Stephanie’s Smile

Wow, we are in full swing already with our senior sessions this year and I still can’t believe 2012 is right around the corner.    I couldn’t wait to show a few of Stephanie’s favorites.   This beautiful lady was a natural and a ball to hang out with.   I may even be able to talk her into another session in the Spring with her ball gown.    Enjoy!

If These Dogs Could Talk

When we met Nena and Chevy’s family, we were amazed at the connection they all had with each other.  Barry and I teach our boys to always respect, love and enjoy animals but I think we met our match.  This family of four truly enjoyed each other.

The fun wasn’t just limited to their dogs, they also brought out the heavy artillery.  With every pose, Nena and Chevy seemed more comfortable in this country setting, having fun and almost forgetting Barry and I were also there (just look at their expressions).  But, seriously, we had a ball and  next year’s wedding at Taber Ranch  is on our “Can’t Wait to Do List”.

Did we mention she had “her” rifle and he had “his” pistol??

We had a great time hanging out with Nena and Chevy.  But before they could leave they spent a little time loving on our horse, Sienna.  This horse loves her picture taken almost as much as these dogs did.  It is great to know that our ranch studio can be entertaining for everyone. 

 Thank you both for such a great time and we can’t wait for your wedding.  You both make an amazing couple.

For Her Smiles Only

Honestly, sometimes I have a very tough time coming up with the right words for sharing my thoughts when showing  images.  This would be a perfect example because all I do when I see this gorgeous bride is smile.  From the moment I met Vanessa in January, she hasn’t stopped smiling.   Well, her wedding day was no exception. 

Ahh, but then there was Troy.  The true source of the smiles for this lovely bride. 

And look at this army of support!  There was no question how much these two amazing people are loved.

The day was beautiful at Morgan Creek Golf Club.  Trinity and her staff were wonderful and on top of everything.  We couldn’t ask for better timing with the sun setting and the cool breeze that kicked in as we took a few more quick shots of Vanessa and Troy on the grounds.

Troy was showing off a few more little tricks of entertainment. 

The Celebration was amazing and even included a beautiful cake from Sweet Cakes by Rebecca. 

Vanessa and Troy… Have a truly wonderful adventure and never forget how to keep each other smiling.  A true gift you both give each other every day.

A Lovely Summer Day

Another beautiful and lovely summer wedding at the exquisite Monte Verde Inn.  Summer weddings are ideal here with all the gardens and flowers in full bloom.  Kellie and Brad’s wedding day was no exception.  They even kept the color scheme to light and softer tones for adding a little more romance to the feel of the day.

Oh, and there was adorable little Presley. 

This little darling was a true angel.  She even had Barry wrapped around her finger. 

Kellie and Brad’s day was complete with family and friends relaxing and enjoying the incredible grounds and food.  Dancing under the stars was perfectly orchestrated by Larry with Extreme Productions.  It was a beautiful day and a perfect celebration for everyone.

Congratulations Class of 2011

As June comes to a rather quick end, I can’t help but think about all the celebrations that are traditionally recognized this time of year.  Highschool graduation is one of the most highlighted and timeless moments we know.  I really wanted to take a moment to say congratulations to some of the amazing young adults that came through our studio this year for their senior portraits.  Not good luck, but WOW!  They were inspiring and I mean that in so many ways.  I found myself in awe hearing about their dreams and plans and the goals they are already on their way to achieve.   So, stop and enjoy these beautiful faces and wish them the best on their new adventures.

 

True Love

Do you remember only a few weeks ago how the weather caught us completely off guard for the beginning of June?  Especially for all of the brides and the grooms that planned their weddings for the wonderful summer sun.

Yes, it rained, and it rained a lot.  But there was never a moment I didn’t see the sun with this amazing couple.  Patty and Pete were married in the beautiful St. Francis in Sacramento and their captivating reception was held at Catta Verdera Country Club.

Needless to say, “Nothing” stopped these two from having a spectacular time celebrating their day.  And the weather agreed.  It only added to the effects that made the experience that much more memorable and perfect for capturing.

What a gorgeous couple on a beautiful day.  A privilege to be part of a true romance that will be a story to write about for years to come.  Congratulations Patty and Pete!

Beauty by the Sea

I couldn’t resist putting a couple of images on the blog of Meagan and Phil as we head out the door for their wonderful wedding celebration Part II.  Their formal reception with family and friends is tonight at a the beautiful local Pescatore Winery in the foothills of Newcastle.  It won’t be hard to recognize that their intimate wedding ceremony was at an incredible location on the coastline of Carmel by the Sea  just a few weeks ago. 

Here are just a couple of shots to remind Meagan and Phil of the amazing moment in time they had with each other and some of their friends.  Just a little mood setter for tonight.   We were pretty speechless with the location too.  Let us know what the first word is that comes to your thoughts as you enjoy our little tid bits.

What a fabulous time with a fabulous couple that only make the people around them smile and laugh all the time.  I truly can remember the personal vows they share with each other and how much this day meant to them.    Congratulations again to Meagan and Phil on their beautiful future together.

Just Stop and Smile

With all the crazy rain and unpredictable weather and wedding season in kicking into full gear, I couldn’t resist posting a couple of images that just made me smile every time I came across them at my desk.  Sunshine comes in all different forms for us.  These two little ones are perfect examples of the best kind of happiness you can find.

We were able to squeeze in a sunny day shoot between storms and it was a perfect day.  Now, I can’t take all the credit for these smiles:  Julie and William are a couple of regulars at the studio and they actually make us laugh and giggle right along with them.  For them, they are just coming over to hang out and have fun. 

It takes just a moment to capture these little faces, expressions and giggles, but they last forever.  William just turned One and Julie just turned Four, and I swear we just took their newborn pictures.

Lovely Lakeside Engagement

As we spend a great deal of time with our brides and grooms, we are honored to hear about their own personal love stories.  But it even gets better when they take you to the location of their first date!

This is the very bench they sat on their first date.  How cool is that?  But the fun was just getting started.

We always talk about how weddings are Barry and I’s date nights, but I have to say, our engagement sessions are kicking some serious butt lately.  We had an amazing time hanging out with Leslie and Dan.  I love the early time we get to spend with our brides and grooms as they make their journey to their wedding day bliss.  And what an amazing wedding they will have at Catta Verdera Country Club along with some of the best wedding professionals around including Extreme Productions, Divine Desserts , and Floral Creations by Melissa.

Beals Point at Folsom Lake ended up being a terrific location for the session.  The Lake looked amazing with the water levels being so much higher after all of the winter rains.  The surrounding hillsides and landscapes were open and just breathtaking with the white mountain peaks in the back ground.  We even laughed about feeling like we were on Safari or somewhere else exotic since there weren’t any crowds and the scenery was breathtaking.

Thank you Leslie and Dan for a truly wonderful time.  You both are incredible people and make a phenomenal team.  Your wedding day is going to be stunning and remarkable. 

No Crying with these Kids

We have a pretty simple Easter Day with family… A little search for the baskets from Grandma and Papa that begins with a treasure hunt out of rhymes.  Then the usual hunt for eggs.  But I won’t bother showing you those images.  Let’s just get to the point.  The excitement that even has my two boys dropping their baskets full of candies and chocolates and run for their helmets.  

The weather held out for the fourth year in a row and we are literally watching our own boys advance each year into more challenging off-road options.  Zach came home and even shared what his goal will be to ride next Easter.  Wow.  There isn’t even any room for the big kids to join in any more except of course, for Barry.  There is usually a cheer going on for each kid to have a ride with him on something.

I had to throw in a couple of extra images of the cousins for good laughs.  These kids came home wiped out and smiling from ear to ear.  A family day we desperately needed after running around endlessly with school, baseball, and work.  The cousins don’t get to hang out as often as they would love to with each other.

We hope everyone enjoyed their Spring Break and Easter as much as we did.  A great chance to unwind and just enjoy the kids.