Effortless: Averell & Jacqueline

It’s always nerve-wracking to shoot a couple for the first time. I’ve known Averell since high school but had never met his fiancé, Jackie before. I wasn’t sure what their dynamic was as a couple, how camera shy or not camera shy they were, etc. Basically, all the fears I could have before a shoot, I felt. But as I am with every shoot, I was also saved because Averell and Jackie were just so darn easy to work with. They’re so sweet, and at the same time, so comical with each other that I think every other shot I took was of them laughing at each other…or at me. They’re complete hams and I loved every second with them!

I’ve been nursing a torn tendon for about a couple of months now, and we had to postpone this engagement shoot for a week because the pain had gotten worse one weekend. Time was of the essence though, because Averell and Jackie are temporarily living in Salt Lake City, UT for work, so their trips back here to visit family and friends, and to make arrangements for the wedding, are few and valuable. Blessings rained on me that day though, because for whatever reason, as soon as we started the shoot, I forgot about the pain and had only Averell and Jackie to focus on. What super awesome distractions they were!

We shot at the Disney Concert Music Hall, a place I’d never shot before so I was so excited. There are so many areas there that provide a beautiful backdrop for these two such wonderful people. I can’t wait for their wedding day in September! Thanks so much, Averell and Jackie, for making me part of your special day!

…smile…

…don’t smile…


For the Girls: Cecile’s Bridal Shower Weekend

We had spent a few days on the lovely island of O’ahu just a couple of weeks before, but for my dear friend Cecile, one celebration before her wedding simply wasn’t enough. During a gorgeous weekend in February, we rented a house in Hollywood and threw the bride-to-be a small bridal shower, followed by a Harry Potter themed pre-party, followed by a bachelorette evening partying at nearby Crown Bar.

All the gals dressed in their Sunday best that lovely Saturday afternoon, we played games, ate, watched Cile open gift bags and boxes galore of lingerie and other fun stuff…and then we ate some more, courtesy of the culinary wiles of Riann, Bev, Rachey, Leia, Porto’s Bakery and our talented friend, Jenn, who made all the sweet treats.

It was a tiring weekend but our bride had a memorable time, which made all the preparation totally worth it. Love you lots, Cile!!!

Harry Potter Bachelorette Pre-Party

(Yes, those are Golden Snitch cake pops created by, again, our super awesome friend – thanks so much, Jenn!)

Sun and Fog: Joan & Bong

So what did I do for my 33rd birthday? I went to mass in the morning, had breakfast with my family, yell at the Lakers-Orlando game…then did a photo shoot. Andrew and I had to manage the shoot ourselves because James was home sick, but I think we did okay =) And honestly, what better way to celebrate another year of life, than doing something that keeps me an eager young student…like photography?

First of all, Joan and Bong are two of the funnest people to be around! Joan is this tiny little lady with the most joyous laugh, which is perfect because her husband (we shot their wedding this weekend. Can you tell how behind I am?), Bong, is nothing but a crack-up. I’ve shot engagement sessions before that were filled with smiles. This one was filled with pure laughter.  We were all literally laughing all day, which made shooting that much easier

We chanced upon this trail/park in Malibu and wow, talk about serendipity! What a beautiful place! It was just such a wonderfully gorgeous day…until it got all foggy. Andrew and I had separated to get some solos of the couple and, seriously, in a span of about 15 minutes, we were literally engulfed in this thick fog. The Thames in London in the winter time type of fog. It was so crazy! But thank goodness it waited until we were done.

Joan and Bong did such a wonderful job that day. Can’t wait to blog about their wedding!