Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a meaningful and blessed season as you celebrate the source of true love, joy, and peace--our precious Savior Jesus!

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Rosemary & Jared's Art Film | W. Video Productions

I'll be honest. My first thought when I heard about people hiring videographers were those cheesy wedding videos with the blinking hearts. I came to learn that, much like photography, videography is an art that depends upon the artist. True cinematographers do more than capture the day. They tell a story.

When Rosemary told me they had hired W. Video Productions for their Santa Rosa wedding, I googled their site and got excited as I looked around it. Here were people that knew how to tell a story. Christy and Mike are not only good at what they do, they are the kind people you want to be at your wedding! I had a blast working with them and hope to do so again in the future!

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Nevada City Commercial | Cole Designs

When Nicole told me that she loved my style, trusted me, and to just do my thing, I felt like giggling and doing a happy dance! By saying that, she became my perfect client and gave me the freedom to create! I was so honored to do this shoot because Nicole is an amazing artist herself. Cole Designs' jewelry is so innovative and beautiful at the same time. I loved each and every piece and could easily imagine wearing a different one every day! Don't these look like they belong at Anthropologie?

Nicole designed the hairpieces as well as the necklaces and earrings!


My fabulous crew built this snowman for the set. Probably the chicest snowman in all of Nevada City!




One of my favorites from the day.






Dev, our model, was such a trooper! She must have felt like an icicle by now, but still continued to look professional and poised, even when I asked her to walk into the stream!


Another favorite! Nicole, the heart and soul behind Cole Designs.


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One of Those People

I'm becoming one of those people. The kind that walked up to you saying "I used to know you when you were little! You used to..." Yeah, one of those people. When you've taught for over 13 years, the kids you once taught are bound to grow up. Though you may still feel just as young, it's when "age is a number, not a feeling" becomes true. Today was once of those days

For the first time in three years, I attended a wedding I wasn't photographing. It was nice to just sit back and enjoy the ceremony without worrying about capturing each moment. Ok, I did miss it a little, but it was a nice change of pace! Paige and Tim were so happy to be marrying after waiting for so many years! I hadn't seen either family for years and to my surprise, they had all changed during that time! So I became one of those people. Yes, I might have even told the story about the Superman pajamas and jumping off chairs to fly... But don't hate! I didn't do it in front of him!

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Cottonwood Engagement | Alicia & Chris

"Um, Alicia you are beautiful and Chris is so handsome...you two would make a GREAT couple!" This was how Alicia and Chris met. Awkward, but Chris seemed to agree as he came back the next day to try to get to know Alicia. She was too busy though working for the therapeutic riding ranch, so he left without getting to talk to her. And that was the end of it...or so she thought! Chris did not give up. He got her email address from a mutual friend and started spending time with her and her family. Alicia says it sounds like a cheesy novel, but so began a beautiful relationship.

Ten months later they were sitting on the edge of a cliff resting after a run. Alicia thought it would be a perfect place to be proposed to, but didn't give it a second thought. As they stood to go back, she turned to him and started telling him of another couple she had heard about who went out on a hike. The guy surprised his girlfriend by proposing once they reached the top of the mountain. She was so shocked that she took a step back, lost her balance, fell off the side of the mountain, and had to be life flighted out to the hospital. As Alicia finished the story, Chris asked her "you won't do that to me right?" and went down on one knee to propose! Cheesy or not, so began the rest of their life together.

You'd never know by looking that Alicia had spent hours in the freezing cold working at the therapeutic riding ranch before their session.  Chris comes to help her each Saturday.  Isn't that so sweet?


In fact, you probably can't tell that we spent hours in the freezing cold to take these pictures.  Aren't they awesome?  Love this one!


Can you believe they both told me they were unphotogenic?  Whatever!  I wish I were this "unphotogenic"!








He makes her smile like no one else can.


It was Chris' idea to add his hat.  I'd say they both have pretty good fashion sense!






After a quick change, we rushed outside to the field to catch the sunset.  While we missed the actual sun, we did manage to grab a little of that beautiful fading light!


Alicia, you make me smile!




Alicia and Chris, thanks for being so wonderful! I can't wait for your wedding in May!


View more pictures of Alicia and Chris on their own personalized website!

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In Front of the Lens

When I ask you to spontaneously laugh, look into my bright reflector, or just trust me, know I've been there and know how you feel! Yesterday found me in Verdi, Nevada with Michael Escalera. For once, I was the one in front of the camera! I tell my friends the reason why I became a photographer was so I could avoid being in this position. Little did I realize it would become the reason! Michael was awesome though and made me feel comfortable! Tip: when choosing your photographer, go beyond their skills and pick someone you genuinely like and get along with! Here's a few pictures of him in action:

My view for the day:

Thanks Michael for sharing such an awesome location! I may have to steal it for a shoot or two...

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Mini Albums

When I opened the box, I gasped in excitement. The mini albums were even better than I expected! The leather was softer, the pictures brighter, the size cuter! My sister and I pulled into a coffee shop for some chai and wi-fi carrying along the albums to examine them closer. Everyone who saw them asked what they were and exclaimed about their awesomeness! I'm so proud to add these to our line of albums. At 4"x4" and printed on real photographic paper, they're the perfect size for seniors. Moms will love tucking these in their purse. Brides now have a size to carry around that will exactly match their larger album. As for me, well, I will always have one or two or three of these around just so I can stroke that buttery leather.

So cute!

The printing is beautiful and runs from one side to another with no ugly center seams.

It's hard to see because my fingers were busy with the camera, but the pages open 180 degrees with no stress to the binding.

Can't decide on which pictures to have printed? Order a mini album for 20 pages of picture goodness!


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