I love engagement sessions and getting to know the couple.  It is always so much fun and I always learn so much about them.  The boardwalk is where Kelly and Manny had their first date and i he proposed to her close by.  They were such troopers braving the water and quite a risk taker with a white dress.  I’m glad we brought towels and a change of clothes.  I love some of the stuff we got from their session.  You can see more of their session by clicking here.

Taralynn and Kevan had a beautiful day to exchange their vows at the Santa Clara Mission. This wedding was just classic but full of fun and surprises. How gorgeous does Taralynn look? She’s stepped out of a classic 1940′s movie, very glamorous. They arrived at Kohl’s Mansion in a horse and carriage and that was only one of the many attractions at the wedding. Besides just beautiful flowers and lighting to create a fantastic atmosphere they had an ice luge where the drinks poured through the ice. They also had dragon dancers and one of the most entertaining and original dj’s I’ve ever seen. One of my favorite photos from their wedding is of the first dance. It looks like they just stepped out of a Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers’ film. All of this wouldn’t of run so smoothly without the great coordinating of Kristina Taheri. She was awesome to work with. To see more of their pictures scroll down or click here.

Here’s a list of some of her great vendors:

Kristina Taheri Special Events

Flower Divas

Fancy Wheelin’ John

Enhanced Lighting

Lion Dancers

Last night we had our monthly PUG (photographers) group at fellow photographer Chyna Darner’s house.  We had a great time and we were able to visit with David Luebke of Couture Books. This is a great new album line that is out and that we will be carrying at the gallery.  We were so excited to see all the new designs, swatches, and sizes.  I can’t wait to get going on my samples to show you all.  As soon as I get the picture of Dave and I I’ll get it posted.  I’ve known Dave for years.  He use to be my rep at pictage. It was great having him up here to hang out.

Ok so here he is in Michigan. He kept wanting me to take pictures of him everywhere we went. I had to remind him I was on vacation. I really had to draw the line when we finished the sunflower photo. After that picture I had to go to emergency care and get a tetnus shot. A rusty barb wire fence attached me. I wasn’t very happy. But one positive thing out of this is that Flamingo really enjoyed kayaking and it gave me some peace and quiet while we were on the beach. The shocker was he took some time off from the ladies.

In keeping with the update from Michigan here is a little 5 minute mini shoot I did of my best friend’s daughter. I just love her polka dot dress and her sassy posing. She was a ham. Go Darielle Go!

When your the youngest of 6 and we’ve produced 17 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren a family picture is a huge event.  Here we all are at our favorite place in the world Young State Park in Boyne City, Michigan.  We’ve been coming to this park for almost 30 years or more.   So now you all know why I ask how large is your family when we talk about portraits and how much time will we need.  This takes us about 6 months to arrange.  Only two people couldn’t make it back for the photo this year.  We do this photograph about every 8 years seems to be the pattern and it is amazing to see how it changes as our lives go on.  Did anyone see how flamingo snuck in?  Can you find him?

The old saying goes is “That it takes a village to raise a child.” I also feel like this applies to the entire process from start to finish of any photo session no matter if it is a children’s session or a full on wedding day. That is why I am so excited to announce the merge of my business with Tanja Lippert Photographers and the opening of our new boutique and storefront in downtown Los Gatos. Today we opened the doors of Artique on 33 E Main Street in Los Gatos and it is amazing how many people have already walked in the doors. I am so blessed to have become a member of such an amazing team that I think will revolutionize the path of the photography business. We have such a diverse melting pot of personalities, talent and creativity the options seem endless. One of the things that I’m most ecstatic about is that each of us has our own specialty in the process from beginning to end and that the client will get the best of everyone instead of just the good of one person. Team members range from customer service, marketing, styling and make up, photography, assisting, album and product design, to technical support and so on. Overall, I get to focus on what I love and why I went in to the business, the art of capturing life with my camera. Of course we will be having a Grand Opening some time this fall but in the meantime we are so excited to have you stop by, check out the new product, and to be greeted by Maddy the gallery dog. If you hear a strange noise don’t think we’re haunted, it is probably just Maddy snoring on the couch or in her bed behind the counter.

These photos crack me up. Fiona who I’ve been photographing for years decided that she needed to negotiate her time and her smiles. So, to get our polka dotted princess to participate in the photos this time I told her she could do one funny shot for one smile shot. Unlike the other sessions I’ve done with her this time her mom was looking for more portrait then some of the candid moments I normally capture. I don’t think Fiona was quite prepared but we got what we needed and some shots that show the negotiation process.

This is one of the sweet one she let me capture. I just love it.