Love is Love

'I believe that marriage isn't between man and women but between love and love' - Frank Ocean

Wedding photography was something I never thought of doing.  It's a day that needs to be perfect, capture every moment, and not to miss a beat.  That's a lot of pressure for wedding photographer and I give them all mad props for doing what they do and rocking it!

One of my great friends, Ashley,  whom I met in Okinawa finally made her way here to Southern California.  Not only was I stoked to have her right here in the same area code but also that I had the chance to meet her amazing family.  In meeting Ashley's family I got to meet her younger sister, Alisha and her then fiancée Taylor.  I have heard many great things about this couple just in talking with Ashley but when I met them in person I loved their connection to each other and the world around them.  You just want to hang out with them.  While all of the family was visiting SoCal, Alisha and Taylor were planning on getting married.  Ashley was planning on taking pictures herself since their wedding was a small court house wedding but I knew that wouldn't be a good plan.  Knowing the bond Ashley and Alisha had I knew Ashley would want to focus on her sister and nothing else.  So I offered up my services to Ashley and gladly she accepted.

The ceremony was small, quick, intense and emotional.  The day could not have been any more perfect with the clear skies, outside vows, and a very pretty court house which made a great backdrop.  Watching two people claim their love for one other is an amazing thing and I am so glad that in our state gender doesn't play a role in who you can marry.  Love is for everyone.  Congrats to the newlyweds and their new life together!

Looking down at the Latin saying 'Love Conquers All'. A perfect spot to exchange their vows.

 Sisterly love

 The only 'couple after the wedding' shots I got for the afternoon. 

 Mrs. and Mrs Gray

Miss April {Teens}

This shoot was fun, spontaneous and during a Clickin Mom's walk in Okinawa. Being the 'victim' of having a parent that is a photographer can weigh hard on a child (go ahead and ask my son) LOL But for what ever reason when someone else is behind the camera the child comes to life.  April was a total natural in front of the camera.  She is all around gorgeous, has beautiful eyes and amazing hair.  One lesson learned from this shoot and my stay in Japan was never judge a location by the way it looks to the naked eye.  Buildings and textured backgrounds can be just as beautiful as a scenic ocean view.  This mini session was short and sweet but this girl rocked it! Big thanks to Pam at Pamela Olivera Photography for letting me steal April for a minute :) Enjoy! 

 Her tank was the coolest!

 And my favorite of the bunch...

So Okinawa, so soulful, and just the right amount of attitude.

Amanda {Stylized}

'Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear' - Aimee Mullins

One of my favorite things to capture on camera is the moment when the person I am shooting feels their best and you can tell thru the photo. As woman we tend to be insecure about our selves, weather it be our hair, our body, the way freckles fall on our skin. There seems to always be something we want to change. I love helping woman push thru those insecurities and love themselves for who they are.
I met Amanda as she was the doula for one of my mommies (HERE). She is one of the most down to earth people I have met. When she came to me asking me to take pictures of her and only her I was more than excited. Stylized shoots are far and few in-between when it isn't an idea I have. Amanda wanted to feel beautiful. She wanted to do something for herself. After hiring myself as her photographer to capture her beauty she trusted me in finding a make-up artist to style her up and manage her mane. My go to MUA had already left Okinawa but I was totally okay with that because I got to meet and work with Ashley of Ashley Furnish Artistry.
I encourage all women to at one point in their life to just let a day be about them.  Get pampered. Have photos taken. Be carefree. Be you!

 Once the hair came down a fierceness came out like never before. 

Griego {Family}

There is nothing like a bond between a mother and her boys.  I am so blessed to have crossed paths with Teresa.  She contacted me because she like my 'different' style and how I like to just have fun with my photos.  Teresa is a roller derby, tomboy, air force, fun, and kick ass mom of two teenaged boys.  This woman does it all and her boys were so well mannered it made me love her even more because of the way she is raising her boys.  While most families bond over going out, or staying home the Griego family loved to hit the streets on their long boards.  With these props, the Okinawa streets and this fun loving family I knew this would be a fun shoot. Our kids will always be our 'babies' an no matter how old they get take advantage and get in front of the camera with them.  I'm glad that not only Teresa did this but took advantage of her stay in Okinawa to capture the awesomeness in what is just down the street and in the ally ways.

 Gah, I have mentioned I miss Okinawa, yet?!? 

Check out the following blog posts from around the world. Make sure to leave them some love too! Thank you! 

 Lauren Weeks Photography, Crazy Messy Beautiful Photo, Keli Jennings Photography, Amanda Delgado Photography, Jawnie Holsker Photography, and Denise Burridge Photography