistant. And Eric, the salon's make-up artist, for making sure everyone was picture perfect.

LOVED this family...

Lauren's senior portraits...

This little guy was so happy and sweet... I could've photographed him for hours.

With his awesome grandparents...

Cherie and her girls...

Need a real estate agent? Here you go...

How unbelievably cute is this little girl?!

How's this for a cute family?

{ miss alexi }

Facebook really is one of the most amazing things around... not only is it great for business and staying current with your friends, but it's the best way to keep in touch with family members that you don't get to see as often as you'd like.

I remember when I first got a friend request from my mom.... I didn't know what to think... would this be bad? Would she shake a finger at all my happy hour visits and roll her eyes at all the photos of me at parties? It really could've been disastrous, ya know? But instead, facebook has connected me with aunts, uncles, cousins that've grown up to be waaaayyyy cooler than me, and has made it possible for all of us to get to know each other again.

OK. Why am I rambling about facebook? Because this photoshoot of my Aunt Annie and her daughter may have never happened if it weren't for that awesome little social site. As some of you know I'm always posting photos and rambling about this and that and my most favoritist childhood aunt took notice. She mentioned that she wanted to have photos taken of Alexi, and I jumped on the opportunity. I don't get to see them much, and I was floored to see how old (and cool) Alexi had gotten when I wasn't looking. Seriously, she is one cool kid... just look at her awesome wardrobe and super sassiness. I LOVED photographing her! So here she is - popcorn loving, concert going, Selina Gomez fanatic, Alexi:

I really really really wish they made that ruffly skirt in my size...

I don't know why exactly, but this is one of my favorites of the day. Her eyes are so expressive.

There are so many amazing textures and colors to be found in Downtown Fullerton.

She's such a great model... all I had to say was, "you lost your cell phone and you're grounded" to get a somber look. Then ask about her boyfriend, and presto! Smiles!

Our Taylor Swift tribute...

She's only 6! And look at how absolutely gorgeous she is! She's gonna stop traffic when she's older.

Had to get a few Mom and Daughter portraits in...

Seriously? Seriously? She is so flippin' cool.

Their wiener dog!

Like daughter, like doggy LOL

Happy faces and blurry backgrounds never fail...

A little leaf throwing does a kid good... cool idea, Annie!

Annie and Alexi,

I hope you had as much fun at our shoot as I did. You two were lots of fun, and I can't wait for the next round of photos someday. There are TONS more to look at... in fact I had a really tough time deciding which ones to post. I'll have your proof site up soon so you can check everything out. Love ya, and I hope to see you again soon!

{ big happy family }

To celebrate her parent's 40th wedding anniversary, Nicki thought it would be a great idea to round up the family and pose for portraits.... pretty much the best idea ever, huh? Kidding... a little - I've always loved giving photography as gifts (ask my mom, she's been getting photos for presents since my high school days at Picture People).

We braved the heat in Pasadena this past Sunday, and I'll tell ya, they were not only good sports, but really fun to work with and full of love for one another. The two little boys just lit up as soon as they saw their Auntie and Grandparents - it was so sweet. Here are some of my favorites...

The whole family with my favorite light :-)

I love how Tanner is trying to escape, but still smiling.

Just look at these handsome boys...

The happy couple...

Self posed and casual...

I looked behind me and caught these two having way too much fun without my camera being pointed at them... I made sure to snap a few shots before the fun came to an end.

Sisters!

The T-man!

Nicki scouted this place out the weekend before our shoot and fell in love with the architecture... she thought I'd think she was crazy for driving all the way out there to check it out, but her enthusiasm really got me excited... and we knew exactly where we wanted to shoot the day of. Cool beans.

Their Grandpa is so cool. Not only did he help with getting smiles out of the boys, but he hopped into the train to play. Cool, huh?

Next is one of my favorites! Nicki saw this wall accross the street from the park and knew I would LOVE it... she was right, of course.

Those eyes are beyond beautiful....

Little stinker... I love it!

Nicki,

Thanks so much for choosing me to photograph your awesome family! I had lots of fun, and really got a kick out of how much fun you all managed to have together despite that awful heat. I hope dinner was great (they got to go to the Melting Pot), and that your parents had a fantastic anniversary.