There are happy babies and then there’s my godson, Jonah, who gives a whole new meaning to the term. Everything seems to make him smile. Toys that rattle or play music; playing peek-a-boo; a kind face looking back at him. He was over last week, in crawling position on my couch, and with no stimulation whatsoever, started laughing…at himself? At me? I have no idea, but with not even 12 months behind him, he is already so full of personality.
Baptisms are probably one of my favorite celebrations. Surrounded by family and friends, a little baby is welcomed officially into his/her Catholic faith. What a wonderful moment to witness!
On this special day, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Downtown L.A., little Natalia had her turn. Her mom is my awesome friend, Grace, who I met through a retreat a few years ago. Though we don’t see each other that often, it’s always such a heartwarming time when we do meet, and I was more than honored she asked me to help document Natalia’s baptism.
She and her husband, Jorge, their older daughter, Olivia aka Livie and little Natalia are this wonderful, loving family and I feel so privileged to have helped keep this unique day a memorable one.
So nice. So sweet. So made for each other. I can’t think of any words to better describe Hiyas and Jerald.
Like I’ve said many times before, I love second shooting for someone, and a few months ago, I had the honor of doing so for my very talented friend, Quoc Ngo. And like I always do when I’m assisting, I cover any and everything that the primary photographer asks. On this special day, Quoc entrusted me to cover the groom and the groomsmen.
I’m not an expert at posing guys, especially a group of them. But Jerald and his groomsmen were so nice and so funny, that I barely had to do any directing. And the groom, well, let’s just say what you see in a photo is what you would get in person. Jerald is such a nice guy and it’s only fitting for someone like him to be paired with a sweetie pie like Hiyas.
After a beautiful ceremony at St. Charles Borromeo in North Hollywood, they celebrated at Calimigos Equestrian in Burbank.
Happy days ahead to you, Hiyas and Jerald!
Anna Gonda Photography 