Destination: Bliss

I'm so fortunate to always get the nicest couples, and as a bonus, have the most wonderful families too! I never met Karyn & Xan until their rehearsal dinner and I couldn't ask for a sweeter couple.

Call it double blessing, Karyn's dad didn't only walk her down the aisle but was also one of the three officiants to marry them. From the church ceremony to the beautifully decked ballroom at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, laughter was overflowing. Some of the best toasts I've heard!

Friends & family jetted from around the country to join the festivities... headed home left to wonder where the surprise honeymoon destination is. Congratulations Karyn & Xan! ...and a happy 93rd birthday to Xan's grandma, Nellie!

Thanks to these vendors who made the day extraordinary:
Coordinator: Gina Richardson, Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa
Band: Larry Gootkin Music & Entertainment
Flowers: Debbra Robertson, Fleuris Flower Studio
Video: John Goolsby

Here's the slideshow of wedding day highlights we played at their post wedding brunch:

fun PUG

I've become a regular at our LA Pictage User Group (PUG) meetings. It's a great venue for us to meet, learn & share ideas with other photographers. This month's PUG was a lot of fun! Had lots of food, barbequed, took each other's headshots, and just hung out.

Here's a shot Ann Kelley took of me.

Here's a cool shot Jules took of Ann in action that I grabbed from her blog. More fun images at Jules Bianchi's blog...

Sisters, Partners in Crime ;)

Having a little sister is a lot of fun. Ariela & Shira definitely shared that special "sister" bond I can totally relate to. I watched them do fun things together like burying their faces in the sand, braving the waves and getting completely soaked, making sure not to get water on their dolls' eyes... It's great to have that gal pal, that partner in crime....

Below are some faves... And make sure to click here to see the album slideshow too.


How adorable is this pouting face?


Sheira tried to catch up with her big sister as she ran to the water. Smudged on her tiny palms and drenched in salt water, she hands over that piece of M&M to make sure Ariela got her share. I thought that was really sweet..

and had the best time ever!

Taking the plunge...

I've been to a number of weddings and theirs was one of the most beautiful vows I've heard. Mindy & Dave were blown away by each other's words... and so were the rest of us. Not a dry eye in the house!

They opted for a "non-traditional" celebration of love but everything was more than special. We took their portraits on the same spot where Dave proposed. The sumptuous dinner was catered by La Bettola - where they had their first romantic date. Their marriage was ministered by a really good friend, and the list goes on.... Family & friends could not be happier to see them "take the plunge." :)

Thanks to Courtney Toney of Joyful Weddings and Events for introducing me to this truly beautiful couple.

Here are some faves from the day...

Flowers by Alyssa’s Flowers
Check out this series of images & you'll see just how HAPPY this couple is...








A few amazing details put together by Joyful Weddings and Events.

Rentals were from Classic Party Rentals.



Cake by Great Dane Baking Co.

How cute is this cake?! It was a perfect addition to their poolside feast.

Little Urban Girl

Urban, hip & fun. That was the idea for this shoot and this little one delivered just that. With her great energy, Alyssa had us clicking like paparazzis. The deal was after photographing her, she gets to take our picture too with her toy camera. Fair enough right? :)

A ton of favorites! Here are some mine...


Yes, I love lens flair :)
Soo pretty...
Such a natural!

Beth & Sonny

Beth & Sonny met, fell in love, and on a rainy August 7th, said their I dos. 38 years and 6 kids later, they are as happy as ever! We have them to thank for an amazing life growing up (& I'm still working on the growing up part). They have been and continue to be confidants, business advisers and my biggest fans :) Happy Anniversary Mama & Papa!

Who do I look like?