Beautiful day with a beautiful family...

As you might have noticed, the blog has been revamped!  Got a nice, nifty new flash header; posts are centered and streamlined, with all the links at the top and bottom of the page; and the most important change - BIGGER PICTURES!  Thank God, because the family I'm about to tell you about is too beautiful to be squinting to try to see.  ;)  Speaking of...let's get into their sneak peeks!

Most of this week, this morning included, the term "June Gloom" seemed to be in full effect.  It seemed that, at any given moment, the clouds were on the verge of opening up and letting the rain invade our space.  But by some happy miracle, shortly before I met up with today's clients, the clouds had a change of heart and ushered in miles upon miles of golden sunshine.  It's like they knew I was going to meet another amazing family today!  Chelsea and Michael are parents to two of THE most adorable little kids I've ever laid eyes on.  Seriously - just shy of 3 is miss Ella, and I'm telling you she has a face that belongs on TV - she could sell me anything.  Handsome little Quintin has the biggest smile, a sweet demeanor, and dimples that you could camp in (I can only imagine the trouble they will get him into someday!).  It's really not that hard to believe though, given how good looking mom and dad are.  I know I say it a lot, but it's true - I get to shoot the most beautiful families!  Ok...so enough of my late-night ramblings, let's get to the pictures!

The adorable Ella and handsome pops!

The cutimous maximus mr. Q and his ridiculously pretty mama.

I should also note - her eyes are naturally that amazing!  I did nothing to them in editing.

This one of Quintin is a little soft, but I just LOVE his face in it!

I know, I know: she's flippin gorgeous!

Chelsea and Michael - it was such a pleasure to meet and photograph your family today.  I hope you both enjoy your sneak peeks!

And now I think I'll follow in Ella's footsteps and treat myself with some ice cream.  ;)

Lucky...

Vanessa and I go way, way back.  Good ol' CP alum - we went to the same high school, graduating only a year apart.  I bet if I told her then that she would marry the man of her dreams just two years after I graduated, she would have laughed that big, happy, infectious laugh of hers and told me I was silly.  But that very thing happened.  10 years ago Vanessa and Jair married in Heritage Park, and to celebrate such a wonderful event, we went back to the exact spot where they exchanged "I do"s.  Can you get any more romantic than that?  Well...Jair can, but more about that later.  If I could sum this couple up in three words?  Fun, affectionate, and loving.  It is very clear in the way they interact, both verbally and physically, that they are still in love all these years later.

Ok, enough chatter.  Let's get to the goods.  Here's your sneak peeks...

I love that they decided to go for a vintage, victorian-esque look, and I'm finding that the black and whites are really working.  See for yourself...

Can you say gorgeous?

Vanessa - I titled this post "lucky" because at one point when I was photographing you, Jair whispered in my ear that he was so very lucky to be married to you.  See...I told you he could up the romantic anty.  ;)

Jair and Vanessa...I hope you both enjoy your sneak peeks, and here's to another 100 years.

Worth the bugs...

I had an amazing shoot with one fantastic couple today.  Allison and Marc are expecting twins in about six weeks (though you could never tell just by looking at her cute, perfect little baby bump) and wanted to document this special time in all their lives.  Along for the shoot were many, many, many little bugs...but we still got many, many, many fantastic shots!  

Anyway, these two (or should I say four?) were the perfect subjects; both so sweet, funny, and came ready to try anything.  It's also very clear that these babies are going to be gorgeous - just look at their parents!  va-va-voom :)

Allison and Marc, thanks for letting me capture this time for you guys.  I had such a great time photographing you and I cannot wait to meet your little boy and girl!  Hope you enjoy your teaser shots...emphasis on teaser ;)

Finalists...

...but first an apology. Things got a little crazy this weekend between Christmas shopping and throwing my hubby a birthday bash (pics to follow). So forgive me for being late updating the second half of the photo contest.

As for the contest, I received lots of inquiries about it, but alas, not many eligible entries. I was debating canceling it altogether since we didn't receive enough entries for five finalists, but I still feel like giving so you know what? Let's just go for it! :)
I did receive two from two gorgeous families, making me very glad the decision for the winner isn't mine! lol

So without further ado my friends, I give you our two finalists!

#1 - The M Family



#2 - The S Family

Remember, you're voting for which picture you like the most. All you have to do is hit the comment button below and indicate the number of the picture you're voting for.
Voting starts immediately. Only one vote per household, per day.
Winner (will definitely) be posted on Christmas morning!!!

So don't just sit there - go enter your vote. Then email your friends and family and have them vote, too!

Good luck to both the M family and the S family! :)

With this ring...

September 15, 2008.
I got a new sister.

Congratulations to my brother and his new wife.
Welcome to the family "Cyndada" ;) We love you.