Scarlett's 1 Already!

Some of you may remember this beautiful little girl from her debut show, here on my blog, called "A Birth Story". Yep, that little perfect peanut has grown up into a spirited, sweet, funny and curious little toddler. I pretty much fall in love with all my kids but this one definitely has a special place in my heart...that's why there are so many dang pictures in her show :) I absolutely love watching all the things she's learning and seeing her play with her parents. They have so much fun together and I know she's going to grow up with an awesome sense of humor. Just for fun, I'll post the story of her birth after her big one year old girl session...just because they're so cool to watch together (I'd watch the birth first :)!

To view her 1 yr old. show larger, click HERE

Beautiful Family!

This definitely had to be one of the greatest family's to photograph! Their wonderful kids were so sweet, polite and fun. They had so many things that they loved to do together as a family and all I really had to do was follow them around. The best part was definitely the baking...my daughter loves to help in the kitchen and it's always great to see other families enjoying that time together also...even if a few egg shells end up in the cupcakes ;)

To enjoy the show larger, click HERE

The Cutest Sisters Ever!

Okay, I may be a little biased...these precious little girls are my nieces :) But still, I don't think they get much cuter! My brother's family lives a couple hours away so instead of using their home, we used another one that means a lot to our family...our kid's Yaya's and Boppa's home. It's definitely a place full of memories and our kids have the best time there. I absolutely love the images of each girl with their mom and dad...they obviously have such a special relationship with each of them and that always makes for a beautiful portrait. I know I'm going to watch this show over and over again :)

To enjoy the show larger, click HERE

Dylan's Always on the Go!

This wonderful little family invites me to do portraits of Dylan every year around his birthday. It's so fun to see him grow up and watch all the little changes. One thing is always to same...he never stops moving :) This boy is definitely busy and always on to the next thing...good thing I remembered my comfy shoes this time! We had a lot of fun having him show us his favorite things..ringing the doorbell, playing with the antique clock and the gorgeous upstairs play room. I can't wait to see what he'll be like next year (gotta remember to get new running shoes :).

To enjoy the show larger, click HERE

Fabulous Finnegan!

What a fun little boy! And a great name...I just might steal it if I have a boy :). Finn and his mom had such a great time together and it was wonderful to photograph. I love when little ones are just so sweet mannered and completely in love with their parents. Our session was so easy and relaxed and I can't wait to do it again!

To enjoy the show larger, click HERE

Spencer & Rachel

What a beautiful couple and wonderful day! The day before, we all ran out and bought huge umbrellas, reception tents and mud boots..it was pouring and threatening to continue through the picturesque outdoor wedding Rachel and Spencer had planned. Luckily, the sun came out right before the ceremony and we had a gorgeous day...although I was a little disappointed not to be able to use my cool new polka dot umbrella :). I've had a great time working with this couple and the wedding day was even better! Their family and guests were all so friendly and fun, my team and I didn't want to leave :) Rachel and Spencer are absolutely gorgeous together and so full of love for each other...I really was honored to get to capture this day for them.

Thank you, Rachel and Spencer...enjoy your show! To view larger, click HERE

MaBelleLune Pregnancy Resource Directory

Another thing I love! I just picked up the 08-09 copy at my favorite coffee place (shhh...don't tell my midwife I had a latte this morning :) and highly recommend it to anyone expecting. It's got a great pregnancy journal/calender and is full of wonderful local resources for us preggos...from Acupuncture to Massage to Photography :) You can check out their site HERE

Adorable Jake

This little guy was more intrigued by my camera than any other child I've worked with. I got there right as it was time for him to wake up and he was such a sweet little cuddler, I had to take a couple shots. As soon as he heard my shutter, he spun around and from that point on, thought my camera was the coolest thing in the world. It was great! I had such a wonderful time with this family. We got to hang out at Jake's grandparents home and the family winery, Arista, which was absolutely beautiful and full of fun toys (the home, not the winery ;)...although they did have a pretty cool Alligator.). You can tell that they all really enjoy each other and there's nothing better than that!

Enjoy the show!

Is He One Already?

I've been photographing little Ryan and his family since he was still in his mommies belly. I can't believe how fast the year went and that we've already used all their sessions. I always have so much fun with these guys. Ryan's little personality is really coming out and he is a busy little guy! I think the pumpkin was a hit...he couldn't think about anything else...until we brought out the bubbles :) I can't wait until they have another little one so we can do it all over again!

Enjoy the show!

Teapot Parties & Children's Boutique

I honestly don't think I could love this store more! If you haven't yet been, it's this sweet and fun wonderland full of toys, books and cozy clothes. They also have this absolutely beautiful room upstairs for whimsical tea parties. They even have little dress up outfits so the party guests can be all frilly with white gloves or perfectly in character with Mad Hatter costumes. They even offer a super cool photographer to capture your party images ;) Check out the slide show by clicking on the last picture below. I can't wait until my daughter's birthday next year because she is definitely getting a Woodland Whimsy Tea party :) You can check out their site HERE you can check out their lovely store and party spot in downtown Santa Rosa on 4th st. in Railroad Square. While you're there, look up...you may see someone you know :)

Kelly and Rich

Probably the sweetest, most laid back couple ever! These two were so easy to work with and so full of love for each other. Kelly was beaming the whole day and I absolutely love all the images I captured of her... I don't think she could've been any happier! This couple once again showed me that my favorite time of any wedding day is the couple's portraits. After the ceremony's over and I get to move the couple away from all the guests, they finally get to relax and just enjoy actually being married. Kelly and Rich both just lit up during this time and the images are gorgeous!

Thank you both so much for having me be a part of your wonderful day! To view show larger, click HERE

My Exciting News (and why I haven't posted in forever!)

Sorry, I've been a little MIA lately...first I thought I had than flu, then I thought I was getting sick from stress...turns out, it's neither! It's really another baby turning me into a slacker :) Yay!! My husband and I are expecting our second little one in May and we couldn't be more excited!

I've been crazy booked these last couple of months and trying to get stuff edited and up for viewing. I'm a tad behind but will be getting some fun stuff up here soon! Thanks for checking in and I'll be back with the some slide shows soon, promise :)

Roller Derby!

My crazy sister decided she wanted to join our local roller derby team. So, we decided to all go check out a bout and see what she was getting into to. It looked like so much fun, I think we're all signed up now ;) Apparently, there's a huge following around here because the place was packed! We had a great time...those girls are tough... and of course ended the night with a serious record setting Rock Band concert!






See I was there too :)

Michelle and Andrew

What a "Perfect Pear"! This couple had such a sweet wedding, from the amazing gown to cute little pear place cards. Michelle thought of everything and her and Andrew really worked hard to bring it all together. Of course it all payed off and their wedding turned out absolutely beautiful! We were honored to capture this wonderful celebration. To enjoy the show larger, please click HERE

We're Going All Waldorf!

Ani's wonderful teacher gave us a copy of a great book at our visit yesterday..."You Are Your Child's First Teacher" by Rahima Baldwin Dancy. I really love how Waldorf education values the stage of a child's life when their imagination is over flowing. They acknowledge that make believe and fantasy play is not only beneficial but necessary in a child's development. I read the chapter about how to make your child's room welcoming to this type of play...get rid of toys that think for your child or direct them (play should be with no goal or direction...just imagination and tools), create play areas that are inviting (don't stuff the toys in cubbies), give them dolls that don't have defined features so they can create their own in their mind's eye, etc. We already had her room pretty close but we went through and boxed up a bunch of her babies that she doesn't play with. Got rid of a bunch of "junk"...you know the plastic, rubbery things that just seem to collect. Made a bunch of beds and blankets for her babies...we used odd baskets that we just had lying around and little pieces of material I had in a sewing box.

But, the best part was we made her a playhouse. I wanted her to have a little private area where she could do whatever she could play house, stage for a play, etc. I rummaged in our garage and found her old changing table...took the shelves off, ran an old window panel through a front rod and draped one over the top and WA LAH...it's not Martha but it's a playhouse that was free, fun to make and even more fun to play in :) Trust me, I'm not a crafty girl nor do I have a lot stuff lying around but I had enough to put this together so if I can do it, so can you...a great way to move a baby item into a kid item!

Visit Day!

My daughter, Ani, got to go visit her preschool today before she starts it later this week! We both absolutely adore this place. Ani felt comfortable as soon as she got there and took off to play. She got to rock the baby (her favorite part), grind wheat, pump the water and a bunch more fun stuff. Her symbol (it's a Waldorf thing) is the butterfly. It's such a sweet little place where kids get to play and make believe and just be kids. We are all so excited for her to spend her mornings here!

The Funnest Game Ever!

Amoung the many other brilliant things I learned at the McWorkshop, I learned that Rock Band is definitely the greatest game ever!! I'm notoriously anti video game and my husband is a notorious gamer...the cause of many many battles. But, Corey started this guy up and after 5 min. on the drum, I was logged into Amazon buying my own...unbelievable! It hadn't been in our house more than a few hours when I scheduled our first tournie. Even the most vocal hater..."that game is so stupid...I can't believe you're playing it" was a convert after 2 minutes strumming to Mississippi Queen. When I wasn't being a Diva (apparently, I wouldn't share the mic :), I got to experiment hand held shooting in a very very dark room...fun all around!

Rock Star McWorkshop

Ahhh...finally a minute to tell you all about my awesome week! I was lucky enough to get to fly allllll the way to North Carolina to learn from some of the industry's best, Corey McNabb and Amber Holritz. Both are extremely inspirational to me...not only in their photography but also their talents in business and client relationships. The week was crazy and the workshopees were even crazier - my wonderful (and overworked) roommate Jessica C, but she hates her site so don't check it for a few weeks:) My super chauffeur with the stupid GPS, Chris. Our favorite swamp girl, Maureen (can't wait to see her images from her next swamp adventure), Jessica who kept us on track and laughing. Our local ladies, Laurie and Jill and our lone guy, Will. We spent pretty much every minute of every day together and we all made it out alive.

The first few shoots were really uncomfortable for me and I'm not proud of the shots I got. We did group shooting and I was totally out of my element...I'm used to working by myself and it really threw me off to have a bunch of other shooters and to be watched by two photog. superstars. But, after I got used to all of them, I had no problem pushing them out of the way to get the shot I wanted :) We had some amazing models, Tara and her famous actor husband, Jonathon ;), Nicole and Tracy, Lindsey and John Bamber and an absolutely beautiful real bride, Lee Irvine (sorry we can't show her images until after her wedding). Thank you so much to our wonderful models...we really put them to work!

I can't thank the crew enough for the one of a kind experience I had! Corey and Amber taught me invaluable lessons that are really helping me move my business forward. The camaraderie between all the students was addicting and I can't wait to see them all again...WPPI, anyone? :)

Alright, on to the good stuff...here are my faves from the week. BTW, if you want to see pics of the actual workshop, check out Amber's site and Corey's blog...actually, maybe not...I had a thing for ordering giant food and the pics are not so pretty ;)













AND, I'm a contest winner...woo hoo...I took 3rd place for this baby, and I'm not bragging, but the competition was steep...there was some serious talent at this workshop so I'm stoked to have an image be a winner :)

Amazing Ally!

One of my favorite sessions ever!! I got to meet this precious little girl when she was only 3 days old. I love when I actually get to spend a lot of time with new parents. The "honeymoon" right after your baby is born is so special and I'm always honored to be a part of it. I love watching the new mom's and dad's be so natural and loving and yet always a bit overwhelmed and unsure. Learning what each cry means, how she likes to be held, what sounds soothe her...it's different for every baby and it so sweet to watch parents getting to know their little one.

Ally got to have her grandma's over and they're always so much fun...beaming from ear to ear, sitting on their hands that are just twitching to hold her. Then you get the three generations of women with a grandma getting to watch her daughter learn to be a mom...whew, talk about emotional. To top it off, they're a beautiful couple with a gorgeous house and an amazing nursery...it really doesn't get any better for us photog's :)

Thank you so much for having me over! To enjoy your show larger, click HERE

Thank Goodness for Bubbles!

I love large family shoots but you got to be ready for them...running shoes and lattes are definite musts! These kids were so excited to be with their cousins that there was no wrangling them. Good thing I like kids being "unwrangled" :) It was a lot of fun trying to come up with activities that would get all the kids in my lens at once...racing, wagon riding, book reading...but the favorite had to be the bubbles. Even parents turn into kids when they're blowing bubbles ;) This family was really wonderful to work with and I hope they enjoy their images as much as I enjoyed creating them!

To enjoy the show larger, click HERE