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.

Sean & Melinda’s Surprise Proposal at the UC Davis Arboretum

Sean and Melinda’s story started like many modern love stories these days—on hinge! After three years of dating, it was clear that theirs is the kind of connection that you don’t want to let go of.

When Sean reached out to me to plan his proposal, I could tell how much care and thought he was putting into every single detail. He wanted it to feel natural, romantic, and full of genuine emotion. So, we got to work.

We landed on the UC Davis Arboretum because of its beautiful views, serene pathways, and just enough hidden corners to pull off a surprise. I scouted the area ahead of time and find the perfect little spot: a wide open space framed with lush greenery and peaceful water, but still tucked away enough to be private.

To keep the surprise, I pretended to be a student working on a photo project for class. I approached them casually to ask if I could take a few photos for my “assignment". Melinda agreed, totally unaware of what was about to happen. I guided them into a few of my signature poses—just enough to get comfortable in front of the camera.

Then I asked her to turn around and look at a nearby tree while Sean got into position behind her, heart probably pounding, with ring in hand.

The moment she turned around? Pure magic. Melinda’s reaction was full of surprise, joy and love—the kind of moment that reminds me why I do what I do. I get to be in the front row seat of real life love-stories that even movies can’t capture. And in case you’re wondering, yes, she said yes!

It was such a joy to be part of this milestone in their story. Sean, thank you for trusting me to document this moment that you’ll remember forever!

Rosalinda & Osny | A Magical Wedding at the Mosaic Temple in Sacramento

What a joyful occasion it was when Rosalinda and Osny united in love on this beautifully bright day! The celebration kicked off with a heartfelt Catholic Mass at Holy Cross Church, filled with sincerity and excitement. The lively mariachi band added a vibrant touch, and Osny’s radiant smile as he watched Rosalinda glide down the aisle truly captured the magic of the moment.

The reception was unforgettable—Mosaic Temple served as the ideal show-stopping venue for their celebration, with 300 guests who came together in joyful unity. Rosalinda radiated warmth as she engaged with all her friends and family, creating meaningful moments at every single table. Osny, who was initially a bit reserved, truly came alive among his close friends. Her friends brought extraordinary energy all the way from the early cracks of the morning to the end of the night, dancing with infectious enthusiasm. The reception was simply stunning, brimming with thoughtful details that created a magical ambiance infused with love in every inch of that ballroom.

The most enchanting part of the day was during the golden hour portraits at Capitol Garden. The deep connection between Rosalinda and Osny was undeniable—a testament to the incredible power of love, family, and friendship. Bri and I were holding back tears!

Thank you, Rosalinda and Osny, for letting me have a front-row seat on your love story. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you guys, and I’m so happy you’re MARRIED!