Awwhhhh YEAH - summer's on it's way!!!

I had to post a fun collage from today.

The weather has been so beautiful this weekend... sunny, warm and gorgeous blue skys. Izzi played in the sprinklers with the neighbors down the street, and at about 3pm... the whole block exploded in screams and hollers:

THE ICE CREAM MAN IS COMING!!!!

THE ICE CREAM MAN IS COMING!!!!

It's funny how little has changed in 30 years from my own memories of the ice cream truck! And it's still fun!

So here are some pics of Noah enjoying a firecracker pop!



Takes ya back huh?!!!!

Summer is just around the corner.... SO FUN!

Katherine & Charles ~ Engagement Session ~ Japanese Tea Garden & Baker Beach

click here to view their slideshow...

The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is where Katherine & Charles went on their FIRST DATE! So cute!

We had so much fun exploring the many beautiful areas within the garden. It was a gorgeous day with sweet afternoon light. Here are some faves from the garden:





Katherine & Charles think they may have a picture from their first date in front of the pagoda - I think we should post it too!!! =)


And the CHERRY BLOSSOMS! Nature's perfect complimentary palette of rich brown and the palest pink, and cherry blossoms are both elegant and artful in their bloom... and so fleeting. I'm glad we caught one this season!


Then off to Baker Beach for some quintessential San Francisco shots!





Katherine & Charles are getting married soon... May 18th at the Embassy Suites in Burlingame. I'm looking forward to photographing their beautiful day! Register on their Pictage site to be notified when their wedding images are released online.

Jade in Vintage

This is a recent pic from a very fun dinner with our very good buddies Matt & Mo & their little girl Jade. Jade and Noah were born just 10 days apart. But when you sit and talk to Jade, you get the sense that her soul has been around for a very long time. I love the way this image captures her wise and thoughtful expression. I'm so looking forward to watching her continue to grow over the years - she's one amazing little girl.

I'm lovin the new vintage actions and borders a la Jinky! Her photographer tools are amazing and so much fun!

Enjoy!

More from Kalindi's session...

Just finished the edits for Kalindi's infant portraits. You can view the slideshow here. And here are a few faves...



I have two children of my own, but I still marvel at the ultimate yoga flexibility of little babies! mmmm.... only a babies toes could possibly taste good! =)



We had such a fun time, but all good things must come to an end. Sometimes an expression says it all. This was my last shot, and I had to laugh at Kalindi's look! It's not easy being beautiful! =)

Stephanie & Tim ~ Engagement Session

I'm finally catching up on some recent engagement sessions!

Stephanie & Tim will be married this June at Saint Dominic's Church in San Francisco, then will head to the Green Room at the War Memorial Building for their reception. Two gorgeous locations, two beautiful people, so in love... it's sure to be an amazing event! As if that weren't enough... Flowergirl is the floral designer for this event (flowergirl of course, is my one and only most amazing & talented sister, Shari!).

Stephanie & Time are so sweet and affectionate with one another. We had such a fun session and found some beautiful light as well... in the trees near the Legion of Honor and also along the beach at Baker Beach. You can view more of their session via their slideshow.

Here are a few faves from the session. Enjoy!

A sneak peek of Kalindi's session!

What a cutiepie is Miss Kalindi!!! I love, love, love her name! So glad we coaxed out some of her cutest gummy smiles!

Here are just 2 quick faves from our session this week!

I'm also trying out a few new Photoshop tricks I learned this weekend from the fabulous Secret Workshop (more on that a bit later... I'm still reeling with awe and information!). Let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Sharon & Matt ~ we will... June 14, 2008!

So fun! I met Sharon and Matt at Stanford just this past month for their e-session. Stanford is old stomping grounds for Matt. He grew up in Palo Alto, and he's confessed that he knows all the best skateboarding spots around campus. =)

I've really enjoyed getting to know these two. They currently live in San Diego, but both families are in the Bay Area, and they'll be tying the knot at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton this June!

I'm so glad that Sharon decided to wear such a beautiful blue sweater to the session. The rain has been brutal this past month, but cloudy skies are always a photographer's friend. And vibrant color is always the beneficiary of an overcast sky! Check out the baby blues on both Sharon & Matt! So pretty! And these two are so sweet and in love, I couldn't help but pick one of the new Jack Johnson songs for their slideshow. Sharon's beautiful smile just demanded it. =)

Congratulations Sharon & Matt! I'm SO excited for June 14th!!!!

Click here to register to see their event when it releases!

Andrea & Gabe ~ Ladera Vineyards

Wow. It has been a busy summer, and I feel so incredibly lucky. I have had the BEST couples, and been able to work at some AMAZING locations. Andrea & Gabe's wedding was no exception. Two of the sweetest, most generous and warm people you'll ever meet, and they are incredibly fun to photograph.

Andrea & Gabe were married at Ladera Vineyards, just north of Sonoma, nestled in the beautiful hills. The wedding was stunningly beautiful, thanks to the help of a gorgeous couple, event planning by Cindy Danbom of Bella Notte Events, amazing floral design by Lush Floral, and incredibly yummy catering by Wine Valley Catering.

I have WAY TOO MANY pictures that I want to share from this wedding... so please watch the slideshow!

Portrait Parties!!!

I just finished editing a portrait party and had to share! What a fun bunch of beautiful children (and mommies too!). And so much personality!

The buzz around the Portrait Parties has really picked up, and so far I have one booked a month until November! I'm really excited to provide this fun and simple option for so many great families. I'll be limiting the parties to no more than 2 a month, so that I can still focus on my regular wedding and portrait clients, so if you are interested, please make sure to give me a buzz soon.

Many of you have also asked to see samples of the parties, so click here to view a sample portrait party slideshow.

Jenese was great to work with, as were all of her friends and kiddies. We were able to set up classic black and cream backgrounds in the house and also had time to head outside for some more candid shots too!

Here are just a few faves from the party: