Family Portrait at Huntington Park, Huntington Beach CA

I wanted to share this holiday card that I designed for my friend. Capturing their holiday photos & designing their Christmas card with the photos made me realize how much I love what I do for a living. When given the oppurtunity to capture a special moment in time, it's so rewarding. I count my blessings knowing I've found something that is meaningful & in return, if it brought some sense of hope, smile or a tear to another is what life is all about.

Engagement Portrait at El Dorado Park, Long Beach CA

Another e-session at El Dorado park. I continue to find new areas in the park that offer a majestic setting. The location is perfect for sunsets; the light reflects on the ponds and trees...everything seems to glow including Susana & James. They have been super busy with new jobs, dealing with escrow and planning a wedding. Through it all they managed to enjoy the day and enjoy each other's company. Holding hands and stealing kisses as the sun sets is romantic and therapeutic. It shows in their pictures. We were the last one's there and security had to kick us out.

Engagement Portrait, El Dorado Park - Long Beach

Zeny & Anita live in Florida but decided to have their wedding in Long Beach. Our conversations took place via email and we did not meet until 5 days before their engagement session. They wanted a "nature" look and feel for their engagement photos. I did not realize how beautiful the park is and it's right down the street from where I live. It was such an honor to be part of such a momentous chapter in their lives. Their wedding took place Nov. 28th and they are flying back to Florida this week. I'm looking forward to sharing some of their wedding photos here soon.

Engagement Portrait at Long Beach Harbor

Carmela and James selected the historic lighthouse for their engagement photos. It's a great lookout point with views of the Queen Mary and Shoreline Village. The sun casts a lovely glow this time of year and we soaked it up until the glow disappeared. Carmela had her hair and makeup done specifically for the session, it lent to a "Victoria's Secret" look, of course, without the lingerie. I'm looking forward to their December wedding which is only weeks away.

Wedding Photography at The Hacienda, Santa Ana

Arvin & Marina are such an adorable couple. I was with Marina bright and early and she was calm throughout the day. Arvin & Marina are very playful and have great taste. The color selection, flowers and details were perfect selections for a mid-day wedding. Marina's mother walked her down the aisle, it was such a special moment. The Hacienda exudes romance and it was the perfect setting for such an adorable couple.

It took me sometime before I realized the Kahlua bottles were not your ordinary bottles. What a great wedding party gift...love it!

 

 

Wedding Photography at La Palapa, Long Beach

From my first phone conversation with Colleen, I felt like I was catching up with a dear friend. Eddie had encountered Colleen 15 yrs. ago but was too shy to ask her out. Colleen didn't know she had an admirer at the time. It must have been destiny because they happened to be at the same social gathering and Eddie wasn't going to let another opportunity pass him by. Their wedding reflected who they are as individuals and as a couple. Colleen is extremely creative as well as her friends and family. She made the bouquets, decor and the bridal party's jewelry. Her Sister-in-law made the wedding cake and the list goes on. Their wedding day was a perfect beach wedding. What other setting would be more appropriate for a Sea Captain and his beautiful wife. Much thanks to Marina who has consistently been my second shooter in '09.