Brittany & James

Hello out there!!  Here's another SuperFunFabulousWedding that I had the privilege  of helping photograph.  I was hired by Irina Smirnova,  a super talented, energetic professional advertising, editorial and fashion photographer.  We had an amazing day with the ultra happy couple, and even got down on the dance floor while shooting the reception.  Thank you, Irina, for choosing me as your sidekick.

Miguel G. Viramontes "Mike"

So...  I'm starting the year off on the 2nd instead of the 1st. January 2nd is an especially memorable and bittersweet day for me.  My grandfather passed away 21 years ago on this day.  I was 10 years old (now you know my age).  I had an amazing relationship with my grandfather.  HE was AMAZING.  A true character.  The kindest person.  Super talkative.  He was not prejudice.  He'd talk to strangers on the street about life about anything.  About what he learned through his triumphs and mistakes.  Would ALWAYS stop his car for ANYONE trying to cross the street and if it were an elderly person or mother with small children, he'd get out of the car and help them - literally stop traffic. He loved the Dodgers and pistachio ice cream.  He'd always take me to Baskin Robbins.  He'd hide candy in a special drawer for me, make the "shhh" sign with his finger to his lips so I'd know there was a treat waiting for me.  It was our secret, though I'm sure my grandma knew.  He had this big tricycle and he'd attach my red Radio Flyer to the back and take me for rides around the neighborhood.  He'd let me put hair ties in his hair (he had amazing hair). Would watch me do hand stands.  ALWAYS let me have my pick of what to watch on tv.  We'd watch the 3 Stooges and The Little Rascles.  And The Munsters.  He'd drive me to school and pick me up.  He was the first person to tell me my little sister had been born (we didn't know she was gonna be a girl).  He loved to sing and play guitar.  His favorite song was "It's A Wonderful World".  He loved Louis Armstrong.  He ALWAYS dressed up.  He made goofy faces.  He loved old cars.  He was always in a good mood.  Always had a smile on his face.  I guess having a second chance at life made him not take it for granted.  Some of my best memories of my childhood are because of him.  I will always remember him and be so grateful that I had such an amazing person in my life, though short lived.  

Thinking of him on this day reminds me not to take life for granted.  To be thankful for what I have,  to remember to see the positive.  To be kind to others.  To be more patient.  And last but not least, to be giving and forgiving.

My old back yard in SP on Ojai Road

Told ya he made goofy faces - and had GREAT hair!!

Sonya & Scott

     So... I know it's been a HOT MINUTE since my last post.  Here are a few photos of my 2nd wedding as a 2nd shooter.  I had THE GREATEST time!!  WEDDINGS are like my favorite movie.  They're filled with DRAMA, LOVE, LAUGHTER and a few (happy) tears.  We had a fun fast-paced day with just enough time to have a quick bite to eat and continue shooting.  Sonya and Scott were ultra easy-going and a lot of fun to capture.  Much thanks to them for allowing us to photograph their special day.  And Many Thanks again to Daniel Hong for taking me along as his side kick.

Pre First Look Preparations

His First Look...

at HER

Let the Ceremony...

BEGIN...

The breaking of the glass

The KISS

Some Bridal Party FUN

The Horah!!

The End.

On the Streets of Brooklyn

    Tamara & Robin - An adorable couple I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know over the past few months.  On an beautiful summer day we decided to walk the streets of Brooklyn, NY for an outdoor photoshoot.  As most of you know, I've suffered an injury to my back and hamstring and have not been able to do any work.  I didn't want the month to go by without a blog post, so here is a sneak peek of one of many up-coming photography adventures.

A Piece of Me - Central Café

  A few weeks ago I had the privilege to second shoot a wedding along side the talented Donna Cheung of Donna Cheung Photography.  The job was up in Connecticut. Which meant I had to take the Metro North from Grand Central Station to get there.  I of course arrived early, purchased my ticket, and went outside to kill time before my train was scheduled to leave.  As a photographer I see the world in cropped images, constantly thinking to myself - THAT would be a GREAT photo!!! So naturally, when I saw the Pershing Square - Central Café, I imeadiately took my camera out of my bag and photographed this cool shot. I have yet to eat at this place, but it's definitely on my list of all the never-ending things to do in NYC.  The wedding in Connecticut was SPECTACULAR, one of the BEST I've experienced. Photos of that wedding to come soon!! For now, I'll leave you with this special shot of A Piece of Me.

A Piece of Me - New York

By the 3rd day I was missing my apartment. Me, the CALIFORNIA GIRL - (and proud of it!), the anti-New Yorker, the girl who hates walking everywhere and who despises the dirty, grimy, and sometimes smelly subway stations; the girl who on her darkest day sometimes sits on the train and wonders WHY ON EARTH would anyone want to live in NYC!!!??? I had somehow FINALLY made New York my home.