Just too beautiful to leave out.

Here’s are some adorable lovebirds to get you in the lovey-dovey mood.

It was so foggy and cold out, but you would never guess by looking at these two. Steve and Marissa are so in love and it just radiates from them. I only had a few minutes to photograph them since we were quickly losing daylight, but as soon as I got home and uploaded their images I noticed something interesting. Instead of the perfectly posed images, the ones that really stood out to me were the moments right before the pose. That instant right before the kiss. That connection their eyes made as they cuddled closer together. Those moments caught that really make you feel something–those images that remind you of being madly in love. And what a great feeling to experience just by looking at a picture.

So what’s the cure? Get a super cute couple, three other amazing photographer friends, and a camera. I promise you–you’ll feel creative. And if not creative, definitely inspired, energized, and maybe a little giddy (okay–client’s of mine know this is a definite for me. The only way I can explain my squealing, “Eeeeekkk!” when looking at an amazing image I just took is sheer giddiness).

So here’s the backstory. A few months ago I fell in love. It was pink. It was ruffly. It was layers and layers of 1950’s tulle goodness. And it had to be mine. So I clicked the little “buy” button on etsy and within just a few days it was. But one thing was oh so wrong about this gorgeous vintage dress. Everything was a perfect fit but the rib cage. After realizing that it probably wasn’t the best idea to wear a corset for the next few years just to get into it, I put out a call for all narrow ribbed gals.

And lo and behold, Vanessa answered. Well, actually her sister, Rebekah, one of my best friends, answered for her. I knew that Vanessa would be great for this dress and when she picked it up, I reassured her (and maybe myself a little) not to feel bad if it didn’t fit–it was a very tiny dress. So when she texted saying that it fit perfectly I was thrilled (and a tad bit jealous).

And when Jessica Feely,  Katie Elmer and Keri Dalebout, decided to plan a shoot just for fun, I knew that Vanessa and her hubby Jonmichael would be great models for us. We split up in pairs to photograph Vanessa and Jonmichael and Courtney, our other model (her pictures to appear on the blog soon!). I don’t have tons of practice photographing couples so it was fun to have Keri take the lead and learn from her experience in photographing people in love. I couldn’t be happier with these images–taken with my brand spankin’ new 70-200mm. Love that lens / new workout equipment. That beast is heavy but oh so worth it.

But it had never occurred to me to do a bridal session. So when Will asked, I knew it was something I would want to try. The fact that they were also driving up from the bay area to have little ol’ me photograph them was also hugely flattering. And when I saw Will and Orawin walk up as I was waiting at the Capitol steps I actually let out a little squeal! How beautiful are they? I love that although I had told them I don’t have a lot of experience photographing couples, they put their full trust in me and let me try out different settings and poses.

I think the end result speaks for itself. What a gorgeous couple, beautiful architecture, breathtaking scenery, and amazing light. I just couldn’t narrow down, so this is one huge sneak peek!

Orawin and Will–thank you both so much for having the confidence in me to push me to try something new. I hope that you two are the first of many bridal sessions to come. I truly loved photographing the love you have for one another and I hope you cherish these images for many years to come.

(drumroll please)…

Image #7! Congratulations to the oh-so-adorable {T}! Let me just say, I am so glad that I didn’t have to pick the winner because it was just too hard to choose. And thank you to everyone who voted–my blog has been loving all the visitors and all of the wonderful comments. Speaking of which, it’s also time to announce the winner of the mini session. Out of 76 comments, random.org selected comment #18! So Stacie–be checking your email soon as I’ll be sending you more information on your mini session!

Thank you all for making this contest bigger than I could have ever imagined. And don’t forget to become a facebook fan if you aren’t already– I have a few big announcements coming up that I can’t wait to share, so be sure to check there and over here on the blog often.

And another person who loves me through thick and thin is Anjuli. She’s one of my best friends from high school and has known me through it all. All the ups and downs that life can throw at you and she and I have remained close through it. A couple of weeks ago Brad and I managed to get away for an afternoon with Anjuli and Ryan to explore the Amador wine country and I just knew I had to bring my camera along. This couple + gorgeous fall colors = the perfect picture. I just love this next one–every woman wants their man to look at them that way and I love that I got it on film!
Aren’t they adorable?

Anjuli–I hope you love the pics! I have some more that I’m working on and I’ll let you know as soon as they are ready. In the meantime, enjoy!

As photographers we constantly have visions floating around in our heads. We see something and think, “That would make an amazing photograph.” Or we’ll be in a store and see a clothing item and before we know it we dressed an entire family in coordinating colors for their photo session all in our heads. We are creative by nature and that creativity comes out in our images.

So when you are a photographer and have your own family photographed, you already have those images in your mind. You envision how you all will pose, what you will wear, and how the finished product will look. Or at least that’s what I do. So I was nervous. Nervous that I wouldn’t be able to recreate those pictures or be able to give the Runner family the beautiful family portrait that they deserved.

But guess what. I didn’t need to be nervous because every time I would show Sandy an image she would look at it and say, “That’s great!” Or after we would finish shooting one pose she would come over to the camera and say, “Any good ones?” (as if her family could take a bad picture) and then browse through them and say, “Looks good!” I’ve known Sandy for a long time now and have been in a bible study with her for nearly six years and if there is one quality that stands out when I think of her, it’s being an encourager. So my nervousness quickly faded and I was able to just have fun photographing this beautiful family. So Sandy, what do you think of the end result? I definitely think we got some good ones!

Love, love, LOVE this next one of James. When Sandy dressed him in his black, velvet blazer I nearly fell over. It honestly doesn’t get any cuter than this.And I just adore this one of Haylie.
Sandy, I’m glad we were able to get some of just you and the little ones, too. I love how they are both clinging on to your leg. So precious!
As you know I have lots more for you! I hope you love them!

Seriously–what a gorgeous family!More of those handsome boys.
I was so glad that Mom and Dad wanted some images of just the two of them. What a stunning pair!{B} family–I had a great time with you this weekend. I hope you love your pictures–many more to come in your online gallery within the week!