Developments of Life 

So how did you spend your Labor Day Weekend? I got to kick mine off with this beautiful couple and their kids, celebrating the joining of two families. I received a message via Facebook, inquiring about a possible beach elopement. They were flying in from Seattle and had me and an officiant - the rest would be decided when they got here, and the wedding would be held at the beach, somewhere between Carlsbad and San Clemente. A couple days before the big day, they decided that

When I was about to get married, I was probably like most young brides – doing my best to stay afloat financially. I was in grad school and my husband-to-be was in the Navy. We were able to support ourselves without borrowing money from Mom and Dad, but we didn’t exactly have a lot of extra cash at our command. Also, like most young couples planning to get married, neither of us came from a very wealthy family. Our parents were by no means poor, but they also weren’t able to

As a photographer, the subject of "RAW" images comes up fairly often. Sometimes it has come from clients fearing that there may have been some special image left out of their gallery. Also, I've had many potential clients request a discounted rate in exchange for accepting my RAW files instead of completed, edited images, making the argument that if I am doing half the work, I can charge them half the price. No matter the reason behind the question, the answer to this from mo

Finally!! The social media gag order has been lifted and I am free to share these images. But first, the story behind them. This may be one of the most special sessions I have been blessed to be a part of. Don't get me wrong - all my sessions are special in some way. But this one....well, read on and you will get it. I have known Anna since I was a little girl. Growing up, she was a fellow St. Bruno Tiger and one of the best friends of my favorite baby-sitter, Kim (for more o

I met this beautiful couple at the Bride's retirement party a few years ago and have been blessed to photograph their grand babies numerous times since. I remember at the retirement party overhearing that Glenn had proposed to Kathy, and was hoping that when the time came, the might call me to capture their special day. When I got the call from Kathy, I was so very excited. They had planned a beautiful intimate wedding to be held at Stone Brewing in Escondido. It was a true f

Last weekend my "baby" cousin Eric got married to his beautiful bride Natalie. It was such a nice change to be attending the wedding as a guest, rather than having to work, but of course, I had to take along my camera and at least one lens to capture a few photos for the family Christmas calendar. Natalie is from a traditional Vietnamese family, and as part of the reception, shared the tradition of the Tea Ceremony with us. I had never seen this performed, and it was a beauti