Danielle + Chad 9.24.2011, Johnson Residence, Ballico, CA. Part 2

I love weddings because they are all so different and unique, fun and full of love. Danielle and Chad have an amazing love story that spans across 8 years from meeting in high school and growing together and getting married on the date of their first date all those years ago, their relationship came full circle. And what a better way to celebrate that than with a wedding!! These two know how to party and have a blast, that's what I love about them and their relationship, it's all about fun, great times with the people they love and enjoying every moment of it all!

The wedding ceremony was beautiful, their family and loved ones by their sides as they exchanged vows and shared their first kiss as husband and wife.

As I began to think about it more, why I love weddings, it's because of the little things that I get to experience throughout the day as I photograph, meet new people and document. I will always remember asking Danielle's dad to come and see his daughter for the first time as a bride before they walk down the aisle together and tears of joy streamed down his face as he kissed her cheek, or as the groom got ready for his big day the family dog, Duke, was lying on the couch watching Chad put on his tuxedo, or when the bride was walking down the aisle and I was by the bridesmaids and they were tearing up as she made her way to Chad, special moments.

Priceless.

I decided to start this post with Danielle's dad, Richard, entering the parlor room to see his daughter before the ceremony. Moments like these make me love what I do and feel blessed to be a part of the biggest day in my wonderful clients lives.

Danielle + Chad 9.24.2011, Johnson Residence, Ballico, CA. Part One

Danielle and Chad are such a fabulous couple, wonderful individuals and so in love. They were married September 24 at a gorgeous private residence in the small country town of Ballico, which is where I grew up and went to school and have known Danielle and her family since I was a little kid.

I spent an entire day with the bride and groom capturing their wedding day, which began at Fontis Salon with Danielle getting her hair done and joining her a bit later at the wedding venue, the Johnson Residence, to finish the bridal preparations.

Danielle and Chad chose a magnificent wedding venue for their big day, I am a huge fan of photographing at private residences because each home is unique and custom to the owners style and taste. This home was a beautiful Neo-Classical design modeled after Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and George Washington's Mt. Vernon homes, it was simple and so gorgeous. Andy, my assistant, and I fell in love with the home and felt like we traveled to the east coast once we walked into the Johnson Residence.

There are so many great pictures to share that I am splitting this blog up into two parts: the bride and groom pre-ceremony portraits and tomorrow I will be featuring the wedding ceremony and reception. Enjoy!

Anita & Analiese, Baker Beach, SF

So excited to share this session! I love San Francisco and the beach and what better way to spend an evening than doing a Mom and daughter session at Baker Beach! Anita is a dear friend of mine, we go way back-all the way to high school, and we get together every year to update her portraits of Analiese. 

I have been photographing Analiese since she was in the womb and it's very special for me to photograph her, to see her growth as a child and watch her become a little person, she is almost in kindergarten! It amazes me how much time has passed and how big she is, she has such a funny personality, sassy and so smart, a lot of energy, loves to play and loves her mommy. Thank you so much Anita for being a fabulous friend over the years and for having me photograph you and Analiese, it truly is an honor and I can't wait for many more years of lifestyle sessions! It's going to be awesome! 

Just one.

I love this image of my niece, Meli, she has incredible eyes.

Nathan, 5 days new

Nathan Joel Gutierrez was born August 21, 2011 at 5:05am and has been such a blessing to his parents, grandparents and extended family. 

I had the pleasure of photographing my great-nephew when he was just 5 days young and it was such a wonderful experience.  It was my first time photographing a 5 day new newborn and I was so excited! He has so much hair and is such a sweet baby, very calm. During our shoot Nathan slept most of the time (as newborns do) and did such a good job, I was a proud aunt! I can't wait to share with you all his growth throughout the first year of his life! 

Enjoy my favorites from our session and to all the Giants fans out there, enjoy the little Giants socks towards the end, his daddy is a huge fan!