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This session put me in such a great mood. Fall is here and the weather is perfect up here in the mountains and for fall family sessions in Apple Hill. One of the parts I love about my job is reconnecting with previous wedding couples and especially folks like Maureen and Curt. They are super sweet, easygoing, and kind plus they have great restaurant recommendations for Sacramento! Bonus. They married Fausel Ranch in the fall of 2019 and now they are raising two cute sons- Odin who loves cheddar bunnies and Jude who has two new front teeth. They both…

Jessica and Cory exchanged their vows under the shade of a big oak tree at Black Oak Mountain Vineyards in Cool, CA. Unlike the name of the location, their day was sunny and hot but the skies were a gorgeous blue, scattered with puffy clouds. They shared a quick first look under the big blue sky but quickly moved inside due to the heat. The grounds at Black Oak Mountain are amazing and even though Jessica and Cory chose to keep their event at the barn, the venue let us take in the sunset up on the hill.  These two…

Her advice to incoming high schoolers is to “prioritize your mental health and listen to your gut- if something seems too stressful or just doesn’t feel right, find another way that works better for you. This will make your high school journey so much more enjoyable”. She has the wisdom of a person 20 years her senior.

Well, this session was a couple of years in the planning. With Eric and Ginger’s home finally repaired from the destruction of the Caldor fire two years ago, and Laurie and Jason’s daughter, Myra heading off to college in Santa Cruz soon, the time was right. I met the extended Schlavin/Pittman families out at the lake and on Grandparent’s Day too! Both of my kids were lucky enough to be “Schlavin Middle School alums” and my oldest, Jaz was in town from Scotland and got to help me out on this one…like old times. I enjoyed meeting Eric and Laurie’s…

Richard and Bonnie got to know each other when Bonnie showed up at Richard’s door during the Caldor Fire in order to evacuate her home.

What better time to capture your family? Everyone is on vacation, relaxed and spending time together! This time was Lake Tahoe for the Weinberger family who captures their family every year at a new location….how fun! The Weinberger traveled from Houston a couple of weeks ago and we met at at Sand Harbor. Sam (8) immediately reached out his hand and introduced himself. That was impressive! Charlotte (4) and Elizabeth (21 months) shyly smiled in their cute matching dresses. Diane and Evan were warm and personable. As Sand Harbor is a very popular location, we walked around a bit to…

Sage, born shortly after midnight on December 24 is 6 months old now and these days is shining a brilliant smile.

Lindsey and her father Alan stood at the top of the stairs overlooking the ceremony for a few moments to simply take it all in. I love that- what’s the rush? Soak it all up along with the significance of this moment.

Backyard weddings can be a lot of work but they also can be that perfectly small, intimate vibe that you are looking for. Add in a whole lot of elbow grease, the love and support of family and friends, and an extraordinary designing, planning and styling team (Elysse Goerss, Blessings From the Moon Events Co,) and you have yourself a gorgeous celebration right in your own backyard. That said, June 17, 2023 was a very hot day in El Dorado. The sun was strong and bright and shade was hard to find. Donna started out at an Air BnB in…