Northern California Grass Valley Wedding Photography

Self-Employment, Straight Hair, and Self-Defense

2012-02-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

A great thing about being self-employed is the ability to work anywhere, even from bed when I'm sick. A bad thing about being self-employed is often working anywhere, even from bed when I'm sick. After succumbing to the cold going around, I'm finally making progress on the road to recovery! Which really means less naps and working somewhere other than my bed. So here's a couple of fun random things to hopefully brighten your day!

Sometime back in college I finally embraced the curl. I was born with the typical stick-straight Asian hair, but along the way, it decided to conform more to my English/German roots and get a little crazy. For someone who grew up with neat, perfectly styled hair, it was hard to adjust. I've got to say though, I think the random, sometimes messy, look is a little more me. If you have a similar style, check out Promise Tangeman and The Girls With Glasses for more fun tips!

Have you ever walked out to your car in the dark and done the whole circle around the car and check the backseat routine? Add keys in grip and parking by the nearest light, and you've got my winter walk to the car after work. So I was excited, and a little nervous, to start a self-defense class. It ended up being one of the best things I've done! While mine was just a starter course, I highly recommend anyone signing up for the 8 week full on training. Contact the Hikari Ryuza Bujutsu school for more information. You won't regret it, and it might just save your life someday! Just buy a tube of arnica gel for bruises after practice, and you'll be good to go. ;-)

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Wedding Inspiration | Parisian Elegance

2012-02-04T23:48:00.000-08:00

Black and white accented with a deep purple and light pink are the background for this elegant Parisian wedding. The sharp edges of crystal were tempered by the soft, colorful feathers. Black and white striped paperie, white milk glass filled with flowers, and even a candy bar, each featured on a different table, created stations that carried the theme across the space. Perfect for a winter wedding, this would even look beautiful at a summer evening wedding!

So chic!

The wedding favors looked like mini hat boxes, and the table linens were gorgeous!

Venue: Miners Foundry
Event Design: Joy of Life Events
Photography: Lydia Photography
Paperie: Illuminated Invitations
Floral Design: Grass Valley Florist
Cake: The Cake Artist
Rentals and Linens: Classic Party Rentals
Lighting: Lighthouse Installation

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A Wedding Affair for All Seasons 2012

2012-01-28T13:09:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again! Gifts of diamonds for Christmas, New Year's, or Valentine's Day--all in the form of an engagement ring! So if you are one of those lucky girls who is still getting used to the feel of a ring on your finger or has been planning your wedding for months, this bridal show is for you!

Come meet Nevada County's best wedding vendors and be inspired for your special day!

I will be running around photographing the event, so please stop me and say hi!

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Wedding Inspiration | Winter Elegance

2012-01-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

Winter has its own type of beauty. From mountain tops and pine trees covered with snow to icicles hanging from the rooftops. As the snow came down Sunday, I couldn't help but get a little excited at the thought of cozying up by the fire and looking out the window at a winter wonderland. The rain came and melted away the white fluffiness, but I have a little inspiration for all the winter brides, no matter what weather you're facing today!

One amazing thing about the local wedding community is that we're not competitors, but truly friends! So when I arrived to help out my friend, Michele, at her wedding, I was excited to see a lot of familiar faces. I knew it was going to be a beautiful wedding and was not disappointed in the least!

The bride chose to get ready at the Deer Creek Inn, which was the perfect background for portraits with rustic, elegant bouquets by Art in Bloom Flowers.

Joy of Life Events did a fabulous job at creating a beautiful winter experience inside each room of the Stonehouse.

Crystal, glittery balls, snowflakes, and candlelight mixed with silver and purple!

Snowflakes, hanging from the Christmas tree, acted as a simple way to festive up the seating arrangements

The Cake Artist lived up to her name with this creation!

Cocktail hour was held in the courtyard of the Stonehouse...

...where guests could keep warm around the heaters as they sipped bowls of clam chowder and nibbled on french bread!

And to complete the wintery experience, why not take a ride in a horse drawn carriage!

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Empire Mine Engagement | Talea & Trevor

2012-01-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

She loves little kids, scrapbooking, and teaching. He can be found working on his truck, hunting, and fishing. A girl from an island in Alaska, and a boy from the foothills of California. Both love the outdoors and most of all, each other.

So it was appropriate that we met up at Empire Mine for their engagement session. With the rustic, natural environment, it perfectly complimented their fun and sweet personalities. Talea & Trevor, I had so much fun hanging out with you! When I got back to my car, I couldn't believe how many hours had gone by--you're total troopers! So cannot wait for your wedding at Lake Tahoe!

I heard rumors of Toms making an appearance at the wedding...looooove!

The truck series are seriously some of my most favorite engagement pictures ever!

Trevor, I'm not sure why you were even concerned about pictures. Feel free to add these to your resume!

I had so many favorite that it was hard to choose which to share, but I just had to post these last two--love!

To view more of Talea & Trevor's Empire Mine engagement session, check out their personalized website!

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Welcome 2012

2012-01-14T23:16:00.000-08:00

I've composed so many blog posts in my head over this "Christmas/New Years break." But nothing was witty enough, real enough, good enough to post. There are blogs I visit just to read and reread anything written there. The subject can be totally mundane, but I'm captivated by how they put words together and structure a sentence. I so want to be that person, the type of writer who can inspire, encourage, and motivate. The one who captures emotions and memories with the stroke of a few keys. But by constantly comparing myself to others, I've kept myself from even making the simplest effort. So here I am admitting my weakness and doing something about it! Goodbye 2011 and welcome opportunities to grow in 2012!

A taste of my vacation...

A little diy for my winter shoot

Little something for my 2011 brides and grooms

Christmas caroling with friends

Oh the holiday treats you can find at Grocery Outlet

An Americano at my hair appointment

Christmas brunch

Jesus' birthday

Merry Christmas!

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Wedding Inspiration | Peacock Feathers

2011-12-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

It was the summer of my 7th grade year, and here I was at thirteen years old about to teach my first 5-Day Club (like a backyard Bible club), with a guy I didn't know, to a bunch of wide-eyed kids who were expecting to be entertained for the next hour. I can still remember getting through my part of the club only to be told at the end that I had made what was supposed to be the longest story of the week into a 4 minute summary. Go me. Yet that week confirmed in my mind that I loved teaching, and a big part of it had to do with the amazing hostess and kids!

Charity was one of those amazing kids, and I was honored 13 years later to be able to attend her wedding! While it actually took place one rainy day this last summer, the colors she used would also make for a beautiful winter wedding! So enjoy these creative ideas thanks to her!

With the peacock feather as inspiration, Charity chose teal and black as her main colors and did a great job showcasing that with her invitations!

Mini candy envelopes personalized with their last initial decorated each place setting and gave guests a great way to take home a sweet treat!

The candy buffet was a hit with the peacock colored candy, keeping with the theme, and each table centerpiece was created with manzanita branches they cut themselves and covered with hanging crystals and tea lights!

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Styling It Up for Fall

2011-11-21T17:58:00.001-08:00

I absolutely love fall clothing with its cardigans, scarves, coats, and boots! But as a bride, it can be hard to rock the dress when you feel a chill or even just figure out how to personalize your look when it comes to the season. Here are a few ideas to help you out!

While the pashmina has become a staple at many weddings, don't forget its lightweight cousin, the silk scarf. For the days when the sun is still shining, a pop of color or even a leopard print can look great in pictures or just change up the look for your reception!

One of my favorite trends is wearing a cardigan over your dress. Solids, prints, lace--they all look fabulous! Combined with tights, this can work for both the bride and her bridesmaids!

Yes, you may ending up needing to wear a coat over your dress at some point during the day, but even a simple white peacoat can look special when you replace its button with these vintage inspired ones from a craft store!

Sparkly, suede, or patent leather heels--all fabulous choices to change up your look!

"While classic is always nice, there's nothing wrong with your wedding or your bridal style reflecting who you are at the time you get married! Don't pass up on something you like because you're afraid it'll look "dated" later in pics...guess what, it still will no matter what! So don't be a fashion victim but enjoy the time you live in and capture it!" -Jessica Palmer Makeup

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Fav Picks: Wedding Resources

2011-11-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

Many times choosing a theme for your wedding isn't hard because of a lack of ideas but because of an abundance of them. You only get married once, and you want it to be a reflection of you and your fiance. If you've never done something like this before, planning a wedding can be overwhelming!

So not to throw gasoline on the fire but hopefully direct you to some helpful resources, here are a few wedding design blogs that I love! Browse, write down ideas, be inspired! Remember, these aren't to pressure you to follow a trend or feel the need to keep up with the Joneses. I share them to inspire you to think outside the box, see what resonates deep inside, and create a day that truly reflects who you are!

Green Wedding Shoes
"head over heels in <3 with all things weddings" While I proudly live in northern California, I can spend hours just soaking in all the creative goodness on this site!

Ruffled
"A wedding blog for vintage, indie and DIY brides"

Featuring some of my favorite kind of brides, Ruffled blog is also a great resource for unique details as brides are able to resell leftovers from their wedding!

Every Last Detail
"insight for brides encompassing every last detail of planning a wedding"

Ever wonder really what are "details"? Every Last Detail has a great post detailing it out! ;-)

Details…

… are what make a wedding unique. They set your wedding apart from your best friend’s wedding- that is at the same exact venue because you both loved it so much.

… allow you and your fiance to tell your story and infuse your relationship and personalities into your wedding- the wedding that is the celebration of your love.

… are what decorate and accent a wedding. Flowers, candles, chargers, linens, etc- the pretty things. :)

… are a theme and a style of a wedding. Vintage, peacock, modern, beach- I don’t care what the theme or style is, but details always help to define it.

… are things that enable your to remember your wedding day. Guest books, fun prints to sign, a card catalog of guests, etc.

… keep guests informed. Yep, informed. Invitations, menus, table numbers, signs… because let’s face it, there is A LOT of information you have to share with guests for a wedding!

… are ways for guests (and you, duh) to have fun, enjoy themselves, and celebrate your marriage. Specialty drinks, games, photo booths, candy- they’re all details!

Southern Weddings
"the best in real Southern weddings and event details from around the country"

Southern Weddings--a wedding magazine that spills over onto blog goodness all year long. I don't live in the south and don't like grits at all, but there's just something about these beautiful weddings that inspire me to create!

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Ukrainian Magazines & Fall Features

2011-11-05T22:57:00.000-07:00

It has always been a dream of mine to be featured, to share my amazing clients with the world and inspire brides to create a day that truly reflects them! My first publication was actually a couple of years ago as a magazine cover for, get this, teachers in Ukraine. My cousins were missionaries there and worked with the people who created the magazine. They needed a picture for the winter edition, liked what I submitted, and printed it!

Now in the iPad age, print isn't the only way to be published. I'm so blessed to work with the best clients and grateful to some amazing online blogs for featuring a few of my sessions!

On the Go Bride, a Northern California blog for the busy bride, featured Hannah & Johnny's Sacramento Capital Park engagement session:

Sheri & Nick's Road Trip maternity session was a part of Baby Lifestyles Oct/Nov online magazine:

For amazing inspiration for your wedding, check out Every Last Detail who published my styled Western Couture Wedding shoot:

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Styled Senior Portraits | Kristen

2011-10-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

Graduating from Forest Lake Christian School last year, Kristen knows what it feels like to be finishing high school. She's also a fan of photography and wanting to look great in pictures while still being yourself, so she was the perfect model when I needed a senior for a styled portrait shoot!

Naturally Glowing

Props always add the perfect touch!

Um, Kristen, you were amazing!

Nails: Mint Sorbet by Sally Hansen
Lace top: Target
Jeans: JCPenney
Shoes: Aldo
Necklace: Nordstrom

Fresh & Fun

Go ahead and bring your favorite chips or the chocolate you're always known for having on hand!

Blouse: Target
Jeans: JCPenney
Sandals: Target
Earrings: Betsey Johnson from Nordstrom
Bracelets: Thrifted and Forever 21

Glam It Up

Not sure if Kristen could play or not as I borrowed this from a friend, but she sure knew how to rock the case! ;-)

Dress: Target
Cardigan: Ross
Earrings: Betsey Johnson from Nordstrom
Necklaces: Macy's and Forever 21
Boots: Target

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Styled Inspiration | Western Couture Wedding

2011-10-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

I come across so many brides who are so overwhelmed with planning their wedding that they don't know where to begin. Don't stress and don't just give up and do what everyone does! Start by sitting down with your fiance and thinking through what you want your guests to experience when they come to your wedding. What style or feel would best express who you are as a couple? City chic? Bohemian romance? Western couture? Whatever you name it, this theme will be your guide as you pick your location, dress, details--everything! No matter how simple or elaborate, the most beautiful wedding are those that reflect the personalities and love of the bride and the groom!

I hope this shoot inspires you to create a day that truly reflects you and your fiance! Throw off the typical, take a few chances, and you may be surprised at how wonderful it turns out!

Thanks so much to all the wonderful wedding vendors who helped to make this shoot so amazing! What started off as simply ideas in my head was transformed into reality through their help!

Love the elegant and yet rustic feel of all the paper details! They went perfectly with the wildflower feel of our florals!

Try mixing your elegant china with old pieces of lace and use vintage handkerchiefs as napkins!

These mason jars make a great seating chart as well as cups for your guests!

Mint leaves grown in the garden add that special touch when plating food, and don't forget the handmade wooden platters!

The table was created from an old antique door!

Mismatched chair make the setting unique and personal!

A crystal chandelier is always in style!

Photography & Styling: Lydia
Invitation, Signs, Tags: Designs on Paper by Phyllis
Floral Design: Art in Bloom Flowers
Makeup: Jessica Palmer
Hair: Ashley Bryditzki
Models: Ashley, Bryditzki, Hannah Ramey, Brittney Coomler

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Western Couture Wedding | Wooden Cake Stand & Platters

2011-10-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

Now that you've got the food figured out, it's all about the presentation. For this, I wanted a diy that was simple to pull off and didn't require too many elements. These wooden platters look great as a cake plate, serving platters, and even as a foundation for a table centerpiece!

Tips:
Ask a friend who is handy with a chainsaw to cut rounds 2-3'' thick.
Allow plenty of time for the wood to dry out and season.
Use a belt sander with a large grit to smooth out most of the top side and finish with a fine grit on a circular sander.
Finish with a food grade oil like the ones made for butcher blocks.

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Western Couture Wedding | Rustic Bread

2011-10-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

One of the keys to pulling off an awesome shoot, and a fabulous wedding, is great food! I wanted everything to look pretty but still have that rustic flair. And as I put it all together myself, I know you can easily do it too for your special day!

To get the cute little rustic rolls for the mini pulled pork sandwiches, here are my directions adapted from this easy no knead bread recipe.

Mini Rustic Rolls

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour or bread flour
1 1/2 - 2 1/2 teaspoons salt (depends on your taste)
1/8 teaspoon instant dry yeast
3/4 cups water

Mix well to combine dry ingredients then mix in water. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow dough to rest in a warm place for at least 12 hours.

To make mini rolls, flour hands then pull off small amounts of dough and form into little balls. Place on flour-covered parchment paper. Place large Pyrex bowl in the oven and heat to 475 degrees. Once heated, place small balls of dough in bowl, cover bowl with Pyrex pie dish, and bake for 8 minutes. Take off the pie dish lid and bake for another 8 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack. Add a dab of butter or cut in half for mini pulled pork sandwiches and enjoy!

Yields 14 mini rolls

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Western Couture Wedding | Inspiration Board

2011-10-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Tall grass fluttering in the wind, the smell of hay, horses, and fresh rain. Walking around the ranch, pictures kept popping into my mind. I saw a bride in cowboy boots with multiple strands of necklaces around her neck. A unique bouquet in one hand and leading a horse with the other. Authentic, raw, yet elegant and beautiful. This type of visual bombardment was nothing new to me. Ideas constantly flicker in my head, but this time I was determined to make it happen.

Shades of lilac and mint green, the rough texture of burlap contrasting with the intricacy of lace, delicate flowers and worn leather. The wedding of a cattle baron's daughter to the son of a neighboring rancher. For better or worse, through flash floods and droughts, the shoot went down and was published! Pictures and tips for achieving the same feel are coming soon, but until then, here's a sneak peek into my head!

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365 Days & Cauliflower Pizza

2011-10-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

For some reason, odd ages always feel older than even ages to me. So when I had a birthday this last week and turned an even higher odd age, I felt every one of those 365 days older. It was as if I wanted to prove my maturity when I pulled out the cauliflower and started chopping it up. Or maybe it was just an excuse to finally make the healthy but yummy sounding cauliflower crust pizza I'd read about online. Either way, the experiment was a success! If you need a gluten-free alternative or just want to find a sneaky way to add more vegetables into your diet, check it out!

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Tips:
Using the riced cauliflower while it's still hot allows the cheese to melt and makes it more dough-like for easy spreading on the pan.
After baking crust, just add more cheese for some yummy cheesy garlic bread!
For those of you who like your gluten or get sick at the thought of cauliflower, try a little homemade pizza on the grill!

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Rocklin Newborn | Titus

2011-10-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

If you remember Sheri & Nick's Road Trip maternity session, you know their baby was going to be cute. But did you guess blonde hair and blue eyes?? Titus Ander was born last Saturday and looks just like a mini Nick! I just had to sneak in a mini shoot when I went to see him!

Recognize this bear from before? Titus is here to take his place!

Ready for his boy band audition, right after a nap!

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Mary Agatha Furth Center Wedding | Angela & Crandon

2011-09-22T00:52:00.000-07:00

You could tell by looking that he loved her. From the way his finger would rub across her hand every time they held hands to the looks he gave her even when the camera wasn't pointed their direction. Her love showed in the glow of happiness that lit her face as she looked back at him and how she was just content to be in his arms. As the white lights twinkled above, each side affirmed that both Angela and Crandon deserved the best. And they were getting it, God's best for their lives, as they had waited upon and trusted Him. Looking around the room at all the people who loved them and had come together to celebrate with them, I couldn't help but add my amen!

Angela and Crandon, thank you so much for allowing me to play such a special part in your day! Enjoy your cruise, take lots of pictures, and just enjoy starting this new chapter in your life together!

Angela created her own fairytale wedding dress, a true Angela Dawn Designs original! No detail was left undone, complete with 40 covered buttons up the back, lace edging the neckline and waistline, and flowers scattered across the skirt. I'm in awe of her skill and creativity!

Crandon searched until he found the right ring for Angela. He did good!

The ribbon and pearls are the perfect finishing touch to the bouquet by Melody Joy Floral.

Pockets and a full skirt perfect for dancing, isn't Angela beautiful in her dress?!

The bridesmaids each made their own dresses to match the style of Angela's gown. Love how they turned out!

Completely happy!

Love this angle my second shooter, Elizabeth, caught!

Because Angela was a close friend, she wanted to make sure I was free to enjoy the reception. Part of that included being able to taste this yummy cake made by Christina Kopriva!

I had to grab my camera to capture Angela and Crandon's first dance. I think you would all agree that their dancing lessons paid off!

Off to a new life together!

To view more of Angela and Crandon's wedding at the Mary Agatha Furth Center, check out their personalized website!

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Welcome to Styled Senior Portraits!

2011-09-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have already guessed it, but we have a new addition to the Lydia Photography family: editorial styled senior portraits! There are going to be exciting updates throughout the day, so follow along at the first reveal of the day - Lydia Seniors on Facebook - and like our page to see the next reveal when it goes live!

Update: It's Here!!

Flash Required to view this area.

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So Close!

2011-09-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

A little late, but tomorrow is the day!!

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Tres...

2011-09-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

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Four Calling Birds

2011-09-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

4 days to go...

Sneak peek!

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Countdown: 5...

2011-09-12T20:20:00.001-07:00

I'm SO excited to share with you what I've been working on all summer long! It has been on the back burner for the last couple of years, but it's time to bring it out and share it with the world! So grab a friend and join me in counting down the days until the big reveal!

Five days left...

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Complete Album Suite

2011-09-10T23:41:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things after a wedding is presenting my bride and groom with their album. It's the culmination of all the hours of shooting, editing, and designing a way for the couple to remember their special day. Something to pull out and show their kids what mommy and daddy used to look like. A visual representation of their enduring love and commitment!

From the linen finish engagement album...

Hannah & Johnny's Capital and park engagement session

Some of my couples plan a date night after their honeymoon to sit down together and read all the notes and congratulations from their friends and family.

To the soft leather wedding album!

Hannah & Johnny's jade and zebra print wedding

And to top it all off, a mini copy of the wedding album for the bride's purse!

Guestbook Engagement Albums
Wedding Albums

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Summer in the Rearview Mirror

2011-09-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

There's nothing worse than staring at a blank page as all coherent thoughts flee from your mind and leave behind nothing but scattered fragments of sentences. I'm sitting here waiting for pictures to upload with nothing to distract me from finally finishing up my summer summary, so I'll plow on! Of course on top of the trip pictured below, it wouldn't be complete without teaching 5-day clubs, the fair, tubing down the Truckee River, Tuesday night volleyball, and meeting up with friends!

Writing it all down makes me realize that a lot more happened than I remembered at first. I had to consult my calendar to even recall it all. It was a great time of getting back on track in life personally, spiritually, and business-wise. I feel so ready to tackle fall!

Make sure you've read the part one of my summer first!

We've driven a lot on trips over the years, but I call this our first official Road Trip as we left in a car, drove around for days and days seeing the sights, and arrived back in the driveway at home by car, no airplanes needed!

The Olympic National Park had some beautiful trails throughout the rain forest.

What happens with all the leftover milk at the Tillamook Cheese Factory? It's made into yummy ice cream, of course!

After crossing back over into Oregon from Washinton, we headed down along the coast and came across the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Park. Miles of beautiful white sand, it made me wish my ATV was there to go exploring!

We took advantage of the brisk wind to fly a kite. I'll admit I was a little adventurous and did some pretty nifty tricks with it! No crashing though and a perfect gentle landing!

As we headed farther down the coast, our goal was to watch the sun go down at a beach in Brookings. We made it in time with minutes to spare for exploring!

Sunset via iPad

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Kissing Summer Goodbye

2011-08-22T22:44:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Monday nights are usually spent at the gym playing some good old volleyball, but right now my body feels like I was run over by a Mack truck. So, I'm taking the time to record my summer. The calendar may not say it, but with kids across the country going back to school, the winds of change are fast moving to fall!

You know that first day of school when your teacher asks you how your summer went, and you blank out and can only say "Good..." That's me every time someone asks me about the past few months! If for nothing else, this is to remind me of all the things, big and little, that made up my summer of 2011.

Fathers Day was spent at a Sacramento River Cats game. They ended up losing, but the dance by the field cleaners and Roof Boy and Roof Girl kept us entertained.

My sisters signed us up for a cake decorating class. I decided to stick to photography, though this cake did turn out pretty good!

The 4th of July was our annual bbq with friends followed by my 31 Bits party, then we packed up our van and headed north. Our 10 day trip to Oregon and Washington started at Tule Lake near the California border. This is where my grandpa was sent to an internment camp during World War II. He can still picture Abalone Hill and the exact bunker where he lived.

A little hike along the Rogue Valley lead me to my mini project during the trip: taking pictures of cute dogs.

Crater Lake was amazing and beautiful! This past year they got over 600 inches of snow! Looking out at the lake, I felt like it needed its own mystery monster like Nessie.

The valley around Mt. Hood was beautiful and full of wonderful fruit! We ate so many cherries during our trip!

My 31 Bits beads were my jewelry of choice during the trip, and I got compliments wherever I went. Just spreading the word across the Northwest!

Multnomah Falls was so cool to finally see in person!

The road to Mount Saint Helen was surrounded by trees that had been planted since the eruption. No, they're not blurry, this pixelatedness is what it really looked like!

Experimenting with taking a picture through a telescope--look closely and see an elk!

It was a cloudy day, but thankfully we were able to get glimpses of the top of Mount Saint Helen before it was covered up for the rest of the day.

It's amazing how much destruction was caused and how much is still affected today. You can still see the random piles of logs still sticking out of the mud along the riverbed.

"If you look out this window at Mount Saint Helen...never mind the clouds, let's look at the model on the table..."

At Boeing's Future of Flight Aviation Center

Seattle

This cute dog was from Japan and only understood Japanese!

I think this doughnut machine is the coolest.

Have a toothache?

This gospel quartet was singing outside and gathering large crowds. One little guy even stopped in the street to dance along, lifting up his hands in affirmation. It made me want to grab Austin and Andrew and do the same thing at home!

Pikes Place--the birthplace of the first Starbucks

I have so much more to share, so it'll have to wait for another post!

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Rocklin Lifestyle Road Trip | Sheri & Nick

2011-08-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

Munching on chips and salsa, we talked about where their 2nd anniversary shoot should take place. We had just finished up an amazing lifestyle shoot for Sheri and Nick's 1st anniversary, and I was pumped at the thought of being able to do something like that again! As 2011 rolled around, Sheri called me with exciting news--she was pregnant! As summer approached, she told me about a road trip she and Nick were taking as a last big trip before the baby came, and thus our theme was born: Road Trip!

I can't think of two nicer people, who genuinely care about others, than Sheri and Nick. This baby is going to come into a world full of people who love him!

We started out with some lifestyle pictures at William Jessup University, where Nick is a resident director.

We then moved to a little piece of road that went to no where and a field in the middle of some office buildings. Sheri made it all look good!

Love this, Nick came up with the idea!

Makeup artist: Polish and Pout

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Miners Foundry | Fall Wedding Inspiration

2011-07-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

Crisp cool air, pumpkin pies, falling leaves, and cardigans are just a few of the great things about fall! If you're planning a wedding for this beautiful time of the year, here's a little inspiration for you!

Ivory: menus, placecards, and table numbers
Green: velvet table cloth and silk napkins
Gold: painted willow branches and pumpkins, rimmed crystal and china, silverware, table number frames, and chairs

Venue: Miners Foundry
Event Design: Joy of Life Events
Photography: Lydia Photography
Paper Goods: Designs on Paper by Phyllis
Floral Design: Joy of Life Events
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Linens: La Tavola Linen
Cake: Valentine's Cakes
Lighting: Lighthouse Installation

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Windsor Engagement | Angela & Crandon

2011-07-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

One of the amazing blessings about my job is hearing the stories of how my couples met and got together. It gives hope for all us single girls out there! Just last October, Angela and I talked all about waiting, contentedness, praying about the future, and no guys on the horizon. Three months later she was in a relationship, and by April, engaged!

Angela and Crandon had grown up as family friends. Most people thought that if anything was going to happen, it already would have. Longtime friends describe Crandon as one who thoughtfully takes the time to consider his course, but once he chooses, he's full-steam ahead. So after only 10 sweet weeks of square dancing, a helicopter flight, and long talks, on a beautiful spring night, Crandon asked Angela to take a walk with him. When they got near a grassy area with a creek running through it, they stopped. Angela thought he was deciding which way to go next. What she didn't know was that he had already considered where he wanted to go. Ten weeks was long enough, and right there, he proposed!

Angela and Crandon, thank you for being such a beautiful example of trusting and relying on God! I so look forward to continue seeing how He works in your lives for many years to come!

We started their engagement session in the cute little town of Windsor. With the train station, ice cream and candy shops, and boutiques lining the sidewalks, there were so many pretty places to stop for pictures!

Not saying this represents what their marriage will be like, but it made for a good laugh!

Ice cream always makes for a sweet prop! ;-)

Gorgeous lighting outside of the vineyards!

To view more of Angela & Crandon's Windsor engagement session, check out their personalized website!

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31 Bits Party

2011-07-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

Little bits of paper, some string, and a clasp. Creative yes, but really so much more. 31 Bits is all about using fashion and design to make a difference in the lives of women and their families in Uganda. But it's even more than providing a means to sell and market their jewelry. 31 Bits cares about helping the women physically, vocationally, educationally, and spiritually. They give them the life-skills they need to ensure these women can go on to live lives of hope for a better future.

I first heard about 31 Bits last year because one of the founders, Brooke Hodges, grew up in the area. It took over six months, but I was finally able to host a party to share the company and jewelry with my friends!

Great food makes a party even better! Yes, southerners, this is blueberry ice tea!

Hello apples + dip and fruit!

This was new and quite yummy: hummus on cucumber slices with a sprinkling of sesame seeds for decor.

Elizabeth's fruit salsa with cinnamon and sugar ritz crackers.

And a few new favorites: peanut butter sheet cake, chocolate dipped macaroons, and strawberry lemonade bars to go with an old fav no-bake chocolate peanut butter cookies and a plate of vegetables so you didn't feel guilty!

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Summery Wedding Pinwheels

2011-07-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

My sisters made homemade pinwheels in red, white, and blue for our 4th of July bbq, and I thought these would be great for a wedding. Pick out paper from a local craft store that goes along with your theme and use them for table decor, placecards, to line the aisle, or even as bouquet substitutes! Try this tutorial for clothespin pinwheels and add a bamboo bbq skewer for the stick. So cute spinning in the breeze!

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Pinwheels & Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-07-04T23:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we forget to appreciate that little things in life. Sunshine, lip color that lasts, wild daisies, a clean puppy...big or small, extraneous or necessary, they bring us joy. So today we celebrated our freedom by enjoying some of those littler things like pinwheels and chocolate chip cookies.

And sometimes it's the big things in life that truly make all the difference. At the end of the day I found myself singing the song It Is Well With My Soul and was struck by a line in the song: "That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for my soul." Praise God and hallelujah! I am no longer imprisoned by guilt and shame, my salvation was bought, in full, by Christ! There's nothing I have to do on my part, I am free! Glory to God!

Picture by Elizabeth

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Auburn The Ridge Wedding | Emily & Brian

2011-07-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

It was summer of 1998 when I got the dreaded phone call. The local ministry director was going to be attending our children's club to check in on us and offer encouragement. To us, nothing could be scarier! It was our first year teaching 5-Day Clubs, and Emily and I had both studied the missionary story at the training camp. Because of the ratio of new students to more advanced students, we ended up being paired together to teach and having to learn the Bible lessons on our own. And now the director himself would be watching?? Aaaah! We turned our club upside down that day to teach the hardest stuff first hoping he wouldn't show up right away. I can still remember our laughs of relief at the end as we finished everything in record time!

Life went on and over time Emily and I lost track of each other. After becoming friends on Facebook, I knew she was marrying a good friend's husband's friend, but not much else. So one Friday night while sitting at the kitchen table sipping tea with my friend photographer Michele, I mentioned that I needed a shoot to be able to practice all I'd been learning lately. "You're welcome to come along to my wedding tomorrow," she said. And that's how, fourteen summers later, I got to watch Emily marry her best friend, Brian.

The Ridge in Auburn made perfect backdrop for family and friends to get together and celebrate!

A ladybug for good luck!

Just love the layers of her dress!

The cutest flowergirls let me photograph all their pretty details

Emily was such a beautiful bride! Radiant and so full of joy to be marrying Brian!

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Guestbook Engagement Album

2011-06-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about engagement sessions are the resulting guestbook albums! Instead of your typical small book with blank lines, my brides and grooms receive a beautiful 8x8'' linen album filled with pictures from the session as well as blank space for guests to write notes. You just have to watch out because your line will be out the door as guests look at each picture!

The pages are stiff and sturdy but still lie flat when open!

I recommend planning a night after you come back from your honeymoon to put your feet up, grab your favorite drinks, and together read all the notes from your loved ones!

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Wedding Inspiration | Eco Chic

2011-06-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

Finding inspiration for your wedding can be as simple as looking around your house. What colors and textures do you enjoy the most? Why not incorporate them into your wedding? It's also a great way to keep your day eco chic! All those little details like candles, jars, vases, throw pillows and more can be gathered from around the house, borrowed from friends, or thrifted. Reduce, reuse, recycle on your wedding day? It can be done!

When choosing the materials for your invitations, ask your graphic designer for samples of recycled paper. There are so many beautiful choices nowadays that you won't even notice the difference! Also, instead of including extra cards with directions, etc, send your guests to a personalized website for more information and to RSVP!

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Nevada City Commercial Stonehouse Portraits | Sandy

2011-06-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

One thing I love about living in Grass Valley is the other amazing wedding vendors in the area. Our NCWeds group is filled with so many creative professionals who get together at least every other month at a venue to network and catch up on each other's lives. One way I connect is with a portrait shoot to get updated portraits for their website + marketing materials. So when Sandy called to schedule a session for her birthday, I was excited to help out!

After getting her hair and makeup done, Sandy and I met at Stonehouse, one of my favorite Nevada City venues. With a short break in the rain, we were able to get exactly what we wanted!

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San Francisco Pass Premier

2011-05-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

I started out with paper and a pen, but as the night went on, my hand started cramping and my handwriting became more and more illegible. By the next talk I was typing away furiously on my computer. I didn't want to miss a single point being shared! It was the San Francisco stop on the PASS Premier tour, and Promise Tangeman, Zach and Jody Gray, David Jay, and crew put together a great experience for us!

As I looked around the room, I was so thankful that my sisters were there to share it with me and wished so many of my friends could have made the trip down. Yes, I had heard some of the information before, but the interaction between the speakers and the audience, and the genuineness of those presenting clicked with me in a new way, and I found myself scribbling little notes to myself so I wouldn't forget those little light bulb flashes.

The road home was filled with discussions over what we learned and the different ways we wanted to integrate that night's ideas into our businesses. Yes, "businesses" plural! I might be a wedding photographer, but my sisters cover the piano studio and graphic design creative fields. If you are looking for a night of inspiration, new friendships, and cutting-edge technology, I highly recommend checking to see if PASS Premier is coming anywhere near you!

As we stepped through the door of Broadway Studios and climbed up the stairs to sign in, I knew this was going to be different from other tour stops I had attended. Instead of just one break in the middle of the presentations for people to stretch and move around a little, they planned multiple breaks with food, drinks, and even a red carpet photo shoot. It was about more than just the impartation of knowledge, it was about fostering connections with the speakers and other attendees that would live beyond the night. I saw people I had met at other photography events, made new friends in my area, and can't wait to get together with people from other areas!

Promise Tangeman started out the night with a talk on Focus, Style, and Confidence, the keys using your strengths to create an authentic brand and displaying it online. Because I couldn't take her home in my pocket, I got the next best thing and purchased her new Creative Branding E-Course. I started in on it this weekend, and the course is chalk full of so much great information!

Zach and Jody Gray claimed the floor with their three principles for creating client relationships: Connect, Court, Continue. I loved their examples for courting their clients and was just waiting for the word "woo" to enter the equation. ;-) DJ picked speakers for the tour who not only had a lot to share, but who genuinely cared about helping others. Once you interact with Zach and Jody in person, you'll know they're more than just talk!

At the end of the night, DJ gave a short demo of how PASS will be a game changer in the industry as more and more people rely on storing images in the cloud. As he talked, I started envisioning how I would integrate this new technology in my business, and now I am so excited to share this with my clients!

A force of creativity that has been an inspiration to me, meeting Promise could be a little intimidating. But she was so sweet and kind and came right up to me to talk when I smiled and waved at her. She recognized me from a previous meeting we had at WPPI and was so open about sharing everything from her hair tips to how home schooling helped to develop that creativity that has made her so widely known and respected.

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Nevada Union Senior Portraits | Wyatt

2011-05-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

I pulled up to our meeting spot to see Wyatt sitting on his tailgate with his friend, Burke, laughing and strumming his guitar. I couldn't help but grin 'cause right then I knew it was going to be a great shoot. Wyatt, you were an awesome "model"! I promise that if we ever do it again, it will be sure to include a pizza or two!

Straw hat on head and guitar in hand, we started at the field at Nevada Union High School, where Wyatt has played football for the past three years.

Moving up to Nevada City, the guys were a little distracted by the thought of food at the Beach Hut Deli, but we managed to get a few cool pictures before they headed off for dinner.

I don't text myself, but I've heard it's a sure-fire way to get a hold of this guy.

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San Francisco Walk Through A Wedding

2011-05-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

What can I say? After winning a ticket to Justin & Mary's San Francisco Walk Through A Wedding, I was soooo ecstatic to attend! After almost four hours of driving, we pulled into the Embassy Suites parking lot, and I made my way up to the room full of excitement, and to be honest, a little trepidation. It was fun to see photographers I already knew as I stepped into the room and found a seat. Grabbing a tan Moleskine tied with a blue bow, I started writing furiously as the information started flowing. A flow that continued throughout the day as Justin and Mary shared everything they did on the wedding day from their arrival to departure. I drove away that night utterly exhausted, but overflowing with so many new ideas and new friends. Justin and Mary, thank you so much for sharing this experience with me!

Started the day out right with this gorgeous Justin Alexander wedding dress. The details on it were exquisite!

Shoes, like these red heels, add the perfect pop of color, and Vera Wang anything is always a yes!

The fascinators and hat from Lo Boheme added the right touch of 1940s flair.

Elizabeth and Ryan flew in from Baltimore to be our models for the day. Lisa's amazing hair and makeup turned Elizabeth into a modern, retro bride.

With its vaulted ceilings and beautiful natural light streaming through the windows, St. Mark's made an amazing backdrop for the wedding ceremony.

With that look in his eyes, you can tell Ryan loves Elizabeth just as much as, if not more than, the day they got married four years ago!

An old typewriter, cherry pie, real antique letters, and vintage accents were pulled together in the basement of San Francisco's Bourbon & Branch for our Boxcars & Bugle Boys themed reception.

Never saw such a cute Candy Girl!

The bridal party looked like they stepped out of a USO poster.

Elizabeth, I know all the Walk Through A Wedding attendees in other areas must have been jealous that we got you for our bride!

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A Day With Justin & Mary

2011-05-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

July 2008
A forum I was a part of invited two photographers, named Justin & Mary, that I haven't heard of before to come and share in an online chat. After it was over, what stood out in my head was that these were two genuinely nice people. They had even invited us to email them if we ever needed help.

October 2008
A Mary Marantz left a comment on my blog. I didn't get all that many comments, and the name seemed familiar so I looked her up. I couldn't believe it! Someone famous actually took the time to read my blog and comment! First and last time ever, by the way.

January 2009
I visited their site off and on and finally took the time to email them and express my thankfulness for their dedication to helping out the photography community. The note I received back made my day!

November 2009
Finally had the courage to leave a comment on their blog. Yes, this happened after Mary left one on mine!

So can you see why Justin & Mary are two of my favorite photography people? Yes, they're great at making pictures and have an awesome sense of style, but it was their heart for others that drew me in. I read their blog not just to see pretty photographs, but because I care about them as people. The personal posts by Mary are some of my favorites. She just has a skill of communicating directly to the heart. I dare you to watch these videos and not fall in love with them! I bet you'll see why I'm so excited to spend the whole day today with them at Walk Through A Wedding San Francisco!

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Nevada City Commercial | Sarah

2011-05-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

My favorite thing about portrait shoots is spending time with a person and getting to know them in order to make sure what I capture portrays who that person really is. A perk is that by the time we're done, I have a new friend! Sarah was no exception. She's a beautiful mother of three who lives with her husband in the country and is starting a business to help other women follow their dreams. I can't wait to see the website Phyllis is designing for her!

Simply love this one!

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2011 Wedding Albums

2011-04-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with Yasmin and Daniel's wedding album! It stays true to my belief that the album is the first family heirloom and should look good in every century, while allowing the couple to personalize the front with an inset picture and imprinting. They still come in 10x10 and 12x12 sizes for the bride and groom with 8x8 for parents, and even a simple 4x4 pocket/purse size!

The keepsake box protects the beautiful leather cover and pictures inside

The binding is sturdy while still allowing the pages to lay flat

Thick, durable pages

The simple design allows the pictures to speak for themselves and look good for generations to come

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Sacramento Youth Conference | reGENERATION 2011

2011-04-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

A highlight of my month was gathering together with Christians from all over the area for a 1 1/2 days of preaching at the 2011 reGENERATION conference. Did you hear that--preaching! Pastors from the area were joined by Paul Washer from HeartCry Missionary Society to bring us back to the main thing, the Gospel.

I could go on about what a humble man Paul Washer is, his fame on YouTube, or how his testimony makes me cry. But I think the most important thing to communicate to you, if you are saved, is that it's all Jesus. Our salvation is not dependent on what we do or say, it's all Him. Because of that, nothing can happen to you because Jesus is perfect to save! Jesus not only died on the cross for your sins, but He lived a perfect life for you. Our devotion or lack of devotion should cause us to cling to Christ. Want to love Him more? Study all you can about His attributes! The more you know about Him, the more you will grow in your love for Him. We are blessed because Jesus was cursed on the cross. Now, there is no after-reckoning, everything has been paid for our sin in full!

Friends from Red Bluff came down for the conference

Praying with a little boy and his family

You can listen to and download the sermons here.

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Sacramento Wedding | Hannah & Johnny

2011-04-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

Horns honked as people drove by and saw the rows of white chairs draped with tulle. Spring came back for at least one day, and First Baptist Church of Fair Oaks was having their first outdoor wedding. One driver even called out, "It's not too late yet!"But it was too late. Hannah and Johnny were already in love and couldn't wait to spend the rest of their lives together, under one roof. No longer would Johnny have to drive down from Reno to Sacramento for the day only to drive home that night. Those days were finally behind them!

This day wasn't just about joining Hannah and Johnny together in marriage though. It was the combination of two long time families who were friends. Awana royalty some joked. Teammates, partners, coworkers, brothers and sisters--all gathered in one place to celebrate. And as Hannah and Johnny drove off, together, everyone cheered and waved!

Hannah and Johnny, thank you for allowing me to celebrate with you! I hope you enjoy the Hawaii sand and sun...and when you come back to California, coming home each night to your little home in Grass Valley, together.

The pop of zebra print on Hannah's shoes and the jade sash added a fun flair to her Alfred Angelo gown.

My favorite time during the wedding day is the First Look. Hannah and Johnny chose to see each other where they would later meet again to say their vows.

By choosing a First Look, they were able to show all they were feeling at that moment and express it verbally. Without the distraction of a large audience, it was all about the two of them and that moment in time.

Her bridesmaid and makeup artist, Samantha Bernard, did a wonderful job at accentuating Hannah's natural beauty!

The subtle pinstripe was Johnny's pick and a great choice!

Just being around Johnny relaxes Hannah. He's willing to do crazy things to make her laugh!

Johnny catching sight of his soon-to-be wife as she comes up the aisle.

The newly minted Mr. & Mrs.!

Hannah and Johnny's guestbook was an album filled with their engagement pictures and had plenty of room for signatures and sweet notes from family and friends!

A treat for all the guests was a candy table overflowing with Hannah and Johnny's favorite treats as At Your Service Catering took care of the rest!

To view more of Hannah & Johnny's Sacramento wedding, check out their personalized website!

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Sacramento Senior Portraits | Victoria

2011-04-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

If I believed in luck, I would attribute the success our of amazing senior portrait session to the beautiful butterfly we found at the beginning of our shoot. As it is, credit must go to Victoria and her family of stylists! We headed to downtown Sacramento yesterday for a fun evening along K Street and the Capital Park. From cell phone conversations in Spanish, a group of guys filming a movie, and cute squirrels, the distractions were many and close together. But Victoria just laughed, swung the hair out of her eyes, and struck another pose. Vic, thanks so much for being willing to get out in public and try new things! Your poise and laid back attitude combined with your natural beauty--inside and outside--makes you one special girl!

Yep, this girl is a true 2011 senior complete with a cup of coffee in hand from Sacramento's best, Temple Coffee.

Victoria did a great job at personalizing her session by bringing along flowers, her favorite cowboy boots, and other items to make sure her pictures were a true reflection of the girl inside!

Capital Park is beautiful this time of year with the flowers starting to bloom and the orange trees loaded with fruit!

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Snowage

2011-04-08T23:13:00.000-07:00

With more than 150 lbs of acorns in my yard this past fall, I should've known it was going to be a crazy winter. After losing power 6 times, you really get a system together for grabbing the candles and flashlights, powering up the generator, and running electric cords up the stairs. But now that's it's April, I thought we had acquired the snowpack we needed for the year. So imagine my surprise yesterday when from a sunny with puffy clouds sky, snow started falling! Complete with hail and 5 minutes of hard rain, it was the craziest weather ever! I've never experienced anything like it. Someone please tell spring we're ready for it with arms wide open!

My instagram journal from this winter:

A generator keeping our phone lines powered?

This snowman took weeks to melt!

So here I am blogging about the weather...oh the things that interest a photographer! :-)

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Grass Valley Community | Girls' Conference

2011-04-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend a girls' conference was held in Grass Valley, and I was invited to come and help document friendships and mother/daughter relationships. While I couldn't attend the other two days as I was at a youth conference (post coming!), I so enjoyed being able to spend time catching up with old friends and meeting new people!

Download Gallery

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Grass Valley Commercial | Holy Cow Couture

2011-04-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

The constant stream of water coming down from the sky did nothing to hinder the excitement in the studio. Clothes hanging from backdrops, a table covered with jewelry, and the coolest assortment of boots just added to the crowded busyness. Holy Cow Couture was hosting a model shoot to launch the Racing Red spring collection, and the designer, Brittney Coomler, invited me to come along and shoot a little! With Michele as the main photographer, I got to focus more on the details and atmosphere. Austin from Cowboy Fresh was also there to show off his creative western wear. If you can't tell by the pictures, we had a lot of fun!

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For Japan With Love

2011-03-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

Watching the waters filled with debris creep across the land was quite eerie. My sisters and I urged the cars to drive faster and the people to escape as the tsunami waters crept closer and closer. Seeing the videos had a much bigger impact than the late night tweets that heralded the arrival of Japan's largest earthquake.

And the damage isn't over as people are risking their lives to radiation. I can't even imagine. So here I sit, in my comfy, warm house in Grass Valley, California reading about lives halfway across the world. Wanting to make a difference and yet limited by time and space.

Enter For Japan With Love and CRASH Japan. Two organizations making a difference in my place. As many bloggers enter a day a silence March 18 to "raise awareness and respect and acknowledge the devastation going on in Japan," please consider reaching out to these people in need of help. And pray, that in their helplessness, the Japanese people will recognize their desperate need of salvation and look to Jesus!

For those who have read about my grandpa and wondered, yes I do have distant relatives in Japan and do not know if they have been affected. Please keep their physical safety and spiritual salvation in your prayers!

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Wedding Inspiration | Fresh Simplicity

2011-03-12T20:39:00.000-08:00

When it comes to choosing the theme for your wedding, you want it to express not only you or your fiance, but your relationship together. And that's where it's easy to get stuck. I find many couples resort to doing what they've seen done before and miss the chance to really make their day reflective of them! And since I love being inspired, I thought I'd share a little inspiration with you!

Theme: modern, playful, cheery

Palette: lemon yellow, vibrant red

Photography & Styling: Lydia
Styling: Elizabeth Mae Designs

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Sacramento Engagement | Hannah & Johnny

2011-02-28T13:45:00.000-08:00

In all his eighth grade coolness, he wondered who in the world this little fifth grader was asking him for his signature. She, on the other hand, was just trying to beat her sister by getting more people to sign her picture. It was the end of the camp, and amidst farewells and see you next years, Hannah and Johnny officially met. While she thought he was pretty cute, he was also the "jerk" that said no. It wasn't until four years later, at that same camp, that they really got to be friends. And they remained just friends until one day he realized she wasn't the "baby" he had thought her to be. After six months of dating, this time he was doing the asking, and she, well of course, said yes!

To view more of Hannah & Johnny's Sacramento State Capital and Park engagement session, check out their personalized website!

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Miners Foundry | Summer Wedding Inspiration

2011-02-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

For all the modern brides who want to incorporate a little flair in their day, I present a retro summer day!

Love is Sweet

2011-02-14T11:24:00.000-08:00

You don't have to be with a special someone to appreciate love, hearts, and chocolate! Or cake in this case. Surprise your loved ones with a hidden treat because love is sweet!

Heart Cake Tutorial

Tips:
-don't have red velvet? strawberry doesn't taste as good, but it's the perfect shade of pink
-if using boxed cake mixes, you'll need two in white
-have lots of room in your freezer to speed up the cooling time
-cream cheese + whipped cream makes the yummiest frosting!

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Miners Foundry | Spring Wedding Inspiration

2011-02-12T14:52:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about spring is that I can leave my windows open all day and hear the birds calling out to each other from the trees. The feeling is light and crisp yet indulgent with the chandelier, gorgeous fluttery cake, and silk linens. The paper accents are on the whimsical side with the reminder that spring is the season of twitterpation!

Venue: Miners Foundry
Event Design: Joy of Life Events
Photography: Lydia Photography
Paper Goods: Illuminated Invitations
Floral Design: Grass Valley Florist
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Linens: La Tavola Linen
Cake: The Cake Artist

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Miners Foundry | Winter Wedding Inspiration

2011-02-05T14:34:00.000-08:00

Pine boughs and cones surrounded by fine china, candles, and sparkling crystal complete this winter wonderland wedding. It's all about embracing the weather the season brings while keeping it luxurious and elegant.

Venue: Miners Foundry
Event Design: Joy of Life Events
Photography: Lydia Photography
Paper Goods: Illuminated Invitations
Floral Design: Art in Bloom
Rentals and Linens: Classic Party Rentals
Lighting: Lighthouse Installation

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Miners Foundry | A Wedding Affair for All Seasons 2011

2011-01-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

I walked down the street and entered the building not knowing what to expect. I'd attended two of Sacramento and Wine Country's top bridal shows, so I wasn't new to the concept. I just wasn't sure if Nevada County could live up to what I'd already seen. I was blown away.

From the vendors to the decor to the music, everything was perfect! So don't miss out! Join us at Miners Foundry this coming Sunday for A Wedding Affair for All Seasons 2011! Having had a sneak peek at the inspiration for each room, I can confidently say this year is going to be the best!

I'll be milling around photographing the event, so don't forget to say hi if you see me!

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New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

It's tradition, right? After all the partying is said and done, it's time to pull out those notebooks, get off by yourself, and proceed to write down your dreams, goals, and resolutions for the coming year. While this list can vary from person to person...girls, I think you can relate with me here!

1. Cut the caffeine

2. Skip the sweets, exercise more!

3. Spend less, save more

Happy 2011!

Styling: Lydia & Jessica Palmer
Hair/makeup: Jessica Palmer
Model: Ashleigh Burton
Photography: Lydia

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Don't Have Kids

2011-01-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

"Don't have kids," she said. And I knew what she meant. While she dearly loved her children, the pain of watching them suffer was almost too much to bear. She described what looked to be our future in these coming days: cancer, sickness, death. "Why bring more people into this world to experience all this sadness?" was the unspoken question."

I pondered her words as I drove home and throughout the day struggled to pull my thoughts together. Why, when confronted with the "facts" would I continue to hope and dream of motherhood? I couldn't quite put my finger on it until a week or so later while conversing on a completely different topic. You see, my future, my hopes and dreams, aren't reliant upon my plans to do or not to do. They're not just some big question mark of unknownness. I know who holds my future in His hands, and I know I can trust Him.

I've lived the experience for the past twenty-something even years. The tears of broken dreams as well as the bliss of new ones that surpassed anything I could have imagined. I am confident. I am secure. I have hope for the future because the Creator of the world, the Inventor of time, the Savior of my soul, Jesus...well, He's taking care of me.

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. -2 Corinthians 2:14

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. -Philippians 2:6

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Fav Picks: Winter Entertainment

2010-12-28T23:56:00.000-08:00

Just had to share some of my winter favs with you!

1. The smart girls talk show, The Girls With Glasses are adorable
2. I'm not a coffee connoisseur, but Mocha VIA tastes as good as a cup from Starbucks!
3. Since tasting Jessica Palmer's mother-in-law's macaroons, I've been craving them nonstop. The perfect replacement to movie popcorn
4. I'm determined that 2011 will be the year of the iPhone. I will be buying one sometime in the next 365 days...
5. So it's not really entertainment, but my Toms are hands down the comfiest shoes I own. I wouldn't mind a pair in pink!
6. I'm loving the vibe in Josh Groban's new cd Illuminations, the perfect picture editing, web surfing, and blog writing music

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Last Minute Gift Idea

2010-12-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

If you need a last minute gift idea for a special someone on your list, here's a simple craft I did for my girlfriends this year: cup cozies! They don't take long to make and you probably have most of the supplies around the house.

You'll need:
-felt
-buttons
-needle
-thread
-scissors
-marking pen
-paper cup sleeve (mine was left over from Starbucks)
-mug

Start by taking apart the paper cup sleeve and tracing it on to your felt with the marking pen. I made mine just a little bit longer because my mugs were larger. Cut along the traced lines.

Wrap the felt around a mug overlapping the two ends to determine how big it needs to be. Pick a cute button that fits your friend's style. I dug into my grandmother's button collection. Use the button to hold the two ends of the felt together by sewing through both layers.

Fill your cup with fun treats! Candy canes, chocolate, a Starbucks gift card or VIA are just a few ideas. I'd love to see pictures of what you come up with!

Merry Christmas!

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Family Portraits: Styling Your Family

2010-12-11T23:48:00.000-08:00

Some mornings it's hard enough to dress yourself. And when it comes to dressing your family for portraits, well, that's what nightmares are made of. Stylist, Reachel Bagley, jumped in to help on her blog by posting tips and tricks. Definitely check out her series "How to Dress for a Family Photo":

Skin & Faces

Color Schemes

Pattern Play

Add a Prop

The goal of family portraits is to capture a slice of life at that point in time for your family. To do this, what you wear should accurately reflect you and your family. Does your daily life consist of fancy, matching outfits? If so, let's do it! But if not, let's make sure it's the real you we're capturing.

Think complementary instead of matching. Pick two or three colors that go well together then use these colors to mix and match outfits for each person. Layers look great in pictures and can help to spread the colors throughout the clan. And don't forget to add the finishing touches to your outfits! Accessories like necklaces, hats, and scarves polish off and often complete the look.

Above all, express your personality and family lifestyle! You want your children to look back at these pictures someday and say "yep, that was us back in the day!" and maybe even the nostalgic "my, how fashion has changed!" ;-)

Need a little inspiration? Scroll on!

Three boys eight and under? Guaranteed to stay dirt free for a couple of hours...with a promise of candy!

By PixieShtick

You don't need boys to pull off the look of the wild west!

By brink007

Sugar, spice, and everything nice

By brink007

Except for a few accessories in the second look, all these pieces below can be found at Old Navy!
When the boys have you on the run, pick simple yet put together

Classic with a fresh twist

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Bay Area Wedding | Yasmin & Daniel

2010-11-25T22:41:00.000-08:00

As the trees have started to lose their leaves and the foothills encountered their first snowfall, I'm reminded of how much God has blessed me. While most of the US is dreaming of turkey and pumpkin pie, my thoughts are more in line with authentic Chinese and Indian food. That's because two years ago I started praying about moving my business towards weddings and asked God to send me the right clients. And Chinese and Indian food? Well, they are part of that answer to prayer.

Surrounded by her bridesmaids, Yasmin bubbled with joy and happiness. No, she didn't want to read the newspaper, it was a day for only good news. Yes, the pictures would still be at the Japanese Friendship Garden, rain or no rain, it was going to happen. She joked about the guys sleeping in later than the girls and laughed when she heard they would begin getting ready after they finished a little gaming. It was her day and at the end of it, she and her love would no longer be separated by thousands of miles. They would finally be together.

While the rain did come, it held off long enough to allow them to see each other for the first time that day. In the beauty of the gardens, surrounded by their family and friends, they stood joyful and finally together. And continued to stand, side by side, as they sang praises to God, spoke vows of forever promises, and danced their first dance. It was their day and just the first of many together!

Yasmin and Daniel, I am so blessed to call you not only my clients but friends. I am so thankful that God brought you into my life! Soak in some of of that sun in Bali and enjoy your pictures!

The day began at the elegantly modern Cypress Hotel. The decor was amazing and made the detail pictures just that much more special.

Yasmin's gorgeous pearls were designed and created by her mother!

With makeup by Joyce Ng and hair by Celeste, Yasmin's natural beauty was enhanced to perfection. She was stunning!

Yasmin and Daniel chose to see each other before the ceremony during a First Look in order to have more pictures together in a beautiful location away from the church and create a smoother schedule for the day. As you can tell, Daniel thinks she looks amazing!

Can you say perfect bride? Yasmin not only braved the rain for all these pictures, but also brought along cute boots to keep her feet dry!

Love! The Japanese Friendship Garden with its koi ponds, bridges, and trees made for an incredible place to shoot!

Using the pictures from their engagement session, Yasmin and Daniel's guestbook album was the perfect place for guests to records notes and best wishes for the couple.

One of my favorite moments--the utter joy and bliss of finally being married!

From Los Altos United Methodist Church, we moved to the San Jose Woman's Club for the reception. With its warm colors and elegant ballroom, it made for a beautiful backdrop for Yasmin and Daniel to add a touch of their heritage to the party. Beginning with a tea ceremony to the abundance of Chinese and Indian food, and various friends and family dressed in traditional ethnic clothing, it was a beautiful sight!

Yes, I had my own special seat reservation! Yasmin and Daniel were amazingly so sweet and kind!

Yasmin and Daniel, I wish you many, many years of joy, laughter, and togetherness!

To view more of Yasmin and Daniel's Bay Area wedding, check out their personalized website!

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Grass Valley Senior Portraits | Jessamy

2010-11-13T22:48:00.000-08:00

Riding horses, music, theology, reading, art...Jessamy's interests are diverse and many. Ever since she was a little girl, Jessamy has been smart beyond her years and able to converse with anyone! As she gets ready to graduate from high school, she's applying to an honor program at Biola which teaches the classics classically! Did I mention smart??

With a car full of clothes and props, Jessamy was a perfect client! We had so much fun driving around town and in the country to the best spots to show off her style and personality. Jess, thanks so much for being so creative and vivacious. You are the type of person that's an utter joy to photograph!

Her family friend, Janet, was so kind to allow us to come to her house to use her grand piano...

...and beautiful horses, Jess and Ben!

Laughter makes it an instant favorite!

Nevada City has some gorgeous colors going on, but this was one of the prettiest trees I've seen!

Booktown Books & Tomes is really one of the best used book stores I've visited. It has so many little nooks and crannies filled to the brim with pages and pages of stories and information. I may just have to go back again soon!

Pretty much her entire session makes the favorite list!

And what better to go with books than a Summer Thyme's latte?

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A Taste of Fall

2010-11-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

Contrary to what the song says, fall is the most wonderful time of the year! Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin scented candles make for happy taste buds and noses. Not to be left out are pumpkin pancakes. They're the perfect brunch menu after staying up until 2am watching Wives and Daughters. Or so I've heard... If you try them out, let me know how it goes!

Speaking of pumpkins, a trip to Bishop's Pumpkin Farm provided views of pumpkins as far as the eye can see!

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar

In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

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Icing on the Cupcake

2010-10-23T23:28:00.000-07:00

Cake has never been my thing. My sugars of choice have been more along the lines of ice cream, cheesecake, and chocolate. But wedding cake is different. It's dense, super moist, and just so good!

After reading about them online for so long, I had my first Sprinkles cupcake at the Fast Track Workshop last year. But their nearest location is San Francisco, so I was super excited when my good friend Sheri told me about an all cupcake bakery near us!

From the cute pink and white decor to the little brown boxes, Icing on the Cupcake is an experience! And it doesn't hurt that their humongous cupcakes are delicious! Perfect for parties and weddings, I've now got my own cupcake spot in town!

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Kenwood Farms & Gardens Wedding | Rebecca & Jordan

2010-10-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

I tried to write Becky and Jordan's story in my own words but I couldn't say it better than they already did:

On Dec. 20^th 2009 while vacationing in Palm Springs Jordan opened a fortune cookie while out for Chinese food with his grandparents. The cute fortune made no difference to him but for whatever reason he stuffed it into his wallet to hold onto. Now on that same night in Sebastopol Becky opened a fortune cookie while out with her family for Chinese food. The fortune she received made no difference to her, but she too held onto it.

9 days later Jordan and Becky found themselves standing in a parking lot at 4 in the morning waiting to load up and head out for a group ski trip with a bunch of friends. The two joked about Becky forgetting to add Jordan's name to the list of people going; and about how he would have to ride in the bed of the truck since all the seats were taken. Now these two had been in the same Bible Study for a year and had never said more than 'hi' to each other. Well that changed after that ski trip... On the way home Becky asked Jordan if he was on Facebook. Well, all of Jordan's friends knew that he wasn't and that he had no plans of joining... he was going to hold out come hell-or-highwater. Well neither of those came, but Becky did. The very next day Jordan joined Facebook.

Facebook led to long conversations ranging from food and music preferences to convictions and Bible reading. Pretty soon Jordan knew that it was going to have to go further; he had to know this girl better! Jordan set up a coffee meeting with Doug and asked permission to court Becky. Thankfully, she seemed to feel the same way about Jordan and was open to starting a more serious relationship. Now somewhere during the course of the following relationship Jordan opened his wallet and chuckled at what fell out. Looking his fortune over he said to Becky, 'This is funny! I got a fortune in a cookie just 9 days before 'we' started and you will never guess what it says!' Before he could continue she said, 'Oh! I got one that same day too and it relates to us! What does yours say?' she asked. Jordan read, 'A lifetime friend shall soon be made. What does your say?' Becky gasped, 'Mine says, soon someone new coming into your life will become a very good friend!' 'NO WAY!'

Was it fate, luck, chance? Ask Becky and Jordan and they'll tell you while the fortunes made their story cute and fun, the Author of Love wrote their story long before they were born. It's in His hands they place their trust and future!

Becky and Jordan, I was so honored to have such an integral part in your 10.10.10 day! Your love for each other, your family, and friends is a beautiful thing! Enjoy your trip along the coast!

Their celebration took place at the amazing Kenwood Farms & Gardens. It was the perfect place for their fall inspired wedding!

The bridal cottage served as a cool, calm place for all the girls to ready themselves

I couldn't stop looking at this former strapless Watters gown that Angela Dawn Designs altered and created into this gorgeous dress!

A fun and unique ring bearer "pillow" was a large sunflower with a ribbon fastened to the center on which the rings were tied

I was ecstatic that Melody Joy Floral would be providing all the flowers. She always has the most creative designs!

One of my favorite moments

Happiness

When you've shot most of the bridal party before, you know they're going to bring it!

Becky was one of the sweetest, more adorable brides ever!

Bliss

It's now permissible to flirt over the fence!

Jordan refused to settle for the typical church coffee and bought Starbucks for his sister's wedding last year. It wouldn't have been right to have had anything less at his wedding!

A girl with skiis and a guy with a snowboard--I don't know where Becky found these, but it's so perfect for them!

To view more of Becky and Jordan's Kenwood Farms & Gardens wedding, check out their personalized website!

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Bridal Makeup

2010-09-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

You've got the dress, jewelry, shoes, hair, and man of your dreams, but often the makeup is the question mark you face as a bride when planning your wedding. Since photographs have the tendency to make people appear washed out, the makeup application has to be approached differently than your everyday look. But whether you prefer glamorous or au naturel, don't fear, there is help for you! Makeup artist Jessica Palmer brings you three fabulous looks with tips to achieve the perfect bridal glow!

Blushing Bride
“The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural” -Calvin Klein

This look is very clean and classic. Simple makeup with a focus on complexion is a great go to look. Even when you are going for a "no-makeup look," makeup is involved!

-NARS Sheer Glow foundation is great for those of us (like myself!) who like the concept of evening out the complexion without feeling or looking cake-y.

-Blush is always a must! Without it, you will find yourself looking tired or washed out in photos. Try Posie Tint by Benefit. It's a pink cheek stain that mimics a natural flush. This is the best way to give your face some color if you don't want to worry about touching up!

C'est Romantique

Looking extra special yet still approachable is achieved here by using warm tones on the eyes.

-Try Sable or Honeylust eye shadows from MAC, a soft lip, and a bronzed complexion.

-Bronzers can be hard to find sometimes because more often than not they have large amounts of red in them. This of course is to mimic time in the sun. I don't know about you, but while I enjoy the warmth the sun brings to my skin tone, I try to avoid the red! Hoola by Benefit is a great neutral bronzer. Just don't use too much and remember to blend!

Retro Glam

The vintage look is big right now, but how can you pull it off? The key is to give it a modern edge and incorporate your own personality so that you don't look "period" or costume-y.

-A modern chocolate smoky eye with winged liner and a berry lip rather than the classic red keeps this look current and on trend. This is great for a formal or evening wedding.

-Dior Addict lipsticks are great for high impact color. They are long wearing but very creamy! Try #673 Neglige Pink if you're feeling daring!

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Los Gatos Vasona Park Engagement | Yasmin & Daniel

2010-09-25T23:31:00.000-07:00

Episomes, Rickettsiae, and Virulence are what brought Yasmin and Daniel together. Essentially. While they both grew up in the Bay Area, it wasn't until undergrad school at UCLA that they met. Microbiology has a way of scaring off the weak and timid, so their class of five became close friends. But that's all Yasmin and Daniel were--friends. Graduate school found them on opposite sides of the country as Daniel moved to D.C. Does distance make the heart grow fonder? Neither of them said so in words, but when Daniel finished school and moved home, somehow, someway, the friendship bloomed into something deeper.

Yet distance would prove to be no stranger to this new relationship. It was only five short months later that Daniel got a job that moved him to Texas. So last May when Yasmin came home from teaching to find a scavenger hunt had been set up at her apartment, she just figured it was an end of the school year treat Daniel had set up with her roommate. All the while never realizing he had flown in to see her! Until, that is, she found the boarding pass and saw him waiting for her at the bridge. As Daniel got down on once knee and proposed, Yasmin answered "yes, yes. a thousand times yes!"

Yasmin and Daniel, I cannot wait for your wedding! I left the park pumped, excited for November, and on my way to pick up that Jamba Juice! I thank God for putting you two in my life. Less than two months left!

Vasona Park was an amazing place to shoot! Yasmin did her research and found the perfect place for them!

Yasmin is going to be a beautiful bride!

Another favorite!

I'm so blessed to work with clients who will try anything and even brave icky spiders to get the shot!

To view more of Yasmin & Daniel's Los Gatos Vasona Park engagement session, check out their personalized website!

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Nevada City Wedding | Megan & Brendan

2010-09-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

She thought he was just coming to visit his friends. In truth, Brendan was there to see if Megan was the One for him. "Through sickness and health" became a reality to them as Megan became the one to go visit him--in the hospital. The distance, sickness, and loss of a job just served to deepen their love for each other as they overcame each obstacle one by one. And through it all, it became apparent that not only was Megan the One for him, but Brendan was the One for her.

As the canons from the nearby reenactment boomed in the background, friends and family gathered at Megan's house. The yard had been made perfect by hours and days of work by siblings and parents. From her veil to her flowers, Megan had overseen each part of the decor and details herself. With music written by the best man and Megan's younger brother, Karsten, the day was complete. Megan and Brendan were ready to take that last step to becoming One.

It was a perfect day in California!

Beautiful light illuminating beautiful details

Megan's aunt loaned her this gorgeous vintage necklace

Beautiful!

One of my favorite moments that always brings a grin to my face. Seeing the groom watch his bride come down the aisle fills me with unspeakable joy. Brendan didn't fail me.

I asked my second shooter, Elizabeth, to find another angle for some closer shots. While I took this picture...

...she captured this sweet moment.

The property across the street had this barn that made an awesome backdrop! I'm so blessed to have clients who love creativity!

Favorite!

To view more of their Nevada City wedding, click here to see the slideshow!

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The Wedding Album

2010-09-11T23:34:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with these albums the first time I saw them. Their simple, classic design fit with my philosophy that your wedding album is your first family heirloom and should look good no matter what century it is! The inside design also fits with this belief in that the pictures are the showcase not the design. What's fun is that not only do they come in 10x10 and 12x12 sizes for the bride and groom, parents have their own 8x8 size, and there's even an adorable 4x4 pocket/purse size! I can't say more, you just have to see it for yourself!

Simple, classic, clean, beautiful.

Beautifully wrapped corners and thick pages

The binding allows it to lay flat while open so pictures can spread across the pages without a gap!

The leather cover is beautiful and will stay that way when stored in the stylish protective dust-cover

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Pennsylvania Just Because | Cousins

2010-09-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

"28? 29?...she's not even near 30!...oh wait, I did guess 29..."

Because my mom is the youngest child in her family with a 15 year age gap between she and her oldest sibling, there is a definite age gap between me and my cousins. They're all "growed up" and married with children and seriously, some of the best people I know!

I love my cousins. The only sad thing about living in California is that I am half the country away from the nearest ones. So when two years are past and we meet again, a highlight is having the second cousins guess my age. As you can tell, they were a bit off, but that just made it all the more fun! Between the wiener roast, hike to the falls, sleepover, bbqs, hair cuts, big hugs, atv rides, and pictures, I think we made the most of our short time together!

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A Wedding Workshop From My Bed

2010-08-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

For the past three days, when not traveling in the car, I've been spending my time being sick in bed in various towns and hotels. Thank goodness for creativeLIVE! I've been soaking in Jasmine Star's every tip, taking copious notes, and downloading sessions I wasn't able to watch live...all from my bed. Watching Jasmine shoot a wedding live was a dream come true! It's not too late to join in the fun! Tomorrow is the last day to watch live online for free, and then each session is being posted for download. Through Sunday you can even purchase these downloads at a discount--it's worth every penny! Thanks Jasmine, Chase, live audience, and crew for making this sick bed that much better!

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Homemade Grilled Pizza

2010-08-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

After tweeting last week to say I was making dough for homemade grilled pizza, I'm here to say it was a success! Relatively, that is. For me, meals seem to take a lot longer than the recipe says, but boy was it worth the wait!

These pizzas had flavor like nothing else. I think the basil olive oil and grilling gave it a unique zing. And while the toppings in the book looked yummy, I used what I already had: olives, pineapple, bacon bits, tomatoes, and spinach. The cheeses were random and varied pizza to pizza--mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and fetta--but I think that added to the fun!

This is the pizza dough recipe I used and here are the grilling directions. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!

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Nevada City Just Because | Blount Family

2010-08-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Tears spilled down my face as I viewed my friends' last family pictures. With the passing of their mom, each picture with her took on new meaning. This is why I believe in family portraits.

As for the Blounts, I'm guessing their last official family portrait was over 10 years ago. With a couple of births and a marriage, this session was long overdue!

My goal is to capture them having fun. It's all about bringing back memories not only of that session, but also of real life. Think I got it?

To see the rest of their pictures, click here to view the gallery!

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The Thorns Which Reveal His Face

2010-08-07T23:48:00.000-07:00

I was at 4th grade science camp, and living in the horse barn was a litter of kittens. We didn't expect him to, but when we called my dad at work to ask if we could take one home, by some miracle, he said yes. The kitten we picked was white with big blue eyes. Sapphire was just the name for her. Over the years we made so many memories--good and not as good.

-sleeping on top of our dollhouse and sometimes climbing inside to stick her paws out the windows and catch our fingers
-ramming herself into my parents' window screen and break it to escape outside
-waiting in the garage for my dad to come home so she could slip outside
-after escaping, running to the dirt to roll in it
-snuggling up on my bed in her favorite blanket
-thinking pieces of black paper taped to the wall were bugs and jumping to get them
-rubbing herself against my hair
-laying down and refusing to move when we put her in a harness attached to a leash
-biting my dad on the chin because he tried to pet her when she was mad at another cat
-ignoring the toys we bought her and playing with pipe cleaners and ponytails instead
-scratching Elizabeth
-laying in the middle of my parents' bed like she was the queen
-licking the window screen or my backpack and waking me up
-basking in the sun
-throwing up whenever she got near Fortuna in the beginning
-running to us when she heard us tapping her brush
-the way she commanded respect from Fortuna
-finding her sleeping in the oddest places
-perking up when she heard us open a bag of treats
-meowing when she heard us come home from a vacation
-dashing from room to room
-the sound of her purr in my ear when I rested my head against her side

I write this not so much to share as to remember. While the pain of losing her hurts deeply, it's part of life--my life. That doesn't mean I have to like it, but it also doesn't mean I have to push it to some remote part of my mind. I don't want to forget. The good memories, the bad, the happiness, the grief, and feelings I didn't expect. I hate sadness, I hate death and the pain it brings. Yet it has drawn me closer to Jesus. As Sono Harris wrote, "These trials are simultaneously burdens God gives to keep [us] utterly dependent; and thorns which pin back the veil that hides His face. In a fallen world, they are gifts." While Sono is now seeing Him face to face, I long for the day He comes again as King Jesus and wipes away all sin and sadness!

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Fav Picks: My Other Brain

2010-07-31T22:56:00.000-07:00

Last fall I did something I never thought I'd do. I laid aside my PC laptop and picked up a shiny new MacBook Pro. And I'll never go back! Although I have a tendency to become a fangirl, I'm going to try to keep this relationship between me and Apple a little lower key. Yes, they're simpler. Yes, they work better. Yes, they're so much more stylish. Yes, everyone should get one. But that's all.

Now to protect my new brain, I had to choose a laptop case befitting of its excellence. Enter the Shootsac's brother, the Hip Slip. It honestly isn't the best looking bag in the world, but it's comfortable, protects well, and can be dressed up with one of my Shootsac covers. I bought it just to test it out and haven't been able to give it up.

The case that does tempt me though is the BookBook. I absolutely love its look and wouldn't mind it for my birthday, Christmas, or any random Friday. It's so me!

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Yosemite

2010-07-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

Despite the blazing hot weather and swarms of mosquitoes, Yosemite was gorgeous. Green meadows, blue-green streams of water, and mountains with waterfalls gave us just a glimpse into God's beauty.

The path to Cook's Meadow and upper and lower Yosemite Falls.

Upper Yosemite Falls

What else would I carry but my trusty Shootsac! That and my Black Rapid strap go with me everywhere!

Favorite! Sunset over the valley

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Empire Mine Wedding | Suzan & Shane

2010-07-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

"Shane and I aren't nervous at all. We're both just so ready to be married," said Suzan. It's no wonder as their relationship was a long distance one spanning from Grass Valley to Santa Maria, California. And it just seems appropriate that a relationship that began at a random meetup at a wedding should begin anew at another wedding, this time celebrating the two of them. Set in the beautiful gardens of Empire Mine State Park, family and friends gathered to celebrate. Though the distance is something they still have to overcome, and there will be other trials along the way, Suzan and Shane committed to honor, cherish, and love each other--forever. Thanks Michele for inviting me along to shoot with you!

One of the groomsmen gave Shane a special cufflink that represented his heritage.

Suzan and Shane chose a First Look, to see each other before the wedding. Both were so ready to be married!

Love that she chose blue suede heels!

Favorite! Empire Mine is the perfect place for a wedding or bride & groom portraits!

These amazing peonies as well as the other florals were designed by Foothill Flowers.

I usually have a love fest with color, but these just had to black and white! Aren't they a stunning couple?

One of my favorite moments, when the groom sees the bride coming down the aisle...so not diminished by the First Look at all! Shane even had to look away for awhile to regain his composure. ;-)

Finally married!

Christopher's Catering Co began the reception with some delish food while Mountain Event Productions acted as the host and kept the party going late into the night!

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Grass Valley Senior Yearbook | Claire

2010-07-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

She may be a 2011 high school senior, but Claire's an old fashioned girl at heart. A cup of chai and a book of Lord Byron's Poems or a seat at a piano is all she needs to keep her company. And maybe add in a few texts to and from her friends and facebooking from her shiny white Macbook...it's still the twenty-first century!

Claire was visiting from Colorado for her cousin's wedding and we managed to snatch a few cute pictures before she left. I wasn't kidding about the chai and book of poems!

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