Weddings weddings weddings

Even though it's only March, my calendar for 2009 is already filling up with weddings! As much as I have always loved photographing weddings, I know I will now experience them at an even deeper level, having experienced my own. 

Although my calendar is starting to fill, if you know a future bride and groom who are looking for a fresh, unique approach to documenting this sacred occasion, I'd love to meet them! 

In fact, here's one way:

Come see me this Sunday at the Brocade Wedding Fair in San Ramon. I'll be there from 11  - 4 , and will have my own booth full of beautiful images and other goodies. For more information, contact me, or visit www.brocadeweddings.com. 

I hope to see you there!!

Serious, Thoughtful, Joyful

This little one caught my attention at the Marina Community Association Block Party, which I photographed last month. In some moments, she showed so much seriousness.



Then, a hint of a smile would appear.



Next, it would burst into full-fledged joy. This was, of course, totally contagious.

Hope you've caught her sweet smile too.

What a Difference a Year Makes, Part 4

The J Family, end of 2007

The J Family, end of 2008

If you've been following this blog, you may be thinking my recent post titles show a striking lack of creativity - or, alternately, noticing a theme. . .  ;)

Here's another beautiful family I've had the honor of photographing through time. The first two photographs are from the end of 2007, when little M was 1 1/2, and her brother was 4. Now, at 2 1/2 and 5, they are so much more grown up!

This year, the pleasure of the session was amplified by its location at the Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco.  If you've never been, this is a fun family holiday treat that includes tea, sweet treats, and a singalong with a rather sassy elf.  The children at the event were so mesmerized by the magic. Here's the full slide show:

http://www.jklifestories.com/JFamily2008/

Last year's slide show is here:

http://www.jklifestories.com/JFamily/

I can't wait for ever more magic!

Solstice Baby, or What a Difference a Year Makes, Part 3

S and R (in utero), October 2007

S and R, November 2008

With winter solstice around the corner, I am counting my many wonderful blessings. I am also thinking about Little R, who is a solstice baby - summer solstice, that is. 

When I was documenting S's pregnancy, she said something I've never forgotten.

She said: "I really believe young life is so precious because it's just come into the world from the spirit world - it's so close. I think, 'This little soul is incarnating in my body, and so it's going to be so fresh and wise, and remind us of the things that are important.' That's how I feel when I hold a newborn, is that's what really matters, is loving and caring well for someone."

Thanks to Little R and her family, for demonstrating this so beautifully. Here's to loving and caring well for the people in our lives. 

Little Miss M!

This session, originally planned for the wilds of Golden Gate Park, turned into an indoor session when it started raining. I wasn't overly concerned. I love photographing people in their own 'natural environments.' 

I love how intimate and at ease Mama A, Daddy D, and Little Miss M are here. Little Miss M was still in her so-called "fourth trimester," and her home felt like a warm, cozy nest.

So cozy that Little Miss M fell right asleep, allowing me to get some lovely 'sleeping angel' shots. 

Here's to the warmth given to us by our homes, and the homes given to us by our families. Little Miss M is one lucky little girl.

What a Difference a Year Makes, Part 2

Adriana and Pete at their wedding, September 2007

Adriana and Pete, awaiting little one, November 2008

This post is for Adriana and Pete, whose amazing woodsy wedding I photographed in September 2007. This couple has an amazing, very romantic story. Pete is a farmer, and Adriana is an artist, they live way out in the wilds of Medocino County, and that's just the beginning of it.

The latest chapter: Just yesterday, Adriana and Pete gave birth to a beautiful baby girl! I can't wait to meet her, and share more photos of this beautiful family.

Big big blessings, you three!!!

What A Difference A Year Makes

Ben, Isabelle, and Zachary at Isabelle's Baby Shower, October 2007


Ben, Isabelle, and Zachary, at Zachary's 1st Birthday Party, October 2008

I'm tempted to wax lyrical on one of my favorite subjects - the miracle of change through time. But I think these two photographs say it all.

After photographing Isabelle's extraordinary baby shower a year ago, returning to photograph Zachary's first birthday party was such a treat. Zachary is such a sweetheart. I love how he is such a beautiful mix of his mom and dad.

If you were a guest at Zachary's birthday party, ask Isabelle and Ben for the link to the slideshow, which I just posted online today. The party was incredible, and so are the pictures.

Happy Birthday Zachary!