The Cooke Family

So, I have been on the hunt for this tire rim wall... I have seen this amazing photographer, Julie, of Lot 116 shoot here and I have always wanted to find it.  I wracked my brain, asked people, got a tip to what part of the county it was in, and finally found it (with the help of my pal Jerry).   I am going to keep it secret, and families I shoot there, have to keep it a secret too!  Mainly, I don't want to tick off Julie who I know uses it as her sacred spot!   I can see why... the lighting was down right breath taking and the textures of the wall are stunning.  
This gorgeous and spunky family were the perfect fit for this wall.....  Don't you think?   The kids were so cute, and fun... luckily it rained the day before and gave us puddles!  What kid doesn't like throwing rocks into water?  good times.. Enjoy A&C !

 xoxo ~ m*

Blue Urban

3 boys;  5 and under with gorgeous blue eyes?  Watch out little ladies, these boys are super handsome with their sparkling blues and gorgeous smiles!  Their parents aren't so bad themselves... I guess good looking people breed good looking people?!?  Seems to be the way it works in this family.  We had a super fun morning up against a blue urban wall.  I think it showed off this families beauty perfectly.  Thanks Ritchie Fam.. you were and are always a pleasure!

xoxo ~ m*

An Evening at the Beach

I have been practically begging to take this families pictures for months now!!  There is just something about them....they are gorgeous, sweet, patient, kind, down to earth, and just plain lovely.  Moose & Mary are the nicest people ever.. and I truely mean that.    Finally we narrowed down a date and time to take their pics.. I was envisioning this family in a field at sunset with boots, scarves, hats, etc.  Mary called told me Moose really wanted the beach.  I have to admit I wasn't excited about it.  I always get nervous before beach photos... The sand, the bright sun paints an orangey hue on the skin, the wind, ugh.. It isn't easy!   But this family made it so fun, and I think we got a few keepers out of the bunch.     There aren't many families like this out there.  I feel blessed to have them in my life.   I {heart} the Mau's.   

xoxo ~ m*

Rain Rain Go Away

This past weekend was a wet one, but the rain held off in order for the Parson family and I to have a beautiful morning at the beach.  There were bits of sun, rain, and wind... but we made it work!  The girls were so adorable!  Their poor little tosies were freezing, but that didn't stop them from getting wet and sandy!!   It was definitely cold, but they were great sports!    Sometimes the mornings that you want just want to stay in bed are truly the most beautiful outside.  We found that out last weekend....

An afternoon at the Ranch

 I was super excited to take pictures at Leo Carrillo Ranch.  I had never actually been there, which is weird since I grew up down the street.  I was also really excited to capture this family.  I was in their wedding 10 years ago, and today they are still as gorgeous of a couple as always...except they now have two boys that make their family complete.    Getting a 2 year old and a 3 month old to cooperate is challenging, but I love the candid moments of the boys pouting & crying while the Mom & Dad laugh it off.   Just a day in the life with 2 small boys... I totally get it!

Baby Cael

I feel like I scored in the neighbor department.  These two moved across the street from us shortly after we moved to the block, about 3 years ago.  They were young, fun, and KIDLESS!  I have to admit, there were times I was jealous of their lives.. they had quiet nights, went on vacations, and slept in on the weekends!!!   My husband and I were constantly having them come over, trying to give them a taste of what life was like with kids.  They were always so great with our boys, would hang out for a bit and then say, "ummm, we have to get going..."   I would think to myself, "Gosh, I can't wait for them to have kids!!"   Soon after, I got a phone call saying, "ummmm, I need you to come over and look at something."   Cha Ching!!  The line on the stick really was a line and here we are.  Another beautiful boy on the block.    I am so incredibly happy for this new family.  The joys they are about to endure with this little guy will be far more than they can ever imagine.   Meet Cael.......