It was a joy capturing the Fong family and I cannot wait for our next session together.  Congratulations again on your beautiful girl, Andy and Amy!  Emi is going to love having play dates with Madeline!

After the crazy wind in South Pasadena, it left piles of leaves in the park.  However, Kaitlyn had a blast tossing them in the air with her daddy!

After setting up everything, Maile and I were able to chat and we discussed getting together for a morning where I could come into her bakery and take some photos of more goodies, but also the works of a pastry chef.  As a Cordon Bleu pastry chef, you can see the love and attention to detail that Maile puts into her creations.  It was a day filled with cake pops, macarons, cookies, and cakes!  Not only was I able to capture Maile in her element, but also the final products and smell the wonderful scents coming out of the kitchen.

Maile caters for all events – big or small – and loves putting together colorful spreads of pastry delights.  It was so much fun photographing an element of food – I love food! – and I cannot wait to stop by again to photograph more delectable pastries!

Maile’s Fine Pastries

25o1 Colorado Blvd.

Eagle Rock, CA 90041

Dessert Table Photos from Adriana + Jeff’s Wedding:

I was thrilled to meet Semah when Jennifer came by to introduce her to the English Department.  Even though she was sleeping (She slept through even the loud bell ringing!), I was in love.  I was able to see her grow and change from photos that they shared and also through Mason’s phone and then I saw her again right before the school year ended.  Wow, did she change!  I can definitely see parts of Mason and Jennifer in her and it is truly remarkable how Semah is a just a reflection of the two.  I saw it even more when I photographed her and loved that she had a bubbly personality, smiles galore, and a silliness about her when I would tickle her on the grass as she rolled around.  Seeing Semah roll around from tummy to back while relaxing under the shaded tree made me want to be a kid again!

Jennifer and Mason, you two have a beautiful family.  I love that Breana and William are protective yet playful as the older sister and brother.  Congratulations again on your beautiful Semowie!

Smoke and Mirrors Pole Fitness‘ motto is A reflection of inspiration. Not only do Stacey and Christina inspire a beautiful and intensive workout, but inspiration definitely comes from the students who take the classes as well.  If you need to see what pole fitness is all about or want to aspire to learn more difficult moves, AH is the one who can provide some inspiration.  Floor warm-up?  Piece of cake.  Going straight into the splits without hesitation?  Easy. (I literally said, “Wow!” when AH just did it on the spot.) Moving from trick to trick?  Nothing that AH couldn’t handle.  What was even more amazing?  AH held the moves – for an infinite amount of time! I literally was able to take multiple angles AND switch cameras while AH held the pose on the pole without moving an inch…nor breaking a sweat!  There wasn’t a move AH couldn’t conquer and truly is an inspiration to get on the pole and try these moves!  I can completely see why Stacey and Christina would love having you AH as an instructor.  She has the technique, power, strength, and skills to inspire others.

It was truly a joy photographing you, AH!  You are definitely an inspiration on what can be accomplished through hard work and determination in pole fitness.  P.S. I hope your husband enjoys these photos as a Father’s Day present!

Makeup by Stacey Craven of Smoke and Mirrors Makeup Spa

Hair styled by Nikki of Magnolia Salon

I met Nikki a handful of times (through my friend Julie), but really got to know her better in 2009 when she was in charge of styling all of my bridesmaids’ hair and making sure my hair looked absolutely fantastic on my wedding day.  She did such an awesome job – and worked in such a timely manner – that whenever I meet a bride or hear about someone getting married, I quickly ask if they already have a hairstylist.  Yes.  She’s that good.  And she brings energy, fun, and humor into things so it’s not just a beauty session, but one of babbling, gossip, and like I said, plain fun.

Nikki brings that same energy and fun into her dancing.  Whether it is spinning around the pole, climbing up and doing different tricks and moves, or doing a floor routine, Nikki lets herself go with the music and dances her heart out.  That spunk is already in her, but Stacey and Christina have truly nurtured that side to come out in her classes and it is evident in Nikki’s recap of her sessions on Smoke and Mirrors‘ blog.  They bring out the best in each other and I can only imagine how much fun class is with them!

You look absolutely fantastic, Nikki, and it was a joy to photograph you.  I cannot wait to see you grow as a dancer.  Hopefully the next time there is an open house, you, too, will be performing!

Make-up by Stacey Craven of Smoke and Mirrors Makeup Spa

It was a great afternoon shooting portraits of SS in an amazing Tustin house – roomy indoors and an amazing backyard with waterfalls in the pool and a slide!  I loved the mixture of headshots for her profession, workout poses for her fitness venture, and then just some plain, fun outdoor shots.

Make-up by Stacey Craven of Smoke and Mirrors Makeup Spa

Hair by Robin Dunn

First it was fostering (Adoption is official now!) Zach. Everyone was excited about that and at the time, crossing their fingers that an adoption would take place. And then, in August 2010, everyone in the English Department arrived on that Tuesday to hear the most fantastic news – Liese was expecting twins! If you know the story, then you obviously know how meaningful and important this was at the time. Matt was especially excited because he now saw babies in the future for the English Department and us girls in the department could not be happier for our dear coworker.

Liese stayed with us all the way until December and we celebrated by throwing her a shower prior to her leave.  Seeing the baby girl clothes made her tear up.  And as the months progressed, she kept us up-to-date with her progress and health until she was close to her delivery.  We all knew when she was scheduled for her c-section and during lunch, I remember how Tammy and I kept thinking positively, ready to hear the good news of a safe delivery and healthy arrival of twin girls.   Everything turned out just fine and we soon saw pictures of Chloe and Zoe.

Chloe and Zoe are now two months and I was so thrilled to take photos of them.  They are absolutely adorable and I loved, loved, loved photographing them, especially in their pink little tutus!  I swooned over how angelic they looked in the basket and loved holding onto one of them – she tickled my neck with her tiny hands – while Liese had the other little one bundled around her.  Chloe and Zoe are just too cute and I could not be happier for Liese and her family.

It was lovely meeting the twins and I am so happy the adoption of Zach is official.  Congratulations, Liese and Phil!  I cannot think of two other people who deserve this much joy and happiness in building a family.

A photo of Zach with his sisters.  Already he is an awesome big brother!

Amanda took into consideration every little detail – the hanger which held her wedding gown (which was absolutely adorable!), the flowers and minute rhinestone detail around her bouquet, a picture of Mickey and Minnie with well wishes (She loves Disneyland!), a candy buffet with treats galore (including individual cupcakes that looked divine!), and sparklers for the big send off.  It was a joy photographing these elements, but also every other moment as Amanda and Michael started their new life together.

Congratulations again, Amanda and Michael!  It was wonderful being a part of the entire day and then taking more photos on the Vegas strip with the two you, despite the cold and wee late hours.  It was especially fun afterwards grabbing a pizza at the secret location in Cosmopolitan!  To see the two of you happy at the end of the night definitely shows why you are meant to be.

Check out Amanda and Michael’s fun photo booth pictures.

I loved this moment – Amanda’s anticipation as she rode in the limo, headed to the venue, and anxiously awaiting walking down the aisle to her future husband.

Amanda and Michael were definitely troopers after an early morning and enjoying the night with their guests.  We roamed around Aria, Cosmopolitan, and the strip to get some shots of the lovely couple.

It was the first time meeting Jazmine.  Prior to this, Alleya would send me photos here and there or I would see updated photos online.  So I was definitely excited to meet her – our first session was postponed due to rain – and I could not wait to see the baby girl I heard so much about.  So when I saw her sleeping in the pack-and-play at Nana’s house, my heart just sank with utter happiness for Alleya.  Jazmine is even more adorable in person and looking at an old photo, she looks just like Alleya!

So the only downside to the session?  It was cloudy and drizzling again!  Weather was definitely not on our side, but despite it, I caught some fun family moments and we were able to catch up in the course of the afternoon, which also included dim sum.  Hopefully, the next time, the sun will be out and shining – or at least it won’t be raining.

Alleya and Fouad, you two have a beautiful daughter.  I am happy for the two of you and I cannot wait to see Jazmine again!

We headed off to Huntington Library to take some one year photos of Isabella.  The problem was, it was the hottest day ever this particular Saturday morning.  There was sweat, perhaps a bit of discomfort, and the beautiful polka dot dress was just not cutting it for Isabella.  Cute and stylish, yes.  Warm weather friendly?  No.  I was able to capture a handful, but what really made the day was when Isabella was able to get out of her dress and change into something much more fitting of Spring and play in the water park.  That was when the laughs and excitement of splashing in the fountain came out.

Sometimes photo sessions work.  Sometimes they don’t.  For the most part, I spent a nice afternoon with Melissa and Jason and hanging out with Isabella.  And in the end, that was what mattered.  Luckily, as well, we don’t live far from each other so we’re just going to take photos in the near future at the park  and hopefully, it will be a cooler morning.  However, as for now, Yay! to turning one, Isabella.  I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the years to come.