Roller Baby

I get too much junk mail...and I especially hate forwarded messages. I usually delete without even reading them. Sorry peeps...if you're one of those infamous forward'ers! But because this one came from mom, I actually took the time to watch. AND I'm so happy I did because this about the cutest and coolest thing I've ever seen. So instead of forwarding on to you via email (so I'm not "one" of them) I'm posting here. You can choose to watch or not...but I'm thinking you should! This will put a smile on your face! I especially like it because this has to be Brooklyn's age...I could just see her little head on one of these bodies. Enjoy!

Jay + Sue {say i do}

This past Friday I got to be a part of Jay & Sue's wedding day at the Clarke Estate. Thanks to my Fast Track friend John Loyola for inviting me and his 2nd shooter Jen Disney. I love these guys and had a blast shooting and hanging with them throughout the day. Jay & Sue did not leave a detail untouched. They had such a unique and entertaining celebration...it was awesome! They had an artist painting their wedding ceremony throughout the celebration; island dancers; fire knife throwing guys; and an ice cream cart....just to name a few. Here are just a few teasers, but I'll be posting more soon.

 

 

 

 

{Slideshow} Dan + Jen

{Celebrate} Independence Day

I hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July! I know we did. We celebrated by beaching and boating at Marine Stadium for the day. This is the 2nd year in a row we've done this with the Maugas, Volkoffs, & Fords. We set up camp beachside for the day and took turns exploring the canals of Belmont Shore by boat (thanks to the Maugas). For those of you that have never been through the area on this holiday, it's insane! We had no idea what we were getting into last year and were shocked (and angered) by the attack of water balloons and guns that doused us with water from every angle. This year we knew better but still braved it and got attacked even worse! Luckily there weren't any kids on the boat this year but that seemed to work as a great excuse for us last year. Oh well. It was a great day and wonderful to spend it with my hubby for the first time in 5 years! Seriously. Hope you had a wonderful day with your friends and family!

 

 

Thanks to my 14 year old niece Lindsey for these next two shots. She's been staying with us for the last two weeks.

 

 

{Celebrate} 9 months!

Yikes, it's already July 3rd! Which means my little baby girl is now 9 months old. It's already been a couple of weeks since I have posted any images or information about her and it's like she's an entirely different person in such a short period of time. Here are just a few of her most recent behaviors...

* She is a mover and a shaker. We have to set up barricades now in the living room to keep her confined.
* Although she is crawling, she would much rather stand and walk the perimeter of the room along the furniture.
* This little girl can throw a fit! It's so crazy how she went from being a sweet little thing that could do no wrong. Now she'll throw herself on the ground and bang her legs and arms in a fit of rage. Wha-aaat? Seriously? Already?
* Her favorite toys are MY favorite toys. My iPhone. My laptop. The remote control.
* She shakes her head and waves her pointer finger when we say "No No No". It's so funny. (But we really shouldn't laugh b/c I'm not sure if she understands NO yet)
* She is still "HOO-ing"! If you've met her, you know exactly what I mean.
* She absolutely loves the water. She has always loved her bath but with summer here, she has been swimming in the pool and the bay. Both of which were COLD! She was not phased in the least by the temperatures. I'm thinking she takes after her daddy in this sense.
* She is definitely my little girl when it comes to sleeping these days. She has slept in until 9 or 10 am the past couple of days. Good girl!
* Oh ya!!! She is officially OVER the bink (aka pacifier). She decided all on her own that she had no interest in it whatsoever this past month. I gave it to her once, like any other day, and she THREW it. And continued to throw it any time I gave it to her after that. I told you she had a mind of her own!

 

{Engaged} Jen + Dan

Last night I met up with Jen & Dan in downtown Long Beach to capture their engagement session! I can't tell you how I excited I am to shoot their wedding this month too. First, they are a super fun and silly couple (and I mean that in the most affectionate way possible). And, second, they are marrying at the same venue, The Ebell Club, that I got married two years ago. It will be so fun to revisit the venue and to see their personality and touches to the place. After spending some time with them last night, I have a feeling that their wedding will be nothing short of fun, fun, fun. Thanks guys for making me laugh and for being so sweet when I made a complete fool of myself by falling during our session. I have a nice little bruise and bump in rememberance.

Don't you just love Jen's dress? It's adorable and so perfect on her.

 

 

 

 

{Captured} Luybens Expecting

Part two of Reanna and Patrick expecting...

 

 

 

 

{Captured} Reanna Expecting

Twice in one weekend, I got to shoot two former students! Reanna is also a former student and cheerleader of mine. It makes me feel old that she is married and expecting her first child, a little girl! She has always been amazing with working with children so I'm not surprised that she has a little one on it's way. I'm so excited for her and Patrick though! She could not be more adorable 32 weeks pregnant. Thank you for letting me be a part of this new journey of yours! As a new mom myself, it really makes me think and reflect on this special time. Congrats R&P...I can't wait to meet your new little bundle.

 

 

 

 

{Captured} Ashley

I met up with Ashley last night at The Lab in Costa Mesa to get some headshots for the upcoming Laker Girl tryouts. Ashley was a former student and cheeleader of mine...so it's always fun to reconnect with former students. She has always been a super talented dancer...dancing for CSULB and even in the Disneyland parade. There were so many good shots from our time together, it was difficult choosing a few to put on the blog. I hope you love them as much as I do, Ashley! Thanks again for asking me to shoot you.

 

 

 

 

West Seattle

I've always loved the view of the city from West Seattle...

 

 

Aarons idea of maternity portraits...