This last weekend, Brian and I shot Katie and Randy’s wedding at the LDS Temple in Los Angeles.   I am still editing their wedding photos, but I figured I better get on the ball and post their engagement session.  We met at the Claremont Colleges for their engagement session, which was perfect.  They like many traditional shots, but there is also a lot of variety in the locations and lighting for some creative shots as well.  I thought it was a nice balance that helped show their playful and loving relationship.

There was some beautiful sun flair as we started.  I just had to take advantage.  To me it looks like fireworks are going off between them, which makes me happy.  :)

They are such a beautiful couple!

We walked around the campus for a few minutes and found some great frames and shadows to play with.

But my favorite was the beautiful golden lighting and flair.  I love how it shows off Katie’s gorgeous hair.

Can’t forget the stunning engagement ring.  Must show off that rock!

This is the photo they chose to send out with their wedding invitation.  I love it!  I’m so glad they picked this one, with the great leading lines and their joyful expression.  It just makes me smile.

Then we found some nice grass areas for Katie and Randy to sit and play together.  My favorite thing to do is just to let couples talk, kiss and make each other laugh, while I capture their interactions.  I try to get people to relax and act as natural as possible in front of the camera.  These make the best photos in my opinion.

One last shot we found as we were walking back to our cars.  I like the pureness and innocence of the sea of white flowers, combined with their loving embrace.

Katie and Randy, I can’t wait to post your wedding photos.  They are as fabulous as you are.  I hope you are having a great honeymoon.

Here is a sneak peak from a recent wedding I shot at the LDS Temple in Los Angeles.  I love their mischeivious expression and joy at their special day, so I decided to enter it into the I ♥ Faces weekly contest: “Wedding Bells”.  Check out their site: www.iheartfaces.com

I was so happy, when my friend Aime asked me to take pictures of their family for mother’s day.  Their family is so cute and playful – I couldn’t have asked for a better shoot.  As I entered, I noticed this adorable hand painted sign, which had been their mother’s.  I thought it would be perfect to start off the shoot with something so meaningful to them.  Here’s baby Luke waking from his nap.

And here is cute little Luke.  I love the sign!

Daddy got him up from his nap.

We spent some time playing with mom.

And as a family.

Luke is such a quick crawler.  These next two are some of my very favs from the session, but it took many tries because he is so fast!

I don’t think he liked being hindered from his crawling efforts.

So we went outside for a little bit to let him get some energy out.  Much happier.

Then we went back into the nursery and used some of his adorable furniture, like this laundry basket.

And step stool.

But Luke really just wanted to crawl.

These cute little bunnies are Luke’s “lovey”.  The one with the missing ear is the original bunny.  Even though his parents got him some duplicates – he definitely knows the difference!

You might remember Shawn and Alisha from their maternity session (check it out HERE).  Well inside the bump was their cute little baby, Braylen.  I was so happy to meet baby Braylen when he was only 5 days old!  He was a sweet, sleepy newborn who didn’t mind having his picture taken as long as he could stay in his cozy 90 degree room.

I love this one of Braylen dreaming.  What do new babies dream about?

And some precious details.

They are such a loving and sweet family together.

I love how Shawn makes Alisha laugh.  It is so contagious – I have to remember to take photos and not laugh along with them.

So tiny compared with daddy’s big hands.

Grandparents were there helping these first time parents.  So we had to get a shot with them in it.

And last but not least we couldn’t forget the star of the show last time – Chancy.

Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your family during this special time.  I loved getting to know you and hope you’ll call me again as Braylen gets a little older.

Some things just don’t get done.  Like folding the laundry.  :P

But sometimes you can take the opportunity for a good photo shoot.  My son Eli had a blast climbing the huge mountain of laundry.

I think sometimes we want our photos to be perfect, especially when hiring a professional photographer.  But I suggest you think outside the box when planning your next photo shoot.  How much more fun would it be to have the kids jump into a pile of leaves or make mud cakes or lick ice cream cones as they drip down their chin?  These make great memories, while producing belly laughs and authentic smiles.