Villagrana Family // Orange County Maternity Portraits

Maternity portraits have quickly become my favorite. The anticipation leading up to the birth of a little miracle that has been growing inside a mama for the past nine months... And finally getting to hold the precious baby has to be one of the best feelings in the world! A mothers heart grows with each child. I thought my heart was full and overflowing, but somehow grew a million times bigger the day our second daughter was born.

It was a perfect Saturday afternoon for a session. The sun was out in Orange County and the weather was just where I love it, in the 70's. That's January in California for ya :) The time had come to document my friend of ten plus years, Yessenia and her baby bump along with her precious family. They are all so excited that in just a short couple of weeks they will be welcoming in a baby girl!!! 

Here are my favorites from this session...

 

 "Children may outgrow your lap, but never your heart"

 

Gorgeous glowing mama at 35 weeks!

Yup, Isaiah is going to be an amazing big brother to his little sister

Because they have such a beautiful love story I asked if I could share it with you all! True love is sometimes found when you least expect it... even if that means getting into a little fender-bender ;)
Read on to see what I'm talking about...

"We met March 22, 2004. I was on my way to work at the mall and he was just leaving from buying some shoes. We crashed because he was coming out of the parking lot (where he shouldn't be) trying to avoid the bumps so I hit him. But if you ask him it was all my fault lol. Or he will even tell you I hit him on purpose because I was mesmerized by how handsome he was.  We were friends for about a year and a half until one day he asked me to be his girlfriend and 3 years later in Cancun on my birthday he proposed to me. After having dinner we went for a walk on the beach and he popped the question. I cried completely shocked! I seriously didn't see it coming. And 2 years later on November 20, 2009 we got married in simple ceremony at city hall and a small get together with family and a few friends. " - Yessenia

 

“No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. 

After all, you’re the only one who knows the sound of my heart from the inside.”

 

Amiga, I'm so happy for you & your growing family! Your baby girl is already soo loved and I know she is going to bring you all so much joy! I pray you have a smooth delivery. I can't wait to meet the princess already!! 

xo

Esther + Exau // Los Angeles 1 Year Anniversary Portraits

I'm honored to do what I love. Capture love with my camera in the purest form. Esther & Exau contacted me to update their portrait for their first wedding anniversary.  And let me tell you, these two are still very much in love as if it was just yesterday that they walked down the aisle. There is no doubt that they have a lifetime of anniversaries ahead of them! Here are a few of my favorites...

Your gorgeous Esther!

 Ever since I began my photography journey, 

I've LOVED capturing the way a man looks at his woman. 

Especially when she is not looking.

*SWOON*

 

 

 

Again, Happy Anniversary you two. May the good Lord continue to bless your life & marriage in ways you never imagined.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Fall Portraits: Time to book is Now

Seriously, this has to be the first time in a looong time that I'm actually looking forward to the fall & winter. Boots & scarfs have never sounded soo good. The temperature here in Southern California has been a little higher than normal the past couple of weeks. Something we Californian's are not use to, you guessed it - hot weather! You know, its been at least 85 degrees, we are sooo spoiled here!

Anyway, as summer is quickly coming to an end & the children are heading back to school its the perfect time to schedule your Fall session! Especially if you are planning to use your pictures for Christmas like I always do. Its a great way to document your growing family & preserve your memories forever.

I love for my clients to display their beautiful images, so a print credit for an 8x10 will be added to those that book before September 21st! Session MUST be paid in full to secure date & must take place before Thanksgiving so you can have them for Christmas cards!

Feel free to share this info if you know someone who may be interested in portraits.

 Looking forward to hearing from you!

Kristen + Andrew | Southern California Lifestyle Portraits

Kristen & Andrew are two of the sweetest people you'll ever meet!  They met back in high school & have been going strong for almost 5 years. No doubt they are madly in love! 


I love anything vintage, so when Kristen briefed me on their vintage inspired wardrobe choice, I was already soo excited for this session! 

Kristen happens to be an incredibly talented photographer {you can see her work here here}.

Here are some of my favs!

Oh, Kristen your stunning!

I was so happy their doggy Rocko came along!

Yup, Rocko's a stud. Bow tie & all :)

They are soo meant for each other!

Helllllllllllllo gorgeous couple & lovely light!

Andrew is so caring and attentive with Kristen...I love it! 

Just before we ended the session, Andrew suggested they get on top of one of the trees for the final frames. Kristen didn't hesitate even though she was in heels & rocked it!! 

These have to be some of my favorites! 

Andrew, your a genius! ;)

Work it!

Kristen, your a beautiful person inside & out. I'm glad we finally got to meet! I wish you many more years of happiness with Andrew by your side & continued success in your business. You two were beyond amazing in front of my camera! Thank you for allowing me document your love... and Rocko ;)

xo,
Belinda