GLIMPSE: Melissa and Justin

With the notion of living life to the fullest in mind, every moment we experience should bear meaning, should have relevance, and should be memorable. But while journeying down life's path, we create those rare, priceless experiences that yield extraordinary moments that have a far deeper impact on our souls, that cannot be replaced (and that we would not want to replace), and that we will hold on to with fondness as the years pass. And more often than not, I've found that these moments all revolve around one essential idea: love. At the end of the day, we're left with having giving it our best and hopefully being surrounded by those that make our hearts sing. The comings and goings of our days don't matter as much as those whom we share them with, which brings me to Melissa and Justin, who have chosen to spend all the rest of their days together. On April 9, they chose to embark on tradition at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, to don the white dress, to laugh, to smile, and to pledge their love to one another in front of their dearest family and friends.


While Melissa and Justin were obviously the honorary guests, I feel as if I, too, were amongst the lucky, as I was able to capture this experience for them. While the special moments of the day will forever be sealed within their memories, I hope to have provided them with something tangible to hold onto over the years, to share with future generations, to visually take them back to their day. I had a great time witnessing the rituals of the day, and in Melissa and Justin's case, long after their I do's, their first dance, and the toasts there is one thing that I know will remain and sustain them as the years pass: their irreplaceable, irrevocable, unwavering love. Thanks for the opportunity (and congratulations!), Mr. and Mrs. Ross! May you always find something in one another that makes you "smile with your eyes!"

















To see a few more of my favorite Melissa and Justin moments, click HERE...

GLIMPSE: The Nicholas Family

A month ago, the world welcomed Gwen. More importantly, Amber and Sean welcomed Gwen… into their arms and their hearts as their family took the shape of three. I was honored that Amber and Sean asked me to come into their home and share in some of Gwen’s newborn moments – the sleeping, the holding, and yes, even the customary newborn tears that come with the territory; essentially, I got to spend the afternoon capturing some of Gwen’s moments that will create lingering memories in her two parents' hearts long after she outgrows her onesies and is (finally!) sleeping through the night (for that day does come!). Anyone who is lucky enough to spend a few hours in the company of the Nicholas family will know that the newest member has many happy days ahead of her, as do the two people who love her the most. And as for the world, well, we can’t wait to watch you grow up, Gwen! Thanks for the opportunity, Nicholas family of three!

GLIMPSE: Olivia

"Your life will be forever changed."

Those words were spoken so many times before the arrival of Olivia (almost 3 years ago), and each time someone would inform me of this, I would nod and respond with an "I know." Honestly, I thought with all of my twenty-something wisdom, I did know. I knew there would be sleepless nights, I knew there would be changing diapers (which I earnestly hoped my wife would handle), and I knew life would change. In the end, like I am sure so many others find, I did not know. I did not know how much this one little person would change my entire world (diapers and all)... and for the better. There are words that cannot express what fatherhood has done for me, and I would not change one sleepless night for a thing.

When others are expecting their first child I want to say, "Your life will forever change." But I resist, because until it happens, one doesn't know just how poignant and wonderful that statement is.

GLIMPSE: The Doeschers and the Dudleys

Together, we spent the afternoon wandering the grounds of the historic Mission Inn, a place that this extended family gathers each and every holiday season. As I guided the four of them on our photographic journey that late December day, I found myself attempting to imagine what these three generations were feeling as their moments were forever etched into permanency via my camera. After many, many shared years and life experiences that occur during marriage, what emotions were Don and Konnie feeling towards one another, the one they chose to spend their lifetime with? Standing before me, gazing not only at one another but the brink of a monumental anniversary, they lead me to think of my own marriage, my relationship with my wife, and all that lies ahead of us. Then, as I captured Konnie and Teri, who are now past the years of having a childhood in which one was teaching, disciplining mom and one was learning, growing daughter, I wondered what they were thinking of one another now that they are more friends. What do you feel as a parent when you look at your child, all grown up, successful, with a child of her own? What has your relationship evolved into? And finally, as for Dallas, what resonated within her young mind, her youthful heart as she eyed the two generations preceding her? What does my daughter see in me? What do I want her to see?

This session was such a peaceful one, an afternoon I truly enjoyed. It was a time of reconnecting and reflecting, and I am grateful to have been in the company of such wonderful, loving people. Thanks for the opportunity, Doeschers and Dudleys!

GLIMPSE: Charlene, Colton, and Cassidy

Moms. Their children are always with them, always on their minds, and always in their hearts, whether together or separate. When you’re lucky enough to come across mothers enjoying the simple beauty of their children, you’re bound to see moments filled with smiles. You’re able to overhear conversations full of whimsicality. You get to witness a remarkable, profound love.
Charlene, Colton, and Cassidy were so easy to photograph, as each minute spent at Old Poway Park provided me with moments of discovery, moments of gratefulness, and moments that deserve to be remembered. Looking into the eyes of Colton and Cassidy, you can see how bright their futures are, as they have such a strong, giving, adoring mom. Looking into Charlene’s eyes, you can see how happy these two gentle little souls make her. Thanks for the opportunity, Charlene, Cassidy, and Colton.

GLIMPSE: The Trujillo Family

When clients come to you for a repeat visit, it is truly humbling. I was so honored when the Trujillo family contacted me for yet another session, and this one boasting a new edition to their family! Just in time for the holidays, we headed out to the lofty openness that can be found in Oak Glen, and spent the afternoon indulging in the light, laughing alongside the very loved kids, and delighting in the crisp, Fall weather. Thanks for the opportunity, Trujillo party of five!

GLIMPSE: Jeff and Kelly's Wedding

Think before you speak. I understand the concept, but sometimes it just does not register in my brain. On a Friday afternoon, I was checking my Facebook, and I noticed a message from Michael Norwood. We are "friends" - through Facebook. His message was requesting a second shooter for a Saturday wedding. Instantly I typed up and sent him a message saying I would love to help. I informed him that I had never second shot before, but I essentially stated that if he was willing to take a chance, I would be there. I left it at that, sorta expected nothing (it was MNP after all!), secretly smiled that I had such gusto, logged off, and resumed my day. A few hours later, I logged on to FB again and my heart dropped, my blood pressure rose, and I had to sit down. I had gotten a message back from him, in which he said that although he had already found a second shooter for the event, if I wanted to come along and assist, I was more then welcome. My mind started racing, as "NOW what?!" paraded loudly across my thoughts. I had put it out there and he said yes, so really, I had one choice: Saturday afternoon, I would push my nerves aside and drive to Laguna Woods to meet Michael Norwood. When I arrived, I was in awe of how this huge, accomplished, gifted photographer was such a normal person. I immediately was put at ease, and enjoyed not only learning more about photography through him, but the candid conversations as well in our downtime. While he had initially said I would be basically assisting him, I was able to photograph more then I had anticipated and even got to use some of his very cool gadgets that I hope to one day have in my own collection. It was an amazing experience, and I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to shoot alongside someone who has truly made it in this business (for good reason). Here are some of MY shots from the day.

Location : Rancho Las Lomas
Coordinator: Carolyn Chen

(Little did they know, but their fairy tale wedding was my fairy tale photography experience!)