Go Bruins!

Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the year. The UCLA vs. USC game. Well, it's my favorite day of the year when we win! Last year we went to the game and it was pretty much the best day of my life. I cried as the clock counted down the final seconds and we ended our losing streak. I rejoyced with the other Bruin fans when we won. I laughed as the USC fans walked out of the Rose Bowl with their heads held low. It was the best day of my life.

We're watching the game at home tomorrow with friends. I refuse to go to the Colosseum since we got stuck there at the game in 2001, which happend to fall on my 21st birthday. Our car got stuck in a homeless man's lot. He promised he wouldn't double park, but he did and we were stuck there for what seemed like hours waiting on the guy who's car was blocking everyone elses car on my birthday. I just hope UCLA can pull it off. How awesome would it be if we went to the Rose Bowl??? But besides that, I really want UCLA to win so Coach Karl can keep his job. He's too hot to get fired!

Hauggy can hardly contain his excitement. He's been wearing his UCLA jersey all day. Doesn't he look enthusiastic? Go Bruins!

St. Clair Family

I woke up yesterday morning with total deja vu. Last year I shot the St. Clair's family session on a very windy and very cold day. The park we were going to shoot at was closed (I didn't even know parks could close at that time) and we shot most of their session in their home. When I looked out the window yesterday morning the Santa Ana's were already blowing hard. I called Christine about 5 times to let her know that I thought we should reschedule because I didn't want a repeat of last year. But she said there was no wind at her house and the park we were shooting at was 5 minutes from her place. I'm so glad I didn't reschedule because the weather was basically perfect! All Taylor wanted to do was go on the swings so we got a few quick family shots and then headed over to the playground. That girl loves her swings!

Thanks to the St. Clair family! I'm glad we had better weather this year than last year. Here are some of my favorites and a slideshow!

The Miller Family

When I was in Pasadena last week I fit in a session with another one of my awesome families from last year. The Millers were one of my favorite families to shoot last year. Since we did the beach last year we went to the Huntington Gardens for a different look. I've never been to the Huntington Gardens before, but it's an AMAZING location. I learned the hard way that it's not actually in Pasadena, but in San Marino just so you know and don't get lost like I did :) We spent most of our time in the children's garden, which had lots of great places to shoot. Julie brought along a fun change of outfits for the kids. I love when parents do this because the kids have fun with it. Whether it's scarves and hats or your kids favorite dress up clothes it is always a fun extra to the shoot.

Thanks so much to the Miller family! I hope we can do it again next year. Here are some of my favorites and a slideshow!

Rachael & Abel

Pasadena is one of my favorite cities. Not just because that's where my Bruins play, but also because it's an awesome place to shoot. This was my first time shooting an engagement session in Old Town. There are so many great alleys and fun places to shoot. Rachael and Abel hang out there often so it was the perfect place to take their engagement pictures. There's a really cute fire station and since Abel is a fireman for LA we stopped by for some pictures. The nicest fireman let us in!

Abel and Rachael are getting married in December. I don't want to give away too many details about their wedding, but it will be a first for me so check back! For now here are some of my favorite pictures and the slideshow!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving isn't my favorite holiday. I think because I don't like Thanksgiving Day food. I'm not a huge fan of turkey. Don't do vegetables. And hate cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. My plate usually has mashed potatoes and M & M's on it. But, this year Chuck's mom is making lasagna! Yum! And my parents had a Thanksgiving brunch with my dad's famous french toast. They even had Turkey bacon and sausage. How festive!

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Here's a short list of just some of the things:

1) My wonderful and supportive husband who has been dealing with "Pregnant Drew" for the past 29 weeks and hasn't complained once. Let me tell you, "Pregnant Drew" isn't always the nicest or most pleasant person to be around. But, he will rub my back at two in the morning, run out and get me my favorite food, bring my flowers, and pretty much do anything to put a smile on my face. He's going to be the best dad ever and I can't wait to seem him with his little boy.

2) My awesome dog Hauggy. That little guy just puts a smile on my face. I'm so lucky to have him by my side every day. My life wouldn't be complete without him.

3) The little guy inside my stomach. Even though I am SO ready to be not pregnant, I am very thankful for my little boy. I know all the kicking, sleepless nights, weight gain, and all the other fun things that come along with pregnancy will be worth it. It's going to be scary to be a mom, but I think it's also going to be one of the funnest things I will ever do.

4) My parents. My parents rock. I don't think I tell them enough how much I appreciate them, but I do. I'm very lucky to have two parents who love and care for me as much as they do.

5) My amazing clients. Without you all I wouldn't be able to do what I love and I am so thankful for you. I am so thankful for your trust and support. Each and every one of you have touched my life in some way and I am so lucky to have met you!

I hope everyone has a very happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Michelle & Shawn

Last week I met Michelle and Shawn in Huntington Beach on an absolutely gorgeous November day. Shawn is the unofficial mayor of Huntington Beach. He knows everyone. I didn't believe it at first, but while we were shooting down at the beach he got stopped by one of his friends and we saw another one while we were shooting on Main Street. It's true, he is the mayor :) Michelle and Shawn were neighbors before they started dating. A few years later and they just bought their first house together! How exciting!

Michelle and Shawn are having a backyard wedding next April. It will be one of my first weddings back after the baby and I'm excited to shoot without my bump. It's a lot easier :) Here are a few of my favorite pictures and a slideshow! Enjoy!

The Imus Family

I'm sure you recognize this cute family from my website and past blogs. The Imus family was one of my favorite family sessions from last year! Their girls are gorgeous and Jennifer and Ron are two of the nicest people I've ever met. Last year we shot their session at the beach and little Kendall did not like the sand. We tried the park this year and she did much better. Although, she still needed her fruit snacks to get those smiles :) I've never seen a kid who loves fruit snacks so much!

Thank you so much to the Imus family for being such loyal clients! I can't wait for your session next year! Here's your slideshow!