i do. photography. blog

Jennifer's 40th Birthday!

2010-03-09T12:47:00.001-08:00

It was Jennifer's 40th Birthday on Saturday! She had a swanky party at the top floor of the Marriott in Monterey. She had all the details covered including a "red carpet for guests to walk down as they entered, a red carpet style board for guests to pose in front of for pictures as they walked in, cute little pink cupcakes, and, of course, her own cosmo bar. The party really got started as the music got turned up..these guests knew how to dance!
And might I add that the birthday girl hardly looks a day over 20!

Colima, Colima, Mexico

2010-01-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

The town where my husband's family resides is one of the greatest places I have ever been to. Colima is the cleanest state in Mexico and is just a great place to relax.
There are many novelties in this town that I just can't resist be it the sculptures of the "Colima dogs," the tourist shops in El Centro, or just drinking Mexican hot chocolate at an outdoor restaurant. Colima also boasts and impressive set of Volcanos, one of which is still active.

Tecoman, Colima, Mexico

2010-01-18T14:55:00.000-08:00

Tecoman was another beautiful beach! Another great day for my daughter and my husband joined in the fun but playing catch in the water. I have rarely seen a more impressive sunset.

Manzanillo, Michoacan, Mexico

2010-01-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

Manzanillo was my most favorite place to visit while in Mexico. The sand was clean, the restaurant was open-air and the water was warm enough to bathe in. I think my 3 year old enjoyed it more than I did!

Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico

2010-01-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

Guanajuato was so full of art and culture! The buildings were so colorful and interesting! The mummy museum was also very entertaining.

Irapauto, Guanajuato, Mexico

2010-01-18T14:32:00.000-08:00

This holiday season I had the opportunity to spend some time in Mexico! It was beautiful and full of lots of culture, warm beaches, and of course, great food! Irapuato had a great downtown and was full of life. On Christmas Eve the festivities included mariachis and playing with fire.
Enjoy!

Trash the Dress!

2009-11-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

A break in the rain came in Davenport so Lorraine, Dustin, and I could shoot a trash the dress session on the beach. It was relatively warm and we got some GREAT shots! Enjoy!!

Gonzalez Family Portraits

2009-11-09T15:55:00.000-08:00

A lovely afternoon at Wilder Ranch with the Gonzalez family for their family portraits!

Nic and Raelene Maternity Portraits

2009-10-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

A day at Wilder Ranch proved to be a great spot for Nic and Raelene's maternity shoot. After exploring different cliffs and beaches, the spirited couple ventured into a dripping cave and off the beaten path and into the brush. It was a wonderful day!

Dustin loves Lorraine

2009-10-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful day at the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose on Saturday as Dustin and Lorraine tied the knot. Golden afternoon light adorned the ceremony and a beautiful bride who never seemed to stop smiling. The groom was also glowing the entire day and their son, Ryan couldn't have been cuter in his mini tux. The party really got started at The Loft downtown where there was lots of laughter and a full hour of just dancing! This group really knew how to party!! Congratulations Dustin and Lorraine, I had a wonderful time!

Josip loves Sue

2009-09-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

I had a great time helping out my friend Sharon of Sharon Wharton Photography last Saturday! Josip and Sue tied the knot on an old bridge on a path to the beach at Ano Nuevo, complete with surfers walking by during the ceremony. The festivites continued at the Castanoa Lodge near Half Moon Bay. At the reception it was time for fun with croquet, badminton, and knee high chess pieces! They also had one of the most original cakes from Gayle's Bakery in Capitola with writing in english and croatian! So many great shots, I just couldn't decide! I have also included a link to the slideshow that Sharon put together of both of our images. http://www.sharonwharton.com/slideshows/SueandJosip/
Enjoy!

Roylance family portraits

2009-09-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time shooting my relative's family portraits while in Utah! Roger and Maureen Roylance have such a cute family, I am honored to call them my cousins. They have seven kids altogether and they are all so well behaved and adorable. No wonder they have so many!

details of Utah

2009-09-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

I checked out for the weekend and took a trip to Utah to see some family. Not many people live in or even know about the little farm towns in Central Utah but the ones who do, love them. It was so relaxing exploring the farms and quaint little towns that are scattered among them. The last day I was there it rained and I was able to witness what beautiful clouds are in this area. These are just a few of the images from my trip. Enjoy!

Halloween Mini Portraits

2009-09-01T17:10:00.001-07:00

Do you want to preserve your little ones dressed up as the angel or fairy they really are or know someone who does? I am offering a mini portrait session (30-45 minutes) just for this reason! Only $150 per session for the first little princess and $25 for each additional goblin. Session fee includes a high resolution disc of all images retouched and un-watermarked for your printing pleasure. Please contact me to book your session! Because they're only kids once..

Marina's Belladonna

2009-08-31T08:19:00.001-07:00

Just a few shots of the Belladonna from Marina's farm. I just love how sparkly they are!

Joey loves Kristin

2009-08-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, at Peachwoods Grill in Scotts Valley, Joey and Kristin became one. From the time I arrived until well after the garter toss, the love between the two just radiated. Although the two were adamant to keep with tradition and not see each other before the ceremony, they couldn't resist carrying around walkie talkies to keep in contact. From the moment Kristin appeared to walk down the aisle, it was clear by the tears in Joey's eyes that no one else existed in that moment. The two had a beautiful ceremony with the cutest little flower girls and a reception to match; complete with a lovely cake from Gayle's Bakery in Capitola and an official NHL Sharks garter. Congratulations Joey and Kristin!

Jarrod loves Glorianne

2009-08-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful ceremony at the Monterey Stone Chapel in Del Rey Oaks. The bride was cool as a cucumber as she slipped into her dress and down the aisle. And what a beautiful bride she was! Glorianne just had a radiance about her that shown through the entire day. Once the knot had been tied, Jarrod and Glorianne stole away for a few minutes for pictures by the fountain while their guests enjoyed cocktails at Tarpy's restaurant. Congratulations Jarrod and Glorianne, I enjoyed being apart of your day. Your family is so wonderful!

I just love flowers!

2009-08-04T23:10:00.000-07:00

As the title says..I just love flowers!! I thought I would post a few of my favorites that I have taken recently with my most favorite macro lens. I love capturing the details in the flowers that we seldom look at. Enjoy!

Happy 40th Anniversary Peter and Phyllis!

2009-07-29T17:27:00.001-07:00

It's been 40 years since Peter and Phyllis got married. What better to way to celebrate than their two kids, Janessa and David throwing them a surprise party! Friends and family from as far away as New York gathered at a cocktail party at the Sylvar Street Mansion in Santa Cruz. What a joyous occasion and boy was Phyllis surprised!! Congratulations Peter and Phyllis, it was wonderful getting to know your family.

Happy Fourth of July!!

2009-07-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hooray for Independence Day! After a full day of early morning pancakes and softball, we continued the fun at the Kreuger's BBQ in Scott's Valley. They have a wonderful view of the Scott's Valley fireworks and it was nice to spend some time with friends and make many new ones! I couldn't resist capturing just a few moments. As you can see, I am drawn to the little ones. There were so precious times including Pierce and Cody Howard enthusiastically eating their hot dogs and their little sister, Ella thoroughly enjoying her cupcake, to their Grandma, Janine having a serene second with her tiny new grandson. I also love the "too much love" hug, the small,yet bold flags all around, and especially, the grill. Thank you very much to Peter and Katrina for opening their home to us and all that attended. We enjoyed every second and look forward to doing it again next year!!

Theo loves Danielle

2009-07-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

It was a hot day at Heather Farms in Walnut Creek on June 26th but Theo and Danielle were determined to exchange their vows. Under a beautiful gazebo, they not only exchanged vows but red roses to profess their love to one another. Emotions ran high throughout the day as Danielle greeted her brother before the ceremony, her dad walked her down the aisle, and again as they danced the daddy/daughter dance. It was clear that there is a lot of love in this family. The other thing that was clear once the reception began, was that these guests knew how to party!! "King DJ Company" from Antioch got the music started and the dancefloor was packed whether it was Etta James or Michael Jackson. Brandy from "Butterfly Bride's" from San Leandro kept the night rolling without a hitch from cake cutting to garter toss. Congratulations to Theo and Danielle, I wish you all the best!

Ryan loves Alex

2009-06-20T23:19:00.000-07:00

One of my closest friends got married on Thursday. Although the thick fog was rolling onto Carmel Beach, it was still nice for a small wedding and a dramatic backdrop. Alex and Ryan's daughter, Isabel, was wrapped up in a snuggly little yellow blanket with Ryan's best friend, Tom! The reception was great as a couple of friends (Tom and my husband, Raf) discussed the good ol' days. The food at Piatti's was also wonderful, I especially enjoyed the liguini with clams. Mmmm! Please enjoy the few images from their special day, I warn you they are pretty romantic with lots of kissing!

Ricardo loves Tiffany

2009-06-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

It was a foggy morning and windy afternoon but the sun was shining upon Ricardo and Tiffany as they tied the knot on Friday. They exchanged vows on the beautiful lighthouse lawn on West Cliff and partied into the night at the Vet's Hall in downtown Santa Cruz. Both of these locations are dear to my heart and it was such a joy to be apart of their day! After the ceremony, the young couple took a stroll along the beach and played in the water...soo much fun! Before they cut into their delectable cake from Original Sin in Capitola, we were able to steal away once again to take a walk downtown. What an adventurous couple! It was very apparent throughout the day that (as I heard in numerous toasts) that they "just fit." Congratulations Ricardo and Tiffany, thank you for allowing me to share in your special day!

Jessica's Grad Pics

2009-05-28T12:31:00.001-07:00

Jessica is graduating from UCSC on June 13th! To celebrate we took some portraits at the beach. We began at the jetty by the harbor in Santa Cruz, next to the Capitola Wharf, and finally ended up under the pier at Rio Del Mar. What a fun shoot! Congratulations Jessica!
PS..Check out my new watermark!

Ocean Farms

2009-04-30T15:18:00.001-07:00

I drove up Highway One today toward Davenport today. I discovered some wonderful sights! I just love the contrast between these farms and the ocean in the background.