For Gabby

Last night I was supposed to be photographing the labor and birth of my friends Jewelyn's baby girl Gabrielle. Instead today I am posting Jewelyn's picture from her maternity shoot we did just two weeks ago.

All I have to post are pictures from her maternity session because Jewelyn died today giving birth to her baby girl.

Yesterday we were texting each other excitingly planning the details of how she would let me know when her labor was really progressing, and when I would arrive at the hospital. How excited we were for her and her husband to meet Gabby. To become a family.

Today I sit here numb. Somehow my brain can't process it. But it is the truth.

Jewelyn is gone and the baby girl that was the subject of our every conversation will never get the chance to know her mother.

And while it may sound strange to you, I sit here grateful.

Grateful that I had the chance to know and love Jewelyn.

Grateful that Gabby is well and will be coming home soon.

Grateful that nine months ago, excited to learn of Jewelyn's long wanted pregnancy, we planned a maternity shoot.

Grateful because now I have these photographs of Jewelyn for Gabby and I can show her.

See you mother Gabby, see how beautiful she is. See how beautiful you two were that day. Your was mother glowing with love and excitement for you.

See how happy she was. See how much she loves you. See how much she wanted you. See how much you look like her.

I want yesterday back. I want to give it to Gabby.

But yesterday can't be had so I have these photos for you Gabby.

They are for you along with my love.

Always

A Paypal account has been set up for Jewelyn's family with the email address 4jewelyn@gmail.com. 100% of the money collected will go to Jewelyn's husband and her daugther Gabby. If you can help in any way. Thank you.

Happy Birthday

Things have been pretty quite around here for a bit as I took a much need break but I am about to jump right back into the wedding season with three weddings and a few engagement sessions coming up in the next two weeks.

But before I get back into all that my son's first birthday is coming up a week from today. I can't believe how fast the year has gone by. It feels like a blink of an eye.

It has been hands down the best year of my life and I can't wait to celebrate his big day next Saturday with all his loved ones.

Here's a peak at the cake smash I did with him last week.

Happy Birthday baby boy!

Anne & Mike | Aliso Viejo engagement photographer

When my husband and I left Riverside the sky was dark and scary looking and rain clouds were rolling in but when we got to Aliso Viejo the sun was shining, and the Soka campus couldn't have been more beautiful.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Annie and Mike but only minuets into our shoot they both started forgetting I was there and I'm just tickled by the shots I was able to get. It's so much fun working with two people so much in love and I'm really looking forward to their wedding this July.

I chose this song for their slide show because I felt the upbeat feel really matched Anne and Mike's energy.

Mellisa and Mike | Laguna Beach Engagement Photographer

Have you ever felt like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland? I do. I feel like I'm always running around saying "I'm late, I'm late".

Anyway I'm late. :) I should have posted these forever ago.

I met with Melissa and Mike at the amazing Wood's Cove in Laguna beach. Melissa and Mike were easy to laugh and so much fun to shoot. I can't wait for their wedding in October.

We had planned on an Urban/Beach shoot but bad weather cut our shoot short. Plan on seeing these two again when we shoot the Urban part coming up shortly.

Enjoy I gotta go....I'm late!




Mellisa and Mike Laguna Beach Engagement Photographer

Beautiful Bella | Riverside Family Photography

I met with beautiful Bella and her family last month in Fairmont park for our long planned photo session. I've just been so darn busy I haven't had a chance to post the images till now.

Beautiful Bella was lovely with many sweet smiles and a personality that you you can't help fall in love with. And of course...a girl. I do love me a girl.

So sorry for the long delay in our shoot you were well worth the wait.
Oh and you'll be seeing Beautiful Bella here again when we do her second birthday smash in just a few months.

Then she'll be covered in frosting so she will be my sweet Bella. I can't wait.

Cake Smash | Riverside Birthday Photography

Beautiful Olivia is one year old. I can't believe how fast the year has flown by. She's an absolute doll, with the biggest brown eyes I've ever seen, and one of my son Pierce's favorite playmates.

Happy Birthday to you sweet Olivia!

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Jessyca and Travis | Laguna Beach Engagement Photography

I met with Jessyca, Travis, and the sweet Stella at Woods Cove, a beautiful new beach location that allows dogs til June 1st and is only steps away from some cool urban locations that would be perfect for family or engagement shoots. Thanks Jessica for a great find!

Stella Kept us all entertained and we were able to capture some amazing images (even though Travis wasn't really having fun)

Congratulations on your engagement you two and on your wedding next May. Thanks for letting me be a part of it.

Oh my she is going to be such a beautiful bride! Just look at those eyes.