This delightful duo of friends decided to make a day of their first high school formal by soaking up the gorgeous California sun while exploring Newport’s Lido Peninsula and Balboa Island before heading off to their soiree.  We spent the afternoon ducking into deserted alleyways, meandering along the wharf, and celebrating on the pier.  I love that she brought along her flip flops!  Such a Cali thing to do…..  ♥  Her dress: Zarita Dress by Diane Von Furstenberg · Her Earrings: Forever 21 · Her Heels: Platform Pump by Cathy Jean Shoes · Her Flip-Flops: Havaianas · His shoes: Jack Purcell’s by Converse

Be sure to visit again soon to see Parts II & III of this wonderful shoot!

On a recent Sunday afternoon, several close friends and I got together to throw my love a laid-back birthday celebration at the Congregation Ale House, one of our local watering holes.  They have a fantastic, rotating selection of brews on tap, delicious food (mmmm artichoke), a serious great jukebox, and hold several rousing rounds of Pub Bingo on Sundays.  We even made some new friends - and their dog Lola, the adorable basset hound featured above, ran away with my heart!  My guy prefers mellow get-togethers, so in a word it was perfect.

As this was a personal project, it was a great opportunity for me to experiment with different film stocks and exposure techniques.  I am loving the color saturation of Fuji 800Z (which, incidentally, was a gift from my sweetheart for Valentine’s Day – he knows me so well!).

I’ll have lots of photographic goodies to share over the next several weeks – be sure to check back! ♥

I’ve been naughty and realized that I haven’t posted an update in nearly a month!  All with very good reason: I’ve been traveling, shooting like mad, and meeting with some amazing prospective clients – all in the name of crafting beautiful images.

I’m also experimenting with different film stocks and vintage equipment - such fun!  The above photo is a sneak peak from a recent birthday party my friends and I threw for my sweetheart.  I am so enamored with the ethereal and abstract quality of this shot – I love the versatility of film as a medium. 

Be sure to check back on Wednesday for more from the party! ♥

Happiest of Valentine’s Days, my dears!

It likely comes as no surprise that I am hopelessly romantic, and I can’t help myself but to spread the love on Valentine’s Day. ♥  Whether it’s by crafting individual Valentines by hand, sending surprise V-Day packages to my closest friends, or arranging for a very romantic dinner, I love Valentine celebrations in all forms.

This year, I decided to send some love to Lula Mae: Gifts of Wit & Whimsy, as this shop brings me inexplicable joy every time I visit.  Shop owner Marci Toombs is such a sweetheart, too - if her darling goods weren’t enough, her very presence lights up the entire shop!  I thought I’d light up her Valentine’s Day this year by shooting some of her goods in the shop, and I’m so pleased with the results.

I’m also elated to share with you that some of my work is up as a Valentine’s feature on my all-time favorite design blog Creature Comforts!  I’ve been an avid reader of Ez’s blog for ages, swooning over her own inspired creations and all of the other beautiful details she’s curated, and couldn’t be more thrilled about being featured among so many spectacular artists.

Film + Valentine’s Day + Lula Mae + Creature Comforts.  Oh!  It’s enough to make my heart sing!

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. ♥ xoxo

(….and if you’re still scrambling for a last-minute gift for your sweetheart, be sure make a quick stop at Lula Mae before the day is over!)