Katrina, Alicia, & Austin

The day started early, very early as my sister and I hit the road at 5 am. We were headed up north to shoot a wedding that was four hours away. On the way up, we stopped by to see some good friends. Their beloved dog, Shannon, was dying from cancer, so I took a few pictures for them to remember her by. Though in pain, she was just as sweet as ever and is very much missed.

Now because the girls had received extensive photo shoots with me in the past, Austin didn't want to be left out. The next day we attempted to get a few for him when one by one his sisters stepped in to the picture. We didn't end up with much of him (sorry Austin!), but I love the ones of the three of them together!

Leah & Derrick | Shingletown, Ca Wedding

If anyone was ready to get married, it was Derrick. He'd read all the books, listened to all the sermons, and been praying for his future wife for years. Yet he was willing to wait for God's perfect timing. That time came when he met Leah. I don't think it took long for him to really become interested. Maybe 5 minutes or so? And when Derrick fell, he fell hard! Their story is a beautiful example of God's faithfulness: bringing a girl from New Hampshire all the way to a boy in California. Thanks Leah and Derrick for allowing me to have such a big part in your day!

It was so much fun working alongside the main shooter, Hannah. She's one of the sweetest people ever! Her husband was also the hero of the day for getting our car unstuck from the driveway of ice. Thanks guys!
























The song for the slideshow is the one Derrick wrote for Leah and sang at the wedding. Click here to see more pictures and listen.

St. Patrick's Baby?

When Chelsea told me she was expecting again, I was so excited! Not only will she, Shaun, and Shaylin be adding another little girl to their family, but who could not love a baby named Chloe Lydia? I know she's going to live up to her name and be the most adorable baby ever! Now I just need to go call Chelsea and see if baby girl made her appearance today as expected!





Don't forget the new big sister!


Two kids in diapers, oh my!

Melody & Peter | Santa Rosa, Ca Wedding

The forecast was rain, rain, and more rain. I prayed that God would stop the rain here and there so that we could get some outside shoots. He did more than give us a reprieve, there wasn't a single drop of rain all day, and the sun even peeked out here and there--a perfect day for a wedding.

Peter and Melody met at a weekly Bible study. Over time Peter was captivated by her "gorgeous eyes and cute teeth." He also admired her sweet and gentle spirit and willingness to help those around her. Peter began going to Melody's church and secretly invited close friends of his to begin praying with him about pursuing her. Melody, on the other hand, thought of him as a good friend and was surprised when he approached her dad about her. It didn't take long, though, for Peter to win her heart. On Melody's birthday, Peter bent down on one knee in the middle of the ice rink and asked for her hand in marriage. As Alison Krauss sang "When You Say Nothing At All" in the background, Melody spoke and said "yes." The rest is history.



The heart locket necklace was given to Melody by her father and in turn, she trusted him to safely keep the key until the time was right.


Can you believe that Melody designed and sewed her own dress? So beautiful!





Melody is also a floral designer and arranged all the flowers for the entire wedding. Her bouquet is one of my favorites!










The guys being...guys and playing "football" with Melody's bouquet.



Peter now holds the key to Melody's heart in symbol and in truth.







Love this one!


To see more of their wedding, click here for the slideshow!

Dream Wedding Show

Sunday afternoon found me at the Dream Wedding Show at Cal Expo. Patti had invited me to accompany her, and a lot of rain didn't stop us from getting there! It was fun watching the fashion show and getting to meet the vendors. Some of them really stood out from the rest. We were both impressed with the Stephanie J Designs' beautiful stationary and invitations. Amy Nicole of The Studio is so sweet I think anyone would hire her just for her personality! It doesn't hurt that she's a fabulous photographer as well. I saw people I'd met before like Phil of Sheffield Multimedia. Kathy with the Vizcaya Pavilion , where Liz and Craig had their beautiful reception, was also there. One of the biggest highlights though was getting to know Patti. I can't wait to get together again for a shoot!

A cute couple walking in to the Expo.



Yummy strawberries from The Berry Factory.




Patti spotted this as we were leaving, and Luxury Limousines kindly let me take a picture!