Sweet 15; Julianne's Quinceanera

So, I have not posted a THING since I shot the wedding. And that is because iv'e been very busy getting to plan a wedding of my own! But today I had the privilege of shooting this lovely young lady's quinceanera! For those of you who do not know what a quinceanera is, It is a big fifteenth birthday party held for a young lady who is becoming a woman. It is typically in the latino culture. I remember mine like it was yesterday! This special girl...ahem...I mean woman is named Julianne. Her sister, Marina, approached me a couple months ago to shoot her baby sister quince. Marina and I used to play volleyball in high school together, and who was I to let a teammate down?! Of course I just had to do it! The day started out at her home while she was getting ready with all her friends around her, everyone was so ancy to get into their dresses and to just start the day! And what better way to start the day with a surprise limo! Julianne's Godparents had rented her and her court a ride for the day! Lets just say a few happy tears were shed :) We arrived at the church and the service was amazing. The father knew exactly what to say to make these moments special for Julianne. Tears even came to my eyes! After a prayer with her mother and father, Julianne proceeded to exit the church, get back in the limo and head over to a local park to take some pictures. I was so excited to shoot this crowd of good looking people! After the park they headed to the hall where more tears were shed, smiles were put on peoples faces, and everyone danced the night away. I had a great time shooting this quince! It was a beautiful day despite all the rain we had gotten the night before! Julianne you are a beautiful young woman and I hope this day was everything you imagined it would be. Happy Birthday! These were just a few of the MANY shots I absolutely loved!

I just had to throw this one in there! A special moment of a father wiping the tear of his daughter after their prayer! :,)

Tracy&Javvy

Here comes the bride...a tune I no longer heard as just a guest, but as the photographer. Yup, it happened. I shot my first wedding! I'm very pleased with the way these pictures came out for being my first time. (and VERY thankful for the help from a dear friend!) Oh the pressure, stress, time limits, and you have to keep it all under control and make everyone believe you aren't freaking out inside. I couldn't ask for a better wedding to shoot, because it was my friends Javvy and Tracy's! I would have never guessed in 91247914701298 years that I would be the photographer at their wedding. Iv'e known them for about three years now. They were in my youth group with me and its mind blowing to think back the the times i first met them. As i shot their wedding i couldn't hold back the tears. They're so in love and just perfect for each other. If a fist bump after the first kiss doesn't say perfect,I don't know what else does. Congratulations you two, I'm so happy that i got to share these moments with you and i know this is a forever love! 

Fall Photo Shoot, Winter Baby

Here is Liz again, but this time...Surprise! she's pregnant! I have taken pictures of her before, but this time with a bun in the oven! I cant wait to take her hospital pictures, and maker her a mommy book. This is my first maternity shoot and I had a lot of fun. I love making shoots personal. People hire photographers to capture once in a lifetime moments, and its up to us, as photographers, to meet a clients needs and wants. Liz tells me she is very happy with the results, and I can only hope and pray I do so for future mommies! I can't wait to meet Hannah Elizabeth Grimes! and of course take pictures of her! <3 p="p">

Cerritos Engagement ; Anastasia, Vinny, and Emma

I had the pleasure of shooting an engagement session this afternoon. This is Anastasia and Vinny. I have known Anastasia for about a year now, she is an amazing hair dresser who has done my hair and makeup for prom, and a couple of my other friends as well. Her fiancé's name is Vinny, and he was given the task to not only win over Anastasia's heart, but her daughter's, Emma, as well. I had a blast shooting these three! They are a beautiful couple, and make a beautiful family together. I wish them nothing but the best in the years to come, and I hope they have a blessed marriage that will last them a lifetime! 

Shannon and Kristin: Another day at the Asylum

This is Shannon and Kristin, a beautiful mother and daughter duo whom I've known for about three years now. We have been talking about taking pictures for a very long time and we finally got our chance! Shannon said she knew a really cool spot, the abandoned Downey Asylum. The light was against us but from what we had to work with I got some amazing shots of these two gorgeous ladies!