I would love to show you more of little Ella, but the afternoon slipped away from me and I am running out to an engagement session. I couldn't resist showing you at least one photo of little Ella -- Is she adorable or what? Pretty sure this will make anyone smile!
Now don't get me wrong, I have so much love for this town of Chico. It is such a sweet town and I am grateful for our home here. However, I do miss the City. I miss the hustle and bustle of life, the colors and diversity. And... I miss being able to take photos in the city. This weekend, I went to the city. It was wonderful! We took the senior class from our church --for a day of fun. And of course, I took my camera. Here are just a few of my favorites... Isn't it lovely?
Jill -- I love this photo of you! For those of you who don't know her, Jill has had an incredible influence on my life this year. She is a mentor and a friend. I look up to her so much and am so, so grateful for her and her family. Jill and Bryce (her husband) led this trip for our senior students and they did an amazing job!
Cheers to San Francisco... I hope to see you soon!
I had the honor of capturing a very intimate wedding ceremony and celebration a few weeks ago. Linda and Dennis are beautiful people -- and as I edited their photos -- I saw a unique love for one another and their families. The ceremony was held at their home, overlooking the beautiful canyons. I just loved that they invited me into their home, into their lives. They let me take photos of so many details -- that just told stories of their life together and each of their personalities. Six people were in attendance, each close family memebers. To me, it was a reminder of how special my job is -- I am invited into something so personal and I treasure that honor. In a celebration of eight people, I felt like a friend. Here is a look at some of my work before the ceremony, as the rest will be finished soon...
Cheers to Friday! I have a busy weekend ahead of me, and feel incredibly blessed to do what I love. Have a really good weekend everyone!
Because it was such an intimate ceremony, they didn't have a large reception. Instead, Linda had adorned the dining table with beautiful trinkets from the past -- china and silverware owned by her grandparents...
A sweet small celebration continued later that day....
The sun helped me tell this story: A story of beauty -- as God shines brightly through this woman. I am so thankful for Ashley and the difference that she is making in this world. Ashley, you are beautiful, absolutely stunning!
A beautiful arrangement from the wedding I am editing right now... Cheers to Thursday and the sweet friend who brought me a chai tea today. I am so blessed!
Sometimes I get inspired halfway through editing a session, and just want to share a peek at what I am working on. So here are some photos from my session with Ian, Ashley and little James. With each photo here, I just see story after story -- everything from the personality of James -- to the quiet adoration that Ashley and Ian have for one another. They are just a sweet family and I think you will agree...
One of my all time favorites...
Nothing like Dad's strong arms holding his son....
And I love his interactions with Mom...
You may have seen this one from a tease... James, you are so cute, and you were just letting me know that sitting still is not your thing...
This is what happens when you place their little son below me.... You two are stunning!
Don't worry, he made it :)
And just one more for now...
In the middle of this busy wedding season, I have been able to squeeze in a couple portrait sessions here and there. Baby Dylan is one of those :) I have gotten to know Leah and Yancey and Dylan over the last year. Let's just say I met Dylan while Leah was still beautifully pregnant. They are such welcoming people -- generous and really good parents. I just really appreciate them. Dylan is nine months, maybe even a little older now, and let's be honest, can he get much cuter.
Babies always start out a little pensive....
I think he may have remembered me after a few moments....
I love that Leah brought his wagon...
Just chillin...
My sister is having a baby boy in October -- and I think her little boy may need a hat like this....
And in case you are wondering why Dylan is so cute...
I met Jared and Ashley at Starbucks -- they were so eager to get married. Jared is full of charisma and energy. Ashley is a little more reserved and adorable. When they booked me for their wedding, I was thrilled. Here are two people, who met in Junior High about to be married. The wedding ceremony held many stories of their romance and friendship. The day held laughter and tears and celebration.Again -- I stood in awe of the amazing stories I get to capture, this being one of them. Thank you to the Bracewells and Fosters for letting me into such an amazing day. Thank you for making Kenny and I feel like family. We left with hearts full and lots of memories.
Oh yes, and wouldn't you agree that any wedding day that begins with red shoes, is going to be a great day?
Ashley got ready in an old choir room... The photos may tell a bit of that story too...
Her accessories were so personal -- each holding a different story or pasttime.
A gorgeous bride for sure....
Jared -- you are awesome!
Ashley and Jared chose not to see one another before the wedding..
So, here is their first look...
Some of my favorite portraits of the two of them...
The details inside the reception were awesome -- and yes, the candy station did have chocolate covered corn nuts...
The cake was beautiful...
The reception began with their first dance and ended with even more dancing... I wish I could blog the entire thing, but enjoy these last few glimpses of their amazing day!
Wedding Information: Venue: Neighborhood Church Flowers: Chico Florist Catering: Italian Guy Gown: David's Bridal Cake: Mim's Bakery
In ancient culture, a wedding veil was worn by a bride to signify many things. Some cultures believed that the veil would ward off evil and was worn to protect a woman. Other cultures believed that the veil was a sign of modesty and morality. Still, other people groups, wore the veil to signify submission to the husband. At the end of a ceremony, the groom would lift the veil, as the first sign of headship to his family. Today,the decision to wear a veil, is usually based on personal choice, rather than tradition. Similar to how a wedding gown reveals the uniqueness of a bride, so too can a veil. I encourage my brides to find a veil that compliments their style and gown choice. A veil really is a stunning and unique accessory to a gown. It photographs beautifully and adds another dimension to portraits.
While I say all of this, there are also many brides who choose not to wear a veil. I think that even this choice, shows us something about that bride's style and personality.
The goal in this post, is not to sway you one way or the other. Rather to give you some food for thought. It is so fun for a bride to see the components of her wedding day come together -- including her gown and accessories. Look at photos and magazines and envision what you see yourself choosing. More than any thing, I hope you will find joy in giving thought to all these things. And at the end of the day, remember what really matters most is your marriage.
Cheers to engagements and wedding planning!
The same veil from above, added to the dimension of this photo...
These are some beautiful styles..
Both these brides chose not to wear a veil, and complimented their look with something totally different and equally as stunning.
Sometimes I wonder whether or not I am very good at this blog thing. Each day, I give myself a 4:00 deadline. And by this time every day, I am so waist deep in my editing, that I am lucky to get one photo on the blog. Oh, I am so sorry to all those who read this blog. Hopefully you won't give up on me -- because I promise, to share more than one photo with you very soon. In fact, the photo below is from a wedding that I am editing right now... their entire day will be blogged this week! As for all the teases last week, I was in the gorgeous Bend, Oregon with my family. For those of you who have never visited Bend, I highly recommend it, especially when you are surrounded by great people. Cheers to what is to come and the hope that my blog will soon be filled with many, many photos!
Oh yes, and doesn't this photo make you want to dye your hair a stunning red? Ashley is beautiful!
Crystal and Matt were married yesterday at a beautiful venue in Redding. As I began downloading their photos, I got lost in her portraits and just wanted to post these two for now... There will be so much more to show and I promise Matt will be on the blog soon as well. Crystal, you are beautiful!
Ella is so adorable! Wouldn't you agree? I cannot say it enough: I am blessed with the world's best clients. More to come from my session with this cutie pie and her parents...
There has been a moment in every wedding this summer where I have been overwhelmed to tears with how blessed I am to do what I do. It was during Levi and Heidi's first dance, that I felt the tears welling up once again. Congratulations you two! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your amazing day! Here is just a tease for now...
Dear James, you are too cute for words... Enjoy this sweet tease from my session with his family this week. And, I am off to attend a wedding today -- yes, as a guest, no photography involved. I don't think I have done this for almost two years! I am so excited, I already picked out my outfit :) So cheers to a fun evening celebrating with some good friends! Come tomorrow, I am back at it, excited to capture Levi and Heidi's Wedding Day!
When I met Brent and Jade for their consultation, I knew that I wanted to photograph their wedding. They are two unique people, and have a blend of so many distinct traits about them. Jade is reserved, yet bold. Brent is brilliant with graphic design and loves music. Together -- they are stronger and loved. Their wedding day was fun -- it was filled with people, people that love them.These photos are just a tiny glimpse into their day... If only I had more time to fill more pages of this blog with stories. So, cheers to Brent and Jade. Thank you so much. I am honored to know you both.
Jade, you are a stunning bride. 
The first look....
Right before the ceremony, we took a few photos of Jade with her birdcage veil. Stunning for sure...
The ceremony was very casual and I really like how happy they are!
Some of the details... Jade hand picked each wine glass for their day and the treats were homemade as well...
This Taco Truck catered their meal...
Jade had a sweet cocktail dress for the reception...
They celebrated all evening, but for the sake of an already very long blog post, I will end here... There first dance as newlyweds.
And by the end of this night -- Kenny and I were tuckered. We had shot two weddings, back to back days, in different states. An unforgettable summer so far.
Wedding Vendors: Venue: Chico CARD Center Florist: Chico Florist DJ: Platinum Productions Makeup: The Powder Room Catering: The Taco Truck
Dear Dylan,You are growing up already and just so you know, you have some of the world's best parents as your Mom and Dad. More to come from this cutie!
Cheers to the first official day of summer, which means one hundred degree weather here...
What a stunning bride. I will be anxious to share more from this small, intimate wedding day soon. Thank you Dennis and Linda for allowing us into your lives yesterday. Once again, we are honored to work with such amazing people.
Seven years ago, when Kenny and I got engaged, we knew exactly who we would ask to help us with premarital counseling: Marty and Linda T are some of the kindest, wisest people that we know. They have a love for helping young people mature in their relationships and we were so blessed to learn from them. So then, we were absolutely honored to be asked to shoot the wedding of one of their sons. When Chris and Katie emailed me this past fall, I couldn't believe it. We were so excited!
Katie and Chris are so sweet and they adore one another. They are high school sweethearts, married one month after college graduation. And very soon, the newlyweds will head overseas to teach for the next two years. Their story is beautiful and so was their wedding.
Thank you so much Chris and Katie and your amazing families! We were blessed to see your day unfold and hear your stories. I know that these photos are only the beginning. So cheers to you and all that is to come!
Katie, you are gorgeous!
The first look.... So sweet!
Love this set...
My view....
Kenny's perspective...
Just so you know, they are both amazing athletes!
The girls each wore these gorgeous pieces...
Just a few of my favorites from the ceremony...
Oh the details.... Loved them!
Chris adores his Mom... and so do I!
And finally.. a sweet dance shared by Chris and Katie...
A sure sign of a wonderful celebration!
It happened last Monday. While standing in line to pay for my groceries, I got very distracted by the magazines. Now, that is not something that usually happens to me. Usually, I am just trying to decide which pack of gum to purchase. This time, however, it was the bridal magazines that really got me. Before I knew it, I wasn't just browsing, a magazine was placed on top of my groceries and purchased :) As I later parused the pages of The Knot, Northern California, I came across an awesome article. It is about photography and I think you will appreciate it. I WISH I would have come across the article while planning my wedding. It is so helpful.
The article is titled, 17 Tips for Perfect Pictures by Lisa Freedman. If you click here, it will take you to the PDF copy of this article. Enjoy and I would love to hear your thoughts on this one...
Another beautiful wedding coming tomorrow on this blog... And because we all love photos... here is one more from Chris and Mallory's wedding...
Chris and Mallory were married at Centerville Estates on a warm summer day. And I was honored to be a part of that day. To catch special glimpses between the two of them. To capture the special bond that each of them have with their families and friends. I was honored to see them married and hear the toasts and watch their first dance... They met in college -- living only a floor a part, but not for long. The two of them became fast friends and fell for each other quickly. Mallory loves how Chris protects her and Chris loves the way that Mallory's smile can light up a room. I can tell that the people around them look up to Chris and Mallory. The two have something very special.
So cheers to Chris and Mallory. Thank you so much for everything! I am more than grateful!
The wedding ceremony was beautiful, and the flower girl just as sweet as can be :)
What a sweet relationship Mallory has with her parents :)
Some details from the reception -- They used animal silouhettes instead of table numbers for the guest seating. So unique :)
The Dancing was beautiful... Chris chose to dance with his sister, Lily, for a special song. Lily adores her brother.
I hope Kenny and I will always be like this...
The night went on and was followed by toasts and more dancing. Here is one of my final and favorite shots of the two...
