Jenn and Mark's Wedding | Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort & Carlsbad Seapointe Resort

Photographing Jenn and Mark's wedding at Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort and reception at Carlsbad Seapointe Resort, was an honor and a joy! I have known Jenn since my college days in Gamma Alpha Lambda in Kansas City. When Jenn contacted me and asked me about photographing her wedding in Carlsbad, I was thrilled!

The weather was PERFECT, Jenn was stunning, and Mark is such a sweet man who adores my friend! I couldn't ask for better! My favorite moment from the wedding was when Mark teared up while sharing his vows. The reception was full of a lavish array of Persian inspired dishes! A stunning sunset made for wonderful romantic portraits overlooking the ocean!

Special thanks to Erin Kaiulani for being an amazing assistant and 2nd shooter!

Anniversary Portraits in Orange County Photography | Legacy Sessions

I have recently found beauty in photographing the love in mature marriages! It's easy to photograph a couple in their 20s or 30s. Photographing a couple that has been married for 20, 30, 40 or 50+ years holds a special sense of meaning and importance to me! For better or worse, in sickness and in health, through children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, these marriages have endured. These portraits matter and their love stories are worth commemorating!

And as the years and people pass by, my heart tells me these photos will come to mean even more. If you have older parents, get them photographed! If you are celebrating a special anniversary, get your portrait taken together. It's as simple as that!

Check out some samples of these types of portraits below and book a session HERE.

Dana Point Anniversary Photography | Lauren and Thomas

I hate that Lauren and Thomas live so far away! Lauren and I are so similar...it's just ridiculous! Taking their one year anniversary portraits on the beach for their anniversary was a thrill for me! I've always wanted to have my own portraits taken on the beach in my wedding dress but have never made it happen. 
Even though the day of our session was cloudy and a bit stormy with rough waves, Lauren and Thomas were champs! I love them both so much! 

Newport Beach Lido | Nguyen Legacy Session

They never get their own...they always share a cup of coffee. They travel from Florida to California to see their grandson as often as they can. Their marriage is one of quiet patience and love. They don't speak a lot of English, but I can tell that he adores his wife. 

This is not my first time photographing the sweet Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen and I walk away blessed by them every time! I'm so thankful that their daughter has given me the honor and task of photographing her parents. It's a wonderful Legacy to document!

Special thanks to Honor Coffee in Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach!

Dana Point Maternity Photographer | Toni & Paul

Toni and Paul are the classic example of clients that have become friends! I have had the joy of photographing their engagement, wedding and now maternity! At the time of this blog's posting, their baby is already here! Photos of the new adorableness to come soon. 
Toni and Paul invited Eli to come on their session, so you will see a candid photo by him in the images below. I love Toni and Paul and had a blast photographing them in Dana Point and grabbing dinner with them after! :)

Newport Beach Family Photographer | Paprocki Family

I LOVE THE PAPROCKIS!!!!!! They are dear friends and extra special models! 
We chose Newport Beach and the Balboa Fun Zone for their portraits. The day was made extra special be the attendance of "Gigi" and her silly hat! Perfect for extra getting giggles and smiles our of the little kids...and the big kids too!

Custom Highschool Band Photography

When band teacher Mike Alvarez contacted me about photos for the band at his high school, I knew I wanted to do something unique and different! My mission: make band cool again! I think we accomplished it. Along with classic group portraits, each student was given their own mini custom photoshoot. We also added some epic group photos like the world has never seen! I hope to work on more projects like this in the future!

Orange County Family Photographer | Toni, Paul & Qwei

I adore Toni, Paul and their puppy, Qwei! I have had the JOY of photographing all of them at different times, but never all together! I recently had the opportunity of photographing their little family. While, I love the images, I must say I equally enjoyed the drinks and laughs we shared at Provisions after their session! Can't wait to see them again!

Strehlow Family | Old Town Orange Family Photographer

I love the Strehlow family!!! As in (if I could) I would move them from Michigan and plant them in my backyard and we would be neighbors. Life would be good!
Their family came out to California for a wedding recently. It was my first time seeing them since I photographed Kevin and Stephanie's wedding in 2012! As you can see, they have added to their family since then. I loved getting to meet their kiddos and wander Old Towne Orange for photos!
Strehlows, please move to California...