Smoky hot babes + camera = magic.

Just in time for some Halloween spookiness. ;)

Featuring the fashion blogging babes Haley of Colour Me Classic & Emily of Emsemble.

I was made to keep your body warm
But I’m cold as the wind blows so hold me in your arms

My heart’s against your chest, your lips pressed in my neck
I’m falling for your eyes, but they don’t know me yet
And with this feeling I’ll forget, I’m in love now

- “Kiss Me”, Ed Sheeran

The last of the summer, the last of the sunset, the last of the moments. Shortly before leaving San Diego, I shot this series with Megan, and it retrospect now, it feels like these images were a bit of a goodbye. They’re definitely bittersweet to me, as I look back upon them, because they were shot in our old home and neighborhood. I definitely miss that place, and the ocean that came with it.

It was a chilly San Francisco Saturday, with the air whipping all around us. The skies were partially cloudy, but it was moving fast, as the wind was carrying the puffs of white with the pace of a runner. Spirits were high and happy, it would be the day that Jenn married Robbie. Meeting down in LA, while working together in a fashion company, their lives eventually brought them to their current city of San Francisco, where they would tie the knot, surrounded by their favorite people in the world.

Wearing a stunning gown and jewelry refashioned from her grandmother’s ring, Jenn walked down the short aisle at the top floor of the historic City Hall. Robbie waited for her at the end, and together they sealed their promises and declared their love for one another. Afterwards, they celebrated with food, drinks, dancing, and easter egg hunts. :)

Here is the story of that day.

Bridal Gown: Essence of Australia from Janae’s Bridal Boutique
Bridal Shoes: BHLDN
Bridal Jewelry: Earrings and necklace made from paternal grandmother’s ring, designed and reset with the help of Derco’s Jeweler’s
Bridal Veil: Janae’s Bridal Boutique
Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Aimee Lam
Bridesmaids Gowns: Donna Morgan
Tuxes: Vera Wang Black Collection
Cake: Whole Cakes & Bob’s Donuts
Videographer: The Film Squad

Moving back to Sacramento has definitely been an experience, re-learning the city I grew up in. Things have definitely changed, one being TBD Fest! Music festivals have definitely been popping up everywhere, and we had our very own this past weekend!

Confession time: Before TBD, I have actually never been to a music festival – or a rave! This may be something that lots of other people can relate to, but being a really huge music fan (specifically an electronic music fan), I have even said to myself that I can’t believe I hadn’t gone to one yet. The awesome thing was TBD felt like a mix of both. Part rave, all music festival.

It had been a while since I have been to a live concert, and by being at TBD, I kind of remembered how much music really inspires me. Live music especially. I walked away after this event feeling a new surge of life and inspiration, and awe for everything around me. Not only that, but the sense of community, and creative juices that were flowing there really made me feel incredibly inspired, and stoked to create some new things!

Here are some of my favorite images from the event, which I hope captured the joy, emotion, and vibes that I experienced there. My favorite acts of the entire event were definitely Porter Robinson (live), Madeon, Purity Ring, and Tycho. If you want to see the rest, be sure to check out the day recaps on City Scout Magazine (day one, day two, day three).

DAY ONE

Performer: Toro Y Moi

Performer: Purity Ring

Performer: Chance the Rapper

DAY TWO

Performer: Cut Copy

Performer: Porter Robinson

Performer: Tycho

DAY THREE

Performer: Shy Girls

Performer: Madeon

Performer: Chromeo

Anneberg Community Beach House
Santa Monica, California 

Amidst the warm glow of the Santa Monica sunset, Emily and Carl were married. This wedding was different than others that I had shot, for several reasons. First, Emily is a dear dear friend of mine. I’ve known her since we were elementary school youngins, and pretty much grew up together in church. We reconnected after college, and she even worked for me for a short time, helping with the business. She was priceless to me back then, I owe so much of how smoothly my business went thanks to her those years. We still keep in touch, and I still consider her one of my favorite people.

Secondly, this wedding was shot pretty much entirely on film on my end. Emily had requested it and I was happy to oblige. I whipped out the digital for a few dancing shots (like the last three photos), but for the most part, I had my handy Mamiya 645 & Hasselblad 500c/m for everything. This was a first for me, and largely something I was able to do, because the amazing Jasmine of Let’s Frolic Together was the main photographer, and covered all the essentials.

All in all, I am so happy that I got a chance to give this lovely gift to Emily & Carl, & do something I’ve been wanting to do for some time, which is shoot an entire wedding on film. I’m glad I got a chance to dip my foot in the water a little deeper!

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday to one of my best friends Jasmine! Jasmine is one of my favorite people in the world. In the first years of knowing one another, we bonded over our love of photography, and one of the ways we did that was to go on what we called “frolics” together (it might seem familiar if you know her business name! ;)). We would go to a location, usually woodsy, bring our cameras, and just shoot one another in cute outfits. It was a fun creative outlet for us, and now that I no longer live in San Diego, I miss doing those frolics with her terribly!

A few years ago for her birthday, we took a mini girl’s trip out to Julian, a little town not far outside of San Diego. I never got to share the images from that trip, so here I am, doing it 3 years late! We stayed at a little cabin, and drank booze and stared up at the stars late at night, while talking about life and everything inbetween. That’s one of my favorite things about her — the depth of conversations we have, which can be about the universe, to people and what makes them tick, our own thoughts and feelings, paths in life, and goals and dreams. She is an amazing friend. Not to mention she is so immensely talented in everything she puts her mind to! I am thankful to have her in my life, and I hope this year is another amazing one for her. <3

To check out her images of me and her thoughts about turning a year older, head over to her blog post about this trip!