And then there were five… This was my third time out to the Monsma home to celebrate their new addition – and by that I mean the adorable Baby Nash (not the master bedroom with the fabulous light that they added on between Elliott and Grady’s births). There is something so lovely about a December baby and the warmth of a Christmastime home. They just go well together. I loved getting to reconnect with Christy, Quinn, and the kids. Without a doubt, these early days are super tiring for mom and dad- not to mention taking care of the needs…

As this year is about to close, here is my last wedding of 2023 – Juliana and Evan. Gorgeous day, gorgeous location, gorgeous couple- and while I admit bias, they’re one of the sweetest couples I’ve had this year. I’ve photographed Juliana and her family several times over the years after meeting them through a dear mutual friend. I was honored to get to capture these moments for them. I love a good “meet cute” and this one places both of them in Salem, Oregon where they were both working and going to University. Juliana was asked to rearrange a…

Getting out in Apple Hill to capture families in the fall loveliness of El Dorado County…

She had a great writing style infused with humor and sarcasm that made them easy to read through. Now, they are a part of my family history outlining some of the milestones of each year when I was growing up. I’m so glad to have them. 

He is in the marching band, jazz band, concert and honor bands….it’s a wonder we even found time to get him out to the Zinnia’s and gorgeous fall colors for his Apple Hill Senior session.

We also worked for 6 years together to Save the Canal- a historic waterway and pathway through the woods that was a community favorite. Onto the next generation… and Natalie’s kids.

Caitlyn, Elijah and Benito added on a session to their one-year baby plan- and I am so glad that they did. Literally, for one hour, it did not rain in Apple Hill and that was the hour we were there. The overcast skies made all of the color so rich. What a cutie he is not to mention his totally adoring parents. It’s so fun to do sessions with a family over the year and get to watch their little one explore the world…a little more each time. Next session is in February for Benito’s first birthday. Where’s Benito? There…

I know the Pooley family is not shy of Uncles that they love but “Tío” joins their crew reminding them just how important family is. After a serious family health scare in September where Bryan’s quick and experienced action was crucial- they decided it was time for some dog energy. And it was. Enter Tio- the therapy dog. Ohmmmm…..

It’s that time of the year when families and their extended families get together and make sure to get their annual photographs of the whole crew and their growing families. I met up recently with the Hinds’ extended family at the Fausel Ranch– Deanna and David Fausel are old friends of Susan and David and their kids all grew up on the Ranch together- a second home if you will. A little of this, a little of that- it’s like a Thanksgiving feast in photos. Many thanks to Deanna for always keeping it real and above all- lively and fun.…

I realize that I’m surrounded by unique objects from my life and travels and that each artifact tells a different story. As someone who enjoys exploring other cultures, I realized that the stories I collect aren’t just about objects. They are about people.

Oh, sweet Maeve. The little girl who flashes her gorgeous, multi-toothed smile when she hears Irish music and who is so adored by her mom and dad. Happy First Birthday and thank you for playing with me out in the gorgeous fall light. Come back and visit! I’d love to chase you around the Christmas tree farm as a toddler!

I first met Jamie and Enrico back in June of 2019 when they asked me to help them with their “Waiting Family Profile”. They were wanting to adopt a child and were waiting to be matched with a birth family. I had helped other families several times before with this journey and I was so pleased when I heard that Kai joined their family in March of 2021. A few weeks ago, it was great to reconnect with these two and to finally meet Kai. He was a little harder than many kids to warm up to me- he couldn’t…