Who would have thought that nearly 10 years ago when moving my old horse closer to home would not only allow me to spend more time with him, but would also introduce to me to some of the most important people in my life. My life was changed for the better in 2012 and I am so fortunate to call this entire family a friend for life.
When I tell you 90% of my business is repeat clients - it’s true. I get maybe a handful of new clients each year, but every year, my calendar stays full during the fall because of all my returning clients. I LOVE this community we’ve built over these last 5 and a half years. My heart swells when I think about just how amazing each and every one of you are.
I met Carrie and her family last year for their sweet son’s first birthday cake smash. I was in love with Johnnie & Luke within minutes of meeting them and seeing how much they’ve grown since last year just warms my heart. I was so excited when Carrie told me she and her husband were wanting to be in a few photos as well this year because everyone deserves that one beautiful family photo for their wall or mantle. If you know me, you KNOW you get way more than one good photo. Sometimes the amount of photos overwhelms me, so I often wonder what my clients think of it lol! Also, can we talk about this gorgeous location?! Giving us all the fall feels even on 80 degree days.
October 9th, 2021 has come and gone and taken a piece of my heart with it. You see, I met Brittney when we were in high school. We showed horses on the Arabian circuit religiously every month and she was always one of my favorite people to talk to. As we got older and life got in the way of showing, we were able to keep in touch by the power of MySpace (did I just date myself there?).
Many, many years later, Brittney reached out to me shortly after I had opened my photography business and wanted me to be the one to capture her vet school announcement. Talk about an honor! Of course, seeing her and her mom at the shoot was like no time had passed and when she said “you’ll photograph my wedding one day!” I took it as a compliment, but didn’t put much stock in to it.
How wrong was I?! It was truly incredible to be the one to capture Brittney and Alex’s wedding day. It was nothing short of perfect at the most beautiful venue in Murrieta, Monteleone Meadows, and even had a flower/beer man instead of a flower girl! The single best thing I’ve seen at a wedding, ever, and I’ve been to plenty of them lol.
Here is a sneak peek of their wedding day!
I’ll never forget the first time Tasha hired me to do their family photos 3 years ago. We had carefully planned out every detail, only for the Santa Ana winds to completely destroy said plans. It was WILD that day, so wild that we almost canceled before the idea of shooting at In-N-Out came about. That was when I fell in love with them, they were so down and those are still some of my favorite images. Now, 3 years later, I’ve gotten to watch these darling girls grow and Tasha has become more than just a client to me. Her poor husband is always such an angel with all of my weird prompts and ideas. This year’s session is even more special because we went to a different location this time and the vibes were *immaculate.* The rain held off long enough to give us a moody vibe and I just die! Typically, Tasha sews the girls’ outfits, but this year she went a different direction and thrifted them. She DID however sew her skirt and I swear to you, she was made for the Farmer’s Market in that outfit. The only thing missing is a wicker basket!
I love it when I get to see my wedding couples after the wedding! I shot Kristen and Jesse’s wedding back in February and we’re already shooting their Christmas card photos! Can you believe it’s that time of year already? The answer was obvious when Kristen asked if they could include their dogs again. Lola and Penny are just the sweetest and so well-behaved. Even with all the distractions of shooting at Dos Lagos, in Corona, they were SO good.
I’d love to introduce you to some of the most special people in my life. I’ve known Erin for nearly 20 years. Don’t ask me how that’s possible, but it is. We met while working on a local horse ranch and ever since she has become one of my very best friends. She and her husband were married in 2011 with a beautiful wedding and it has been such a blessing to be able to watch their marriage and family grow over the last 10 years. When Erin and I were talking one day back in the beginning of the year about their plans for such a milestone anniversary, she mentioned wanting to do a vow renewal with photos and all. I JUMPED at the chance to see her again. You see, they moved to Indiana in late 2018 and I hadn’t seen them since. All the planning and flying was worth it when you see just how gorgeous they are!
When I tell you I love what I do… I mean it. I get to be a part of some pretty spectacular events in my client’s lives. Whether or not, they like it, they become my family.
I met Justine a few years ago when we were both working at Chili’s. She was one of my favorite people there and when she first hired me last year for her son’s 6 month & 1 year old photos, I was thrilled. Now, over a year later, her sweet boy is turning 2 next month! She has also been doing amazing work on her health and is looking absolutely amazing, so of course I forced her to do a few photos alone.
I don’t talk about it much, but I still get nervous before sessions. Doesn’t matter that nearly 6 years have gone by since I started my business, the butterflies still make an appearance. The butterflies were strong with this session, because this beautiful couple found me on Google of all places! Most of my clients come from referrals or Instagram, so this was a first for my little business!
Fairmount Park in Riverside can be a tricky spot for photos as the water can reflect too much light from the sun. I’m not sure how, but we went at just the right time, because this is the dreamiest light I’ve ever seen!
Congratulations on your new little girl, Page family!
Fall family sessions are in full swing! …even if we haven’t officially changed seasons yet lol!
I remember the first time I met the Neeley family and I was STUNNED by how gorgeous this family is. I’m sure I drive them nuts with this, but I swear they need to be in a magazine or a catalog at the very least! It has been so much to watch the boys grow over the last 3 years. I’m willing to bet by next year McClain will be taller than his dad.
Take a scroll to see this year’s photos and let me know what you think!
If you follow me on Instagram, I’ve posted my trips to the local chiropractor quite a few times. While I realize that going to the chiropractor may not be for everyone, I can personally tell you that my body is grateful for finding the right doctor. That’s the hardest part of life, I think, finding the right fit for whatever your needs may be.
When you walk into Dr. Zak’s office here in Grand Terrace, Adrienne greets you with her warm smile and her great patient hospitality. Waiting around isn’t a thing at this office and you’re quickly taken into a room to begin your treatment with a heating pad to loosen everything up. Dr. Zak’s energy and love for his job are infectious as he enters the room. I’ve never met a doctor, much less anyone else, who loves what they do as much as he does. As a photographer, I have to put myself into some strange positions in order to get “the shot” and as a result, it has lead to some lingering back and neck pain. Plus, hearing all the different cracks and pops is fun and feels really good. Another thing that has helped immensely is the laser treatment we recently started on my ankle. I’ve struggled with it for years since I was a kid from an old horseback riding injury and I feel like it’s a brand new ankle after only a few appointments.
When updating his website photos was discussed, I was nervous because this type of shoot is well outside my realm of comfort. My usual style involves movement, the outdoors, and many other factors. I’m stubborn, though, and rarely turn down a challenge. I’m thrilled with the results so far and excited to share a few of my personal favorites.
Do yourself a favor and contact them today for an appointment. You won’t regret it!
MY FIRST BLOG IN YEARS! WHAT
As much as I like to write and Lord knows I’m wordy on my Instagram stories, this isn’t going to be anything other than my newest way of sharing teaser photos for my clients. I’ve ran polls, talked with people, and blogs are so ..2012.
Megan is a local event specialist and bad ass florist, and when she put out a post needing new family photos done, I knew I had to be the One for her. I adore her and quickly fell in love with her entire family during their session. I’ll never take for granted that my clients had a lot of photographers to pick from and they picked me.
New for 2021!
Check back periodically for updates.