Welcome to the world: Baby Isaiah [3 months]

Its a joy when friends ask me to capture their lives with my camera. In this case, my friend Yessenia, gave birth on April 7 to a healthy baby boy!
Meet Isaiah. He's one happy baby & loves to smile... 

Look at those adorable dimples! What a cutie :)

His auntie gave him this M&M outfit... isn't it adorable?

Tiny toes  . . .

It was around the time Isaiah eats... so mommy fed him & he quickly fell asleep

Tiny fingers . . .

Safe in mommies arms <3

Yessenia, thank you for trusting me to document Isaiah at 3 months.

xoxo

1000 days!

Wow, it seriously just seems like yesterday I was running around doing the last minute preperations for "our" big day. The day that I was to marry The. Love. Of. My. Life. The man who demonstrated respect towards me from day one, and had the courage to walk into my parents home & ask for my hand in marriage. I remember telling him, "you have to, that's just the way I've been raised." He looked at me and with a smile said "I'll do it, because I love you." That's when I knew, he was the One.

One thousand days later I'm more in love & proud to be called his wife. No, it hasnt been easy. But its been better than I could have imagined. You know how we always expect,  subcontiously, the worse? Yet, deep down in my heart, I know I could not be happier. I've learn to give instead of expecting. That love doesnt pay the rent. To say "I'm sorry" and mean it. And better understand God's love towards His church. I dont have it all nor do I wish I did... But I do have a husband who loves me for who I am and works hard to provide not only for me but for Troy & Lola too :)

Even before I was a photographer, I've always loved pictures... and he knows that. So for our anniversary, he always has me choose a photographer to take our annual portrait.

(1 year anniversary)

(2 yr anniversary)

Happy 1000 days Eddy... if I had the chance to marry you again, I would. Without one doubt in my heart. Looking forward to what God has in store for us & the next thousand days next to you... Which will turn into months, then years & wonderful memories. I promise to always be your devoted girlfriend and lover. Thanks for being my bestfriend. I love you more than yesterday... but not as much as tomorrow.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray

You'll never know dear, how much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away"

Learning to say no.

Saying no is not an easy task. But are the good things in life easy? Like getting up in the morning to exercise. Easy no, but essential to be healthy. I feel great & energized, ready to take on the world, yet I cannot get myself to get up from my warm & cozy bed where Troy is asking for more stomach rubs. So that is why I exercise in the afternoon (working on making it part of my everyday routine). I'm simply not a morning person. Nor do I like to stay up late every night. So what does that make me?? LOL
This past Monday I was blessed to get a photo session from, Damaris Mia Photogrphay whom I now consider a good friend. She's awesome, yet I'm not sure I'm awesome in front of the camera. It was a great experience. Feel like I can now relate a little better with my clients. Anyway, we talked business and life over dinner. The question came up "Should I take a job if I already have plans with friends/family for a particular date?" We discussed it & moved on to the next topic. But for some reason that has stuck with me. And after thinking it over, I believe its a clear No. Why? Well, job opportunities will always be there if you continue to work hard, yet family should always be a priority. It may or may not be the easiest thing to do, but its time taken away from loved ones.  Time we cannot have back. Tomorrow is not guranteed. Whether your a photographer or have a 9-5 job doesnt make a difference, because in the end we do not want to live with too many regrets. I have a couple friends who have newborns & toddlers... I'm sure you do too; they are experts on how fast time goes by!
Side Note: I'm not telling anyone what to do, this is just my humble opinion. And if this helps one person, that makes my day. If it helps a couple that makes my week :)

Damaris Mia celebrated her first year in business a couple months ago & my 1 year anniversary will be coming up in September. So as you can imagine, we are still not 100 percent established, yet I truly believe we are both on the right track. We have similar work ethics and goals. We both agree that other photographers are people we can learn from instead of competiton. She just posted in regards to this on her blog... check it out & leave some LOVE. Below is what she posted as her preview on facebook.

Happy Wednesday! xoxo

5 random reasons why I am blessed

So you consider yourself patient until its your turn to be waiting right. You know, when your waiting for a professor to post your final grade for a course or when you don't leave your phone anywhere for fear that you may miss the phone call to tell you if you got the job or not. Well, I'm at that point. Seriously, its no joke. I'm anxious to launch my new blog, yet its not 100%. And well if you know me, then you know it will not be up until its per-fect. That's just who I am. Life constantly reminds me that no one is perfect & I know that, but I just strive for the the closest thing to perfection. Again, that's just me. I'm working on that virtue ;) 
But I do have good news. I have a preview of my blog that will have to suffice until, hopefully, next week.

Also, I want to say that I feel truly blessed! Here are five random reasons why I know I am blessed (not in any particular order):

1. I have a loving & supportive husband of my love for photography.

2. God who demonstrates his LOVE every step I take.

3. Supportive friends & family who encourage me to follow my dream.

4. The new friend photographers I'm making thru Facebook... this really is a great industry!

5. Troy & Lola who are ALWAYS happy to see me when I get home!

And I'll leave you with a recent picture of my furkids because its been a while :)

Day after session: Lumi+David (Part 3)

I'm sure you've heard the expression "they are meant for each other" well let me tell you, Lumi & David are the definition of it. I've said it & I'm saying it again, they really are what you call IN Love. They truly are amazing people. Period. 

The location was in Orange County set up by Damaris Mia & her sister Naomi. I was literally with my mouth open for a good five minutes in awe of all the clever props & ideas they had. It was evident a lot of time and effort was put into this session. 

Here are my favorites from that day . . .

Let me translate "te iubesc" = I LOVE YOU in Romanian - telling you I learn something new everyday ;)

Goodies... Yum :)

They were up for everything... loved working with them!

Nothing fake about these smiles people; They really are this happy all the time... I spent a good six hours for all three location sessions & they were a joy the entire time. Lumi can be fierce BUT I love that smile too :) The camera loves her wouldn't you say?

Dominant aka fierce ;)

Once again I would love to say thank you to Damaris Mia for letting me tag along. It was a pleasure meeting you & working alongside a wonderful photographer as yourself. I know it will not be the last :) You have been a huge blessing in my life, I know the good Lord will also bless you & your business.  Lumi & David for trusting us to capture your love for one another. Remember, being in love never goes out of style. Also Naomi, your very talented, pursue that dream girl! Cant wait what the future holds for you. xoxo

Lumi + David (Part 2)

He's what completes her. David simply looks at Lumi & her face lights up. She whispers a little something-something & they both begin laugh. They are truly special and only wish them the best!

After a quick change we headed to downtown Los Angeles where the lighting was to die for. Here are my favorites.

Lumi your Gorgeous with a capital "G"

Stay tuned for part three & more from this wonderful couple! xoxo