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?

A Perfect Match

When I first met with Kim & Erik, I knew I wanted to photograph their wedding. I was more than thrilled to be documenting their special day...

Kim was a perfect picture of classic elegance - from the dress, the fresh colors, down to the littlest thing. She was beaming! Erik was dashing. Together they weren't only a good looking couple but also one of the sweetest & most easygoing!

Julie Jones from Bijou Events did such an amazing job - details were flawless! The Sheraton Delfina, with its hip & modern interior, was a great complement to the couple's "beachy" theme.

Kim & Erik's family & friends weren't afraid to let their "footloose." They knew exactly how to have FUN and Aaron Massey from VOX DJs gladly made sure that dance floor was never empty. Sheree Pouls at Lips & Locks did the ladies' fabulous hair & make-up. And a big thanks to Juan Turcios for shooting with me.

Here's a slideshow of some faves... I could have not asked for better light during the ceremony.

A Romantic Dream

To shoot a photographer's wedding is exciting, to shoot a photographer's wedding whose work you admire - nerve wracking! :) Needless to say, I was extremely honored to photograph Carrie & Mike's wedding. It was beautiful! Carrie was absolutely stunning and Mike was quite the looker himself!

Enveloped in the evening fog, Rancho Sol Del Pacifico in Malibu was the perfect setting... and to quote one guest, "it was like walking into a dream..." and it indeed was!

It was such a special day. Mike's niece, Sheila, sang during the ceremony and American Idol's Melinda Dolittle surprised the guests during reception & set the tone for the couple's very romantic first dance.

I've gotten to know their family and some friends... To be in the presence of such wonderful people is one of the many reasons I love my job. Hats off to Pauline, Charley and the rest of their team from Good Gracious! for a more than spectacular job!

Hit play to see a slideshow of some faves...

I'm an auntie again!

My sister is my best friend and it breaks my heart not to be there for her son's birth. Furthermore, missing out on all these newborn photo-ops. Can't wait to hold him ... and of course photograph him!!! Congratulations Marie & Pierre! See you soon.

Here's little Nikos a few days old...

A Family Affair

Paola and Jorge easily made for a head turning couple. To those who knew them best however, their beauty was much more than skin deep. Glowing with joy, love and anticipation, the couple's radiance stood as testament to the fact that they were undeniably meant for each other. The wedding did more than meld lives, faith and culture. It brought together two beautiful souls and made it into one. The day was made even more special by the presence of those most dear to them. After the ceremony, the air continued to be filled with mirth and love while the dance floor was filled with music and Salsa!

The charming Brookside Equestrian was the backdrop for most of these fun portraits. Festivities followed at the Friendly Hills Country Club that cousin Dana also decked out with her floral art.
Thanks to my dear friend & amazing photojournalist, Minouche Jauffret, for coming out to shoot with me.

Here's a little slideshow from the day....

Little Storyteller

When shooting the little ones, we try our best to keep them entertained. This was not the case with Carlene. She had lots of stories to tell and was the one keeping me entertained! From Halloween, to princesses to her next visit to Disneyland (which she even invited me to!), she is one of the smartest and most outgoing 3 year olds you'll meet.

Somebody's been hanging out with a lot of 3 and 4 year olds lately... Thankfully, they do make me appreciate life's simple pleasures even more!

Here's a little one who knows how to enjoy being on the spotlight....

the stairs that doubles as a slide,


little storyteller in action...
Please check back, I'll be posting more images...

Marc Edward Skincare

Marc has the most infectious positive energy. We absolutely enjoyed taking his portraits! Marc is the magic behind Marc Edward Skincare and voted Best Esthetician in Los Angeles. Whether you're preparing to look your best for your wedding in a few months or simply want to look fabulous, he is your ticket!

Here are some favorites... You can definitely tell how happy and comfortable he is!

Little Miss Paulie

This very playful little one wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. Pauli loves animals - we talked about dogs, cats, giraffes and her favorite, the tiger! Roar! She was super independent. For outfit changes, she'd go to her room and come back out camera ready. Our kinda girl!

We were so glad to capture her many smiles....


Showing us her moves...


Children's expressions are so pure, that's why we love them!

License to Wed

I am deeply honored to have received an invitation from the bright minds behind the phenomenal website, mywedding.com, to photograph this very sweet couple. MyWedding.com is the ultimate online wedding resource and was a promotional partner for Warner Bros. Pictures' & Village Roadshow Pictures' new flick, "License to Wed." They gave away this dream trip to the movie's Hollywood premiere.

Michelle & Kevin were treated in true Hollywood style. They were put up at the ever fabulous Chateau Marmont, had a spa day, wined & dined, and truly enjoyed LA's best. They walked the red carpet for the premiere and even rubbed elbows with the stars at the after party!

This was a wonderful break from all the wedding planning they've been so busy with. I was let in on a few details and it's going to be really special! Michelle & Kevin are set to wed in Missouri in August.

Here are a few faves from the day...




They were chauffeured around town for the duration of their stay. Special thanks to JR at Lakeforest Limousines.
Michelle & Kevin just before hitting the red carpet...

Congratulations again! It was a real pleasure meeting & photographing you both!