Last year brought so much opportunity to meet many great kindred spirits in my industry that I am very thankful for. It also delivered lot’s of mistakes, triumphs and questions on where to go next. Long and sleepless nights. Most importantly it brought trust and love from the best clients I could ever ask for.

It’s also the year that I decided to stop reading as many blogs, specifically other photographers’ blogs. I really wanted to establish my style and have clear vision on what I want in my work. This was so liberating. A green light to do what I want, what I feel and not have a mental visual of someone else’s work or what everyone else is doing. I still have a long way to go in my style and vision, but it’s coming together… I can feel it.

A few of my favorite wedding moments in 2011.

To my clients who trusted me to capture one of the biggest days of their lives, thank you for allowing me to do what I love! I am so humbled, honored and grateful for you.

Looking forward to what this year will bring!

Emily and Darrell are so good together; it shines through their photos. Love that they smile and laugh together, always. Both very much about the important things in life, such as family and friends. Their bond just sparkles and I melt when I see their portraits. It screams love and romance! Can’t say enough about them, just beautiful people all around.

Can we talk about the dress? I am so in love with lace right now, like really obsessed. Emily’s dress is so beautiful, so perfectly fitting for her. Then Darrell had to step it up and wear the most fabulous black and white suite with a bow tie, pure awesomeness!

Special thanks to my shutter sister, Trude of Ellingsen Photography for being my second photographer for the day. Couldn’t have done it without you! A few favorites from their special day.

Best wishes to you both. Thank you for allowing me to capture your big day!

Ceremony: St Denis

Reception: Coco Palms

Make-Up: Erandy of Effortless Beauty

Many times during the wedding day, timing is off, things run late or are hectic and the bride and groom don’t get quality time for their portraits as they would have liked to. The solution? Rock the Dress photo session.

Manny and Denise were married in August, you can see their wedding photos here. I really loved this little park in Malibu, so quite and it feels as if you are far, far away from any city life. And I love any woodsy feel with a little touch of water or canyon views. Yes!

Only Manny could rock a pink tie. Denise, one word comes to mind. Gorgeous!

Then we headed to the nearest beach nearby. Totally not in the plans, until Denise suggested it. We ran to the car, raced to PCH… might have even jaywalked (Can you picture it? Bride crossing the road on PCH) to catch just a little bit of light at the beach.

Denise and Manny, I love how much you laugh together and your connection. I think it’s time to retire this pretty dress. Thanks for the good times!

That is what happened here. Over the weekend I had a little conversation with Kris about the business and where it’s headed. I’ve slowly been working on an extensive to do list for next year’s business plan. A lot of thinking now for doing later, or early next year. Nothing deep, but by the end of our conversation I had told him that I was going to RUN WITH IT! Keep running and not look back. Because that is how my business got started, so why stop now?

Love that my bride, Denise knows how to have fun and is smart enough to wear Uggs to move a lot more quickly during our shoot.  ;) Photo was taken as she was running to our location and we jokingly said she looked like a runaway bride.

It’s nice to stop, reflect and be able to express thoughts in a photograph I created. Cheers to that my friends!

Yessica and Leonard have what I like to call shared laughter. You know the type. The couple that shares the same sense of humor and by just looking at one another can spark laughter and huge smiles. I had so much fun capturing all the moments in between. They make a dynamic duo!

I’m super in love with this session for many reasons. After spending two years photographing couples, I feel like I’ve really mastered (although much more to learn) the art of creating a comfortable space. Where my couples can be themselves, where they can be expressive of their love for each other, be fun, laugh out loud and most importantly have fun. Lastly, attracting the type of couples that fit into the brand that I am trying to create. Photography full of organic, fun & romantic moments.

Anyone else tempted to steal Yessica’s boots from her closet?  ;)

Yessica and Leonard, we can’t wait to capture your wedding in Cabo San Lucas next November. Let the countdown begin! Look forward to getting to know you more in the year to come. Hugs!

Make-Up by Erandy of Effortless Beauty

Tamika and Terrence’s wedding was nothing short of intimate, fun and romantic. The weather was just the right amount of sunny for an early day wedding and the location, breathtaking. You might remember them from their engagement session here. It was beautiful to see all the love and celebration in the room for these two.

My favorite part about capturing a wedding or any portrait work for that matter is the connection. The connection between people and how they embrace their love and devotion for each other. I love their connection on their special day and Kris and I are so grateful to have captured it.

Tamika and Terrence, we look forward to growing with you as your family historian as you embark on your new journey together. Many blessings and love to the both of you.

Venue: La Venta Inn

Coordinator: Lauren Harvey

Make-Up: Facial Expressions by Ash

Hair: Kristen Laurenz Salon

Florist: Jeo Events

Video: Sigma Bull Productions

Catering: New York Food Company

I love the lighthouse here, just beautiful. And they have picnic tables everywhere as well as a nice walking trail.

Capturing these two was a blast. Tamika brought her A game and was comfortable in her own skin, not afraid to let her personality through. Terrance was so funny and interactive, I am still laughing! For this and so much more I know their wedding on Saturday will be gorgeous and fun.

Love capturing photos right before the sun tucks right in, soft light is beautiful. And so is spontaneity!

Can you feel the love? Let the festivities begin. It should be perfect weather this weekend for their wedding at La Venta Inn, cannot wait!

It’s the perfect boy meets girl in college story. The stellar couple that goes for it all, the life of the party,  yup… that’s Rachel and Ryan. And I felt right at home capturing their special day right on the beach, barefoot and pure sunshine.

For the first time I also had photo envy. Yes, envious that Kris captured some really intimate, candid moments throughout the day. Photos that complete the story of their beautiful day, so I can live with that in the name of photography.  ;)

A few of my favorites from the day, enjoy. You can see more photos from their engagement session, here.

A special thank you to Ryan and Rachel’s family and friends who were really kind and sweet to Kris and I. Congrats Rachel and Ryan, we can’t wait for what the future holds for you two. Hugs!

This wedding was no exception. Many of their closest friends and family jumped at the chance to say a few kind words. They praised of what great people they were and how much they are meant for each other. I second that.

Truly a beautiful day in the LA area, near Venice Beach. Nicole and Reggie looked glamorous and so happy; glad to have captured this. You can view more photos of them here from their engagement session.

Don’t they just look fabulous? Best wishes to you Nicole and Reggie, you’re off to a great start.

You wouldn’t know it by the level of comfort and joy in these photos, but they almost didn’t have an engagement session. I’m so glad they did, after all. So glad.

Capturing “old” love is a rare thing for me. And now I want more of it. You see, Ryan and Rachel have been together almost 7 years. They met at USC while starting college and have grown together into adulthood. It’s something that I can really relate to and bond with. I knew I was in for a treat when they showed interest in bringing their baby, Cooper.

I love how Ryan can make Rachel smile or laugh on a dime. It’s sweet the way they look at each other and just burst into laughter. And let’s not forgot to mention Rachel’s mad organizational skills! She sent me a typed letter with a timeline and other important info of their wedding, by mail. A month before their wedding date. You heard me, a letter (that thing you used to send to friends and family before email.) and I about fainted. Then I immediately called her and thanked her.  ;)

These photos had me smiling for days.

Can’t wait to capture their special day this weekend. I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say that Kris and I will have lot’s of fun, we might even have wedding cake.  ;)