Friday

No matter how good, bad, or in-between my week is, I want to dance like a crafter with a 50% off coupon for Michaels every time Friday rolls around. It doesn't matter if I am in school celebrating a night where I can avoid homework or on summer vacation where the days start to blend together.. I LOVE FRIDAYS.

Lately I've fallen into "project-mode" Fridays. Last week I started recreating my branding by working on my website and buying packaging materials on Etsy like they was going out of style (more to come on that!:) ). However this week I found myself staring at the huge blank wall above my desk and decided I needed to do something about that. So today I've begun working on my inspiration wall.

After feeding my creativity on Pinterest and searching my room for things I already have, I decided to go with an ocean theme. One of the items written in bold on my bucket list is to swim in every body of water. Its a little lofty compared to riding an elephant and going skydiving, but I like to dream big. And hey you never know, right?

I hope you enjoy this Friday and many more as much as I do! I'll end with a few quotes I've come across that just mind find their way onto my wall.

This one I made this morning :)

And lastly by one of my favorite photographers, Jasmine Star, 

"I'm a little bit scared all of the time, which makes me think I'm doing something right."

Hello, blog.

Life has been SO full and crazy lately.
I started my summer thinking I would find myself bored and looking for something to fill my time. A couple weeks ago the highlight of my day was learning how to make poached eggs. But everything has been moving in fast forward since then. I started my summer job and have been working on my photography business. Every day is packed with shoots, editing and branding, or serving coffee. Sam on the other hand is working an office job! I'm so proud of him and I have to admit he looks super cute dressed up for work. Summer has always been our favorite time of year and I am really looking forward to whatever this one will bring us. As soon as we get a moment to relax, I'm sure we will sit on the beach and not leave for a long while.

ANYWAYS I'll be back soon to continue sunday love stories and to share what I've been working on. In the mean time, here's a sneak peek of my latest lifestyle newborn session.:)

I love this picture because it makes me yawn every time I look at it. Also, it reminds me to slow down.. relax.. and enjoy the little things.

Diane and Ryan • Maternity

They met at their best friend's wedding... but that's not where this story starts.
After vowing to love one another in 2008, their family grew a lot furrier. And by that I mean their first two children came in the form of a kitten and a puppy. Now, four years later, Diane and Ryan are welcoming a baby boy into their home. The words ecstatic, elated and overwhelmingly happy don't even begin to describe the look on their faces as they told me about his airplane-themed room, the sports Ryan would share with him, and how Diane had picked out the name Gavin before they had even met.

Diane and Ryan, you are such a fun, wonderful couple, and I absolutely cannot wait to meet little Gavin in a couple months!

We started the session at Malaga Cove in Palos Verdes.

Loooooove this next one!

Kissin in a tree :)

Later on we drove to the Trump National Golf Course and walked down to the gorgeous beach.

They were such naturals in front of the camera! 

Stephanie's 30th Birthday

Last weekend I was asked to photograph a 30th birthday party for Stephanie Uchima from Preppy Chic Events. That's right, a birthday party for an event planner.... Needless to say, it was an absolutely beautiful party with so many little details that shown with Stephanie's Personality.  With a theme of "Swine and Wine" she incorporated things like a One Hope charity wine bar, bacon cookies from Fatty Cakes NY, and other delicious desserts from Cupcakes Couture in Manhattan Beach. 

The party was held in the wine room at Tin Roof Bistro in Manhattan Beach. 

How adorable are Stephanie's invites and party favors?

The floral arrangements were created by Heather at Twig & Twine 

and probably my favorite aspect of the entire event.

Here's the birthday girl herself and her adorable family!

Happy birthday Stephanie! I hope you are enjoying your vacation!

Wyatt's Cake Smash

Little is Wyatt turning one! 

A few months ago, Wyatt and his parents, Cliff and Vanessa, were my very first family session. That shoot feels like yesterday and years ago at the same time. One thing I do know is that Wyatt only gets cuter with age. And that combined with his huge personality is going to make him a total knock out with the ladies! No, really. We decided to celebrate this exciting day with an adorable and very, very blue cake smash. Happy Birthday, Wyatt!

I love his expression (and giant crocodile tear) in this next one.

And the funniest part of the whole session.. As soon as I said "ok, we got it!" everyone rushed in to clean him up! A big thanks to Wyatt's mom, uncle, and aunt for helping out and cheering him on!