What a fantastic day full of charming details! The sweet little church in downtown Auburn made me very happy! Like a fairytale! Nothing like a downtown wedding with a historic courthouse across the street!! Seriously awesome! Chrissy and Kirk were very relaxed and ready to say “I DO”. You could see the happiness in their eyes, especially when Kirk saw his bride coming down the aisle…a very special moment…I have to be honest–it brought tears to my eyes! The family was so amazing and checked in on me and my team several times, making us feel more like guests. Such an amazing family.
Thanks so much for choosing me to capture your special day! I was blessed to be a part of this incredible LOVE story!

Thanks to an amazing Bride and Groom for a fantastic day!  Chrissy was truly stunning and Kirk could not take his eyes off of her.  We braved the wind and got some amazing shots!!  Can’t wait to show you more!

Justin and Adina were the exact reason why I LOVE what I do!!  Their love story is just beginning but it is already full of memories!  I had so much fun documenting the day, starting with Justin and his guys.  They were incredibly excited and relaxed, most likely because everything was well-planned by this AMAZING couple.  They truly had a seamless day. 

Adina made me smile because she could not walk by one person without telling them how glad she was they came.  You could tell every single person was special to them and they wanted them to be there!  It was an intimate wedding full of details and love!  Thanks to both of you for allowing me to photograph the day! 

I can not wait to show you the rest…you have been very patient through the busy December.  Well worth the wait

An amazing FIRST LOOK!!!  Love everyone looking on!

Last spring I was asked to teach a Photographers Workshop in Vancouver.  I was so excited for the opportunity!  I love teaching almost as much as photography.  I put the word out and filled up within a day…what!  I knew I wanted to do something special and VINTAGE.  A photographer friend, Cheryl Boatman, introduced me to our models Lauren and Adam.  Lauren and Adam were married two years ago and did not get very many pictures at the time…they have them now and we all were thrilled to capture the love they share.  They were perfect fit for our ”Vintage Airplane Wedding“.

We started our day at The Marshall House for an amazing lunch.  Loved the chance to tell my story and experiences of my past 10 years of shooting.  Even better loved the new connections and friendship we were all making before heading out for a full day of shooting.

The background for the workshop was Pearson Air Museum – a perfect place to have your wedding day!  The staff was more than helpful and beyond thrilled to have us.  I would throw out ideas that I thought would for sure end with a “NO”, but to my surprise, I would get a  “yes”.   A World War II plane on the runway…ummmmmmm YESSSSS!!  I just could not believe all the amazing details we were able to pull off because of the museum’s help.

Because this workshop was out of state many people helped out!!  Check out the web sites at the bottom for the vendor list.

The styling of the shoot was done by Jacey   (http://www.eventsbyjacey.com/).  I so hope to work with her again!!  I loved shopping with her for this event.  We became instant friends!!  Thanks Jacey for the hard work, you made it extra special!

Every amazing day starts with the "getting ready"

The AWESOME vendors!

Venue – Pearson Air Museum
Hair and Makeup – Stephanie Crawford, Essentials Spa & Salon
Event Designer – Simply Inspired Weddings and Events 
Florist – Alexis Aho
Stationery –  Invitations Ink
Frames – The Rustic Poppy
Cupcakes – Simply Sweet

I left 15 days ago not knowing what Africa held for me.  I had no idea when I came back I would feel so challenged.  Challenged to listen to the calling on my life…the calling to serve.  I am trying to figure out a way to describe my trip in a short blog and it seems impossible!  It is impossible!  I have sat hear at my computer over a dozen times…started writing all my thoughts, seems a bit overwhelming.  Words do not feel like enough!   What I have is my photos, but so many feelings go with each image…with each image is a memory of amazing people who changed my life forever!  God spoke to me through the culture, the women, the worship and everything Kenyan…my heart was full of joy, sorrow, tears, and laughter.  I think I hit every emotion on my trip.  So grateful to all whom supported and prayed for me, and most of all grateful to an amazing team I had the honor to work alongside of, lead by an incredible leader.  Truly a blessed trip! 

Dandora Baptist Church- This is the old Worship Center.  Many of the women on the trip had the honor of sending our husbands last spring to help build the new worship center which will be completed in 2011.

The new worship center- Proud wives!!

Above is a photo out the window of our very bumpy bus….This would be my dad in Kenya…not exactly his recliner!

We spent several days at the WEEP center in Kibera.  This is where our team did well check on the preschoolers of the women in the program.   Those of us who were not fit to be in the medical field (me!!) helped do crafts and played with the kids…I mostly photographed them and they asked to see it.  They love to have pictures taken!

In the WEEP center the women with AIDS are taught trades and skills so that they can own their own business when they graduate.  The come into the center hopeless, sick and lonely, ready to give up…they leave business women.  I was very impressed by the friendships as well, you can feel the love and support!

Well, it is time for me to take over my blog for 10 days with my trip to Kenya!  A year ago I was approached with the opportunity to travel to Africa with Bayside Church.  I knew right away I was going, didn’t really feel like I needed to think it over…just knew it was the right time.  I have been wanting to go to Africa for the past 10 years as a photojournalist.  I am not sure where the desire came from, but the artistic side of me is just drawn to the photography that comes out of Africa.  This trip is personal in that way, but so much more than that.  I am going with a team of 12 women, through the organization- HEART, here is the link to learn more about what they do to bless the women in Kenya.  

www.africaheart.com

One of my clients recently said to me ”Africa broke me in the best way possible and I will never be the same”  I am preparing myself to be broken.  Brad went back in the spring to the same place we are going.  His desire was to make sure it was safe for me in the beginning.  He soon saw that it was a trip that would forever change him.  Watching him and his journey has helped settle my nerves quite a bit. 

As we move throughout our days in America we don’t often think about how blessed we are just to have been born here.  I have had that thought often over the past year. Why was I born in America and someone else born in a Country where there is so much disease, pain and illness?  I am not sure that question will ever be answered while on earth, but I am grateful for the reminder that we live in an amazing place.  My gratitude shall run even deeper in 10 days when I return. 

The hardest part is leaving my family behind.  Trusting God to take care of them…I feel a little out of control being so far away.  I have prepared the teachers that the kids may not match, they may have crazy hair and they may need a few extra hugs.  I am adventurous at heart, but I enjoy my adventures with my family by my side.  Not used to traveling by myself for so long.  So thankful that God has provided me with 12 amazing travel partners to help me through this.  And praise GOD for skype! 

Many of you have been praying for me this past year, thanks so much!  Please pray for me and my family!!  Pray for safe travels tomorrow.  THANK YOU to all who support me time and time again!!  I feel humbled often by the texts, and email I get from many of you letting me know you are praying.  Although I dreamed of a journey like this years ago, not sure I ever expected it to happen.  God has filled this desire and He used many of you to help make it possible!

Justin and Jacque had an amazing memorial weekend wedding.  The backdrop was La Provence Restaurant.  What an incredible venue.  The huge oak tree was so pretty with the sun coming through it during the ceremony.   Always love doing weddings for artistic people…both Justin and Jacque have an amazing eye.  Justin is a videographer at Bayside Church, and amazing visual artist.

I love there story, a couple who met in high school…reminds me of my own story, which almost 14 years later is my favorite love story!   Falling in love young and growing up together is so much fun!!!  Enjoy the journey

This was not just a wedding but a party…full of life!  The wedding party was laughing and having fun all night.  I love it when the dance floor fills up right away!   I still laugh when I think of one of the groomsmen replacing the bride during the garter.  See the last photo, Matt is very uncomfortable about his decision to step in as bride!!

A quick preview, so many amazing photos to choose from!

http://www.laprovenceroseville.com/bridal2.html

Thank you Justin and Jacque, what a great couple you are!!  I loved capturing your day!

Sarah and Chad’s wedding was just perfection.  The backdrop was Rapperty Farms in Apple Hill.  A Christmas tree farm…so much fun!  All the details were done by friends and family…much love went into creating this amazing day!   The PICNIC style wedding made my creative juices start flowing!  I loved the wardrobe selection – the adorable dresses from Anthropologie, the cute bow ties on the boy, Chad’s suit, Sarah’s dress, all was just perfect!!  Not to mention, yummy picnic food!  Nothing more perfect that the love between these two.  Chad never stopped looking at Sarah!  No doubt they are head over heals in love.   Both amazing people, I was so honored to capture this love story!!  Here is a preview of the day! 

And to this special moment I have to say…I cried. To be so loved by your grandmother!!  You are blessed!

I had the opportunity to get away with several other women photographers a few weeks ago.  I had so much fun sharing and getting to know these fabulous ladies.  I  love that we are all at different stages of our lives and business.  Karen Stott had a vision to start a group called Pursuit 31, based on Proverbs 31.  She has set retreats up throughout the US…who doesn’t like a girlie retreat with women in your field of work!!  I found it refreshing to hear her story, and to hear another photographer’s business succeed.  This was a very last minute trip for me…life is busy- editing , shoots, school starting for my kids and getting ready to head to Africa…not sure I have ever been this busy, but knew I should go and so glad that I did.  Here are a few of my shots from the shoot day.  We are so lucky to live near San Fran…amazing city!

Special thanks to Karen for inspiring us with her story and teaching!