The McNiece Family I Playa Vista

I have known Mia since junior high school! We were in student council together and her early career as Secretary has carried her through all the way to where she is now at People magazine. It’s so awesome to know people for that long and to be able to see them continue to grow into adults and become mommies! I first photographed Mia and her family last year when Dahlia was just crawling. This year Dahlia is a full blown toddler running everywhere. We met at the Central Park in Playa Vista and seriously couldn’t stay in one place longer than a few minutes. Dahlia kept me on my toes, attempting to chase after her with my own two babies in my belly getting bigger and bigger and reminding me that I can’t always do the same things I was able to before. It was such a pleasure to see Dahlia again and of course her super sweet parents Mia and Gavin. You two made a beautiful child together!



Such sweet giggles


Fun with plants



Sweet family time


Dahlia finds the Playground



My fave series from the day

Goodbye McNieces, had such a fun day!

Girls Getting Ready I Wedding I Mandalay Bay Las Vegas

My dear friend Alicia has waited many years for the magical day to arrive where she could marry her love Gary. I have known Alicia probably since 3rd grade. We’ve had many good times together and some of them included Vegas itself. Alicia wanted to go all out for her wedding, what better place than The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas? The venue had their own photographer to capture Alicia & Gary’s ceremony and reception, but Alicia asked me if I could cover the girls getting ready. Of course I would! Here are some of my fave photos from the ladies getting their act together and ready to celebrate Alicia and Gary and all their glory! Love you Alicia! To many years of happiness you two!













Such a natural beauty! This is before any make up has even been applied, just foundation!






The nieces give their approval

Alicia shows the girl’s her jewelry including her grandma’s antique gold bracelet

And so the documentation of the details begin



One of my fave dress pictures ever


Alicia had to walk through the casino to get to the chapel area in order to put her dress on

A true Vegas shot

And it starts becoming real!

Mom is just in time to zip her daughter up

All the girls signed the soles of her shoes for good luck on her wedding day:-)

Some good old Maid of Honor lovin’

The beautiful bride getting excited and a glimpse of the groom

What bride doesn’t deserve some chill time


Touch up for the girls

Alicia was losing her voice and downed a crazy concoction including a few shots of vodka I believe. Is that not the best flask you’ve ever seen?

All the ladies


I was only able to catch a few shots of just the bride before she headed out the ceremony


Mom love

And those crazy girls again


And she’s off!

Keepin it spicy

Kara & Jason’s Homemade See Canyon Fruit Ranch Wedding I San Luis Obispo

Kara and Jason are like two beautiful little peas in pod, except these peas in pod or not sleeping, they are giggling and dancing and partying down. So they are more like two dancing peas in a pod under an ever spinning disco ball. These two met in Kara’s hometown, San Luis Obispo while they were both attending college. They were on a pub crawl and as the story goes, Kara was gettin’ busy on the dancefloor. At that moment the heavens parted for Jason and he saw none other than his one true love shaking it in the midst of the dancefloor. From that moment on, these two became inseparable. Even though they both now live in Los Angeles, it was only fitting to hold their wedding back in SLO. They chose the adorable, family owned See Canyon Fruit Ranch. They both wanted a natural, intimate, laid back feel for the wedding and the Sea Canyon Fruit Ranch was just their spot. All the flowers, boutonnieres, and amazing bouquets were created by the talented Harbor Floral Studios. Mama’s Meatball catered the day with a great picnic style assortment of delectables including some of the most amazing pulled pork I have ever eaten! And I can’t forget the gorgeous cake done by Janice at Creating Designs. I was in photographer heaven with all these great vendors offering so many beautiful things to photograph. A special thank you also goes out to Stacy who made the last minute trek to help me photograph this day! I had so much fun with Kara and Jason during their engagement session (pics here) that I knew their wedding day was going to be a blast. I mean, who includes the announcement of a Soul Train line on their invitation? These two do! And that’s why I’m just smitten by them. They absolutely adore each other and it was an honor to document their shining love for one another in gorgeous San Luis Obispo. To many more years of dance parties and giggles you two!

Check out these homemade invitations made by Jason, complete with pressed flowers!

Sea Canyon Fruit Ranch




Kara wore a collection of her grandmother’s jewelry




A friend of Kara’s made all the bridesmaid’s necklaces

Kara’s new mother in law styled her hair for her






A proud mother with her daughters






















Let the ceremony begin

Sweet Kara came out smiling, then as soon as she saw Jason her tears started flowing as she took in the intensity of the moment







Party time





The amazing food catered by Mama’s Meatball














Let’s start that soul train line




Cake time!







We ended the day by heading to the beach for a few last shots in Avila


Love this one!



Stacy - September 1, 2011 - 1:27 pm

The photos turned out fabulous! Such a fun day. Kara & Jason must have a ton of fabulous pics to choose from. Great job! :)

Jackeline - January 10, 2012 - 12:40 pm

Lovely wedding, Kara and Jason are an awesome couple, and it was incredible to work with Marisa on this beautiful day! Jackeline @ Mama’s Meatball Catering