This is the third time I have gotten to have this family behind my lens, and I think I like them more and more each time. Seriously, they are so sweet and just the best to be around. This was a super last minute arrangement (mom reached out to me Saturday and we were shooting that Wednesday) to take advantage of the last of these spring greens. I'm soooo glad we were able to work it out so quickly, as this lovely shade has now turned itself back to brown again. Orange County has so many beautiful places and I am forever thankful to live here. But Orange County in the spring is a whole other level of pretty. And how perfectly to go with this beautiful family, who I will also point out killed it with their outfits! <3
Senior Pics in Laguna
I will totally admit that I was imagining a bit of stiff and awkward male, but this guy totally threw it out the park! I swear he must have been a model in a past life! Not only did he have the posing down, he was as nice as they come, making it such a fun and relaxing evening in Laguna. I'm so happy I was able to capture this special time in his life, as one chapter finds its ends and he embarks on the next one.
We also squeezed in a bit of time for his awesome family, who are as sweet as they come! :-)
Why Weekday Beach Pictures Are Best
We are beach bums through and through. We go when it's hot, cold, winter, summer, empty, crowded. And we've been to them all--or so we thought. By total chance we stumbled upon this gem of Laguna and fell madly love with California all over again.
This was on a weekday evening. We went back the following Sunday and the place was jam packed with people, which would have made these shots I took nearly impossible with all the "photo bombers" which would have filled the background. It's not always easy to make a midweek photo session happen, but when it comes to Orange County beaches, it is always so, so worth it!
C Family in Irvine
'Before I met you, I never knew what it was like to be able to look at someone and smile for no reason at all.'
This family filled my heart with so much joy! We met at one of my favorite spots in Irvine after two days of dreary skies to be greeted with the most glorious golden light! It was as if the earth just knew that all that happiness needed some sunshine to complete it.
And happy is how I would describe my time with them. This little guy melted me with all his sweet smiles. He is so very loved and it comes right back out of him. Soooo many favorites from our time together.
Also, mom's style game was on point!!
Making Memories in Irvine
This family and that field!! We met in Irvine of all places, not more than a quarter mile from all it's concrete glory. But pretended we were far far away, out on our own little "adventure" as these sweet girls called it. And oh how sweet they were! Like melted my heart and caused me to keep my camera out until the darkness finally forced me to put it away. I met this amazing mom a few weeks prior and am just blown away by her--lady boss for sure right here! Such a beautiful family she and her hubby are raising, filled with so much love and happiness. <3
Playing in Newport
It had been a dreary day, just like so many others these winter months have brought to our once forever sunny Orange County towns. But much to our liking, clouds seem to equal empty beaches. And as we have also come to learn, the sun often likes to fight back right along the coast. Just as it did on this breathtaking evening, at our empty Newport beach. It's what I love so very much about the Ocean. That no matter how many times you go, each day brings you a different scene, which cannot be replicated tomorrow. And as much as I love the warmth and happiness of the pure blue skies, I know I will be missing these clouds come summertime, and the wonder they add to that already jaw dropping sea.
1st Birthday in Laguna
Happy first birthday to this sweetest little guy ever! We met at Laguna beach to capture some memories of this precious time and he gave me all happiness to celebrate with. He walked on rocks, ran along the sand, dipped his toes into the icy water, and if my heart had not melted enough already, ended our time with the most content cuddles in the arms of his mom and dad. He is so very loved. And gives this same love right back. <3
And of course we had to sneak in a few of this beautiful Grandma as well. :-)
D Crew in Irvine
A total overshare of pics here, but I just can't help it. This family was just too good, and their moments together all too precious. I've realized that life with kids can never be summed up in a single photograph. From laughing and running to cuddles and yawns, each minute gives us another sweet memory, each one I think worth recording down.
We met in a sea of GREEN right here in Irvine, with all of us in a bit of shock and awe at this compete So Cal rarity. They actually sat down, on the ground, without a blanket--this never happens here! Well, unless one is willing to have hard brown hay stuff poking through your clothing the entire time. ;-)
And because being so cute can be just plain exhausting after awhile. ;-)
Baby Bumping in Laguna
The beautiful unknown and anxious awaiting. One of life's most precious times.
Two of my favorite people are having a baby and I got to capture a small piece of it! The entire week greeted us with cold and rain, but for this evening Laguna decided to open up its sky in breathtaking beauty, as if to shine just on them. Their love and energy comes so naturally and the deep excitement and anticipation they have for this little one is so apparent. Without a doubt this baby will be loved.
J Family at Balboa Island
I met this sweet family shortly after moving to Orange County, and I cannot express how much I love them! Seriously, they don't come any better. And these sisters! Like two peas in a pod. I don't think I ever met two siblings so tight knit at such a young age. They made the evening much too easy on me!
We met at Balboa, a favorite spot of both of ours, for a laid back evening around the Island. And probably one of my favorite sessions to date. :-)
M Family in Laguna
We met on a weekday at one of my favorite beaches in Laguna. There were a million and one steps to get down but oh so worth it. It was like we entered our own semi private beach, with just a few individuals slowly strolling around here and there. And this sweet girl totally owned this place. Full of so much energy, she spent her time on a mission to explore. Of course we threw in lots of cuddles and kisses as well. :-) Such a great family, I loved spending this fun evening with them!
D Family in Laguna
This adorable crew was visiting Laguna all the way from Canada and wanted to capture some memories of their time here. Vanessa and I connect that morning through social media and met in person that evening in Laguna! I love the way we were able to coordinate everything so quickly and how awesome this momma rocked their outfits so last minute as well! And this baby!! I have NEVER met such a happy, easy going little guy. He laughed and babbled and stared in complete contentment at the vast ocean, and I went home and asked my husband if we could have just one more kid. ;-)
P Family in Dana Point
Since this family are beach lovers through and through, we met at the sands of Dana Point to enjoy some fun in the sun. :-) And the love between them kept my heart so full. So much energy and happiness exuded from sis and brother, and mom and dad gave it their 120% making for the most authentic and joyful images. Some of the nicest people you will meet I felt much more like I was taking pics for old friends than some people I had literally just met.
Meeting Baby C
“Making the decision to have a child - it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ” ~Elizabeth Stone
D Family in Irvine
“Before I had kids, I always found it funny how people would talk about their children like they were the cutest things on the planet and how every little thing they did was endlessly fascinating. Now that I’ve had kids, I can say with certainty that, my children really are the cutest things on this planet and every little thing they do is endlessly fascinating…”
― Jennifer Miller
This quote totally made me laugh because I know that in fact, it is my kiddos that are the cutest. ;-) Seriously though, the second group of them I had the pleasure of shooting this month! Like seriously, I just died with all the sweet smiles and content spirits. Such a beautiful family full of so much warmth and happiness, Orange County is definitely lucky to have them in it.
And to start, this first pic was before we "began," while mom was still buttoning his sweater and I was testing the light. And it's one of my favorite captures of the night, because it is just so real life. And because I have a son of my own and know that moments like these are all so fleeting. <3
Introducing Baby William
It's amazing how one so small can make an impact so profound. He takes his first breath and is already more loved than he will ever know. For nothing in life brings them more more happiness than to see that small smirk of a smile, to feel that strong grip around their finger. To smell his skin and know without a doubt it is the greatest scent of life...
I have known this family for about a year now, and everything about them I loved. But I came into their home that morning and it was like this little guy was always meant to be a part of it. Like the missing piece that no one even knew was gone, now made them complete. He is so loved by all of them. I think it's what made him smile over and over again this morning.
