Redlands, Ca Orange Groves

Redlands, Ca has been known for it's scenic landscape views and row after row of luscious orange groves for years! I discovered my love for this place two years ago when my parents moved there. Bluejay and I joke that we have a vacation home in Southern California because of how often we like to visit. We stopped at my favorite grove in hopes of catching some beautiful shots of the Orange trees and snow capped mountains in the distance, but the peaks were covered by clouds. It must have been snowing up there. So, instead, my sister and I did a mini photo shoot amongst the trees.

Meet Stacey. Many of my brides and grooms will know her so much better after this year because she will be my second shooter for their weddings! I'm so excited! Stacey is so artistic and will bring a fresh perspective. She is always laughing or telling a joke; she's one of the most full of joy people I have ever met. She is a beautiful graphic designer. She is actually  in the process of starting a freelance graphic design company called Plaid Poppy. We'll work hand in hand and soon be offering custom wedding invitations, wedding websites, and photo albums. I'll keep you posted on her website and information! In the meantime, meet my adorable sister!

She took some photos of me. While, true to the nature of most photographers, I'd prefer be BEHIND the camera rather that in FRONT of the camera, I really like these photos! It's actually fun to have photographic proof I was apart of the trip instead of knowing I'm the one taking the photos.

Santa Monica, Ca

Last summer, my sister, Stacey, lived in Santa Monica, Ca. Even though my parents live an hour away, each week, my mom made the trek over to see Stacey. She figured driving an hour to see her daughter was way better than flying four hours to see her. So she took advantage of it! Needless to say, they both knew the sweetest places to show me in Santa Monica. I think that Main Street might be my favorite! We had lunch at this little Panini place that has a gorgeous outdoor patio. Stacey saw Boone from Lost eating here last summer!

We walked around the town and window shopped at the cute little storefronts. It is so nice to have such a pretty sister to take photos of around the town!

My lovely dates for the day!

It was super foggy, even after noon! But we went down to the beach anyway because we heard that the waves were "gnarly". After two mins of standing on the shore, the sun burst through and burned up the fog! So off we ran to grab our beach towels and longboards!

The Getty Villa

The first thing I did once I arrived in Los Angeles, was put on my sunglasses and flip flops! Such a welcome change to wearing fur lined boots everyday for months! Then my mom and I met up with her life-long friend for breakfast at Uncle Bill's Pancake House in Manhattan Beach. Oh how I enjoy eating breakfast (my favorite food), on an outdoor patio (my favorite place to dine), overlooking the Pacific Ocean (my favorite view)! We were off to a great start! Then my mom's friend suggested that we go to the Getty Villa in Malibu after our brunch since we were somewhat in the area. According to the website I looked up on my iPhone, the Getty Villa is "an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria." It sounded cool, but I had no idea how BEAUTIFUL it was! I was almost more impressed with the architecture of the museum than  the actual artifacts. I couldn't help but imagine the most beautiful wedding taking place at this venue. I don't think it's possible to get married there, unfortunately. But if anyone knows someone who wants an engagement session there, send them my way and I'll give them a great deal simply for the joy of shooting there! If you are ever in Southern California, this free museum is definitely worth a visit!