{ waiting for roman } Orange County Maternity Photographer

I have to say that I have been impatiently awaiting this photo shoot for a loooooong time. Seriously it seemed to take forever to get here.... and, if I'm being totally honest, I am NOT a super patient person when I get excited about something.

Kirstie contacted me a couple months ago and said she was looking for maternity photos... whoohoo! I love meeting first time parents. Their excitement and energy is so amazing to see and so fun to photograph. But then Kirstie really got me going when she said she wanted something a bit different (no hearts on the belly for her!)... she wanted something colorful and filled with texture and architecture... right up my alley!

So here you go... I had just as much fun (if not more) as I thought I would. Kirstie and Nick are an absolutely amazing couple and I can't wait to see them as Mommy and Daddy when little Roman is born in February (keep your eye out for his newborn photos!).

Happy Monday!

One of my favorites... testing out a new black and white conversion... you like?

One of my favorite walls...

Josh's favorite:

My favorite of the day:

BTW, did I mention the Kirstie is probably the cutest/coolest/nicest mom-to-be? Ever?

Thanks for being my human light stand, Josh!

{ the hope chest - children and maternity boutique }

So by now lots of you have heard me talk about my friend's awesome store, The Hope Chest in Old Town Orange. I don't think, however, you've seen it yet - so here you go! I went by there to say hi the other day and I brought my camera along so I could snap some photos of all their goodies.

Stop by and mention that you saw this blog for 10% off your purchase... and don't forget to stop by for holiday gifts. They have lots of new toys that are made in America and carry great brands like, See Kai Run, Tea Collection, Knuckleheads, and Blabla Dolls... take a look:

How cool are these hats? Knuckleheads makes great edgy clothes and hats.

Love all the random things they have...

A bit of bling for the girlies made by Little Miss Diva.

I wish 'See Kai Run' made these shoes for adults... I'd soooo wear them, especially because they're good for your feet.

They have a great selection of toys that are made in America...

Lots of toys and some more tutus and accessories from Little Miss Diva...

They also have a little play area for your kids with a little art area and movies... and a nice little spot for you to sit and catch up on your gossip.

A few more things I wish they made for adults... sigh. I love the sleeves of this dress...

Expecting? They have a great (and ever expanding) maternity section.

Super talented local artist, Zarah-Marie M. Healy:

Rachelle's baby bump

Rachelle and Karl were a photographer's dream come true! They were so much fun to photograph and are so photogenic. Don't even get me started on their amazing house...I told them I might have to rent it out for other photo shoots :-) Here is a sneak peak at their maternity shoot. You'll be seeing lots of this new little family on my blog in the next year- they're having me document their little girl's whole first year!

I just loved all the textures and colors found around every corner

I want to marry this dress! LOL

their awesome cat wanted in on the action, too...

Well that's all for now! I can't wait to do the newborn portraits- I'll finally have some more baby girls on my site :-)