Audra really wanted wildflowers …
We “made do” with the incredible gardens and views found at both Talley Vineyards of Arroyo Grande and the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort in Avila. We headed for the pier to get a glimpse of the sunset but arrived just a bit too late. Always the optimist … I thought if we just hurried we could catch it in Shell or Pismo beach.
The race was on.
I was wrong … we lost …
Although we didn’t get our sunset session, we did get serenaded by a local dude singing the blues. “Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone” just didn’t quite fit our mood and we were off again. After catching the last glimpses of the elusive globe, we ended our adventure at Spyglass park.
Some people think I’m crazy spending so much time with couples during our engagement shoots but it helps me to really get to know my couples. I gain some great insights which help me on the big day of the wedding.
Afterwards I got to know Audra and Sam even better over dinner. My new Macbook Pro allows me to upload our images right away and view them together. It makes for a great after party!
Based on the smiles and hugs, I’d say we ended up with some great images … and memories.

Row row row your boat!

He he.
I didn’t think I’d get them in but I did. They may have though I was a bit off my rocker but I did get the shot.
Katie and Mike are quite shy but they are so sweet to shoot. Their wedding will be a large one here at San Luis Camp. The California Guard controls the post but locals can rent the officers club and chapel. I’m really excited to shoot the place. Who knows, maybe Ill get Katie and Mike into a tank!
Mike proposed to Katie at the top of Black Hill in the rain. For her to follow him up there in those conditions – she had to know he was up to something special. He’s been doing special stuff ever since. See, sweet.

I’ve been putting in the hours like crazy and finally have caught up. Sorta …
That means I haven’t taken any time off lately. So now I am.
We all get too busy and it’s amazing how things sometimes never seem to get done (why doesn’t anybody else care?). I’m reminded of Covey’s book about “important/urgent” “not important/not urgent” etc. So the other day I noticed this incredible sunset (we get them often cuz we live so close to God’s country) and went out back to snap a shot. And there was our little richard. Oblivious to the sunset, the price of tea and anything else that we humans find so critical. I set up the shot, put my camera on AUTO everything and just snapped. He suddenly decided I was interesting and stood up and stretched … snap!
Hm … I think I’ll go and take a nap.
snap!

I don’t have favorites …

I keep telling myself this over and over …

On Saturday, June 19th it was my privilege and honor to be Camille and Michael’s photographer. Don’t get me wrong, I work hard at marketing myself and putting my best foot forward so when I say I’m surprised to be someone’s photographer, I actually feel lucky. But I don’t believe in luck so maybe I should say I’m amazed I have this opportunity. No, I’m blessed – that’s it. Honored, blessed, fortunate, privileged … yea that sort of covers it.

Judith of the Dana Powers House has this incredible venue in Nipomo. She keeps the gardens immaculate and has this inspiring rustic barn. Camille & Mike chose the barn but we enjoyed the gardens for some great images as well. Judith is hands on which I really appreciate. The gardens & barn demonstrate her attention and love for details … which seem to have an endless supply. Wherever you look, there is something wonderful to see and shoot.

At one end of the barn is the bride’s getting ready room. It’s full of great light but Camille was radiant even before she “put on her face”. Now I’ve seen a whole lotta dresses. Camille’s was so classy and different. You could see her legs and amazing shoes. Maybe it was her shoes and amazing legs … Anyway, to not shoot her in black and white would have been a crime. You’ll see. And did I mention the hand made bouquet? Yea, check that out below.

The longer I work in this industry the more opportunities that come my way. It’s a charmed life really. Camille and Mike made my day so memorable (and they paid me to be there!) – I need to pinch myself. Thank you for choosing me to be your photographer … I can’t wait for your next “big” event whatever that may be.

It’s fun, it’s exhausting … and I’m humbled every time.

and of course the whole show …