Sandy and Andy: Surprise Wedding in Dana Point

I had the great pleasure of capturing Sandy and Andy's surprise wedding recently on the beach in Dana Point. They were kindly referred to me by Christine Saunders of the Spiraled Stem. (Thanks Christine!)

I was so excited about this wedding. You see, Sandy and Andy flew their family (her boys and his daughters) out from Ohio for a family vacation. But, that's not all they had planned. When they arrived on the sand I had been there for a little while. We pretended that we were going to take family pictures while we waited for the minister to arrive. The kids were a bit confused by the family picture thing but they went along with it. Then, Rev. Clint arrived... Sandy and Andy broke the news to the kids... "We're getting married... today... right now!" I've got to say... it was the most touching thing... the kids were all so excited. You could tell they couldn't wait to be officially made a family and that they all loved each other very much. After the surprise had set in a bit... the intimate ceremony started. It was truly a beautiful afternoon and I was so happy to be a part of it. Then they took advantage of the beautiful shores and lovely weather and played a bit in the water . We ended the day with some portraits, both of the family and of the newly weds.

Here's a slideshow of the ceremony and portraits.

Congratulations guys! Thanks for letting me be a part of such a special moment in your lives. Talk to you soon!The girls were surprised and thrilled!

There were other exciting things to do on the beach besides pay attention to the ceremony... like finding cool rocks! :)

I love that light... beautiful.

What a stunning family.

I love this last one... it totally captures their pure happiness. :)

Mena and AJ: Wedding at MOLAA in Long Beach

Mena and AJ were married at my new favorite venue... the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach. WOW! This place is beautiful, colorful, modern and fantastic... a perfect match for Mena and AJ. This wedding was so much fun and these two are absolutely beautiful. I couldn't stop taking portraits... there are so many spots around this place... outside, by the loading dock, in the gardens, in the gallery and in the front of the building... FANTASTIC! And, the light was just perfect , too.

To Mena and AJ (and their son Nico)- I wish you and your family all the best as you take this next step. May your family be blessed and may you have many more happy memories like your wedding... filled with family, friends, and laughter. :) Lots of love and enjoy the pictures! More to come!

PS- Here's the slide show... you might think it's an interesting choice in music... but, this song is what I think of when I think of the crazy fun dancing that filled the evening... and ... I think this is Mena's dad's favorite. Enjoy! (One more thing... if you want to check out a particular image after the slide show is done, go ahead and click on the little squares at the bottom right of the window. That will bring you to the gallery and you can look until your heart is content.)

Here's that light I was talking about...

Nico wanted to be part of the action.

The gallery is so awesome...

Nico wanted to be a part of the first dance, too... or else, he might just have wanted to flirt with the photographer... who knows? ;)

The dancing didn't let up... these peeps love to party!!! ;)

Family and Senior Portrait Promo (book now!)

Hi all my loyal readers and newbies, too! It’s impossible. Are they seriously already promoting this year’s fall fashions in the malls? Sweaters? What happened to the swimsuits? Is it already time to shop for back-to-school gear? What happened to the summer?

Alas, summer is almost gone. And, it’s time to think about those holiday and Christmas greeting cards! (I know... I know... already?)

During September and October, NMP is planning to schedule a limited number of family and senior portrait sessions. These sessions last about an hour and are shot on location (e.g. at the beach, the park, a freeway overpass (trust me), an empty field or whatever you and I come up with). Wherever the location, the sessions are fun, relaxed, and different from what you think of when you think “family portraits or "senior portraits".

Book your session before September 5th and you’ll receive a special promotional credit towards our full line of custom products including really cool and fun custom greeting cards, canvas gallery wall hangings, fine art prints, albums and so much more!

So, book now while openings are still available. ;) Enjoy your last few weeks of summer!

Caroline's Kitchen Party: Move Over Martha... Here Comes Mimi!

A few weeks ago I attended and photographed one of the most fun and unique parties ever! The very sweet and adorable Caroline celebrated her birthday (I think she turned 13) by throwing a cute kitchen party for her closest friends. This culinary event was perfectly planned and the culinary instruction given by the uber talented Mimi Palmer of Enjoy Celebrations and Occasions. Move over Martha... Mimi is coming and she's sure to show you a few "good things." Getting married? Check out her blog for cool and modern design ideas and a few idea boards, as well.




Mimi is one of the most creative girls I know and she is great at coordinating everything from amazing and modern weddings to unique and intimate showers. And, as this post shows, she's also a very esteemed chef, as well. I think she'll be doing more of these culinary parties. And, why should kids be the only ones to "enjoy" these... I'm thinking these would be super fun for adults, too... add a few glasses of wine and you've got a very fun time.

Check out Caroline's party below. On the menu...Italian raspberry cream soda, bruschetta, chicken parmigiana with homemade sauce, and tiramisu... yummy!!!

How cute are these recipe card bundles that Mimi put together for all of the girls?

Caroline enjoying herself.

The girls were all intently listening to the next steps...

Mom getting involved in the mix...

And, finally a little ping pong... everybody needs a break from the kitchen! :)

Cherstin and Ryan: e-session . Corona Del Mar

I recently met up with the very sweet couple, Cherstin and Ryan (who I think looks a bit like Matt Damon), down in Corona Del Mar. We had a great time walking around in front of and then behind the seedier back of the cafe before heading down to the beach for some just-before-sunset fun. These two said that they don't photograph well. I must disagree... I think they look great and very... in love. ;)

Guys, I had so much fun with you on your e-session and hope you enjoy some favorites below. I can't wait to shoot your wedding at the beautiful Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course in October. Talk soon!!! ;)

Sarah + Steve: Wedding at Rancho Capistrano

I had the pleasure of being a part of Sarah and Steve's big day a few weeks ago. They are a very sweet couple... who are also... very tall! ;) Sarah and Steve were married at the beautiful Rancho Capistrano. Wow... this venue is surrounded by some truly gorgeous grounds.

The day was beautiful as was the wedding. Sarah and Steve, I hope you enjoy your preview slide show (click here to view) and some favorite images below. There's more to come. All my best to you both on the start of your lives together.

The one above... Sarah's grandma's wedding ring was sewn inside her handkerchief. It brought tears to her mom's eyes... very touching.

How cute are these two?

I loved this tree stump/chair.

The rings...

Desiree and Jarrod: e-session

So, I had the pleasure of finally meeting Desiree and Jarrod. They were referred to me by coordinator extraordinaire, Mimi Palmer of Enjoy Celebrations and Occasions after I shot (and Mimi coordinated) Erika and Thos's wedding at the Parker in Palm Springs last March. Desiree and Jarrod are also getting married there at the end of September (might I add that the Parker is one of my favorite spots to shoot!!!) .

We've been chatting on the phone and it was so nice to finally meet them. What a beautiful... yes, I said beautiful couple... these two should be modeling. And, are they ever in love. This was a fun and steamy session. ;) Jarrod even brought his ultra hip vintage car for the shoot. Very cool. Striking personalities, blue eyes, and a lot of love... made for a great session.

I can't wait for your wedding guys! After you told me your story of how you got engaged... I can only imagine how amazing your wedding is going to be! I hope you enjoy some favorites below. I can't wait to hear what you think of them. All my best to you... only about a month left until the big day!! Enjoy it... it's going to fly by!

Alice and George: e-session

Alice , George, and I headed down to downtown Laguna Beach and then on down to the beach for some e-session fun. These two were such a crackup!!! So cute, so in love, and so comfortable and joyful in front of the camera. Thanks for the fun time, guys. I hope you enjoy some of my favorites below! I can't wait for your wedding in November!

Jill and Dave: Pacific Edge, Laguna Beach

Another beautiful wedding and a great couple... Jill and Dave were married at Pacific Edge in Laguna Beach. They are a really genuine and beautiful couple, as are their families. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day, guys. I wish you all the best as you begin your married lives together. Check out a few of my favorite images from the day below and click here to view a slideshow that will help you relive the day if you were there and to be a part of it if you weren't.

Nat-aroni... the San Francisco Treat

Ok... ok... did you like that? (hehe)

I'm in San Francisco for a few days for a fabulous photography seminar. What better place to work on honing my skills for my wonderful clients? I'm fortunate to be staying and hanging with two great ladies and great photographers, Lauren Clark and Tana Huffman. I'll be posting some pics from our fun times here in SF in the next couple of days. Until then...

- Nat-aroni

Desiree and Steve: 07.07.07 slide show!!

At long last... Desiree and Steve's slide show is complete and ready for viewing. I gave a mini preview a little while back and figured that Des and Steve have waited long enough for the full shi-bang (I know that's not a word but you know what I meant!). I hope you guys enjoy the slide show! Talk to you soon!!!