My parents tell me that I was pretty mellow as a child.  Maybe they’re just being nice, or have selective memory, but it makes me think about how much our personality shines through even when we’re little tots.  Take Gabriella for instance.  I’ve been taking photos of Gabriella since she was only 6 weeks old and I can tell that when she grows up, she’s going to be just as relaxed and laid-back as she is now.  To me, she’s perfect.  I know a lot of that comes from her amazing parents, but it’s still fun to witness.  She is such a sweetheart.  And yes to all that have commented, she DOES have the cutest collection of flower headbands I have ever seen!  :)

I spent most of my childhood growing up in Walnut Creek and moved back here with Chris about 5 years ago.  I really love this city.  I love how the trees on Main Street are studded with white twinkle lights that glow all year-round.  I love how the creek itself quietly meanders throughout the city, popping up here and there in subtle places.  And I love how every time I venture out, I discover little details that I had never noticed before.  Although the weather was rather chilly and overcast, Chris and I had so much fun wandering around downtown Walnut Creek with Sarah and Mike for their engagement session.  I was amazed at all the secret pathways and uniquely intriguing spaces we ran across.  They’re an incredible couple who are each so wonderful to be around.  We can’t wait to see them again for their big day!

Chris and I aren’t big party people.  Our weeks are so busy that when we finally get some downtime, all we want to do is plop down on the couch and relax.  Whether that means watching a movie or cracking open a bottle of wine and playing a board game, it’s our chance to wind down and spend some “non-work” time together.  (The wine tends to be a backwards step for me when it comes to Scrabble, but that’s beside the point.)  When Lauren and Tony mentioned they wanted some photos of themselves playing board games, a favorite past-time of theirs, we knew we would have a great time with them.  And we did!  We shot their session at a beautiful home in the Malibu hills overlooking the ocean.  And when the sun started to set, we made our way down to El Matador State Beach where Lauren and Tony impressed us by kicking off their shoes and wading into the freezing water.  Now that is dedication!

For whatever reason, I really love thumbing through lingerie catalogues.  I’m not sure why, but it reminds me of Paris.  The soft silks, the delicate lace.  It’s not even that I’m intrigued to buy anything (sorry sweety!), but it really makes me appreciate how feminine and naturally alluring a woman can be.  I feel the same way about boudoir photography.  Getting the opportunity to work with Stachia again is any photographer’s dream come true.  She’s sexy AND smart, and a complete doll.  I hope her special someone loves the images as much as I loved making them.