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!

Lake Arrowhead

I drove up to Lake Arrowhead today. It was gorgeous! Can't wait to shoot Karyn & Xan's wedding at the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa in August. Here's a snap from when we were touring the location:

Little heartbreaker

How cute is this little one?! At 5, Spence takes cool to a new level. Charming blue eyes and as much striking personality, every inch I ran at the beach was so worth it. These expressions are just priceless!

A few faves...




Who could resist that charm?!

Memory books...

Another thing I really look forward to after shooting mpetit portraits is putting together an album. These kiddie "coffee table book" albums are great! Modern, contemporary and fun... it certainly is one of the best ways to tell your little one's story. Flipping through the pages will show the endless smiles & expressions we'll always adore!

Going through my own childhood photos always bring back wonderful memories. I'm really glad I get to to this for somebody else!

Click below to take a peek...

Bigger and better!

My NEW website is finally here!

This is extra special because the site was built from the ground up. Long hours of collaborative efforts have finally paid off. I am proud to introduce (drum rolls....) the new, bigger & better, STUDIOLOZANO.COM!

The PORTFOLIO section now has slideshow previews for the wedding and the "just added" engagement galleries. Clients can now access their Pictage events via the CLIENTS section. And of course, an easier link to the BLOG from the splash page.

My never ending thanks to the technical genius of Resty Furuc who was responsible for realizing my vision. Click, enjoy and send me some love!

Gifts

Sometime last year, I had a wonderful opportunity of photographing Leo. His mom's story is one of the inspiring lives featured in this new book - Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives. Leo's portrait is in it too!

Here's Leo... so adorable!

These images are really close to my heart because my brother, Jeff, has down syndrome. Early on in life, our parents have instilled in us how special he is. He is the sweetest! We are thankful on how Jeff has and continuous to enrich our lives in so many ways.

Let's all help support the Down Syndrome Associations across the nation. Grab your copy through Woodbine House or Amazon.

Princess Indi

To get the little ones to look at my lens, I tell them to look for the fish in there. Today, Indi found 2! A fat one and a skinny one. She's so creative - loves to draw, color and work on little art projects. I saw quite a portfolio in the making.

Her very soft voice paired with such an animated personality makes Indi more adorable than she already is!

Here are some of my faves...



How cute is that smile?!

Happy Mother's Day!

Cheers to all you moms!

Thought I'd share one of my favorite captured mommy moments... my niece, Alyka, with mommy Raych.

Adrienne

California fun!

Very cute, bubbly & smart, that's Adrienne. This music lover has probably seen every concert in and out of town. We share a love for the arts and connected instantly. I really enjoyed photographing Adrienne.

Here's a few of my faves, colors are as vibrant as her personality...

Carrie & Mike

I like Carrie & Mike because....
1. Mike is an awesome photographer
2. Carrie is a darling!
3. They are super fun & cool
4. They have the nicest families
5. And they thought I was 23! (well I'm easy :D)

We had a blast taking their engagement portraits today. They were full of ideas and so up for it too. I am really honored & very excited to be shooting their wedding!

Here's the gorgeous couple...

Love this shot!








and Rocky was there too, stealing the spotlight just for a little bit...