Category Archives: Family

The Man I Was Going to Marry!

Posted in Engagements, Family, Personal, Weddings on

I find it ironic that I ended working in the wedding industry as an adult.  When I went in to photography I had visions of shooting for Sports Illustrated, Vanity Fair, and National Geographic traveling the world with my camera and vision.  But as I progressed in my craft I found out that I really loved working with people up close and personal.  Not to just snap them from a distance but to really get to know them, to truly capture them and the moments they hold dear.  Creating beautiful images whether it was a portrait or a stolen moment  for  people has been more rewarding then I ever imagined. I thought I just wanted to be a photographer and found out later that I love telling stories with my images.

Now that I look back at my beginnings it only makes sense and somewhat like my destiny.  Being the youngest of 6 and much younger then the previous 5, some of my earliest memories our weddings.  By the time I was eleven I had on my resume flower girl 2 times, junior bridesmaid, and maid of honor.   At my house getting married was the hot topic for years.

Right after the holidays this year I had a personal project that I just wanted to finish. It was one of the things that just kept gnawing at me so I put a hold on everything til it was done.  I have a huge armoir full of scrapebooking supplies, photos, and keepsakes.  All I wanted to do was get it organized.  Seemed like a simple enough task that lasted over a week.  It sounds like a lot of work which it was (hence the lack of blog post)  but it took me on a magical journey of reflection and the realization of why photos and cards are so precious to me.

Several things grabbed my attention from my own wedding photos, my kids babies pictures, and misc photos of good times. But, two of my favorite things that I discovered during my renovation of the closet were a birthday card and the photo posted in this blog. It was an old birthday card that my father had sent me, in fact it was the last one he gave me before he died. What was so coincidental  that I found it and read it days after my  birthday. What a smile it brought to my face. Second, was this photo of Jack.  Yes I know I know his name was Jack and I was determined I was going to marry him.  I was all of five and I laugh because his wife is sitting to the left of him in the photo.  He gave me that dog for my birthday and it was one of my most prized possessions.  But by the age of 5 I was looking for a husband because that is just what people did in my family.  Weddings were a way of life and still are in the Johns clan.  So before I even knew it weddings were a part of me, capturing memories ingrained.

So after I found this photo how could I not go get my wedding pictures and look over them.  I’ve been happily married to a wonderful man for over 15  years.  These photos are some of my most precious things on the planet. One of my favorite photos of our day isn’t of my husband and me but one of my husband, my dad, and his dad sitting at the end of the reception with their ties off just sitting and talking-it’s priceless.  So thankful that someone was there to tell my story.  Since those photos were taken on that beautiful day my grandfather, dad, and a nephew have all passed away.  Yes, we’ve added new members to the family and it keeps growing as more marriages happen (And yes I’m usually the photographer).  But I can’t help but cherish the treasures I found in that armoir.

You might believe this last statement might be because I am a photographer- It’s not.  I believe it because I’m a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and a sentimental and romantic fool .  Treasure your photos because in years to come they help relive so many wonderful things. Get them off your computers! Put them in frames, books, or boxes.  But have hard copies of them somewhere for you to touch and to come across once in a while. (especially if your computer or drive crashes :) )  On special days make sure you have someone that can tell your story, capture your moments, and give you treasures to hold on too.  Anyone can take a photo but how many people can tell a story with that photo and capture it beautifully?

Its all All put together Martha Stewart like.  Labels and boxes for everyone.

A dog named Burger and his family portrait session

Posted in Baby/Maternity, Family on

About three years ago I photographed a young couple’s engagement session up at Chrissy field in San Francisco.  It was a beautiful day and as we spent time together I learned about their desire to get a dog but it just wasn’t the right time. In fact, we even photographed them with some random dogs for fun and laughed about it over the years.  Last year, I received a Christmas card from Lauren and Brendan and when I opened it I laughed out loud-really.  They had gotten their dog and the handsome boys name was “Burger”.  It was perfect and I couldn’t wait to finally meet him.  When I called to tell them thank you and that the card brought me a big smile,  I learned that they would also be having another addition to the family.   So a year later, I got to photograph Burger with his mom and dad at the same beach, but a bigger bonus was to photograph gorgeous little Liam.  I was so happy to be able to start documenting this new chapter in their lives and looking forward to document all the changes coming their way.

Family Fun Fall Portraits | Brian, Tracy, and Ben

Posted in Family, Kids | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , on

I’ve mentioned it numerous time but I love being able to watch and photograph my previous bride and grooms growing families. It is so fun to see how everything changes from two in love to watching that love grow for another little person.  I enjoyed so much spending time with little Ben.  He was so close to walking that I wanted to capture it for them.  I bet just in the couple of weeks since we’ve done these photos he’s off and running.  Most babies give us about 20 minutes and he did great as he played with mom and dad and was just fascinated with the world around him at one of the local parks.  He really liked the big red bridge!  Congrats to Brian and Tracy on such a cute little guy.

Guiliana is one! | Baby’s first year

Posted in Baby/Maternity, Family, Kids | Tagged , , , , , , , , , on

Whether you call her Guiliana, Gigi, Gia, or baby girl, the fact is you have to call her adorable.  I had such a great time getting to know little Miss Gia for her one year old photo.  I’ve had the opportunity to photograph her mommy and daddy over the years and had the privilege of meeting her for her 3 month photo session.  She has grown so much in size and personality.  I loved her personalized outfit that her mommy found on etsy.com and that she knew how to use it.  We had a great hour or so in downtown San Jose and the children’s museum made for the perfect backdrop.  I’m not sure if I laughed more or if I photographed more but she was a delight!  Plus, she was the first one to help us with our operation smile campaign.  Her smile is helping another child recieve a smile.  To find out more on how you can help a child smile click here.

If you want to see her 3 month session you can view it by clicking here.

And of course a couple with her wonderful parents.  I love these guys two of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

Jack and Drew the Dynamic Duo| A Children’s Photo Session

Posted in Family, Kids, Personal, Uncategorized on

Jack and Drew are the superhero addicts in the family hence the tattoos.  Do you know what?  Tattoos and little boys go hand in hand, I should know because of my own two.  These two are brothers but are different in so many ways.  Jack,  I think is a little more cautious and likes to think things over.  He is also a non-stop talker, like his mom at this age,  and will ask every question he can possibly imagine.  Drew, also known as “Tank” is the daredevil of the two.  He saw brother up in the tree and had to do it to.  But with him you had to watch real carefully because he would of jumped of it if you weren’t looking.  Like most boys they have a love for trucks and superheros which I can totally relate too because my little guys were the same way.  Well, we finally were able to finish this shoot.  It only took about 4 adults, 2 kids, and promise to get some Blue Moon ice cream as soon as we were done.  Not bad for a few minutes in Grandpa’s yard.