Santa Barbara Get Away Engagement ... Kerry & Adrian

So about a month I got a request for an engagement shoot from the nicest bride-to-be from Arizona. She wanted to surprise her fiance with a photo shoot of the two of them while they were out here for the weekend... granted she told him the minute she got off the phone with me... well, so the surprise didn't work out, but the photos sure did... and I must say it was one of the most beautiful days we've had all summer . . . funny enough we shot it on the last day of summer Labor Day...

Now, about Kerry & Adrian. . .all I can say is one word . . .LAUGHTER . . . they would not stop giggling and laughing and smiling, I must say there is definitely something about people in love, its contagious and glows right through the images. Just take a look...

Click here to view slide show

Hey you two... it was truly my pleasure to meet you and have just a bit of your happiness shine on my day . . . Arizona is lucky to have such sunshine!! Congratulations!
... and by the way, I officially like Paul Weller after doing a little slide show music research on your behalf...

Love,
A

Candice & Michael's Hawaiian wedding...

Wow . . . I usually post about weddings within days of the event... but this specific wedding ceremony is beyond words. I've tried to write this entry several times now and can't seem to come up with what to say. So... I'll just post a few pics...


CM... I feel so incredibly blessed beyond words to have been a part of your beautiful day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

Love,
A

and . . .man could they dance...

Elizabeth & Will are engaged!!!

Okay ... there are soo many adjectives I could use to describe this amazing couple, but I kept it short and sweet... just look at the slide show and you'll see... pictures speak louder than words for sure...

Elizabeth & Will are so flippin' cute, adorable, FUN, lovely, beautiful . . . and for sure GOOFY . . how great is that combo!!

Click here to view a slide show

. . . and by the way I barely posed them ... to re-enact Patrick Swayze & Jennifer Grey (ala Dirty Dancing) was all them, I had nothing to do with it...

Man, I had such a blast shooting their engagement pics. I just know their life together, which will be including a destination wedding in Mexico (... how cool is that), is going to be full of laughter and joy to the point of belly aches.

Thanks you two for making me laugh so hard. I was smiling just as much as the two of you and I was behind the camera. You guys rock!!!

Love,
A

Mackinac Photographers Unite!!!

This weekend is going to be an awesome time to be on Mackinac (I only wish I was there) ... not only is it August, with sunny gorgeous weather for all the usual fun island things to do BUT it is also the 4th Annual Mackinac Island Fudge Festival (complete with Willie Wonka golden ticket contest, a photo exhibition, and of course a lot of fudgie activities).

As part of the festival, for the first time, there is going to be an open air exhibition of island photographers and their more creative works of art. Although I won't be able to be there in person a few of my favorite island images from this past winter will be there---A little bit of cold underneath the hot summer sun.

Saturday, August 23rd
4pm-6pm Art in the Park: A Photographer’s Exhibition-Mackinac Island is home to many award winning photographers. This exhibition is the first of its kind and will take place at Windermere Point with the award winning bluegrass band: Lonesome County, who have been hailed as one of the most diverse and powerful bands in the country.

If you are going to be on the island please swing by, take a look, and support all these amazing photographers. Since it is an exhibition, none of the works of art will be for sale, but if you are interested in any of these 10 x 20 gallery wraps please let me know.

Go have fun on the island for me . . and try to find the golden ticket!!

Love,
A

The camera turns on us...

So Nick's mom (of Daphne & Nick) . . .turned her camera on Brion and me a couple weeks ago . . . thought I'd share the pic... (man, what a fun wedding . . even if the waves were splashing over the break wall onto the cocktail reception . . . see how wet the walkway is in the background)



Just got off the red eye from Hawaii... wow those beaches are amazing. .. I can't wait to go back and explore more...

but for now ...must get sleep . . . must close eyes ... just for ... one minute... zzzzzz

Yet another flight . .. but where am I? Detroit? Hawaii? Timbucktu...

Well, last night I arrived at LAX at 10 pm ready to board yet another late night flight... although this time instead of heading east I headed west . . .

So at 2am when I landed... blurry eyed and tired I look outside . . . wait . .did they go the wrong way . . did I get my trips confused . . . it looks just like Detroit... it's funny how airports in the middle of the night really all do look exactly the same (how else could you explain a Detroit-Hawaii confusion)

Ahhhh . . but when I awoke just 5 hours later (thank you jet lag) and went for a walk on the beach . . . I realized. . .nope, it's a little different! (thank you iphone . . music & camera all in one)

Aloha . . .welcome to Hawaii . .. my first time here, I can't believe it and am sooo excited ... I've never seen anything like it. . .

and to be here... to shoot one of my best friends' wedding ... to the most amazing girl ever... on a Hawaiian beach. . . wow!!

Stay tuned. . .I'm sure I'll be shooting tons!

Have an amazing weekend!

Love,
A

Daphne & Nick: The slideshow

Click here to view the slide show

Just a quick thought about this wedding: It was an event of such sweetness. It echoed the joy and love that you can't help but see in the glances between Nick & Daphne. Plus those smiles and laughs... just check them out!!!

So I mentioned that a couple weeks ago I shot a very special wedding. Not only was this the wedding of my pseudo little brother (his sis is my best friend from college) but it was also an amazing example of how you can plan an amazing and touching event long distance with the help of friends and wonderful vendors. Daphne & Nick live out of town and over the past 6 months (with the help of their sister and friends) threw together a beautiful beach side affair.

Below are a list of the great vendors.

Event Coordinator: Melinda Hellyer Events & Design
Caterer: Pure Joy
Cake: Montecito Confections
Flowers: Grass Roots
Quartet: Aurora Ensemble

and the awesome,

Brion Hopkins as second shooter


It was such a pleasure to work with all of you and I can't wait to do it again!

Best,
A

Sara & Dan: Laughter Smiles & Rainbows. . .

Click here to see the Slide Show

That's what I think of when I think of Sara and Dan . . .there were so many smiles, laughter and jokes yet a tenderness that was unable to be hidden.

And of course as I biked away from the reception, leaving the two of them to dance the rest of the night... a double rainbow appeared in the sky and stretched across the entire island... (hence the reason I HAD to use this song)

My heart warms every time I view these pics. I'm so glad I was able to shoot this wedding and meet Sara and Dan... I just know we'll stay friends...

This wedding's amazing vendors were:

Flowers: Weber's Floral & Gifts

Location: Inn at Stonecliffe, Mackinac Island, MI

Cake: Bella e Dolce

Daphne & Nick . . . A Palm Tree Paradise and a little brother...

First let me just explain this couple in my eyes. . .

Nick: The little brother I never asked for but am so glad I've discovered (he's my best friend's little bro therefore he's my bro too by association and ten years of history. . . )

Daphne: The beautiful, warm, and extremely intelligent woman that has melted his heart and caused that big huge grin all over his face . . . I love her for that

I knew Nick long before Daphne came into the picture, and I've only known her for a short amount of time... but in that time, it is clear to see that these two truly complete each other. They compliment each others' differences and enhance each others' likenesses. If ever a couple exemplified what it means to complement each other it's Nick and Daphne. With all the craziness of the wedding spinning around them the minute the two were insight of each other there was an instant sense of calmness and peace. You couldn't help but see the softness appear in both of their eyes.

Nick and Daphne, I am so incredibly happy for the two of you from the bottom of my heart. I am so glad to see the joy in both of you and to have gained a new sister...

My deepest love and respect,
A


P.S. . . . had to put the goofy pic of you, Nick... tee hee. . . that's what you get for having me shoot the day!!

Melissa & Andrew: The Slideshow and more

Click here for the slide show

So as I had mentioned a few weeks ago, I ventured to a whole new island in Northern Michigan, Drummond Island ... this one with cars (that completely threw me off). Melissa and Andrew found me off the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau website... and I'm so happy they did.

It was truly a magical weekend, the sun broke through for a beautiful day and cast amazing streams of light through the tall trees as Melissa & Andy said I do!!

Check out below a few days to read more about this amazing couple!!

Melissa & Andy, I hope you are having an amazing and magical vacation, just as your wedding was a magical event.

Love,
A

"Dialed In" . . . Sara & Dan

In honor of my brand new friends. . . Sara & Dan (my couple with amazing teeth from last weekend... as they should they met in dental school) . . . I am "dialed in" . . . to everything

So I came to notice as the day went by that "dialed in" was the saying of the day.. . everything was dialed in this... dialed in that ... as Dan said at one point "Sara is definitely dialed in ... with a look of amazement, awe and pure joy he laughed into her eyes...

I was starting to get "dialed in" myself . . . until I heard them use it in a context that threw me off... "this storm is dialed in for sure" (i thought dialed in was a good thing,this storm not such a good thing) . . . I finally said (with a true Princess Bride reference). . .I do not think that word means what you think it means. . . (ala Inigo Montoya) they picked up instantly and started laughing and explained "Dialed in" to me in all it's references and terms...

(BTW there was so many laughters and smiles this day that my stomach was sore the next... along with my legs from biking 8 miles to keep up with them around the island...note to self must train better for next island wedding)


Hey Sara & Dan . . . Your California photo girl from OE is officially "dialed in" . .and takin' it cross country... You two are awesome! I had such a blast with you guys. And the double rainbow at the end of your beautiful day was just as rare and amazing as the two of you. Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your wedding!!
I can't wait to keep in touch and hear how everything is dialed in from here on out...

Love, A

Here are just a few pics... more to come..

my new little assistant Lucas and his photo . . . we have a genius on our hands

how sweet are these locket cuff links (just had to share)... Sara's gift to her dad
ok, so this pic just makes me laugh the priest is completely giving Dan the look... hmmmm

You know your in Michigan when...

So I am now back home in Santa Barbara after ten days in Northern Michigan (my island of course... Mackinac)that included too much to talk about ...so here's just a list and a few pics...

Just a quick overview of my trip...
Over 400 yachts invading Mackinac (100th Anniversary of the Chicago to Mac Race)
2 AMAZING weddings
Fireworks
Several Power outages
Lightening Storms
Gorgeous Rainbows
Sunny days on boats (I just noticed a lot about weather. . . figures that's Michigan)
Biking 8 miles DURING a wedding
Exploring new islands (Drummond) and wedding locations
Shooting one of my favorite hotels (Iroquois Hotel)
A drive over the Mighty Mac (Mackinac Bridge)
A fly over the Mighty Mac (shooting aerial shots... in a very very small plane)
Meeting new people
And spending time with old friends and plenty more...

Here are just a few pics... man I will never stop seeing this place in new and wonderful ways!!

Love,
A

Marisa & Nic (part 2): Here's the slideshow

Click here to the slideshow

So a little over a week ago as I had mentioned I was in Santa Ynez shooting an Amazing wedding at the Firestone Crossroads Vineyard. Marisa and Nic did such an amazing job with every single detail. They had such a great group of people making their dream vision a reality.

Their planner: Robin Sonner (is AWESOME . . . I can't wait to work with you again)

The food: Pure Joy (amazing . . . and incredibly yummy . . . can't wait till this weekend) (and isn't that just the best darn name ever)

The Flowers: Kaleidoscope (simple, elegant, perfection)

And of course . . . my amazing second shooter (once again) Brion Hopkins (you rock as always)!!

M & N . . you know how much I love you two . . .can't wait to hear all about your honeymoon . . . enjoy this little tid bit of pics . . .

Love, A

Melissa & Andrew: Tears of Joy, Laughter . .and just about everything..

Did my mascara run . . .oh shoot . . . occupational hazard. . .but who would of thought this bride and groom (and all of their guests) would bring me to tears ... I had only just met Melissa and Andrew the night before and yet still as she stood beautifully sillouetted by the tall Michigan trees and her hansome groom gripped her hand as she said her vows . . . tears started flowing down my face . . . (and hers . . . and their guests . . .and even a few groomsmen were biting their lips to hold back their emotions).

I have never witnessed such a tender ceremony that brought so many to tears. Although I may not have known the couple for long or their friends and family, it was impossible not to feel the love and happiness that surrounded Melissa & Andrew. It was truly beautiful, as if the entire chapel secluded by woods, decorated by two simple ferns and an unimaginable amount of natural beauty was glowing not only by the rays of sunlight peaking through the trees but the love that these two obviously have for each other.
Oh . . . and it wasn't long before these tears of joy and tenderness turned into joys of extreme laughter as these peeps hit the dance floor. . .

It's the little things... Marisa & Nic (part 1)

For now I just have to quickly mention the one thing I noticed and love most about Marisa & Nic this weekend . . . and as long as we've been friends...

If you ever spend time with these two love birds... you don't see them next to each other the whole time, you don't see them with their arms all over each other... you don't see the obvious signs of a couple... if you take the time to stop and watch you see something even better... you see the signs of love that fly across a room high above the world . . . be it a glimmer in the eye ... a flash of a grin like they are the only two in the room... or a soft touch on a shoulder as they pass ... and what gets me every time ... (right up to the rehearsal dinner Friday night and even down the aisle)... is the way Nic will gently touch, not Marisa's hand and hold on tightly .. but be it a for a moment or an hour... he lightly lifts her ring finger...



I love you two soo much... Friday and Saturday were amazing. Thank you for being such a support and inspiration not only to me, but your family, friends and each other... You are pillars of strength yet soft in your support.

Love,
A

A Wedding made by Love: Stephanie & Matt

Click here to view a slideshow

So, as I mentioned earlier this week I shot the most amazing and heart warming wedding. Tonight the bride, Stephanie aka "Birdie", came by my place for a sneak peak at a few pics. Just as I had mentioned previously (and as always) . . . her smile was completely contagious warmed the place (and even more so when she saw a glimpse of the pics). She was still glowing the minute she mentioned Matt and the wedding (but mostly Matt).

One thing I didn't say about what made this wedding so special was the love that went into it. Most every aspect was covered by a friend . . from the catering, to the flowers, to the location, . . and of course the photography... when you have that much heart going into an event it's bound to turn out as beautiful as the hearts of this amazing couple...

Here are just a few of the people that made this event so amazing...

First: A huge thanks to my awesome 2nd Shooter: Brion Hopkins (you rock!!)

Location and event planners:

The Montecito Country Club:

Claire & Nick (you made things so easy and gorgeous)

The Flowers:

Denise (more info to come about this miracle worker) . . .

Speechless, words cannot express what you accomplished . . . WOW

The Cake . . . you ask . . . done by the Bride herself and her best friend Thorpe

(Awesome, Awesome, Awesome)

I've heard that in the past, weddings weren't planned by the bride or done by strangers ... every detail and every chore was picked up and done by a loved one. This just proves it can still be done today...

Love,

A

btw . . .I know this is cheesy but I am STILL tearing up thinking about this couple and looking at the pics -- I've been getting teased non stop . . .I should be better at this by now... guess it shows how much I love all this wedding stuff!!

Birdie & Dirty (Stephanie & Matt)

It's Sunday morning... and the world can feel a little happier today. Two of the most beautiful people in the world were married last night (and sure they're pretty) ... but when I say "Beautiful" I mean inside... and ya know... I think this saying is said far too often about far too many people that it begins to lose its power... there needs to be another way . .. for Stephanie and Matt are beyond explanation and definition for their warmth and love for each other and everyone they meet. As Ben Harper sings. . . they are "Diamonds on the Inside"....

One thing that was said over and over last night by family, friends, no matter how close or distant... was they always make you feel like their best friends' in the world... they had 200 people there. . . and EVERYONE was their best friend!!

I know I feel that way. I've known these two for years... and feel so incredibly blessed that I was able to be a part of this AMAZING moment. I sure woke this morning feeling a little happier about the world!!

Birdie & Dirty, . . . your smiles not only warm the hearts of each other, of your families, your friends, but even the strangers you meet on the street... and this is what really sets you apart... you two make a change in the world just by being yourselves and not even trying...

I love you both!!

May you two continue to inspire each other... and the world!

Love,
A


Here's just a quick glimpse into their love... (more to come. stay tuned)

I'm Purple!!!

I've just redesigned my logo just a bit and decided I AM PURPLE w/ CHARCOAL GRAY!!

Here's the new logo hope you get the same feeling out of it that I do!!!


Purple: Purple is a color favored by creative types (that's me). With its blend of passionate red and tranquil blue (me again and I hope my couples--passionate and peaceful), it evokes mystery (funky & fun), sophistication (classic elegance), spirituality (hope) and royalty. Lavender evokes nostalgia and sentimentality (memories of love).

Happy Sunny Day!!

Love,
A