One of the very many special privileges as a photographer is the opportunity to capture a family as it grows. I first met Nicole and Keith when I shot their engagement session for their East Coast wedding a few years ago and was so pleased when they purchased my baby package to welcome their daughter, Ellie, into the world. I loved their at-home maternity session from last year, and was so privileged to capture Ellie’s first moments at home last June. So, recently, it was time to catch back up with Ellie at 8-months on a beautiful winter’s day at…

Getting a family of five together in one place as children head into their teens – and beyond – can be a tough task. It can be even harder to get that dedicated, relaxed family time without the stress and distractions of daily life. Which is why it was a privilege to be able to capture the Butler family at-play and just enjoying one another’s company recently at Sly Park Lake. Eldest son, Josh, was heading off to Air Force boot camp not long after our session and so his mom, Tracie, was especially emotional at having all her” babies”…

As you might remember, last month I photographed Jodi and Jeremy’s wedding at Wedgewood Sequoia in Placerville. I am honored to have been chosen to be the preferred referral for the venue and in turn, get to work with a fine team of professionals. Here is the back story: Helping to turn a very important day around for one of my brides…. I received a few requests to see more images from this wedding as I think the story of Jodi’s wedding day “nightmare” struck a compassionate chord in many of you. It really seems inexcusable, but unfortunately not unheard…

It is definitely one of my favorites things to get to document the growing families of my previous wedding couples as they move through life, and John and Elisha’s Lil Miss Teagan is no exception. What a doll- eyes so bright and a smile to melt your heart. Thanks guys for venturing up the hill and sharing a beautiful winter day at Boeger Winery. The only thing we were missing was Madi! Just let me know when the four of you are headed this way and we’ll make sure to get some shots of Madi and Teagan. Hey- before you…

For my first shoot of the year I picked up my assistant Cassie and we headed down to San Francisco for the weekend. We met Emily and Shannon near their apartment in the Mission. Up until a couple days before the session, it was set to be a fabulous and sunny San Francisco afternoon. I had envisioned the sun casting its late light on the SF skyline. This was what I was counting on until my husband hollered down from his laptop that morning….”You know it’s going to be dumping rain in SF, don’t you?”. Well, no I didn’t, until…

Yesterday, about 30 minutes before I was to leave for a wedding at Wedgewood Sequoia- I get a call from a VERY upset bride. She seemed inconsolable. You see, her hair and make up person botched the job, left to go out to her car, said she was going to be back, never came back and took my brides money. This was about 3 hours before her ceremony was to start. After assuring and reassuring her that all was going to be ok-I’d make it work in any way I could, I got on the phone with Kristina at Waterfall…

Headed over to Gold Ridge on a sunny Christmas eve to capture the Ganno family all in from out of town. This year little Hayes from Colorado was the new addition to the family- just 5 months old. We had planned the shoot for the 23rd but the weather was rainy and I thought it would be best to postpone for sunny Christmas eve. I even had my husband assist me on this one:) A family affair! I think it’s cool when a family who comes together from many locations and generations decides to make this happen. Life is so…

I feel fortunate to get to work with many of the same families year after year. I believe it has been about 8 or 9 consecutive years now with the Anderson family. This year we mixed it up a little with formal attire against the historic Coloma background. I love the grey attire, the bright green grass against the old rock walls. It is fun working with them to come up with something new and fun each year. Below is an image that Jess recently sent me of their wall of photographs from over the years. Seeing this made me…

I have the best job. And, it’s the people that I work with that are most responsible for that. Yes, of course, I live for “creative flow” but without those folks that always warm your heart, I wouldn’t be sitting here while there is a mountain full of snow just up the hill. Ok, not exactly true, I’m a blue bird day skier…In the storm, I’d rather be here right now with my tunes cranked loud and my fire the same, editing photographs that I know are going to make my friends, Tom and Bethany smile. At least I’ll be…

After watching Tiffany and Keith exchange their vows to each other, and then getting the honor to witness Finn entering the world, it seemed only right to get to spend the morning photographing him on his first birthday. What a treasure he is. How can you not smile looking at his? I brought a little gift for Finn that we all enjoyed while watching his unencumbered enthusiasm. Spending time with these three always makes me feel grounded and happy. How cool is that? Enjoy your blog teaser….the rest will be up in a few more days! Happy Holidays!  

Love was in the air at David Girard for Jenn and Danny, and it was easy to tell why.  These two are beautiful together and how could you not love that? Their wedding was perfect; all the special touches that were put into this day were amazing. From the golf pendant Jenn added to Dan’s boutonniere to the releasing of the doves at the ceremony.  Jenn even had a clever way in which the guests were excused for dinner.  There was not a detail missed! The day started out at the River Rock Cottage in Lotus photographing the bride with…

It’s always great to have family photographs taken at your own home. It’s a wonderful way to remember your first house, the house where your kids grew up, or the house you grew old in. And it’s great for me when the property is as beautiful as the Coyle Family’s is. Our day started out great! Mari must have planned afternoon naps perfectly because her beautiful boys, Emmett and Max, were all smiles for their photo session together in the rocks of their front yard. As the sun was setting behind them, the light was perfect and I couldn’t stop…