Heather & Michael | Santa Monica Pier Couple's Session

Heather and Michael are from Atlanta, GA but were staying in Santa Monica for 3 weeks for Michael's work. They wanted to do a photo session so that they could have photos in their house that weren't just from their wedding. For our shoot, it was another beautiful (but busy!) day at Santa Monica Pier. I don't know what it is, but I just love the contrast of a beautiful portrait against the hustle and bustle of the pier. Heather is drop dead gorgeous and I simply loved their outfits, they were the perfect colors for a fun beach pier session. Since I had just done an engagement session at Santa Monica Pier the month before, I wanted to make sure that I got a good variety and was able to change things up a bit. I think I accomplished that while still maintaining the same feel. Hopefully? Right? Maybe?

If you don't live in Southern California, yes, go ahead and be jealous....it really is this warm and beautiful here almost all the time ;)

Jeff & Cherill | Monterey & Carmel Engagement Photographer

I will be photographing Jeff & Cherill's wedding this September in El Dorado Hills, CA. However, when it came to their engagement session, they wanted to vistit one of their favorite places to vacation - Monterey Bay! My dad and step-mom live in the area, so it worked our perfectly. Their session was on the sunny Saturday before Easter. We started off at Fishterman's Warf, then found our way to Carmel-by-the-Sea, and eventually Carmel Beach where the classic Central California fog started to roll in. Having visited the area many, many times myself, it was refreshing to look at everything from a new set of eyes. I realized how beautiful and perfect the entire area is for photography. Monterey and Carmel (and the surrounding areas) are truly some of the most beautiful places in the country, much less the world.

Jeff cracked me up when he made this face!

...that's better.

We are in Carmel-by-the-Sea now

The famous Monterey Cypress trees!

Look at all of the colors - the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea are gorgeous all by themselves.

Carmel Beach

Jeff & Cherill....I can't wait for your wedding! You guys are so great together!

Kelly & Patrick's Engagement Session

This session went flawlessly until I woke up about 8 hours later itching from head to toe. Poor Kelly and I were eaten alive by mosquitos! We noticed them around while we were shooting but personally, I didn't think much of it. I feel so, so bad that I didn't realize how bad it was and that Kelly got so many bites (I counted and I had about 25 just on my arms and shoulders and she said she got about the same). I'm hoping that Patrick's friends don't make fun of him too much after seeing these photos. I hear that in their circle of friends the guys like to tease eachother about their engagement and wedding photos. I totally admit that I tried a really cheesy pose, but it was even too cheesy for me so I'm not going to include it. haha. I think Patrick's friends would have had a hay day with it and I don't want him to go through that ;) The most important thing is that your future wife looks amazing, right Patrick?! (hint: YES!)