I had dinner with an amazingly strong lady last night who's younger brother died in Auschwitz at the age of 19. I listened quietly, ate my matzo ball soup, and watched as the tears welled up in her eyes {but never spilled over.} Hearing such a personal and painful story from someone so tiny and fragile made every stress and worry disappear in my mind for those few minutes. I am reminded that the little things that worry us, are just that-little. The big things in life- the people that influence us, how much we enjoy each moment (even the painful ones,) and the strength we give to the memories of people who aren't with us anymore, are the things that we should be focusing that "worry" energy on. I am so humbled by that sweet lady, and I will continue to think of her beloved little brother who didn't get the chance to live a full life. The good news? Maybe his story will inspire us to not take anything or anyone for granted, to appreciate and soak up each moment as it passes, and to just let the little worries go. Since this was a little on the sad side, and because no post is complete without a photo, here is one that makes me smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
The Crashing Marbles, Music.
We got to photograph a very energetic and talented band, The Crashing Marbles a while back and I didn't post any images from the shoot-so here they are! *Clients/friends/stalkers: I'll be back from New York on July 4th, so if we are in the midst of scheduling an appointment or setting up a time to pick up your photos, expect an email next week. Have a good holiday weekend!
Kiddo invites
I took photos for this ridiculously cute kiddo's 4th birthday party invitations recently, hello dream job!! I also designed them and I am happy with how they turned out...I'll post photos of the finished product soon. I really had fun planning the photos with a printed piece in mind. Also, knowing that all her little friends got to see and enjoy them makes me so happy! Enjoy your Thursday friends-it's almost Friday! 
I am starting mini kiddo sessions this Summer and Fall-email me for details...they are my very favorite=) {Samaria@thesproutingimage.com}
Why are Grandparents SO cute?!
"What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies." ~Rudolph Giuliani
I have been with my Grandma for a few days in New York, and I have been thinking nonstop about how important family is. I have been so enjoying listening to her stories, joys, and worries about what's next. Also, hearing her speak so fondly of my sweet romantic Grandpa Max who she misses dearly, has been so wonderful and I am SO grateful to be spending this precious time with her.
Here are a few photos from two recent weddings of really lovely Grandparents who totally stole my heart, just as my Grandma Lee has=)
Rough housing with his energetic grandson=)
I love her expression. So proud and so in love with her Granddaughter.
Grandparents+technology=CUTENESS!! She was texting!
If you are lucky enough to still have your Grandparents around, give them a call, send them a love note, or if you are amazingly lucky enough to be near them-(gently) squeeze the heck out of them and tell them thank you for everything they did for you and your family.
After all...there would be no you without them.
Juan and Teresa, San Diego Wedding Love
Here are a few shots of a cute couple that Nick photographed on his own. While we love shooting together, it is really fun to see what we come up with separately. This first shot is my favorite...I love the framing and their expressions!
This dancing photo on the left reminds me of the Labyrinth...
New York state of mind.
I decided to leave you with some holga photos to look at while I am gone. I love the weirdness of this camera=)
Oscar and an overlapped image of my dad shooting in college…one of my favorites.
Celina+TJ…light leaked and weird color…but I kinda like this one.
My lovely friend Heather found this duck wall in North Park…so cute!
Have a good weekend!
Maria+Nate. La Jolla Engagement Photos
This sweet couple is getting married in July, and I am so looking forward to it! We got to run around La Jolla with them and play in some amazing light. They decided to get a big print to hang at the wedding, and I can't wait to see which one they pick! {Side Note to clients and friends...} I will be in New York until July 4th visiting my Grandma Lee, so Nick will be answering emails and handling things while I am gone. Don't worry I won't take ANY photos of my frizzy hair in the East coast humidity. I am only bringing my Holga and a Nikon flash on this trip, should be a fun project=) Happy Friday!
Resah+Dany, Hard Rock Hotel Wedding.
This beautiful couple got married at the St. Therese Roman Catholic Church and had their reception at the Hard Rock Hotel. I loved all the details of this day, and had so much fun with the guests and the wonderful bridal party who made the day so great. To my future couples...please consider the following vendors, they rock:
The amazing coordinator: Kimberly Chebegia of Cynthia Zatkins Events.
The flowers, decor, and awesome white dance floor: Bradley Snyder and White Wedding Day Events.
Wonderful DJ: J. Soul Productions
Creative Video:Young Productions
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Sabrina, the wonderfully entertaining belly dancer gave the guests quite the show, it was so fun! She was also at Ann+David's wedding.
Holga, my love.
Here are a few Holga shots to make your Monday a little bit brighter.
My Dad is the greatest.
I want to wish my sweet Dad a happy fathers day-he is pretty much the best ever. I grew up getting handwritten notes in my lunch, Beatles and Talking Heads sung to me over and over, and frisbee catches all over the place. There is no one in the world who's opinion I value over his, and I am SO LUCKY to have the crazy, odd, creative, enlightened, open-minded, and FUN Dad that I do. HAPPY FATHERS DAY FACCIA!
I took this photo of my Dad when I was four while in New York visiting my Grandparents. I am sure my Dad (who is an amazing photographer with an unbelievable eye) set the camera, composed, and focused the shot...but this is my first documented photo ever, and I love it!
Maria+Nate, La Jolla love.
Nick took these two photos yesterday and I just had to share them...he has such an eye for lines. I want to print these HUGE. Happy Thursday friends!
Natalie and Josh, The Andaz Hotel
This couple was surrounded by the most wonderful family, it's not a surprise that they are so great. It was so fun being downtown San Diego with a gorgeous couple that is up for anything. I can't wait for their families to see all the photos! Thanks for including us in such a fun day Nat and Josh!
Can I just say that The Andaz is amazing?? {hint, hint future couples?!}
It's go time.
I befriended a hostess and she let us sneak into the restaurant and take photos in there. Hooray for nice people, and for asking for what you want.
The bottom right image is a Mother of the bride choreographed dance with SO many people serenading and entertaining Natalie and Josh...it was really really great and Natalie's mom is the cutest thing in the world.
Congrats to the cute couple!
Nat+Josh, almost up!
Here are two shots from the Andaz wedding-the rest will of their post will be up today, I promise. I am being a Libra about picking my favorites to show to you, sorry!! The second shot is Natalie and her Dad right before the ceremony...cute cute cute. Happy Monday, drink some coffee. =)
Gay Wedding Photography Giveaway
Hello lovely blog readers! Exciting announcement!! We believe marriage is a privilege that should be open to all people in love. In honor of that, we are giving away a couple of wedding packages (and/or family or engagement sessions) to same sex couples who want fresh photos that reflect their personalities. This is definitely open to couples outside California as well, so please spread the word!
Whether you are traveling out of state for the ceremony, or just having a small celebration of your love, we would love to help document it. Please email us and tell us why photographs are important to you, how you and your love met, a photo of the two of you, and to receive more details from us.
I am excited to see the results of this, and to see if there is anyone out there listening! I'll keep you guys posted=)
Also posted on Wedding Chicks in Sweet Deals...go see!
San Diego Wedding Photographer, USD Ceremony- Coronado Community Center
Ann+David, Mission Valley Wedding.
This couple got married at the St. Therese Roman Catholic Church and had their reception at the Mission Valley Marriott. With a belly dancer, peacock feathers, and colors everywhere, this event was so fun to document. Thanks for choosing us Ann and David=)
I LOVED Ann's maid of honor. She reminds me so much of my best friend it's odd.
Today's Andaz Wedding
Natalie and Josh's wedding is Downtown at The Andaz...I am so excited! Plus, look at the couple I get to photograph-how cute are they?!
I am super excited to share photos from today, so stay tuned! I am a bit behind on blogging, so I have a lot more to show as well=)
Congrats Nat&Josh!!
Celina+TJ, Coronado Wedding.
This lovely wedding was at St. Paul’s United, and the Coronado Community Center. They planned it from Florida with the help of the amazing One and Only Events. It was such a fun day, thanks for choosing us to document it Celina and TJ!
Celina didn’t stop having fun for one second.
Seeing each other before the wedding=best choice ever! I loved TJ’s reaction…he made her strut for him right after this=)
No bride, groom, or tourist was harmed in the making of this image, promise!
Congrats to the sweet couple…now go make some babies already!
Nicole and Jonathan: Paradise Point Wedding
Nicole and Jonathan are such a sweet match. I was really looking forward to this wedding, because photos are extremely important to Nicole and that makes me HAPPY! She also checks our blog regularly, AND quoted my favorite movie of all time during group shots...she is the best! Their wedding was at Paradise Point, and was coordinated by the lovely Francine Ribeau.
Rugby!!!
If you want a big dance party at your wedding, hire DJ Average Joe of JMC Events. He uses turn tables and records, and is the opposite of an annoying game show host. Future brides...a bad DJ can obliterate dancing mojo, so hire someone experienced!=)
A Colorful San Diego Wedding.
We met Jessica and Bruce when we shot Angie and Jimmy's wedding last year, and we are SO glad they picked us to document their wedding. They got married on top of Presidio Park, and had their awesome party- I mean reception, at the Taproom in Pacific Beach.The bright flowers and sexy succulents were by Katherine Brozowski...she is amazing. Enjoy!
Jessica's niece...sleepy baby=)
