Jan and little S. | Portraits

My dear friend Jan was in town with her precious daughter. I'm so glad they were up for a portrait session!

J., M., and little A are expecting!

Mariika and Scott

I first met Mariika over ten years ago when she was still in high school. I was a youth leader at our church and a first-year math teacher at her school. We recently reconnected through our parents, and I am so thrilled to be photographing her wedding this May!





Mariika is all grown up now, but she still has the same overflowing joy and bubbly smiles that I remember. It was so fabulous to catch up and to meet the man who has captured her heart, someone she's known since high school! I just love it when friends fall in love.













These two were totally awesome during the shoot, even when the weather didn't cooperate. Soon after we started taking pictures, a crazy wind came out of nowhere. For the rest of the afternoon, the wind howled and whipped hair and sand into our faces. And the worst part (for me, at least) was that it was just dang cold. But Mariika and Scott were great sports throughout and up for anything! Thanks so much, you two, for such a great time, and for being so cute inside and out.

Sassy and Sweet

Shots from a senior portrait session over the weekend...

The diva and her parents

I was so glad to be able to take some family photos of my dear friends who've moved back from Baltimore. And the "diva" is such a sweetheart.

Adorable

I photographed this precious little one for holiday cards, and she stole my heart.

Ellen & John | Engagement

I met Ellen and John at Point Dume on a beautifully warm and sunny Saturday for their engagement pictures. We actually started out on opposite sides of Point Dume, wondering where the other person was! Once we met up, we walked to the spot where John proposed and then down a very steep set of stairs to the beach.





We continued our shoot in Santa Monica, and Ellen graciously indulged me by walking and walking and walking--to the pier, to the promenade, to the park.









I love that Ellen's engagement ring belonged to John's grandmother. What an heirloom!



Ellen and John, I am so excited to shoot your wedding this summer!

The cutest dinosaur in the world

Mornings there's a chill in the air. And I've started turning on the heater in the evenings. It finally feels like fall is here. And little man Jack is sure celebrating it in style. The last time I photographed him, he was just starting to be able to sit up by himself. This time, he was scampering about and pulling himself up to standing, getting ready to take some tentative steps. He was the most adorable little dinosaur for Halloween and he's the Kings' youngest fan. Don't you just love the little rolls on his leg and the puck on his behind?

Family Fun Shoot

What a privilege to shoot this amazing family!













To see more pictures, click here to watch a slideshow!

Rebecca & Chris

I had been looking forward to shooting this engagement session for a long time. Rebecca and Chris love the outdoors, so we headed out to nearby park just before sunset. The light was a gorgeous complement to the love radiating out of these two. You are both so filled with spunk and love and joy. I wish you all the best as you prepare for a lifetime together. Thanks for such a fun session!













To see more pictures, click here to watch a slideshow!