Some times its the oldest (and most unattractive) towns that are the most beautiful to shoot in. Its no secret (although sometimes I wish it were) that I’m from Bakersfield. And every now and then I get the chance to work up there. Its always completely welcome because I LOVE new locations. Bakersfield is so much different than San Diego and Temecula (especially Temecula) to shoot in. Old run down buildings are not blocked off by barbed wire… and there are so many different areas available to scout out! I know San Diego and Temecula have a lot to offer too, but there is just something about the Bakersfield area (and in this case Shafter) that I love.

I met up with Chris and Alyssa this past weekend for their engagement session. We had a great time and we were SO THANKFUL for the break in the rainy weather!! It was cold, but I could not have asked for a more beautiful day! And although Chris might have been a bit out number with the girly/bloggy/Twitter talk… I think its safe to say that all 3 of us had a good time.

I hope you enjoy your pictures Chris and Alyssa!!! Thanks again!!!

Sometimes is the simplest of pictures that end up being one of my favorites.

Its not often that I get a request for images that don’t have people in them… but recently I had a request for a special photography project. TRAINS!!! Below are a handful of fun images that I shot over the weekend. I had the best time working on this project. Not only because its a huge change of pace for me but also because my husband, kiddo and dog were able to come along. I can’t wait to work on more projects like this in the future.

And just for fun…

My ridiculously good looking assistant.

I’ve shot close friends and family before… it kind of comes with the territory. But today I shot one of my oldest and closest friends… and her future husband. Erin and I go waaaaay back. I mean, back to like early High School days. And we’ve remained close friends ever since… living together when we were in college and she stood next to me on my wedding day as one of my bridesmaid. She is a true friend and a beautiful person. And I could not be more excited that she and Brian found each other.

Anywhoozle… we had plans for a big ‘ol engagement session this morning… but with unexpected sickness, things didn’t turn out as planned. So we cut our planned 1.5 hour session, with two separate locations, down to 30 minutes and shot at a park near my house. No biggie… we got some beautiful shots.

Erin and Brian… I cannot wait for March! You two are perfect. I love you both so much! Thank you for allowing me to do this for you. Love and hugs!!!

The next two pictures are what happened after I asked Brian to whisper something completely inapproriate into Erin’s ear. I have no clue what he said, but it must have been good. Or bad. Hehehe.

Oh crap. I just realized as the Co-Matron of Honor… I have to give a speech.

Just a quick note to say that I will be away from my computer and spending some quality time with my family for the Christmas holiday. I will not be able to return calls or emails from December 23rd through the 28th.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!!!

Shooting the last wedding of the season is a little bitter sweet. Knowing that rest and relaxation is just around the corner (you know, once all the crazy amounts of family sessions are done) is nice, but then its crazy to think it will be a few months before I shoot another wedding. Thankfully I finished the 2009 wedding season with a bang!

Rebecca and Scott had a beautiful day. They were married at Poway Community Church and we were blessed with beautiful weather. They are a lovely couple and I had a great time getting to know them. Shooting weddings are always go-go-go all day long… but then when I get just a few minutes with the bride and groom alone, its like the day just slows down. I am fully aware that this is often times the only moment all day that my clients get to spend together, alone (well, with me there). I try to make it as calm and relaxing as possible. If we are short on time, I don’t let them worry about it. I let them enjoy each other… and their newly wedded bliss. I’m so glad I was able to sneak Scott and Rebecca away to the park across the street for a few more minutes of portraits after their ceremony… before the sun set.

Scott and Rebecca, Thanks so much for allowing me to photograph your wedding! I hope you enjoy our pictures! Best wishes to you and the exciting road you have ahead of you!

I love this picture on the left.

Did somebody say Blue Steel??

Its not often I get to photograph somebody’s “just because” session. The majority of my clients are either brides and grooms, or families… so when I got the opportunity to photograph these three awesome women who wanted to get together and celebrate their friendship… I could not have been more excited! They were so much fun to hang out with and photograph. We seriously spent the better part of the morning laughing and hanging out.

Ladies… thanks again!!! I hope you enjoy your pictures!! Here are just a few…

This ladies weren’t just working it… they were wuuuurking it!

I’m pretty sure Rowan didn’t the memo that he’s not supposed to grow up so quickly. Today, my kiddo turns 6 months old. Its amazing to me to watch him change on a daily basis. And seriously, I mean daily. Over the last week he has been getting stronger and stronger and is seriously days away from crawling. Just a week ago I was surprised when he made his way over to a toy on the ground that was like a foot away. Then a couple days later, he scooted a few more feet. And then as of Monday, he was up on all fours, rocking back and fourth. And wouldn’t you believe it, today… well, he was scooting all over his bedroom. Often trying to do it on all fours… but not quite getting the hang of it. But if he can go from hardly scooting to almost crawling in a week… I can only assume this means full fledged crawling is just days away!

Noooooooo!!! Bring on the baby proofing and cover the outlets, my kiddo is almost.. GASP… MOBILE!!!

Here are a couple pictures I took of him today.

Ah! I love this little guy!

Kevin and Arwen were married in one of the most intimate and private ceremonies I’ve ever experienced. With only 13 people there (that includes Kevin and Arwen, the bridal party and the audience), every moment was so meaningful. There was no need for microphones, or speakers… because their soft words could be heard by everybody. And it was awesome. They are a beautiful couple, inside and out and I loved having the opportunity to document their day.

Kevin and Arwen, thank you so much!! Your day was beautiful… as are you and all your family. Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I hope you enjoy your pictures!

Immediately following the ceremony, they toasted! I love it!

Toasts by family by far give me the biggest insight into my clients true personalities. It was clear their family was so happy for them.

Shooting weddings is much more than just “work” for me. I love all my clients and I honestly feel like a guest when I’m there because I’ve come to know them and be friends with them.

Eric and Katie are such a great couple. I know I sang their praises back when I shot their engagement session… but seriously, I love these two. And with all the emotion surrounding the day, Katie could not have been a more relaxed bride. She was relaxed when the limo didn’t show up on time, she was relaxed when the SPRINKLERS came on right in the middle of the bridal party portraits, and she was relaxed in the last moments before walking down the aisle. She was amazing.

To many, this wedding might just seem like another beautiful day, but to those attending, it was a day full of emotion as well as celebration. Katie’s father lost his battle with cancer just weeks before her day. It was unexpected and so unfair. But Katie and Eric celebrated their day. They celebrated their love… and the embraced what they had worked so hard for. The day was not with out tears, but it was also so full of love and comfort and celebration… and anyone in that church could feel it.

Katie and Eric, you guys are seriously awesome. I am so appreciative that I was able to photograph your wedding and I thank you so much. I hope you had an awesome honeymoon!! Enjoy your pictures!

Pinning a picture of her and her father, close to her heart.

Just beautiful, Katie.

Their first look.

I just couldn’t get enough of this amazing church.

This kid was cracking me up the whole night.

Fall has finally arrived in Southern California. I was getting so tired of the 90 degree weather, while all my friends were tweeting about rain and wind. I wanted me some cold weather! And while fall in Southern California still means high 60’s and even low 70’s… I’ll take it.

Hope everybody has awesome plans for Halloween… especially since its on a Saturday! Me… I’ll be shooting it up at a wedding in San Diego. Luckily, Rowan is too young for trick or treating… and we already took his Halloween pictures a couple weeks ago. Here are some of my favorite for you all. We went with our good friends Jacob, Nicole and Eden.

The kiddos first pumpkins.