Sean + Shannon Engagement (turning back the clock)

I get a kick out of looking through the moments we've been asked to capture a part of someones life. In this case it was looking through our friends Sean and Shannon's engagement photos.

Always up for adventure, we began in Hollywood and took advantage of the subway stations, the walk of fame and parking garages. We wrapped up their engagement session further south in Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano. There is a lot I think of when I look back at these pictures. This was the time that our dream to seriously pursue photography began and on a more sentimental level, I see these photos and can relive all of the memories we have shared with these friends. Sean and Shannon just celebrated their one year wedding anniversary this month, so friends, Happy Belated Anniversary and thank you for giving us so many great memories to look back on!

Trying to avoid trains in San Juan Capistrano.

A Guests' Perspective

Weddings are a big deal. They aren't just a big deal because of how much time, effort, and money that goes into planning one but because of the commitment the couple is making. In today's day and age it's easy to forget what a BIG DEAL the reason for the wedding actually is.

While I have been honored to be asked to capture the big day for a bride and groom, it is also an honor to be asked to be a guest. As a guest, I feel like I am being invited in to witness the commitment and to serve as support to that couple throughout their marriage. I know this is how my wife and I felt when we invited our guests. The reality is every couple will hit bumps in the road and who you have surrounding you, when it happens (not if it happens), is important.

This weekend I was invited to be a witness to my cousin's wedding. It was a peaceful reminder of the reason for weddings. It was a chance to refuel with love and admiration for couples who choose to commit to each other forever. It was a beautiful moment to stand as a witness to my cousin and her now husband and say in my heart that I support them and will be there throughout their marriage.

Perspective in life is the backbone to how we function. I loved having this moment to refresh myself with the perspective of being a guest. Whether I'm working a wedding or attending one I am a witness to one of the most important commitments we can make in this world and it's a blessing to be there in any form!

They Did! ~ Mike & Kelly's Wedding

It's rare that I find myself without my camera and today was no exception. This is what reminds me that I am blessed to do what I love and love what I do.

It was a perfect central coast day that brought the locals and tourists alike out for the 4th of July holiday. My family and I were out with our best friends taking in the ocean air and the day off together when we inadvertently became witnesses to a couple saying their vows beside us on a cliff in Shell Beach. We sat in a gazebo on the cliff playing our game of UNO and dining on our picnic lunch when I had the chance to meet Mike and Kelly. Noticing that they did not have any guests with them except for the pastor and his wife, I offered my photography services to them and they accepted. It was a very impromptu moment for me but a very intentional moment for them and I was honored that they allowed me to peek in on their day together.

Mike and Kelly wanted to get married without the wedding chaos that can often unfold. They told their friends and family that they'd be getting married and would touch base with them when they were back home. True to their word, they kept it focused on their vows and I'm happy to say that Mike and Kelly are Married! Congratulations you guys and thank you for trusting a complete stranger like me to capture this forever moment in your life!

The Ruberto Family Portraits

Family is truly an irreplaceable treasure. No matter how near or far you are or how long or short it's been since you've last spoken, you can never really lose your connection to family.

This past Sunday I met the Ruberto family out at one of my favorite spots, Montana de Oro in Los Osos. We are good friends with one of the Ruberto's daughter's, Valery and her husband Jon. Valery moved out to California from Minnesota eight years ago to attend Cal Poly. Valery ended up falling in love and permanently relocating to the Central Coast and since then it has been a dream of hers that her family would relocate to California one day. Today all but her brother are living right here. In fact, Linda Ruberto has brought her spa services to California and runs Star Brows in Arroyo Grande.This past weekend the family was able to take advantage of the very rare moments of being together. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it!

New business cards

I’ve been meaning to share a little bit of our recent branding design - starting with our new business cards. We are currently thinking up ideas for our new website that will highlight more photos from each amazing event....so stay tuned. And now, without further introduction, I present the card … (relatively) hot off the press: