New Life: Welcome Baby Ricki!

Oh my, I've been a blogger slacker the last couple of months. I have so so much to catch you up on . . . lots of fun shoots that I'm really anxious to share. I'll be posting some of those in the near future, but for now, I just have to introduce you to little baby Ricki!

I'm always excited when any of my friends join the adventure of parenthood, and even more excited when I get to document the beginning of that amazing journey. You may remember Sarah & Craig from another shoot I did with them last year, marking their 6th anniversary. (I also got to do some maternity photos for them not too long ago). I always knew these two would be great parents, and was ecstatic when I heard the news that they were expecting a little girl (shopping for tiny girl clothes is so much fun, and yes, I may have gone a little overboard on that ;-)). 

I met Ricki in the hospital the day after she was born and was amazed at what a full head of super blond hair she had already! A week later, I got my chance to take some more pics of this sweet girl at their home. 

Have to say I definitely don't miss the late night feedings, sleepless nights and feeling like a "mommy zombie," but seeing a brand new tiny life is always amazing. It reminds me of how special every moment is and how quickly those moments race by . . .

Welcome, baby Ricki . . . you're very loved :-) 

 

Urban Oasis: A Smog Shoppe Wedding

I'd been anxiously anticipating Erica & Lou's wedding for several months and could not wait to start shooting. I had such a fun time with them in San Juan Capistrano for their Engagement Session a while back, and I just knew their wedding was going to have such a great vibe, just like them. From the minute we arrived at the Smog Shoppe in LA, I got excited butterflies and the creative juices started flowing! For any of you newly engaged couples looking for a great venue, you have to check this place out. If you like a really chill, classy, urban (but with lots of greenery), intimate  atmosphere, the Smog Shoppe is for you. Your photographer will thank you ;-) 

I have to point out (again, for those of you who are in wedding planning mode) that it's SO great to have your entire wedding day at one location if possible, as opposed to driving between two or even three locations. We were able to get ALL the photos done there . . . getting ready, wedding party & family photos, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, everything. It allows so much more time to get those really great photos that you've been dreaming of, instead of spending that extra time in the car. Anyway, that's just my two cents :-)

Now on to some photos! I hope all you brides-to-be will get some inspiration from all the great details this creative couple incorporated into their day. I know I did!

Erica & Lou, your wedding was such an inspiration and was a beautiful picture of who you are as a couple. It was a true pleasure for me to be there. Thank-you!

The First Look . . . one of my favorite parts of the wedding day.

We almost got rained out, but the skies cleared just long enough for the ceremony. Whew!

The evening rain just added to the magic of the day and gave a freshness to the air :-)

They took a bow after finishing their beautifully choreographed first dance. They're adorable. 

The colorful and delicious dessert table was created by PopCupz. Yum!

And the fabulous photo booth was courtesy of Elegant Photo Booths. Guests were invited to include a personal note along with their photos in a little keepsake book for the Bride and Groom. Fun!

Stealing a kiss . . .

A very big thank-you to Michelle Rodriguez, Senior Event Coordinator for Eco Caters Catering and Event Design. She was so on it and did an amazing job at keeping everything organized and moving according to schedule -- such a huge help and ally for me during the day and a pleasure to work with! Also had fun working with their videographer, Kevin, from Pristine Videos. Props to Erica & Lou for choosing awesome vendors :-)