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

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

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.

Their connection is beautiful, it’s what I love most about them. And well, as evident here… they know how to throw a party and have a good time. Mariachi and the whole nine yards! The reception was by the Long Beach Marina, so pretty and perfect in the evening. The lighting was perfect.

My favorites from the day. Captured by Kris.

Ceremony: St Gregory in Whittier

Reception: Khoury’s in Long Beach

Congrats to Denise and Manny! Thanks for allowing Kris and I to be part of your special day. Can’t wait for your rock the dress session.

I had the great honor to assist Amanda Patrice once again and had a lot of fun being the second shooter. It’s a nice little break between my own weddings.

One of my favorites from this wedding was the venue of course, but the food from Colette’s Catering…so delish! The canopy outdoors at night was beautiful. Everything was so perfect, from the vibe, chill bride and groom down to the awesome music. If I remember correctly Amanda and I were singing along, yeah that good.

Love a groom that is happy to pose for the camera!

Best speech from son to mother that I’ve heard so far. Tears were shed in the capture of these photos. Darn, gets me every time.

Their ceremony took place at Pines Park in Dana Point overlooking the ocean and it was beautiful, sweet and perfect. The weather and sunshine were just right. It was a small wedding, only closest friends and family attended. And Nicole and Kurt could not stop smiling!

Can we talk about the dress? When Nicole had first told me about it, it sounded gorgeous of course, but when I saw it my jaw dropped. It was made just for her! The embroidery work is amazing. Makes me want to go out and buy a fancy dress, just because.

I love the woodsy and beach feel in their photos, just love. Enjoy the beauty.

First Look.Kurt sure knows how to make her smile.

Their private moment after their ceremony. I couldn’t resist capturing from afar, one of my favorites from the day.

Nicole and Kurt, many blessings to the both of you. What a beautiful thing you’ve got going here, thank you for allowing me to capture your beauty. Look forward to the future family portraits, yes Kurt… Nicole already has you booked for another photo session with me. Lucky us!

Ceremony Location: Pines Park, Dana Point

First Look Location: Laguna Beach Park near Montage Resort

Make-Up: Sweet Fuss

Florist: Empora Floral Artistry

Cupcakes: Kupcake Spot

Hair Stylist: Sharron

Minister: Mark from Weddingsbyterri.com

These two love birds are so sweet it makes you melt. I thought their colors were perfect and Jamie’s dress could not have been more adorable-custom made! Their families and friends were so gracious and kind, it makes you love your job that much more.

Just a few of my favorites.

Father and daughter dances are my favorite. Love capturing all the emotion, never fails to make me cry.

A huge thank you to my friend, Melissa for hiring me on as her second shooter. It’s great to have good friends in this industry, especially talented ones such as her.

All the best to the Jamie & Jeff, only the best!

Mary and AJ are video game animators and are just too cool for me.  When I first met them for coffee I asked what they did for fun on a Saturday night, their response? “Oh we like to create video games, play them and then sell them online.” You know, just our typical Saturday night. Cool, right? As if that wasn’t talented enough, Mary crochets and creates neat things that are etsy worthy, just like that. They love food, in fact Mary’s only interest on Facebook reads ” eating”. My kind of gal. AJ has a sweet interior that is easy to see right through whenever he talks about Mary, his friends or family. A perfect recipe, if you ask me.

At one point during the reception I looked over at them dancing the night away, they were so happy and in the moment. I just about shed a tear or two.

Being in the presence of so much love just gets me.

What I love most is that I can credit Kris for some of these shots taken, I couldn’t have done it without him.

I loved the yellow and green theme colors here, especially the succulents and earthy elements. Their family and friends are the sweetest group ever, a big thank you to all of them for making Kris and I feel right at home.

Mary and AJ, you look fabulous. Hugs!

Venue:  http://www.talegagallery.org/

Makeup & Hair:  Christina Yi & Mitzi Gip  http://www.lwbstylists.com/

Food Catering:  http://www.sundriedtomatocafe.com/

Flowers: http://www.thevinesleaf.com/