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…

Who doesn’t love a wedding reception that spontaneously erupts into a conga line? Add in some wedding favors of stick-on mustaches and royalty hats- oh, yes, please- sign me up. Apparently, this is also Van Erden Thanksgiving tradition and the energy was celebratory and perfect – just the kind of impulsive fun I believe Erik and Ashlie were looking for to seal the deal. They were also looking for a beautiful location with a relaxed vibe to be married in. They wanted a place where their family and friends could celebrate alongside of them and a place where they could…

I loved getting to be back at the beautiful Flower Farm for Stephanie and Carson’s wedding. Having previously tied the knot in 2020, it was time for the big celebration with friends and family and what a better time to celebrate with Carson’s recent graduation from medical school in St. Louis. Oh, and did I mention, they moved to Irvine just a few days before their Flower Farm wedding…talk about ambitious! Stephanie and Carson dated for many years and then officially married during covid. They didn’t want to wait any longer. They were so easygoing with the day and with…

Get involved in something. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Do your best with your schoolwork, but find a passion project too. Saying hi and smiling can brighten someone else’s day

It was so wonderful to get to photograph Tom and Jillian’s senior photos celebrating their graduation from Oak Ridge High School. Tom is handsome with those gorgeous blue eyes and so sweet and kind. He loves all things computer games! Jillian-poised, with those deep brown eyes, beautiful hair and bright smile is also such a sweetie. She sang for me during the session having just returned with her choral group from performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City! Amazing. 

Benito: meaning “Blessed”
and I’m certain his parents feel this way too. Look at those bright eyes and that smile! Benito stole my heart instantly.