the Drago's! St. Louis Family Photography

Meet the adorable Drago family!  I have to start off this post by saying that Jen did a fabulous job picking out their outfits.  I love the green highlights and how the brown brings a touch of fall.  If you're thinking about doing a family session, definitely get in touch with me beforehand to get some tips on how to dress your kids, choose slimming (but not boring!) clothes, and how to coordinate, rather than match, your family's outfits.

We met at the park in St. Louis a little before sunset and captured that awesome soft light.  We were lucky to get a pretty pink sky at the very end of the session too.  Katelyn and Colin had so much energy... their favorite thing to do was run and crash into each other :)  Whenever they didn't want to smile, all I had to do was tell Jen and Brian to kiss and that elicited several minutes of giggling.  Enjoy!

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First Rain! San Diego Photographer

Last week, it rained for the first time we've moved to San Diego (about two months now!)  I was glued to my computer all day but went outside around sunset and managed to catch these beautiful clouds from the second floor balcony of our apartment building.

While I was outside, I saw someone else taking pictures on the opposite street corner.  Turns out I am next door neighbors with another portrait photographer, Luci Dumas!

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Sneak Peek... Kate and Kyle!

This past weekend, I traveled back to hometown #2 (St. Louis) to photograph the beautiful wedding of a super sweet couple, Kate and Kyle.  I packed a lot into a few days, including time with family and friends, a couple family sessions, eating at one of my favorite restaurants, Everest Cafe, and I even got some new head shots done for my website (coming soon!)  It was great to be home for a few days.

Kate and Kyle's big day took place at the beautiful Oakland House in Affton.  We managed to avoid the rain for all but five or ten minutes during the family photos, and I think I was the only one who got wet!  There are so many gorgeous images from their wedding, it was really hard to pick these... can't wait to blog the whole wedding.  Enjoy!

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Shakti Rising Fundraiser! San Diego Non Profits

Last weekend I photographed a fundraiser thrown by the sweet and talented Val Myers-Matthews.  The fundraiser was for a wonderful non profit organization called Shakti Rising, "a social change organization transforming the lives of women and girls, and the larger community."  I first heard about this organization from Val's daughter, Paige, who has been a volunteer there for some time.  Lots of talented volunteers put in time and effort to raise money and several businesses generously donated time, services, and products.  There were three big baskets, a painting, and jewelry for raffle prizes, and an awesome goodie bag filled with gift certificates for each of the attendees!

Some of the pretty decorations.

Volunteers from the student group Varsity Strings came out to provide the musical entertainment throughout the evening.  Thanks guys!

Some of the yummy appetizers.  On the right, butternut squash soup in a wine glass - a genius way to serve soup at a party!

Beautiful flower arrangements by Jenny at Passion Flower Studios.

Some of the guests enjoying the party!

Val thanking the donors just before the raffle winners were announced!  We heard from Shakti Rising's resource development director, Mallory, describing the positive changes donations can make in the lives of others.   One of the girls in Shakti Rising's apprentice program bravely shared her story.

I couldn't resist taking a few macro shots of these gorgeous flowers.

To learn more about this organization that's making a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of people every year, please click here: Shakti Rising.

Thanks to all the awesome people and businesses that donated their time and services:
Christiane Stefanoff of Encinitas Acupuncture
Vickie Lavanty of Vickie Lavanty Salon
Diane Harp, aromatherapy items

Painting by Rich Walker of Rawartdesign

Diamond Boutique

Fernanda Rodriguez, turquoise necklace

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