I met Hazel & Thomas in Pasadena last weekend for their engagement portraits.  I like to photograph engagement portraits in a place that means something to you, the couple, so I usually ask what you like to do together, where you go out, etc.  Hazel and Thomas came armed with an answer before I could even ask.  They love to browse the grocery store and look around, maybe visit the in house Starbucks, and sometimes pick out something to make for dinner together.  They took the initiative to get permission for our shoot from their local Vons , and I was so appreciative!  It's great when the couple helps out like that, and has an idea they are passionate about!  The people at Vons were more then helpful, and very sweet and congratulatory to Hazel and Thomas during out shoot.

We started with a stroll outside first, and then moved inside Vons.  Hazel and Thomas were non stop giggles.  I'd like to take credit for the laughs and smiles, but I'm not that funny (except to myself).  They clearly have a great time together!  I am so excited for their wedding later this fall.

Hazel's sister Lindsay is a hair and make up artist, and did Hazel's styling for the shoot.  She did a great job, and even stayed for the shoot so she could do any needed touch ups.  She was a great help! 

Enjoy the photos, and let me know what you think in the comments.

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I had the pleasure to work with Ian, from Ian Andrew Photography on this wedding.  Daniel and Cassandra had an intimate ceremony overlooking the beach at the West Malibu Beach Club.They followed it up with a really fun reception, that included In n' Out Burger!  All day you could sense the love both families had for each other, and how much they treasured Daniel and Cassandra. 

Daniel and Cassandra opted to wait to see one another until she walked down the aisle for the ceremony, so pre-ceremony I hung out with the boys and took these groom and groomsmen portraits.

Then we all moved out onto the balcony of the West Malibu Beach club for the ceremony. 

After the ceremony we moved onto the beach for some portraits of everyone together.  The light was wonderful, and Daniel and Cassandra could not have been happier to be married.

Thank you Ian, for having me along to shoot with you.  And thank you Daniel and Cassandra for letting me into your special day.

I specialize in weddings, but I still do a select number of lifestyle sessions throughout the year.  I especially love to do them when they involve babies as lovely as this one!  Little Lacey was a dream.  She loved to be photographed and didn't fuss until we'd been taking her photo for 2 hours!  She was a pro.

When photographing families, especially with a newborn, I like to keep things easy, laid back, and comfortable.  I prefer to capture families in a more candid way.  I find keeping it candid when possible, letting everyone relax, and picking a familiar location provide you with more honest meaningful photographs.

I try to keep personal stuff on the personal blog, but let me introduce my husband here.  He's kind of a big deal, he's pretty much the best person around, and my favorite person to photograph always.

This past month he shot his thesis film, and I'm incredibly proud and can't wait till it's done and I can show him off!  One night they were shooting I got to go hang out on set, take a few photographs, and enjoy seeing my husband in action.  He is an amazing cinematographer and a pretty great husband.  If you'd like to find out more about his thesis film, visit the film's website: http://www.narcocorridofilm.com/

Okay.  I'm done gushing now.  Here are some of my favorites:

To see a gallery with more images go here.

Brian & Stephanie's wedding was classic, honoring, intimate, and fun!  I was so glad to be in attendance.  This was the first time I had seen a full choir as part of the ceremony- it was such a treat! This was my first wedding of the year, and it got me very excited for the many weddings to come!  I owe a big thanks to my second shooter, Gabriel Mora, for coming a long and keeping me going.

To view a slideshow from the wedding, click here.  To find Elizabeth on facebook, click here.

Wedding Venue: Hollywood Presbyterian // Flowers: Flowers by Dan // Catering: Bread & Butter // Master of Ceremonies: Schwartzy and Pagana