Tuesday, November 29, 2016

The O'Donnells | Orange County Family Session

Lyndsey has been such a support of my business and purchased multiple sessions for people in her life. Finally it was her turn! Lyndsey and Doyle just had their first baby and Dahlia is the sweetest. It was so fun to capture this special season for them (Oh, and Grandma and Grandpa, too!).

Happy 5 years, new baby and fun Christmas time, O'Donnells!














Monday, November 28, 2016

#MarriageMonday: Today we fought over the...

... Trash Can Lid.


Yup. That was most of our morning (As I wrote this the other day). A fight over the trash can lid. You're probably thinking, "How do you fight over that?" Well, you really don't. It seems that way, but it's actually about something else.

What did we really fight over? Being hurt.

Charles was so kindly making eggs for us. I was kindly removing laundry from the dryer and placing our kitchen rug back where it belongs. Go us. However, these efforts collided. I closed the trash can lid (so that I could get the rug from behind it) and he was mid effort to throw away egg shells. We were both tried and grumpy. We're both dealing some hurt in our lives (past and present) and they aligned just right. He felt like I chose to get in his way and disrupt his effort. He made a grouchy comment (which is usually my game) and I felt like he didn't appreciate my laundry efforts.

What we were really saying, "I am hurt, reacted poorly and need some extra love today".

But you know, it wasn't that simple today. And we were mad at each other. And it wasn't fun. It's really about the worst way to start the day but I am grateful we resolved it before parting ways.

I needed to hear the core of what he was saying (without directly saying it) and he needed to hear mine. It wasn't really about he trash can lid. I lean towards logical but I had to turn that off and hear his heart, what's really going on. And in that space we offer grace for each other.

This morning, in the kitchen, extra grace was needed.

Where do you need extra grace?
Where can you give extra grace?

Sometimes all it takes is expressing what we really need. And sometimes that is hard.
But that is worth it.

Deep breath, y'all. Exhale grace. 

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Salcido Family | Mini Session | Fullerton, CA

Sometimes once you follow your client on Instagram you discover you know so many of the same people. Then you have coffee shop run ins around town and appreciate the same local watering hole (Brewery) and it's like you're just meant to be friends!

I loved being able to take The Salcido Families first professional photos together as a couple for their anniversary/maternity session and now a family session with little Gideon in the world!

The Salcido Family










Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Thede Family | Mini Session | Fullerton, CA

From when Connor was an anticipated arrival, to just a few months old last Fall to now!

It's fun to see friends grow their families and to see their little ones grow. Christmas is going to be so fun with this guy running around and exuding joy!

The Thede Family








Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Wright Family | Mini Session | Fullerton, CA

One of my favorite things is repeat clients. I mean of course it's helpful for business, but that is not what I mean. I love getting to know my clients, seeing them over time and capturing seasons in their lives.

I think I've done sessions with this sweet family just about every season of the year and in a variety of locations. It is especially fun to see the kids grow and show off their own spunky personality.

Thanks for letting me share in a bit of your lives, Wright fam!








Monday, November 14, 2016

Acton Family | Mini Session | Fullerton, CA

Family portraits with a puppy? Yes please!

Tina and Caleb are friends of mine and it was so fun to get to capture their family.
Charles and I frequently dog sit little London while they are away so I've decided we're his fill in family. He loves us (even though Charles renamed him Winston).

There were some random loose chickens where we were shooting. This isn't a normal occurrence in Fullerton and London was quite distracted but it made for a fun session! 


Tina, Caleb & London









Thursday, November 3, 2016

Tass Family | Prescott Valley, Arizona

I should go back and count how many session I've done with this family (best friends of mine).

That first kiddo, Ellie, got 6 sessions in her first year of life.
The second kiddo, Tori, well not so many. Oops. That's how it goes, right?
Then there was an engagement session, many family sessions and so much more.

What a joy to finally meet the newest, Ethan, and to capture them again.
It is so fun to watch your best friend since High School thrive as a family and five in their new state/home/life. Not to mention just be together again. We had a weekend filled with reminiscing, laughter, some tears and lots and lots of catching up. 'Cause you can only connect so much on the phone. This was such a sweet, much needed time.

Thanks for going all the way to your beautiful backyard to squeeze in this session, Tass family. I love you guys!