Proof that it doesn’t always take months of planning, Steve and Stephanie organized a breathtakingly-lovely riverside wedding in only a few weeks!  Having worked closely with Steve in the wedding business, I am completely versed on his easygoing, calm style, so there was never a doubt in my mind that he and his bride could pull this off without breaking a sweat.  They even handled a last minute venue change with ease: when many more guests arrived than what the couple had expected, they moved their ceremony from the hilltop to the river to accommodate all their friends and family.  Any…

On a warm late summer evening at David Girard Vineyards, Jenna and Casey said “I do”.  The sun may have been blazing hot but not much could hold a candle to the love that shone from these two.  These sweethearts proved how sweet they really are on each other by lighting a “unity Sterno” during their ceremony, which they then used to toast marshmallows for s’mores.  Sounds funny at first, until the bride and groom told us that they had shared s’mores on their very first date.  And before she slipped into her elegant lace gown, Jenna had been wearing the same dress that…

One year ago, two of my longtime clients brought a beautiful baby girl into the world.  How lucky was I to get to document her first birthday!  I love photographing celebrations, and there have been many of them in her family’s life.  It all started with an engagement session for Mom (Michelle) and Dad (Tim), followed by a fun and easy going wedding at Fausel Ranch, then the maternity, newborn and six month sessions for sweet baby Madelyn. Time flies and I am so grateful to have been part of these major milestones!  I am always gratified and humbled when I…

Chelsea and Chava celebrated their wedding on a sunny summer day in August at the Wedgewood Sequoia Mansion – and what a celebration it was!  Between the handmade, personal touches (s’mores trail mix!) and the enthusiastic mariachi band, this was a wedding that was guaranteed to make you smile.  Of course, a bride and groom as completely in love as Chelsea and Chava are doesn’t hurt matters, either!  Chava kept us laughing with his joking ways, and Chelsea’s bridesmaids (who also happened to be her sisters!) kept things light and fun for the bride. Chelsea and Chava shared their how-we-met story…

When you’re a professional wedding and family photographer, you spend a lot of time photographing other people having fun, but don’t always capture images of your own fun times.  You’ve got to set the camera down sometime!  That was the plan when I headed to the Camp Wakka Chikka music festival Labor Day weekend: just some real R&R with family, music, food, and dancing.  Still, being a photographer, I always have to have at least one camera and lens in my bag as insurance against those “I can’t believe I missed that shot!!” moments.  Fortunately for me (but unfortunately for my…

It’s not easy as you might think it would be to get many generations of family together in order to capture this moment in time. It can take some planning, some coordinating and some flexibility but it’s generally never regretted. Kudos to my friend Carol who did just that this summer while her family was in town for a visit. In fact, we did this several years ago over the Christmas holiday too. Living close to Goldridge club, we were able to utilize the playground which always keeps the kids engaged. Lots of smiles and lots of grandkids (ok, and a few…

When Kevin approached me to create a photo montage of the Pollock Pines schools in his district – Pinewood, Sierra Ridge, and Silver Fork – I knew this was going to be a special and very meaningful job.  You see, for 6 years Kevin has been my kids’ school Superintendent, and our community has gotten many good opportunities to get to know him.  Always approachable, he would stand outside the school entrance at drop off to socialize with the students and their parents.  Everybody knew Mr. Monsma!  This hands-on approach has always been something I really admired about him.  This summer he moved on to a…

Rarely do we see this level of familiarity in a couple after 1 month of courtship…this depth of love and strength of connection is typically reserved for those brides and grooms with a 6, 7+ year bethrothel! Just kidding!  Hayle and Mason have been a couple for a lot longer than 1 month (since their late teens), so there is certainly no question about their familiarity and love for each other.  They just chose a fine weekend in early June to make it official. Watching these two together, the word “soul mate” comes to mind again and again.  Hayle and Mason…

I couldn’t be more impressed by the community that she is entering – nostalgic about the community I return to – and excited about the community that we will share. for me was watching the people of Chatham Hall truly come together as a “community” to support these fine women on their special day.

I had the pleasure of photographing Stefanie’s senior portraits.  Working with seniors is one of my favorite things to do because I love the energy and enthusiasm that they bring to the session.  So many changes happening, and so many adventures to look forward to, how can you not smile from ear to ear? Stefanie was no different!  After graduating, she plans to attend cosmetology school in Napa.  A great choice, as she did an awesome job with her own makeup for her portrait session: fresh, natural, and perfectly balanced is what we photographers like to see!  I had actually…

Wow!  Hard to believe that Keegan is already graduating from El Dorado High School.  It seems like just yesterday he was 5 years old and we were having our very first photography session with his sister Caitlin.  It really has been that long!  Following clients through the many stages of their lives is what makes my job so rewarding and FUN, and I am so happy that I got the opportunity to chronicle this latest rite of passage for Keegan. Keegan likes to work out, as you can probably tell from the pictures.   In fact, we share the same personal…

Last week I met up with Little Miss Madelyn and her mom, Michelle at Larsen’s Apple Barn Park (thank you Lynn) for some photographs in the beautiful morning light to capture this big, happy ball of personality. What a love! I’ve been photographing Michelle and Tim since their engagement and am always happy to get to spend some time with their family. Before you know it, a year will have passed and Little Madelyn will be celebrating her first birthday. Crazy…it does go that fast.