Friday, September 30, 2016

Campo Family | Sunday Family Dinner

I am so excited about this session for a few reasons...
I have known TJ and Sharon since high school and it has been so fun watching their family grow. Sharon has also been such a huge encouragement as I have shared life through my blog and grown my business. Finally, Sharon entered my session giveaway and won! Sharon shares life in such a beautiful way through social media and her blog. I knew this would be special.

Sharon chose to have her session at their weekly family dinner on Sunday nights. For years they have been gathering with siblings at TJ's parents house and this has been a special place throughout their marriage, TJ's time in Afghanistan and learning about life with their son's autism.

TJ's mom is always wanting them to have a family photo taken (which I love). But you know, time goes by and it just doesn't happen. So Sharon knew this would be a special way to include everyone and document such a special gathering for their family.

I got to their house a little early and got to Mary (TJ's Mom) a little. She's lovely. It was evident she so naturally creates a warm and inviting space for the whole family and I felt right at home.

I loved being a little part of this weekly tradition. The kids running free, the grown ups mingled throughout the house and yard. Some time catching the game for the guys, hanging in the yard with a glass of wine for the ladies.

You know what I loved the most? It was simple. No fancy linens, no strict start time, no formal plan. It was family. A gathering to simply be together. I love that.

Thank you, Campo Tribe, for letting me share in your Sunday evening. 


 Sweet Clementine, roaming the yard!

Lilly, in all her spunky personality. She was too fun.  And she had her camera.. love!

Caleb's favorite; swing time with Grandma. He went straight to it and had a blast.

Learning about life from the family dog... It's hot, just tip over and take a drink. 

These two. I love that they already share so many years together as married people and have so much life ahead.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Five moments worth capturing (other than the usual)

I doubt you'd be surprised to read I believe capturing moments experienced in life is super valuable. That includes the usual like: engagement, the wedding day, anniversaries, big birthdays, pregnancy, babies, etc.

But I think sometimes we over glamorize those moments, or more so under value others.

I want to share FIVE moments I think are worth capturing. But it isn't just about having images of these moments. It is about giving value. Some moments are particular to a certain season in life, some are once in a life time and some are a regular part of our everyday. Whatever the case, these aren't just moments, rather pieces of life. And I think preserving them with timeless images is a way to assign value, bring presence and create memories.


There are so many, but here are 5 I think are worth assigning value:
  1. Your new home | Whether it is a college dorm, a new apartment, buying your first home setting up your RV for the road; these new moments are so unique.
  2. Bringing home a new pet | Picking up a puppy from the liter, rescuing for the local shelter or picking one out from the pet store. Bringing home this new family member is so special.
  3. Saturday morning at home | These are often the slow mornings for sleeping in, coffee making, brunch and more. Whatever the routine, these small but valuable moments matter. 
  4. Vacation | Of course vacations are often filled with photos, but are you in them? Are you able to be present on your vacation? Are the in-between moments captured? 
  5. Date Night | What is your favorite thing to do together? Maybe it is your favorite activity, a local cafe, a front yard picnic or a night in. These are cherished moments and the above angle Instagram shot might not be the best way to preserve them. 

There are so many more. What are your favorite moments worth capturing?

Friday, September 23, 2016

Mr. & Mrs. Torres | Coto Valley | Southern California Wedding

Kari & Luis tied the knot!

September 4th, 2016 | A very beautiful and special day after many years of dating.
They met while working at Soccer Town in high school and the rest is history. Now, as fresh newlyweds they are starting their life together with new jobs and a new home in a brand new city (my favorite, Seattle).

I am so excited to see how their journey unfolds.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Torres!

Venue: Coto Valley Country Club | Hair and Make Up: Lauren Mellano | Coordinator: Hammers & Lace | Dessert: Golden Spoon | Dj: Extreme DJ Service 



















Kari's parents surprised her with these custom doors! Such special tears were shed when she drove in and saw these.