The Gillie Family | William Land Park Sacramento

There's something so cool about bringing the family all together—especially a three-generation family! I recently had the honor of photographing a family session at William Land Park in Sacramento with the Gillie’s, and it was such a blast hanging out with them! I love doing family sessions like this because it creates a little pocket of space to take things in and savor what you have during the whirlwind of life.

As a family photographer in Sacramento, I love capturing the little moments— the grandparents telling the grandkids about rocks and animals, and seeing the baby cousins bonding and already forming lifelong friendships, and the joyful sight of them chasing leaves and excitedly pointing at ducks. It's heartwarming!

Life moves fast, but these moments are little treasures that they get to remember!

Julia & Javier | my biggest honor

After seventeen incredible years of friendship, I had the immense joy of witnessing my best friend, Julia, marry her soulmate, Javier. It's an exhilarating experience to look back on the countless memories we've built over nearly two decades and to stand by her side on such a momentous occasion.

Julia and Javier exchanged their vows at the beautiful Sutter Creek United Methodist Church, enveloped by around one hundred of their cherished friends and family.

One of the standout moments for me was when Julia arrived in a stunning horse-drawn carriage—what an iconic entrance!

Through my photography business, I was thrilled to contribute to capturing their magical day. I teamed up with one of my favorite photographers, Bri Bradbury, to document the celebration, and I had the privilege of editing the photos myself. Each edit allowed me to relive the joy of their unforgettable moments and reinforced just how perfect Julia and Javier are for one another.

Julia and Javier, you truly complement each other, and I couldn't be happier for you both! Cheers to your love and the beautiful journey ahead!

Paige & Brandon | Golden Hour Maternity Session at Sailor Bar

I’ve had the wonderful privilege of knowing Paige and Brandon since their early days at the heartwarming Gold 9, and wow, what a journey it’s been! Watching their relationship blossom from those sweet early dates to this exciting new chapter of parenthood is truly inspiring.

Paige radiates a kind of magic that reminds me of a real-life Disney princess, and she absolutely lit up against the backdrop of the golden hour at Sailor Bar. The soft, warm light around her created an enchanting atmosphere that reflected her beauty perfectly! Brandon, with his charmingly reserved demeanor, expresses his love in the most heartfelt, subtle ways that truly speak volumes.

One of the aspects I cherish most about capturing maternity sessions is the chance to freeze these fleeting moments in time. Stepping into parenthood is such a monumental occasion, deserving of joyful celebration! For Paige and Brandon, these photos are about so much more than just a baby bump. They’re a beautiful reminder for the couple to slow down amidst their busy lives—both of them are powerhouse managers opening new stores—to breathe, connect, and treasure their journey together. These maternity portraits will become cherished heirlooms, allowing their little one to see just how deeply they were loved even before entering the world. How special is that?

A pop of color… and a question?

I first crossed paths with Michael at the coffee bar at Nugget, and from the very beginning, his vibrant energy was absolutely infectious! It didn’t take long for me to learn all about his girlfriend, Mattisse. He couldn’t stop talking about her, and it was clear how much he adored her—his eyes sparkled, and his voice was filled with love. Honestly, I’ve never seen anyone gush like that!

At that time, Michael shared with me that they had once been engaged, but Mattisse decided to end it—not because their love was lacking, but simply because she wasn’t quite ready to take that step. Since then, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of photographing their journey together. Every time I'm with them, I’m reminded of the beautiful way they light each other up. They are both such vibrant, colorful souls, and together, they create an electric atmosphere! This is exactly why I love what I do; getting a front row seat of real life stories just like theirs.

So, when Mattisse reached out with her exciting plan to re-propose—this time with her on one knee—I was over the moon! We came up with a fun idea for a “branding” shoot for her doula website, pretending to snap some professional headshots amidst the dreamy lavender fields at Bluestone in Placerville. We even roped Michael into a few “about me” photos to keep things looking spontaneous and natural.

And then came the big moment! I positioned them for a few shots, guiding Michael into place. Of course, with his keen intuition, he started to piece things together. When he turned around and saw her on one knee, he had a witty joke ready (classic Michael!), and we all erupted into laughter—so much so that we must have woken the nearby farmers!

This session was about so much more than just beautiful lighting and a picturesque backdrop. It was a celebration of real love, growth, timing, and trust—all wrapped up in an unforgettable evening. Watching Mattisse take that monumental step and witnessing Michael’s joyful reaction was truly one of the most heartwarming moments I’ve ever had the honor to capture.

Owen Turns One!

I had the absolute joy of photographing little Owen for his first birthday! We met up at the Ruth Storer Garden in Davis— a hidden gem and one of my favorite spots to shoot. The soft light, blooming flowers, and peaceful paths were the perfect backdrop for this milestone session.

Owen’s parents, Julia and Jack, are such a sweet and supportive duo. You can tell their family is full of love, laughter, and so much heart. Owen’s personality was full star mode throughout our session. From gummy smiles to funny little expressions, I already know this kid is going to grow up to be hilarious.

Happy first birthday, Owen! Thanks for letting me be a small part of this special moment.