Wedding: Noriega House

Friday afternoon was an absolute beautiful day. We arrived at the Noriega house early like we usually do to check things out before we started. We were in complete awe with not only how beautifully decorated the place was but that the bride was completely ready, sitting, and waiting for us to start pictures. Nicole looked absolutely stunning. She had that simple elegance about her! I could feel my excitement build for the groom to see her for the first time. How could he not be totally breath taken by her!

Justin and Nicole have been together for what seems like forever and this day couldn't have been a more perfect day for them. They have such a comfortable presences with each other that only years of relationship can bring, yet I'm sure they both will tell you that when they saw each other on Friday it felt like the beginning for them.



I just love the elegance of these traditional pictures. They are pictures I could see their grandkids hanging in their house when they get married!



While I was capturing those pictures, Andrea caught this amazing side view shot!



The ceremony was short and simple, exactly like the entire day went! I love how you can see the awe in Nicole and the happiness in her dad!







I absolutely love love love this picture! It shows a strength to me, and Nicole looks GORGEOUS!



Ok, so these photos just look so old fashioned to me! And yes another great side shot by Andrea!









Did I mention I love my assistant? She does a fantastic job at capturing these special moments for the bride and groom that I am not able to capture.
I see such a strength in their relationship through these photos, or is it that Justin just looks really good having this gorgeous bride on his shoulder!


Their first dance was beautiful!





So I had to throw this picture in. I took it during the father daughter dance and for whatever reason fell completely in love with it! I guess it has to do with my love for detail shots, they are so simple yet can tell such big stories.



The whole cake area was gorgeous! I loved how there was a chandelier hanging over the cake.





I wanted to end on this next picture because I had so much fun with the whole bridal party and wanted to show them love. Candid shots are my favorite pictures, they draw you in, making you feel completely part of the moment! Thanks Nicole and Justin for sharing your moment with me!

Welcome Home!

There's a point in time when everything finally seems like it is falling into place. You have worked hard and finally get to reap the fruits of your hard labor, endless tears, and exhausting life.

This is so true for Desiree! Everything seems to just be falling into place right now for her. After spending many years crammed into small living spaces, she finally is able to provide a new home for her daughters and herself to share. Purchasing a home is one of the most exciting times in your life. It is such an amazing accomplishment alone; but for Desiree, that of course isn't enough! After long hours of studying and many sleepless nights she is finally going to be graduating nursing school. How astonishing! She definitely goes down in my book as someone to applaud!

When I pulled up to her new home yesterday, she introduced herself with the biggest smile on her face. You can see what an amazing time this is in her life. What an inspiration! I was so fortunate to document this special time for them!

For sale? I don't think so, this is mine now! Desiree and her girls couldn't wait to take their sign down, finally a house of their own!








The girls stop for a photo op before entering their new home!



OK, so I had to throw these next two pictures in. The girls were hilarious! Ariana had the best faces and her little sister, Ella, definitely is following in her footsteps. They were the sweetest girls and too cute!







Ariana is so excited to finally have her own room! You can see the excitement! Now she has privacy to do her favorite thing.....talk on the phone! "Who me?"



Ella just loves her room! She has a walk in closet and loves being able to look out into the front yard!



Jumping for joy, we finally have our home!



What a great way to say goodbye to this wonderful day! These girls make this home so inviting! Congratulations girls! I wish you many years of happiness in this house you can finally call your own home!

Family: Big Winners!

Last year I was asked to provide a donation for a raffle at one of the local elementary schools. I decided it was something I would absolutely love to be a part of. I was ecstatic when I finally heard from the winners. What better time for them to book than my favorite season. I couldn't wait to meet them!

I gave Mary Rita a few options of different places to take her family's pictures, and when I said Hart Park she knew instantly that this would be the park that fit them well. Her husband, Michael, has taken their daughter Alyssa numerous times to go fishing there and they both just love the scenery. Who wouldn't though!

Stepping out of the car I knew that this family was going to be so friendly and vibrant. They had bright bold colors on, which I love, and came out with beautiful smiles on. Here is Mary and Michael the contest winners!



...and this is there, pride and joy, Alyssa, who cannot make a mean face for the life of her! I tried numerous times to get her to show me a mad face and all she could do is laugh hysterically. I enjoyed goofing off with Alyssa!





Did I mention they have an adorable sweet dog named Lexx? He is absolutely the center of this family's world.



He isn't just a dog, he is a member of their family!



Alyssa, is so in love with Lexx! He is like her brother. She has taught him how to beg, which he does every single time he wants a cookie. Too cute!



Lexx's ears are Alyssa's favorite. They are so silky! Lexx and Alyssa are like two peas in a pod!



Lexx is so calm and gentle with Alyssa! You can tell he has been one happy boy since the day this family rescued him three years ago.



So I am not sure if this picture fits their style, but I just had to capture it. We were heading to the river when Alyssa climbed up this fence. I just had to grab the picture while everyone took a little break. There was just something so natural about it.

Pismo Wedding: Tana & Josh

As we walked into the Best Western Shore Cliff we were greeted with the biggest smiles. Tana turns to me and says, "Isn't it beautiful out? I prayed so hard last night that the weather would be different than when we arrived here, and it happened." It indeed was a beautiful day, perfect for these special people. What more could you ask for coming from Bakersfield heat to this cool 70 degree weather with patchy blue skies and a light breeze.

I was so happy to see Tana in such an excited mood. She has dreamt of this day for so long and everything was turning out so perfectly. As the day unfolded, I began to learn that this couple, along with all their friends and family, had something so special about them. I have never seen this sort of love and compassion along side such peace and serenity at a wedding before. I was so thankful to get to not only document their special day, but also meet and learn about such amazing people. It is weddings like this one that make me love my job more than I could ever imagine!

Tana and Josh opted for a first look, which they couldn't have been more happy with. It is the perfect way to start out the day. It was such an intimate moment shared between the two of them. The first look allowed for more than enough time for photo opportunities while keeping a very relaxed enjoyable environment.

Here is Tana walking up to greet Josh...





While I was capturing their faces...



...Andrea captured this gorgeous detail photo.



After the first look we headed to the beach for a few pictures. Of course the lighting changed drastically while we were down there but they still rocked out some amazing photos.













Hand in hand with the her dad walking up the aisle...



...walking down the aisle with the man she has always dreamt of.



After the ceremony we had more time for photo opportunities.





Tana isn't particularly fond of detail shots so here was our way we showcased their beautiful wedding rings.



Of course we couldn't let the sun pass without a beautiful silhouette.





The first dance.





Father/Daughter & Mother/Son dances. Andrea captured the amazing mother/son picture.



The speeches.



What better way to end, than with a cheers!