Weddings? Yes, please...

Many moons ago I helped out a friend of mine shooting a wedding. When I say many moons ago, I'm talking pre-husband, pre-children, still able to rock a strapless dress. At that time I had no equipment, but was willing and ready to learn. I learned weddings fly by when you're trying to capture all of those amazing moments. They can be a stressful, and you definitely break a sweat-  but I do love a good wedding...

I had so much fun; probably cause I was rocking a strapless dress and no equipment. No matter- I knew I loved it. Mind you, since then I've kind of hesitated at shooting weddings. I've always wanted to do it, but also feel I needed to be more prepared mentally, equipment wise, and have more experience in order to do it justice. Weddings are major and it matters to me.

Recently I had an amazing opportunity to second shoot a wedding with the extremely talented Teri Kramer of tarte :: photography. I was thrilled to be there, to capture such an amazing day. The couple was married at a beautiful church in Montecito, CA, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.
The venue was gorgeous. Directly after the ceremony we drove to a private estate in Santa Barbara to take more photos. I had an amazing day, with an amazing couple, and an amazing partner. (Did I mention it was totally amazing!?!)

I've been waiting to share the photos with you all. Wanted to make sure the bride and groom got them first. :) I'm only sharing photos I've taken and edited. Miss Teri has another batch of deliciousness herself!
Next wedding in September...can't wait!

 

Finding time...

If you're anything like me, you struggle to find the time for...well...anything.

First and foremost I'm a stay at home mom. I'm blessed to be able to do this. Truly. My generous husband makes this happen. He's such a hard worker. Secondly I'm a photographer. And I love it. It matters to me. It's been a dream of mine for so long. I studied Sociology and Women's Studies at UCLA (graduated with honors ahem, ahem). A professor once asked us what our dream jobs were. Immediately I replied "photographer". It surprised me, but I knew it was the truth rising to the surface. But I digress....

I'm currently living my dreams, and yet I struggle to find time to really immerse myself in either. Balance is a struggle, but I keep working at it daily. My kids occupy my day and my working hours are typically 9 PM to 1 AM. Sleep is definitely a luxury. Nap times and school days are added bonuses.

I'm currently in my pajamas, as are both my littles. My 1 year old is napping and Mustard Pancakes is occupying my 4 year old. Yes. I'm using the T.V. to get this done. I am surrounded by clean and folded laundry (can someone please put it away for me?), little people toys, and my portable office (currently a pile of things to get done on top of my kids toy box they do not have access to-don't feel sorry for them, remember the little people). And honestly, it's probably worse than it sounds. My brother recently asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I replied "a nanny", he laughed. I'm not sure why...

Every day I wake up with a plan to really make some progress, and every day I fall short. But I'm happy, my kids are happy, my husband is happy. I hope to blog more consistently, to share a bit more of myself, and my life. I hope to be a better mom and wife, to keep a cleaner home, I hope to learn more about my craft each day. I just need to find the time....

And now for a glimpse of time I found a few weeks back to take some photos of my girls. This is behind the Chumash Indian Museum in Thousand Oaks. It was fast, messy, and slightly chaotic, but we got it done. And I looked like a mule with everything I brought.

Christening...

I really am grateful every time I'm asked to photograph a special event. It was an honor to capture this special and very intimate christening. It took place at the Tuscan Villa in Simi Valley. (I would love to link it but can't locate a site for it- let me know if you can!) They rented the house and invited 15 of their closest friends and family. It made it so meaningful and I was honored to be there...