Last year my friend Katy asked if I wanted to make pumpkin tutus with her for our daughters. I had no idea how to sew a button, let alone sew an entire tutu and craft an adorable outfit; however, with Katy’s guidance, I assembled a cute little pumpkin outfit for my daughter, Alexandra. We took our eight-month-old girls the the pumpkin patch and did a little photo session. I was quite proud of our endeavor and thrilled with the photos.

This year, we decided to continue the tradition and readied our girls for Christmas! We cheated a little and knotted our tutus, rather than sew them but in my opinion, they turned out even better. Our girls our just around the corner from two years old and have grown to just love an adore each other.

Twenty years ago I graduated from eighth grade, with Melissa Stone, at St. Jude the Apostle in Westlake Village; today, I photographed her little sister Kelly’s family, including, her boyfriend Jonathan and 9 week old Ava Melissa. It was very special to me that I was asked to capture their growing family and even more special that a portion of the session fee will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in memory of Kelly’s sister and my classmate, Melissa.

On December 3rd, 2005 I photographed Becca and Eric’s wedding. On December 3rd, 2011 I had the amazing opportunity to photograph the entire Fitzpatrick Family, little Jeremiah included. It makes my heart feel so full to have the opportunity to be  a part of such important and amazing life milestones. Yesterday Eric left for Illinois to start boot camp for the U.S. Navy, which makes my photo session with “the Fitzes” extra special. I was chosen to capture the entire family together before Eric embarked on his new adventure and for that I will always feel honored and grateful.

Jill and Bob decided to do their engagement session at the Santa Monica Pier, which offers a variety of textures and colors well beyond the Ferris wheel. The surrounding neighborhood, under the pier and the beach are also amazing and fun spots to capture images full of color and contrast.

Nicole decided to do a boudoir session as a wedding gift for her husband-to-be. With her support team of her cousin and amazing make-up artist, Astrid Gonzalez, she felt totally at ease and confident – which showed in her pictures. Most girls opt to do Boudoir Shoots in the comfort of the own home or at a local hotel for a unique back drop.

Having grown up in West L.A. and the Conejo Valley and not straying too far, I have developed amazing friendships and relationships over the years. Many of my “clients” are old friends, friends of friends and acquaintances that have become wonderful friends. Although Los Angeles is quite large in populations, it’s actually quite small when it comes to people you know.

Since working with Floral Fields at Jenn’s wedding, our paths have crossed numerous times, and I always seemed to be amazed by her beautiful floral creations.

Paul and Carrie started their day at the London Hotel traveled to Blessed Sacrament for their ceremony and finished their evening at the gorgeous Taglyan Cultural Center. It was an amazing, event filled day with so many great photo ops. The ceiling at Taglyan, itself, could be photographed for hours, so we made sure to incorporate it into many of our reception photos.

Carrie and Paul have been together for about a decade and it’s so special to see, after all of this time, so much love and tenderness between them… again, this is why I do what I do!

Additional photos on Facebook

Mildred and Yaw are from Ghana, which I find totally fascinating! Did you know that Ghana was listed as the world’s fastest growing economy in 2011? One thing that I find exceptionally cool about what I do, is that I meet people from so many different places who practice religions and cultural traditions that are different from my own and eat foods that I have yet to experience. In addition to celebrating happy occasions, I learn about these special traditions and as a history buff and a food love, I love it!

The Adu’s wedding was very Western but they did weave in some great African inspired food, lots of dancing and some traditional African garb. Dream Wedding is set up really nicely for weddings of any kind, despite being located in Korea Town. The bridal suite is nice and spacious and well lit and the lighting set-up in the main ballroom/dining room has a totally modern feel to any event. Appointments and details round out the venue and give it a personal touch.

This is my darling Alexandra at 17 months. Up until about one years old, she was quite easy to photograph. She hammed it up for the camera, smiled constantly and always gave me these funny expressions. Now she is almost a year and a half and can’t sit still to save her life! I don’t blame her… she’s got a whole world to explore.

My philosophy, now, is to let her explore and capture her in motion. Most of our lives we are forced to sit still, so why not use our kids as an excuse to get up and run around after them. The pictures end up that much for fun anyway.

Hartley Botanica is one of the most incredible locations that we have ever photographed. Aside from its incredible beauty, it is actually designed with events in mind; layout, aesthetics, lighting, space and design are all taken into account and perfectly planned. I have to admit that I am bit partial to events and shoots that incorporate the amazing environment that California has to offer but I definitely think Hartley is a true exception!

Manhattan Beach
- Shade Hotel (http://www.shadehotel.com/weddings.php): modern, beautiful boutique hotel with amazing food – not on the water but a few blocks away
- Verandas (http://www.verandasmb.com/default.aspx): A few blocks from the beach, has a great outdoor ceremony area, and a really nice upstairs lounge area.

Marina del Rey
- Cafe del Rey( http://cafedelreymarina.com/): For really small, intimate weddings. Food and service is amazing and it’s right on the marina. Weddings are held in the Regatta Room.
- Vu at the Jamaica Bay Inn – remodeled boutique hotel (http://www.jamaicabayinn.com/dining.php):The remodel is great. It is one of the few LA spots where you can have an on-the-beach ceremony.
- Ritz Carlton, Marina del Rey (http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/MarinadelRey/Default.htm)
- Marriott, Marina del Rey (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/laxmb-marina-del-rey-marriott/): They host rooftop ceremonies, which some people like.
Big hotel weddings are all great but kind of all the same unless you spend a ton of money on extras. Both Vu and Marriott are next to Mother’s Beach but it is not the most picturesque beach in So. Cal.

Santa Monica
- Shutters Hotel (http://www.shuttersonthebeach.com/): Ceremonies are done on the deck overlooking the beach, however, the deck is next to the pool. The service, food and atmosphere is great and it’s one of the best hotels in SM.
- Casa del Mar Hotel (http://www.hotelcasadelmar.com/): Same owners as Shutters. It’s beautiful just more formal and elaborate. Ceremonies are not held outside, as far as I know, but portraits can be done on the sand.

Pacific Palisades
- Bel Air Bay Club (http://www.belairbayclub.com/los-angeles-beach-wedding): AMAZING views and setting. Ceremonies are held on the lawn, which is on the cliffs above the Pacific. Service and food is great. The main banquet room also has amazing views of the ocean.

Malibu
- Dukes (http://www.dukesmalibu.com/): On the beach but ceremonies are held indoors, it’s rich with dark wood where the ceremony and reception are held.
- Adamson House (http://www.adamsonhouse.org/): I have never shot here but it’s a beautiful place and right on the beach.
- Sunset Restaurant (http://www.thesunsetrestaurant.com/):  One of my favorites because you can get married on the beach, the setting is relaxed, not pretentious and the staff and food is great.
- Beaurivage (http://www.beaurivagerestaurant.com/homepage.htm): I have not shot here but it’s a beautiful spot and the food is really good. It’s on PCH in North Malibu.
- Paradise Cove (http://www.paradisecovemalibu.com/eventplanning.htm): I LOVE coming here for lunch but I have never done a wedding here. The food isn’t premier cuisine but the ambiance is pretty awesome.
- Malibu West (http://www.malibuwestbeachclub.com/): Really north Malibu. Ceremonies are done on a deck overlooking the beach. It’s a great, light airy place.

Coastal Canyon Weddings
Inn of the 7th Ray, Topanga Canyon (http://www.innoftheseventhray.com/): The setting and food are amazing.
Mermaid Mountain, Topanga (http://www.themountainmermaid.com/): AMAZING setting, Gorgeous and rustic.
Calamigos Ranch, Malibu Canyon (http://www.calamigosranch.com/): Gorgeous and rustic
Saddle Peak Lodge, Malibu Cyn (http://www.saddlepeaklodge.com/): Beautiful and totally old school rustic. Michelin rated. Weddings are held on a beautiful brick terrace.