How did I get so lucky? I absolutely love documenting the love between these couples. Tina and Ryan are from my home town and were referred to me by some mutual friends. I knew I loved them the moment I met them. Cannot wait for their wedding coming up very soon!

Every time I shoot this family I look forward to it for weeks! Not only have I known them FOREVER, they are full of so much love. They just show up to their shoots as they are, full of  laughter, tears, dirty faces and all. The realness that I LURVE!

Mitch had the HUGEST heart. When he met Darrick (my husband who is Deaf) he was determined to be able to communicate with him without my interpreting assistance. It blew me away! Not one of my friends have ever made that effort for Darrick. A few short years later, Mitch was almost fluent in ASL. They were like two peas in a pod, kindred spirits together. The two of them had a relationship that I cannot even really comprehend, more like brothers than friends.

Mitch was the front man of a band called “Suicide Silence” and they have set up an education fund for Kenadee. If you can find it in your heart to donate, that would be amazing. If you can send a prayer or positive thought their way, that would also be greatly appreciated. Here is the link to donate http://suicidesilence.net/donate/

If you follow my work, you might have noticed that I don’t often post personal things on my blog. This is the exception. The news of Mitch’s passing has absolutely rocked my world and right now I am focussed on being there as much as I can for Jolie and Kena. They always will be family to us and I would do anything in my power to ease the pain during this unimaginable time. For the first time I am a little behind in my editing and replying to emails from clients. Please be patient with me and I am scrambling to get back on track.

Much love to you all and God bless!

Here is the most recent photo I took of Kena, it was Mitch’s favorite. She was giving her fierce modeling face

This is a photo of Taj and Kena on Mitch and Jolie’s wedding day. It was a magical day. Kena was the flower girl and Taj was the ring bearer.

Jolie and Kena for a few years ago.. I adore these girls so much.

I know Mitch has his hands on her loving her and lifting her up just like this every minute of everyday. He will always be smiling down on his girls

one more time in case you missed it, Kenadee’s education fund http://suicidesilence.net/donate/

Thank you so much xoxox

I knew I loved Sheila and Casey when they first emailed me to book their engagement session. Sheila told me that they wanted to jump off a dock into the FREEZING Pacific Ocean to signify “taking the plunge”. I just knew we would be lifelong friends. It is bittersweet finishing up their wedding photos. I know this post is quite image heavy, but I just couldn’t narrow it down any further. So much love and laughter, Sheila’s contagious smile is one I will never forget. THIS is what it is all about, folks. True Love. What a lucky girl I am to tag along and witness all of the magic first hand xoxoxox

HUGE shout out to my partner in crime, Shannon. She did an amazing job and I am so thankful to have her by my side, rocking out every wedding this year, love you!

St. John Vianney Chapel Balboa Island, CA http://www.sjvhh.org/

Venue: Balboa Bay Club & Resort http://www.balboabayclub.com/

Trolley: California Trolley http://californiatrolley.com/home.html

Flowers:  Jenny B Floral http://jennybfloraldesign.com/index2.php

Cake: Sweet Art http://www.sweet-art.com/

Wedding Dress:  Simone Carvalli http://www.simonecarvalli.com/

Tuxedos:  Jos. A Bank http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Home_11001_10050

Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy http://www.dessy.com/

Hair & Make-up:  Kenneth Brown Salons http://www.kennethbrownsalons.com/index.php

Bridal Jewelry: On A String Bead Shop http://on-a-string.com/

DJ: Elevated Pulse http://elevatedpulsepro.com/

Lani got her ears pierced. She had been begging and was so brave, I was choking back tears the whole time..

We visited my family in San Diego, I had to add these photos of my divalicious Grandma. I can’t even find the words to describe her awesomeness. She is definitely one in a million.

^^ This photo pretty much sums up my sweet babe’s personalities

It never gets old shooting this amazing (not to mention GORGEOUS) family. This is my 3rd shoot with them and I am completely flattered every time they back for more. I just love watching these sweet families grow and I am so stoked to be the lucky girl to document these precious moments…

Cade and Nico have melted my heart, as have their rockin parents. You may remember the newborn session with them from earlier this year, it was so much fun to document them as adorable 10 month olds!