Happy 4th of July! (sorry it’s a bit late–we were in San Diego visiting family for the past week+).  For those of you who have followed our blog for a period of time will recognize this family–we’ve been photographing them for 4 years now–and it never gets old!  We’ve ventured from Napa to Tahoe with this family, and for their last family session decided to stay in our neck of the woods.  This family session also doubled as Miss V’s last Bebe session, and she was in fine form!  On a side note, in case you’re ever wondering how to do light-colored clothing well for a family session, it doesn’t get any better than this!  We were a bit nervous about the 4 kids near water in their nice clothes, but somehow we all managed to keep them at bay with just throwing rocks into the water.  Thanks again (and again!) to the Ferrell family for entrusting us to capture these precious moments in your family!

Photographing the Granner family was several years in the making, so we were thrilled when it finally came to fruition!  Jami called me a few years ago when she was expecting little Miss K, inquiring about maternity portraits.  Unfortunately those didn’t end up happening, as complications forced her to bed rest.  Fast forward a couple of years, and I was so excited when we heard from her to bring her kiddos to our Heirlooms & Expressions summer portrait event last year.  It’s always interesting to watch the interaction between older kids and little ones, and this was such a treat, as big brother and big sister doted on little K, as she clearly had them wrapped around their little finger! 🙂  Jami then decided to bring the whole gang back for a complete family session, where the loving nature of this family came through even more.  It’s definitely a testament to great parents when you see great teenagers.  Thanks for sharing them with us! (and of course, little Miss K, too…she’s a show-stealer!).

Where to start with the Thumser family?? 🙂  We first met little miss K when she was only a few months old at our Vintage Valentine event last year.  We were so thrilled when the family decided to come back for family portraits some months after that.  So no beating around the bush here–Miss K’s wardrobe and accessories were amazing!  When mom showed up and started pulling out things covered in tulle, lace, and feathers, our hearts skipped a beat.  The best part was that she left her headpieces on long enough to get the shot!  Such a happy little girl-clearly a reflection of her happy, adoring mom and dad.  We had the best time with the Thumser family and can’t wait to see what fashion trends little K starts in the future!

Upon getting to know the Pimentel family at their portrait design consultation, we knew it would be fun capturing the dynamic of this loving family and the different personalities that make it up.  They decided to have their portraits made in Old Sacramento, as it holds special meaning to them for various reasons, including it being the spot where mom and dad first met many years ago.  When we showed up to meet them, we were blown away at how fantastic they all looked!  We loved the style and colors they chose, and the girls all took part in choosing their outfits as well.  It was truly a family affair, as grandma & grandpa came along to help out with the family dog and carrying any extra clothing ,etc.  We had a great time, going from one end of Old Sac to the other and loved the enthusiasm they all exhibited.  Their excitement and effort definitely show through in their portraits–we couldn’t be more thrilled with how they turned out, but more importantly, the Pimentel family loved them ,too!

We are back!  Sorry we’ve been offline for a bit, updating some behind the scenes stuff on the blog.  So happy to be back here sharing the wonderful people we are privileged to work with.  The Cameto family holds a soft spot in our hearts, as we have been through the journey of two maternity sessions, their first baby’s first year and beyond, and now baby sister’s first year is underway.  Since we did their first maternity session in the studio, we all decided to go for something different and venture outside.  It was gorgeous and as always, the wardrobe was perfect! (way to go Sarah!)  This session also doubled as young G’s three-year portraits.  As all sessions seem to be with this family, it was simply magical.  Fast forward a short bit and we were thrilled to meet the newest Cameto, Miss G!  Her newborn session was not too long before Christmas, so it was only appropriate that a few “seasonal” shots were captured, which worked perfectly for their birth announcement/holiday card.  It’s hard to believe that very soon we’ll be seeing baby G for her next Bebe session–can’t wait, as I’m sure it will be fantastic!  Meet the lovely Cameto family–again:

The Fraley family was kind enough to bid on and win one of our auction donations at their school fundraising event, and decided to take advantage of the family portrait session right before a big change in their life.  When I say right before, I mean RIGHT before…days after they came for their ordering appointment the entire family moved to the east coast!  We had a great time getting to know the Fraley’s and were sad to see them go, but before they did, like in so many other instances, we were reminded yet again what a small world it is.  Turns out that James and Jeremy are both Christian High alums (San Diego).  What are the odds of that?!  Fraley family, we hope you are enjoying your new life (and cold weather!) at your new home!

We have photographed the Pope family before, but never while they were actually living in California, so this time was an extra-special treat!  They moved to Napa this year and wanted us to capture their beautiful family in their new surroundings–a gorgeous Napa vineyard.  Of course we were thrilled, not only to be seeing them again, but to have an excuse to jaunt off to Napa for a day.  What can I say–something magical happens every time we photograph this lovely family.  Miss V was in exceptional form and played right along with my hide-and-seek games between the grape vines.  Now if only we could transport this amazing location to our own backyard….:-).  Meet the Pope family–again!

Romantic.  Elegant.  Emotional.  I could go on an on with words to describe Roxie and Brett’s wedding last weekend, but these three epitomize for us the entire event.  We were honored and thrilled when Roxana asked us to photograph their wedding, as we know her sister quite well and photographed their entire extended family several years ago.  When tears came to her eyes as she first described to us how she wanted her wedding to feel and what was most important to her, we knew this was going to be special.  The event took place over several days at the Forest House Lodge in Foresthill, CA–an incredible venue that fit Roxie and Brett perfectly!  Their wedding was marked with not just one ceremony but two; first a traditional American ceremony set in the trees overlooking a beautiful view of the foothills, followed by a Persian ceremony at the Lodge.  What a treat!  We had never witnessed a Persian ceremony before, and it was simply wonderful.  We want to thank you, Roxie and Brett for inviting us to be a part of your day and your lives; words cannot describe how honored we are that you entrusted us with such an important time in your lives.

When we first met with the Watkins family and they told us they wanted something urban and artsy for their family portraits, we were excited.  They did mention, however, that their girls were a little shy.  Fast forward to the day of the session; we decided to take a little time with the girls at the beginning, in outfits of their choosing, to play a little.  This was the perfect time to let them warm up and get comfortable, which they did fabulously.  By the time we got to the family stuff, they were old pros.  We’re so thankful these darling girls allowed us into their world for a short time that day (mom and dad, too, of course!).  Introducing the Watkins family:

Ahh the lovely Gillys.  We have been photographing them for quite some time, and without exception, something magical happens every time they arrive.  This time it was rain, glorious light, and some really incredible expressions.  We had to run for cover several times during the session but the kiddos did not miss a beat.  One of the many benefits of what we do is watching families grow, and wow has this family grown!  Thank you Stephanie and Lance for trusting us to capture these moments with (so many of..) your children.  They continue to be a blessing to us.