my ridiculously awesome job

Times get tough. Money gets tight. Work gets stressful. And honestly, sometimes I question whether or not I should be doing this. Sometimes I wonder if I should get some desk job and look forward to direct deposit and Fridays like everyone else.

But then I have a day like today. Where I wake up, a little too late, which is always unfortunate, but never detrimental, throw my hair back, throw on some shades and leash up the pooch to walk to the Circle to meet a friend for coffee. We sit, chat, discuss business and life and skin care and SEO and marketing and the people who REALLY have The Good inside. We chat with some men smoking cigars (yes, at 9:30 am), let a toddler pet the poodle, tear some coupons out of the paper and part with a good hug. Chloe and I walk home. Eat breakfast with the roommate. I bring my laptop into the kitchen. And start to work on SEO and marketing.

And here I sit, several hours later. In my comfy kitchen. With my precious poodle. Next to the open window that overlooks my fabulous and sunny backyard. Feeling the breeze. Taking and making phone calls from clients, colleagues and friends. Working on marketing. Loving every ounce of beauty that exists all around me, including my groovy ivy that grows out of a coke bottle on my kitchen table. My plants are so cool.

And my self portraits are especially cool. Especially when you throw in some Photo Booth effects and a really rad roommate. Oh yea. This is how I work sometimes. And most the time, my job is just this ridiculously awesome.

Sam + Jordan | Orange Wedding Photography

Samantha and Jordan both serve this country in the United States Navy. And now, the two will serve one another as life partners.

It was a six month whirlwind of training and learning and growing together and falling in love that ended with a beautiful marriage ceremony in Orange earlier this month. Or should I say, began.

The two wrote their own vows and as they shared them with one another and their guests, tears ran down cheeks and smiles beamed. Their parents are honored. Their siblings are proud. And I am humbled by the solid commitment that the two had made not just to one another, but to all our country.

So Committed Sam was one of the most laid back and easy going brides I've ever worked with, and also, one of the most beautiful! Committed Jordan, you're a lucky man. You're a lucky man.

His Little Black Book - custom designed album

His Little Black Book. A beautiful little album that I designed for Cecilia to give to her husband for their anniversary. Hard bound, 8x10, premium lustre paper with Jackie flare-tastic painted all over it. Available for all shoots. Order yours today!

Dean Soldan - Newborn Portraits

Dean Kyle Rand Soldan. Eight pounds of pure perfection.

I went over to his house on Wednesday for his first official photoshoot, and the little man did great! I think the 'food coma' that Mama Grace put him in helped, but I honestly think this little guy's gonna be a sweetheart (for his parents and my camera!).

We started by having Daddy Donnie wrap him in a 'burrito' blanket and then decided that putting the little guy in dad's firefighter helmet would be darling. We were so right. All this napping in front of the camera left little Dean tuckered out (and Mom too), so I left the young family lounging on the couch.

Yesterday was his one week birthday. :)

Congratulations, Soldan's! He really is perfect!

GREEK FESTIVAL Fun!

St. Paul's Greek Festival, Irvine, California.

An event we all look forward to and anticipate with excitement throughout the year. I kid you not, this is one weekend you don't want to miss. I never do.

Greek food, Greek dancing, Greek PASTRIES, Greek beer, Greek games, Greek art, Greek PEOPLE, Greek Orthodoxy, GREEK, GREEK, GREEK. It's so GREEK! I mean, Great!

Please join us. I'll be at the food booth tomorrow (Friday). I'll be roaming Saturday. I'll be back in the kitchen on Sunday.

St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine.

See you there!!

Images by yours truly, naturally.