Corn Island & San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

I am finally getting around to posting these images from Nicaragua! Almost a year ago, we embarked on an adventure to Central America to capture Brandon & Zandi’s wedding. After the wedding on Corn Island, we headed to the mainland of Nicaragua, and made our way to where we’d be staying the rest of the trip — San Juan del Sur. The images in this post are from just before we left the island, to our last day at San Juan del Sur (which produced the most amazing sunset that day, shown above).

The place we stayed at was this lovely little home, that looked over the city. The most awesome thing about it was that the living & cooking space were all outdoors, so we spent many meals overlooking the ocean and city, and watched thunderstorms pass over almost every night we were there. Our place was even struck by lighting, which actually affected Zach — he blacked out for a second during that event — it was all pretty crazy.

In addition, we went on hikes, hung out at the local cafe and took buses to the famous local surf spot, Playa Maderas, where Zach tried his hand at 16-22 foot waves. Mostly though, we enjoyed our time together in a completely different country and absorbing life in a whole new place. My favorite thing about the whole experience, beyond spending time with Zach and learning more about myself, was actually the joy I got out of living as simply as we did. There is something beautiful about living only with what you need, and nothing more. It opens up life in a way that allows us to focus more on experiences, and living, which I think allows more  room for bliss and happiness in the everyday.

I did not want to be a tree, a flower or a wave. In a dancer’s body, we as audience must see ourselves, not the imitated behavior of everyday actions, not the phenomenon of nature, not exotic creatures from another planet, but something of the miracle that is a human being. – Martha Graham

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Photographing movement & dance is one of my upmost favorite things to do. Watching people speak through their bodies, to tell a story, to express an emotion. There are few things in life that are more beautiful than the gift to express through movement.

Styling by Susan Yee

san diego, california

I am so happy to be sharing these images today! Two weekends ago (which happened to be Mother’s Day weekend) I was able to do a shoot with Nikki & her goobery cute daughter, Immi. Inspired by light, lace, and silliness, we created magic in the park that day.

Wardrobe Styling by Susan Yee
Flower crown made by Nikki, check her Etsy shop, The Scalloped Window to get one yourself!

san francisco, california

After part one of our session, we headed down to the Sutro Bath ruins in San Francisco (one of my favorite places in the city), raced the rain (it was raining during a few of these shots — you can see it in the water), and finished off the rest of the shoot. I loved Jennie’s gold dress, and Herman’s dapper suit — I think they look Mad Men fabulous in a very unique setting!

I can’t wait for the wedding!

Palo Alto, California

We built a teepee in the redwoods & frolicked amongst the trees. Celebrating love, little joys, and magic.

Part two coming up!

location: redwood grove park | makeup: lilyann nguyen | teepee styling: susan yee

los angeles, california

A hand painted Carolina Herrera, a very gothic style church, and a rooftop reception at a Mad Men style venue overlooking the LA skyline while Casablanca played on a big screen? I swooned over it all.

church: first congregational church of los angeles | reception: the oviatt | bride’s gown: carolina hererra | bridal shoes: pour la victoire | groom’s suit: theory | groom’s shoes: bruno magli | cake: porto’s bakery