Life is beautiful.  It is that simple.  Even in times of pain and struggle, you can find beauty anywhere.  Sometimes it is so overwhelming that I have to remind myself to take it all in and enjoy the moment as it is.  I love photography.  I love taking pictures of beautiful things.  I love taking pictures of people in love.  Whether it is the love of a newly engaged couple, or a family of 5, I find great joy in capturing the love they share with one another.  Recently I was lucky enough to capture such a family in the fields of Temecula.  The Johnson family met me with smiles beaming across their faces, as their oldest son jumped out of the car and began to chase stink bugs in the dirt.  Their twin toddlers hurried close behind, never reaching too far out of mom and dad’s grasp.  (Just in case a leg hug was in needed for security).  Chris and I could sense the love and peace that radiated from each member of this family.  It was the simple things, like being together, that was most important to them.  The boys quickly began to explore the reserve, and had visions for cheeseburgers and french fries dance in their heads… it also became a great way to bribe then when Chris’ funny noises and acrobatics behind my camera failed.  I admire the energy and spirit of adventure in boys, it balances well with their tenacity.  My favorite moment of the day was watching Jennifer watch her boys follow each other around a rough house in the tall, spring grass.  You could tell there was a look of contentment that overflowed from within her heart, and it kinda made my heart melt.  We are so happy that the Johnson Family asked us to capture this simple spring day with them.  There is no place on Earth I would have rather been then in that beautiful moment.  Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day…. love ‘em!

Last weekend we had the unique pleasure of celebrating new life and new love with the Laskens, an amazing family waiting for their new bundle of joy to arrive.  They picked the perfect day, and one of our favorite locations, for their maternity and family shoot.  It was extra special to us as they said they hadn’t had any professional photos done since their daughter was born a decade ago.  These three were so fun to be around, and so photogenic.  It really made our job easy to do!  We can’t wait for baby number three to arrive!