One of the things I love most about doing engagement sessions is that they are out-of-this world fun, but even more then that you get such a great sneak peek at what the couple is REALLY like.  The day of your wedding is always rushed and hectic, as some may know.  Between the process of getting ready, to the hugs and conversation of dinner with your guests, the day goes by quick.  That’s why I love the e-session, because you get to see the couple, with each other and madly in love.  I adore the way Jenn & Mike look at each other!  There eye’s say it all.  You can that they are each other’s whole worlds, and you feel lucky to experience it with them!

Jenn is super cute, and Mike is about the nicest guy ever!  They even laughed at our dumb movie quotes!   I can’t wait for their wedding, I can tell it is going to be super fun and very relaxed, just like them!  It was so much fun to spend the morning with these two circling the beach in search of great photo spots!  Here are a few that I love…

I truly feel very blessed to do something that I love.  If you think about it for a moment, how many can really say that about our jobs!  In fact I do two things I love, photography and teaching.  An however much I complain on the bad days when the students are driving me crazy, I will always love teaching for the moments that are magical, and you connect with the child, and you know you have made the world a better place in that one moment!  I love photography because I get to capture the happiest and most memorable moments in a family’s life.  There is no greater satisfaction then spending all your time around those people who love, and are loved in return.

I love FUN families.  I love SWEET families.  So Chris and I were pretty lucky last weekend when we finally got to meet up with the “A” family and FINALLY get some family photos of them!  They wanted fun, they wanted San Diego, and they wanted to capture the 3 of them.  They also made it incredibly easy, and were so super nice,  and photogenic.  They were so wonderful to spend the morning with, and they totally give off that you have known them forever vibe.  I absolutely think Lil’ P is one of the cutest and funniest 2 year olds around!  I think all her facial expressions are just about the cutest thing ever!  See I told you I am blessed!  Terrie & Robert are the nicest people, and it really reminds me why I love what I do each time I get to meet a family like them!  Thanks so much for such a wonderful morning!

Here are some that caught my eye…

Recently Chris and I were joined by a very talented group of photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and models at an all day shoot in the very stunning Mountain Mermaid in Topanga Canyon.  What an unbelievable venue to shoot at!  It is a private estate the the owner, Bill, rents out for weddings, movie shoots, and other events.  I was lucky enough to find it one day when messing around online, sent the email to Chris, and said he had to call and book a shoot there!  Of course he thought I was brilliant, and we decided to open it up to OSPers as well!  We love to plan these shoots because it is such a fun way for a group of artists to get together and practice their craft (and we have a lot of fun).  I even went in the pool in my underwear to get the “perfect” shot (accept I still think Chris totally hussled me into it).  The gorgeous dresses came from the always stunning designs of Jaime Stephens at elyseREUBEN Couture Gowns.  The out of this world, fabulous hair accessories were provided by Lo Boheme on Etsy, which is such a great store, I love it, wish I could get married all over again just so I could have one of her hair pieces.  The gorgeous flowers were donated by the amazing Dawn of  Embellishmint. We also had 3 very talented MUA on hand for the shoot; Nini To, Facial Expressions by Ash, and a total joy to work with, Carlie, of Carlie-B.  It was such a fabulous day, I wish every shoot could be so inspiring and easy!  Here are some of the shots I LOVED.. it was so hard to narrow it down to this many!