{Studio 404 Weddings} Grand Opening

Last night was the official launch of our studio, Studio 404 Weddings, to the wedding industry. We had an amazing turnout and the night was pretty much perfect. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and a special thanks to all of our awesome sponsors.

Primal Alchemy - for the delicious food
Yve - for making us pretty
Candice of DeLovely Events - for the feautured vignette
Lyndsey of Jack & Lola Photography - for capturing the festivities and our first shot of the four of us
Signature Party Rentals - for all the cocktail tables and linens
Steve of SoCal Ceremony Music - for the lovely jazz music to entertain our guests
Jose of Long Beach Musuem of Art - for the wine

Meet my partners (from left to right): Monica Majors, Erica O'Brien, Amy Shoenbaum, & me! All photos by Lyndsey of Jack & Lola Photography. Here's just a sneak peek from the evening...

{Laurel + Cody} San Diego Zoo Wedding

I grew up watching Three's Company and I have always had a bit of an infatuation with Southern California and the San Diego Zoo from watching that show (it seemed like such a far off land from the woods of Washington). I've always wanted to go to the SD Zoo but have just never made it there since living here in SoCal. I certainly never thought my first visit would be to shoot a wedding! How cool is that?

Well, Laurel & Cody tied the knot at the Zoo. I loved how they incorporated the playfulness of the venue into every detail, down to the shoes! It was super fun and I was happy to be there to capture it all.

Laurel changed into a second dress & shoes for the reception. Love it! And again love the continued zoo theme in her attire.

While I was shooting the girls at the hotel getting ready, Carol headed over to their house to capture the guys. I LOVE what she captured!

I love it when couples write their own wedding vows. It is inevitably more emotional and heartfelt.

Congratulations, Laurel & Cody!

{Brooklyn} Summer at the Beach

After being on vacation in Washington for two weeks and then playing catch up upon our return (and not to mention June gloom that extended well into mid July), we finally made it to the beach. As I suspected, Brooklyn refused to walk on the sand (she did the same on the Washington Coast). As soon as I set her down barefoot in the sand, she immediately started crying and whining "uppies". I think it's kinda funny that she really hates it that much (although I will say that I'm not much a sand fan either, despite my love for the ocean). It took some serious patience and coercing to finally get her to warm up to it. Once the other kids started playing and having fun, she had to be part of it too. By the end of the day, I could barely get her out of the water. I think a water baby has been born...

{Hickey Cousins} Long Beach, CA Family Photographer

I've lost track of how many times I've had the privilege of capturing these cutie cousins. It is one of the best parts of my job...to see families and kids growing over the years. I truly feel like I get to play a special part of their family. The cousins stay here is coming to an end, and back to Argentina they go. I'm so glad I got to see them while they were visiting and hear their awesome accents and Spanish (so fun coming from a little blonde toe head). Happy Birthday Grandma and I hope you enjoyed the images of your beautiful grandchildren.

 

 

 

 

{Brooklyn} Say Cheese

So anytime I have the studio set up for portraits, Brooklyn runs into the room and waits for her portrait taking. She has perfected her smile and saying "cheese". Which is so funny, since I'm perfectly content capturing her not looking into the camera (she has caught on to me capturing others). I haven't encouraged her to say "cheese" to the camera (well, only on occasion). I love the raw images of her thinking, playing, eating, etc. But she's a bit of a fan now of the camera. Oh lord, look out!

I never thought I'd be that gloating mommy. But I'm so proud. And so impressed. I cannot believe this little person becoming in front of me. She makes me laugh. And smile. And go crazy, all the while. I love her more than I knew I could love another. Her daddy and I laugh and marvel at this little person that we made. What an amazing blessing she is...

 

 

 

 

{Wecker Family} Long Beach Family Photographer

This last week I got the chance to shoot some good friends of ours. Chris is actually one of my husband Dan's longtime friends. Chris asked me to capture him and his boys while they are home from Chile. Yes, they are living in Chile now and I could not be more impressed with their Spanish (coming from a Spanish teacher & aficionado). I love these boys and I cannot believe how much they have changed in just a short six months. But they are at that age when they grow overnight in their sleep.

Family sessions are always a challenge. But put three boys in a studio and ask them to be serious, it's always a bit entertaining. I personally love most of the outtakes. They are my favorites. They are silly and reveal their personality most. So I've posted a bit of both. Welcome home, guys!

 

 

 

 

{Studio 404 Weddings} My New Home

It has been so incredibly exciting, scary, and just a bit overwhelming launching our new consultation studio (with a wedding florist, cake designer, & graphic designer/stationer). I honestly have not done a ton of work since I was even gone for two weeks, but the space has occupied my every thought and has contributed to a few sleepless nights. I'm so proud of all of our work and incredibly honored to be working with these three other talented women.

I'm still in the process of getting more images on the walls and printing sample albums but I wanted to post our work in progress. We get our new window signage next week. I cannot wait! I honestly have to pinch myself every time I take the keys out of my purse, put it in the door, and open it! It's such a fabulous feeling to know that I am a business owner and doing something that brings me so much happiness and joy. So many doors are opening and I'm enjoying this journey. Please follow the journey with us....

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But most importantly, come visit us in person: 404 Termino Ave, Long Beach