The last day we spent with my family was at the San Diego Zoo! It was the day after Thanksgiving, so it was a bit busy, but we still had a great time. I just want to take a quick moment to uplaud the zoo for offering reasonably healthy food at the park. We just chose a random place to eat, and between all the family members, I noticed a pretty decent range of food: seafood salad sandwiches, turkey clubs, vegetable pasta… the worst was Mike’s chili in a bread bowl, and that’s still pretty good! Especially after being at Disneyland a few days before, I noticed how much easier it was to walk around all day when my stomach wasn’t full of grease. I still ate a churro, though!

Now, on to the photos! A few animals (the few decent shots I got through glass or chain link!)

And some people– all my cousins, of course. Here’s Logan and Quinn goofing around!

Kendall and I

And some bamboo. I love bamboo!

I’ve had family in town all week and really haven’t done ANYTHING work-related all week. It kind of felt good! I spent time with family, relaxed, went to Disneyland. No pictures from Disneyland, but I’ve got several from Thanksgiving Day. I also took some family portraits as you’ll soon see!

My dad, chef extraordinaire!

And a few portraits, the first of which is my grandparents on my dad’s side

My uncle, aunt, and 3 cousins

And just my cousins. They saw this statue and immediately told me they have one exactly like it in Michigan. Weird coincidence!

It’s that time of year again, Tori’s going to the Fall Ball. I still think it was a horrible move, and that Winter Formal was WAY better, but whatever! Later today I’m going over to Adam’s house (Tori’s boyfriend) and taking some couple pictures, but these are just of Tori. I’m branching out– I did her makeup too!

An infrared of my beautiful little sister

And some more headshots

This is my best friend! Erika has long complained that she is the most unphotogenic person ever. There was a time when I might have agreed, but no longer! I’ve been dying to get Erika to come over and let me photograph her for a long time, because I just knew she would photograph well in the right situation.

Basically, this just proves that you have to be comfortable with your photographer. Erika and I have been friends for over 20 years, so I knew that if she’d be comfortable with anyone, it’d be me!

What do you think?

Yesterday I second shot for Jessica Claire again. It was a LONG day, but we had some great opportunities. I’ve never shot at (or at least in front of) a circus before!

Jorge is a local newscaster

And Julianna works in her family’s veneer production company

The ceremony was held at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, an amazing cathedral with the most beautiful natural light. If only all churches were lit this well!

After the ceremony, we took off for the Long Beach Hyatt. We did make a stop at the Pike in between the two events for the bridal party photos and the portraits of Jorge and Julianna. I took the infrared out for this part of the day!

And, the first dance…

Mike’s brother bought a new puppy a couple weeks ago! Buddy is a German Shepherd-Husky mix, so you might imagine he’s already near and dear to our hearts. :) (Fez was cuter.)

Hans and Paula tied the knot… last week! They were married at the Christmas House Inn in Rancho Cucamonga.

Paula, just before the ceremony

Hans and Paula just after the ceremony

Paula’s brother, Louis, danced with her. About halfway into the dance their sister, Norma, joined them for a very emotional and sweet ending.

The top of the cake after the rest was passed around. Great cake, guys!

I was so excited to shoot Mike, Ines & Dylan today! Some of you may recognize Ines as one of my second shooters. I also photographed Ines and Mike’s wedding last year in October. And Dylan, he’s already on the portrait website. But I’ve never photographed all three together (unless you count in utero!), so today was so much fun. Plus, Ines taught me how to cook a new meal afterwards. Cuban chicken is pretty good!

Finally, when I look out to my backyard, it’s green! It’s no longer going to be an ugly, horrible sight!

And for those of you who haven’t seen my yard before, this is what it looked like about a month ago…

I’m getting bad about posting the day of… The Verhoeven’s portrait session was two days ago on Sunday! Groups with small children are always a little bit harder than older groups, but we did pretty good on Sunday. Just one outburst! Joanne and Randy live in Huntington Harbor and there’s a nice park area just down the street from their house, so we did the session there.

The whole family!

Two of their children have families of their own

And Ines was shooting more informal stuff as I shot the groups– she did a great job!

This morning I shot Harry and Cathy’s engagement pictures at El Dorado Park. They are so fun and carefree – maybe it is because the recently took their boards and the stress has momentarily abated!