I think one of the best things in the world is to have memories that are saved not just in our own minds, but also in photos or video. A few of my couples are lucky enough to have their actual engagement moment photographed or even on video! Kyle was well prepared when he grabbed is GoPro to hike the trails of Zion on vacation with his sweetheart Danielle. Tucked in his board shorts pocket was one beautiful diamond ring waiting for the top of their climb to be presented when he asked for this gorgeous girls hand…..can you imagine, a ring box, in your pocket on a hike? How many of you would be nervous, not just of the obvious luggage, but that it would fall out somewhere along the way? Well, it didn’t and the engagement went perfect! Kyle even had a passerby video the whole moment, on bended knee and all!

We had talked a few times on the phone, of course, follow each other on integral…but today was the first day I got to meet this beautiful couple! From the moment I saw them both and their amazing smiles I knew that we would have a greta session! So much laughter and fun, and of course love! I can not wait until their wedding later this year! Danielle and Kyle you are a beautiful couple and your wedding is going to be amazing!!! XXOO

I happen to love stylized shoots. Although not a real wedding, they are the perfect way for amazing vendors to collaborate and create the most amazing images. I was thrilled to be asked by Jill of Copper Willow to participate in a team she put together to answer the call for a Paper Challenge created by Heather who owns and manages the Amazing blog of Style Unveiled. What a genius for thinking of this Heather! There are so many amazing shoots with paper set up as the focal point and inspiration, you MUST go and visit the link to Style Unveiled below! Jill was awesome! She took the paper and not only made the most amazing invitations, but also a flowers head piece as well as one of a kind plates! Also check out the cake that the amazing chefs at Jay’s Catering made! Again, the paper….wow! Bethany of Commemory Art also created a handmade to order original art piece for this session. Aly with The Vines Leaf just knocked it out creating some crazy gorgeous florals. The location at Serra Plaza was absolutely perfect, thank you Mary! Archive Rentals put together the perfect accents to the flavor of this shoot. And Gianna, coordinated us all to work so amazing together! Hope and Ashley teamed up with model Emily to add the most incredible finishing touches to our faux bride! I loved working with each and everyone of you ladies and would love, in a perfect world to actually do a wedding together…oh wouldn’t that be amazing! I had so many incredible images, thanks to the efforts of all the vendors! It was so hard to narrow down and I did my best to give you a taste of each and every vendor. Thank you ladies for creating such amazing details for me to photograph…without you a photo would never sing! XXOO

Team Leader, Stationery, Hair Accessory, and Plates: Copper Willow Paper Studio

Venue: Serra Plaza

Coordination and Event Designer: Chic Celebrations

Floral Arrangements and Event Designer: The Vine’s Leaf

Wedding Cake and Specialty Desserts: Jay’s Catering

Catering: Jay’s Catering

Beauty: Ashley Anderson Artistry

Lounge Rentals, Flatware, and Chargers: Archive Vintage Rentals

Artwork: Commemory Art

Linens: Designer Speciality Linens

Dress: Enzoani from Marry Me Bridal

Bridal Stylist: Hope Stanley

Inspirational Paper: Paper Source

Model: Emily Fields

Blog Inspired: Style Unveiled

Well…I have to say, this was a bit of a surprise engagement session for me! SO I hand’t yet met Jason, Lois had been doing all the planning. The couple of times that I met Lois, she was super cute, very quiet and soft spoken. I was thrilled to be hired to photograph their wedding and OMG, when she showed up today..and Jason as well, I had no idea I was about to see a model in action! Yep, she kept the fact that she modeled once upon a time a secret but I think I could tell in the first few moments of the session, the moments that are supposed to be a bit awkward? We laughed a lot and Jason rocked the pink Ralph Lauren, love when guys wear pink! I can’t wait to see you guys again and to get these images to you! XXOO Hair and Makeup by: E2beauty Hair and Make-Up

Sakina and Anil are much more than just clients, I am honored to call them friends. After spending a very very cold afternoon and early evening in Joshua Tree for their engagement, and another additional shoot, along with 3 full days of shooting, yes we are friends! I get so lucky all the time to be able to call clients friends. The two of them are so appreciative, and so kind. The wedding ceremony that you are seeing as the first post is actually day 3 of their incredible festivities. Taking place at a private home, one of Orange County’s largest and most beautiful, the couple celebrated with friends and family, bringing in tradition from a beautiful culture. Sakina looked absolutely stunning in her attire and it was obvious that Anil was very much in awe. I loved her Jimmy Choo shoes, they matched both of her lengha’s, the perfect touch! If you are like me and have never worn a lengha, you have no idea how heavy these amazing pieces are. Imagine all the beads and threading, all done by hand, all very precise and perfect. They are heavy! I have to guess that perhaps they may have out weighed Sakina! Stunning details! The florist, Tustin Florist did the most amazing job of integrating the colors all the while keeping the look elegant and classy. Lettie Mix, you are so talented and our bride looked just perfect! As always, I would like to thank my girl Kristine Andrews for being an amazing second shooter and being just terrific!!
Venue: II Palazzo Mansion, Venues In Paradise
Coordinator: Sanya Mitrovic with Venues In Paradise
Film Maker: Perryfield Video
Florist: Tustin Florist
Cake: Pacific Bakery
Hair and Makeup: Lettie Mix

The following photos are from the 2 previous, before the wedding photos above. So much amazing tradition! I will not even begin to try and explain all of the wonderful ceremonies that took place, the respect to uphold an amazing religion and tradition. I was very thankful to not only have photographed these gorgeous details but also felt so welcome with these families. I am honored that they trusted me to tell their story! There is just so much that this blog doesn’t even do it justice! Enjoy the color, the ceremony, the tradition and the beauty! I know I did! XXOO The following images are from the Haldi and Mehndi as well as the Nikah which is the marriage ceremony.

Joshua Tree in winter may not be the warmest place in Southern California, but I bet it is one of the most beautiful! Add Sakina and Anil and you have a wonderful couple to in the mix. When they first told me Joshua Tree, I was thinking it was a good idea and then wasn’t sure when Anil said he’d like to ride his motorcycle out here…..but I can tell you that I love the bike photos, although not used until the end of the night when it was pretty much pitch black outside, they are adorable! Sakina and Anil love to travel, but not by plane, by bicycle and even motorcycle! Yes, they actually made it cross country, all the way to the East Coast on their bicycles and then, a camping adventure on Anil’s Triumph….does it get any better than that? So amazing and so much fun! I loved how playful they were together….giggling and grabbing each others cheeks….and Anil….well, I can’t wait to see him dance on their wedding day cause he was busting out some moves just to try and keep warm! It was cold, but it was a gorgeous night, with an amazing couple and they have some beautiful photos, of their super beautiful love! XXOO Makeup by Lettie Mix <3