Chico California Photographer: Kira

Meet Kira -- she is so beautiful -- and has a voice to match that beauty. Over the last year, I have heard her sing a few times, and she is simply amazing! I am so glad to work with Kira. It was early in the morning when I photographed her, but her session quickly became the highlight of my day. Kira, thank you so much! Thank you for your joy and for showing so many qualities of your self in these photos. I can't wait to see what God has in store for you!

Kira: Your eyes are stunning!

Thank you for laughing with me (or perhaps at me...)

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Jeff and Julia Tease...

What a glorious day yesterday! Jeff and Julia are officially newlyweds and I couldn't be more honored to capture their wedding day. When I saw this photo, it reminded me of their engagement session -- they are radiant people! Have a blessed honeymoon you two! Thank you so much -- I look forward to sharing so many more memories of your day with you!

Chico California Photographer: A First Look

The first look: I define this as a choice that couples make to see one another before the wedding ceremony. Do I love this choice? Yes! I love the first look because it is intimate. It is shared privately between the bride and groom, with the exception of a photographer. As they see one another for the first time on their wedding day, nothing is moving and time stands still. There is no program urging them on, no persons to distract them. It is simply a moment. And that moment is real and breathtaking and unforgettable.

That moment is also captured on film. And that is what I get the honor of doing -- and this is why I love a first look.

There are other reasons why I encourage my couples to see one another before the wedding (and of course, I totally respect couples when they choose to see one another for the first time at the ceremony). These logistical reasons I will share in a later post.

For now, this is truly a tease! But, you do not want to miss the rest of their photos, all to be shown early next week.

Cheers to Friday! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Chico California Photographer: Janee Tease...

I cannot believe it is Thursday. What happened to this week? If you wondered where I have been, I have been in my office, editing like a crazy woman all week long. This may explain my lack of blogs posts. Not to worry though -- in between all of my editing, I did manage to make dinner two nights in a row (quite the accomplishment for this girl), and watch American Idol last night... Who are you rooting for? And the tease of today: For those of you who know Janee, I think you would agree, she is among the sweetest persons on earth!

Chico California Photographer: Baby S Tease...

Meet sweet baby girl, Sicily! Her name is just as precious as she is. I had the chance to photogragh this little one a week or so ago, and realized that I never posted a tease... Enjoy her cuteness! I can't say it enough -- thank you! Thank you for cheering me on and thank you for being a part of my life. To my clients: You are the best, the absolute best!

Chico California Photographer: Natalie Tease...

I would love to show you so many more from this session -- but you will have to wait. Just think: vintage and heels...Natalie, you are beautiful!

Chico California Photographer: Gabriella

I am in a quiet mood this week. Just thoughtful with a lot of things going on around me. As I worked on Gabriella's photos today -- this next set almost stopped me in my tracks. She is so beautiful, inside and out. But what really struck me, is the story that I see behind these photos. As the wind stirred around her, she quietly showed her strength and joy and beauty. And I think this is what happens in life. God uses the storms and challenges and chaos that stirs around us, to bring out His beauty and His character and His strength. I think the storms are the blessings, but sometimes that is hard to see.

Thanks Gabby -- for letting your photos inspire me. You are gorgeous!

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Levi and Heidi

Levi and Heidi -- what can I say about them, other than the fact that they are perfect together and they are a whole lot of fun! Seriously, after their session, my cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing so much with them. They are full of life -- as you will see from these photos. Thank you so much Levi and Heidi -- I highly anticipate a great celebration come June, when we photograph your wedding!

As for the soda... Levi didn't go anywhere without it during our session, so I thought we better incorporate it in a few photos...

Heidi, you are gorgeous!

Chico California Photographer: Baby K

I met Kaidyn at six weeks old. She is truly a doll -- just so sweet and perfect and full of expressions. Thank you so much Diane and Ron for giving me the chance to capture Kaidyn. I am honored. Your life as a family of three has begun and it suits you well. Thank you, Thank you! Oh yes, she is one happy girl!

I love the sweet interactions between Mom and Daughter...

I just love the way she holds her hands...

And this sweet dress suits little Kaidyn perfectly.

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Adrian and Adree Tease...

Yesterday Kenny and I had the wonderful opportunity to capture this sweet couple's wedding day. There will be much more to come soon... Cheers to Sunday afternoon and knowing that Monday is our day off :)

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Paul and Bethany

I woke up to pouring rain and pretty crazy winds on the day of this wedding. I prayed that God would somehow clear the skies as I put on the warmest wedding attire that I had. When we got to TJ Farms that day, the weather was still intense. Bethany had decided to move all the days events into the small barn at TJ Farms -- and so we started there.Yet, the day moved forward and the wind started to calm, and just as we were about to begin the first look, the rain stopped. Yes, completely stopped and did not start again. By four o clock that evening, the sun had come out. A miracle indeed! Bethany and Paul were amazing -- they were patient and calm and beautiful! I am so grateful to show you some of their wedding photos here. I hope you will see their love and personalities and beauty shine through in these photos. What an amazing day! Thank you Bethany and Paul, Thank you so much!

Cheers to Bethany and Paul! I am headed south for another wedding this weekend and couldn't be more excited!

Don't you just love all her details? Bethany, you are gorgeous!

Melinda, with M Creations, did a fabulous job, once again, in creating beautiful masterpieces for the wedding.

Each Bridesmaid, held a different bouquet, made up of the concepts in Bethany's bouquet. So beautiful!

Paul, you are wonderful.

A view of both Paul and Bethany, minutes before seeing each other...

The first look...

Because of the weather, the ceremony was moved inside this barn, which made for some pretty tight quarters. I would have to say, it added an element of intimacy and warmth, that seemed perfect for Paul and Bethany.

The reception had all of the traditional elements, yet was totally down to earth.

Their first dance, followed by many others...

Again, I can't say it enough. I work with the most amazing clients. ever. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do what I love!

Chico California Photographer: Chico State University Tease...

I had the opportunity to document the first event, hosted by the brand new Colusa Hall, at Chico State yesterday. They have not even had their ribbon cutting yet, which I will get the opportunity to photograph in early May. Here is a tease from my work yesterday: Don't worry, I will show you the state of the art interior soon... What an honor for me to be a part of such an event!

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Jeff and Julia

I guarantee that you will be smiling by the time you finish looking at this session. Jeff and Julia are so great!! They are the kind of people that bring joy everywhere they go. I don't know them that well, but I am absolutely honored to photograph them and their wedding day, which is two weeks from tomorrow!Enjoy their engagement session!

Chico California Photographer: Kira Tease...

Goodness, it has been one crazy day -- with a lot of blessings! I had the honor of working with Kira this morning for her senior session. Oh she is gorgeous! Cheers to Thursday and the amazing deal that I got on my cereal tonight at Safeway (I am telling you, I bought the biggest box of Captain Crunch I have ever seen for 1.99)!

Chico California Photographer: L Family

Sometimes in our lives, we are surrounded by amazing people! This family is one of them. Kenny and I have the privelege of being in a small group with Peter and Alli. They are the parents of three children -- all under the age of three. That should tell you something about them, right there. They are amazing parents with unending amounts of energy! I don't always get the opportunity to work with people that I know well -- so this was truly a treat for me! Enjoy these cute faces -- I wish I had the time to post all of the photos from their session.

Cheers to Tuesday -- and the time I have gotten to spend with my Mom this week. I so wish she lived here!

What a beautiful family, huh?

Things don't always work out just as you seem when you try to take photos of three little people :) Now you know where these cuties get their beautiful eyes...

Chico California Photographer: Hannah

Hannah is so beautiful! I am so thankful to have worked with her a couple weeks ago. She has such ambition and I know that there are great things in store for her, as she graduates from high school next month! Here are just a few of my favorites from her session :)

Chico California Photographer: R Family Tease...

Gosh, I have been working with so many wonderful people lately! Meet Zachary who is so sweet -- I can't wait to introduce you to his whole family! For now, enjoy this tiny tease from their session today! Cheers to all of you! I am so blessed!

Chico California Photographer: Regan Tease...

Well -- yesterday was among the best adventures ever! I spent some time with Regan and his Mom, at their home, and mostly out in their farm. Wait until you see more from his session... Thank you so much Regan and Heidi! I am so blessed to work with people like you!And in case you are wondering, yes, that is a real live cow behind Regan! (Remember, I moved from Portland to Chico just last year, so this "city girl" has not spent too much time around the farm life -- so much fun!)

Chico California Wedding Photographer: One More Tease

I know, I have been giving you so many teases -- and I apologize for that. There are just so many beautiful people to showcase on this new blog. And so... There is a gorgeous wedding to be blogged in the next couple days!  With the debut of this new blog, I couldn't help but give you a glimpse of the sweet Bethany. Wait until you see the rest of this beautiful wedding day!

Chico California Photographer: Gabriella Tease

I  spent part of the afternoon with the stunning Gabriella yesterday -- further proof that I love my job and my clients tend to have a little bit of fun with me! Gabby -- thanks for laughing with me, I like you a lot!