Colorado Trip

Ok. I know; I have been slacking on the blog front, BIG time! So, I thought I would kick off what I hope to be a great streak with some photos from my trip to Colorado. For those of you who don't know, I was born and raised in beautiful Colorado before moving to Encinitas four short years ago. Colorado is beautiful, but Encinitas is now home. Who could give up the beach after 4 years?!

The reason for my visit (besides all my other wonderful family and friends) was to meet my niece! Yes, my first ever niece! I was SO excited to meet her, I can't even explain. There will be MANY more pictures of Mena, as I want to dedicate an entire blog post (or 10) to her, but for now, without further ado, my peeps. :)

So the weather in Colorado was unseasonably tornado-y for this time of year, or really for Colorado in general. I got to play storm chaser for a bit on my way to my mom's house (who actually lives in Nebraska). This is a photo of the impending doom that was my drive through western Nebraska.

*Caution, I do not recommend driving 80 MPH down the highway while taking photos. :)



My first stop along the way was to see my good friend, Candace. She surprised my by having my other good friend, Adrian there to visit too! I love these girls!



This is Candace's adorable son, Cade.



This is my wonderful mom greeting me after an adventurous, storm-chasing drive to her house. I just had to share this one because she is always so happy to see me. It makes me smile.



Four generations.



This is my grandma and Mena. Grandma is 86 years old, still healthy and probably has more energy than most people I know. Isn't she beautiful?!



The proud grandparents



A little impromptu photo session:



After a full baby schedule of lots of love, lots of photos and a party, poor little Mena was exhausted by this point:



I had such a wonderful trip! I am so blessed with an amazingly close-knit family and three beautiful, strong, courageous and loving women who I hold very dear to my heart. Mom, Nikki and Grandma, I love you all more than words can say. And Nikki, I am so proud to have another beautiful girl to add to our bunch!

Crystal & Matt

Crystal and Matt met 4 years ago at Crusin' Grand in Escondido and have been inseparable ever since. Matt just recently graduated boot camp with the Army and is heading to Iraq in November. Crystal is an amazingly strong and supportive new wife and brave to boot! She is moving for the first time and is headed cross country to North Carolina where Matt is stationed.

They had a beautiful and very intimate wedding at Crystal's parents' beautiful new home in Escondido and I felt very blessed to be there to capture it for them, especially on such a perfect day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky!



Check out the view!







This is the sweet little girl that Crystal has been a nanny to. Check out the priceless look on her face when she first saw Crystal. So precious. I even teared up a bit during this series.



Crystal looking very beautiful and a bit sassy in her gorgeous, non-traditional wedding dress. I love it!





And, my favorite shot of the day. Is this girl gorgeous or what?!



Crystal and Matt:
I wish the two of you nothing but the best in life. Stay safe out there Matt; you have a wonderful new wife to come home to!

Jennifer & Dave

Jennifer and Dave get the award for the most laid back, easy going couple on their wedding day yet! They were so calm and totally fun at the same time, and, of course, awesome to work with!

And and extra special hats off to Jennifer who is an accountant and actually managed to find the time to plan a gorgeous wedding during tax season. How she did it, we may never know...

The ceremony took place on a perfect day at the wedding bowl in La Jolla with the reception at the Bridge Club. We had great weather the entire day as well as a few very cooperative clouds that came in just in time for the portrait session part of the day. Here are a few of my favorites:

La Jolla always has the best little nooks and crannies to shoot in.


Gotta love the colors in this one!






Taking charge! :)




Thank you Jennifer and Dave for making my day fun and low stress. I wish you two many more happy years together!

Happy Birthday Danika!

Danika celebrated her 3rd birthday this weekend, and I was blessed to be a part of it! There is something truly beautiful about a child in her natural environment, completely being who she is; no inhibitions or expectations; no "this is the way you should act." I think we can all learn from children by observing how completely present and in-tune to their environment they are and how they experience their feelings as they come instead of locking them up inside because the timing isn't "appropriate." Pure presence and truly living in the now.

That being said, here are a few of my favorites from the day:



















Thank you to Danika and her beautiful family, who are expecting a new little one (definitely a boy according to Danika), for allowing me to share in the fun of your day! I had a great time!

Russtafari Fest 2008

This post is to let you all know that even photographers like to kick loose and shake a leg too. :)

Russ is one of my best friends and is the person whom I have to thank for dragging me out here (kicking and screaming) to California. He had the most awesome birthday party ever to celebrate the one year anniversary of his 30th birthday. (For those of you who aren't so good at math, Russ celebrated his 31st birthday)

There was great food, supplied by Enzo, wonderful friends and the best in Reggae entertainment this side of the Caribbean. With live performances by Mean Dinosaur and Stone Senses, this party was a total blast! Be sure to take note of the huge stage Russ built in his backyard just for the night.



The birthday boy and me.







Russ even provided security for the event. Thanks guys!


This is Eric, from Stone Senses. He is so much fun to watch and you can tell he really enjoys putting on a show.


And I just had to post my personal favorite. This is Lou, he is the best dog in the world!


Thanks to Russ for having such a spectacular party! I am looking forward to Russtafari Fest 2009!

Ok, here we go!

Here goes nothing ; or possibly something big. This is my first ever blog post, so to kick it off, I thought I would start with my adorable nephew, Joshua's 2nd birthday. He is quite possibly the cutest, funniest, smartest and most charming(est) two year old on the planet! For those of you who beg to differ, please send evidence otherwise. :)



Delicious, naturally sweetened (with agave nectar), wheat-free cupcakes courtesy of my wonderful photographer friend Susie.




Trying so hard!




I had an absolutely wonderful day with the Buteau family. Josh is serving our country as a Marine and is a wonderful father and a great husband.
Sheena is an amazing mother and so strong. She endures Josh's deployments to Iraq with strength and courage that I truly admire.
And at the same time manages to be a dedicated friend who is more like a sister to me.

I love you all and I am so blessed to be a part of your beautiful family. Thank you so much for including me!