Happy Half-Birthday Baby Giuliana! :: Personal

Or perhaps this post should be titled "The Grumpiest Princess!"  In her defense thou, it was hot out and her first time sitting on grass...it's not the softest stuff in the early August heat here in north central Texas!  So this was a super quick session, I tried to make it as painless as possible for all of us...what you don't see are Jack and Sophie hovering nearby as well!  Her little "crown" is made of lace and a healthy dose of fabric stiffener, thank you once again Pinterest!

It has been quite some time since my last post, and as you can see, a LOT has happened!  Mainly, we had a baby!  Oh, and moved back to Dallas!  I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that a very rocky road has finally led us to our little miracle baby, and back to our house in Frisco, TX.  Life has been a whirlwind since February 5, and it's just the beginning!  

I am promising myself I will get better at taking pictures of G with something other than my iphone, but come on, it's just so easy and it's always in my hand.  As my friend Mandi Contreras reminded me before I left CA, she will only be little once and I need to take more pictures!  I know!  I know!  So here you go!  

And for those who see enough of her on FB and Instagram, well, what's one more time!  Love you all!

Oh and Dallas friends, Fall/Holiday mini-sessions coming your way in a couple of months!

Double Digits for Dani :: Birthday Party

This has to be what every 10yr old girl dreams of!  Dani's mom and sisters Melissa and Sarah helped little sis Dani usher in her 10th birthday in GLAMOUROUS style, with this amazing "Pajama Glam" themed birthday party!  Not a detail was left out!  The girls wore handmade custom PJ's made by Dani's mom Laura, while rotating thru fun stations like jewlery-making, hair, makeup, facials, and manicures!  The girls snacked on custom cookies from friend Christa, a stunning ruffle cake from Sweet and Saucy Shop, and cupcakes from Frosted Cupcakery.  I hope they rested their pretty little heads on those handmade pillowcases...but as most slumber parties go, I'm guessing there was very little "slumbering" going on!  Happy Birthday Dani!  I can't can't wait to see what's in store for your Sweet 16!

Erica & Mike :: Wedding in Sacramento

Let's see...burlap, check...mason jars filled with fall succulents, check...wine bottles from their favorite wineries, check...a couple madly in love surrounded by friends and family...check!  All of the elements came together on a perfect fall day on the Sacramento River for Erica and Mike aboard the Empress Hornblower.  After preparations beginning early in the morning at the Le Rivage Hotel, guests watched the couple exchange vows dockside, then enjoyed lunch and dancing as we cruised the Sacramento River.  Erica was absolutely beaming in a custom gown made from her mother's wedding dress.  I just know Erica's mom couldn't have been more proud of her grown-up little girl on her big day.

Morlets, Archers, and McDermotts, Oh My! :: Family Portraits

After shooting Baby EJ's newborn pics, I could hardly say no when Jamie and Eric asked if I would shoot Jamie's family pictures, including her parents, sister, brother, and their kids/significant others!  They were a fun bunch, easy to photograph, despite little Livie's reluctance to smile when asked!  We still managed to get a lot of good shots in Ladera Ranch that evening!  What a beautiful family!!

The entire family:  Patriarchs Lucy and Carlos, Carlos Jr and Jessica, Melissa and Adam McDermott with Adam Jr, Aiden, and Madilyn, and Eric and Jamie with Olivia and EJ

Jamie, Eric, Olivia and EJ:

Adam, Melissa, Adam Jr, Aiden and Madilyn:

Carlos Jr and Jessica:

Lucy and Carlos (they started it all!):

The "big" kids:

Proud Grandparents:

The Grandkids:

Theresa & Matt :: Wedding in Seal Beach

Another beautiful day in Orange County...another beautiful Jackie G. couple ties the knot!  Theresa and Matt had all of their i's dotted and their t's crossed...we arrived early to check in with them before we began shooting...and all they guys were ready, and hair and makeup was almost wrapped up for the ladies!  They were so organized, the day went off without a hitch.  There were tears, laughter, and everybody partied well into the night!  Hope you two had an amazing time in Fiji!  So jealous!!  Cheers to Theresa and Matt!!

Ceremony: St. Cyprian, Long Beach

Reception:  Old Ranch County Club, Seal Beach

Assistant Photographer:  Melissa McClure of Melissa McClure Photography

Wedding Coordinator:  Daniel Miller, Daniel Jordan's Weddings & Events

DJ:  Manuel Holguin

Videographer:  Charles Amante