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Kristin's Portrait + Family Session for Caring Magazine

I had the privilege of photographing for Caring Magazine's issue themed, "Building Confidence."  I spoke with different women about the idea of confidence in the context of beauty.  How do we instill confidence in our children?  What kinds of struggles have we had in dealing with confidence?  

I met with Kristin at the Pasadena Public Library and we chatted about this topic.  She said, On the surface, we can feel confident when we feel accomplished or if we feel like people like us because we look a certain way. It’s very circumstantial. People can be confident in public, but can be very self-loathing. True beauty draws a sense of identity and worth from deeper within. What sets you apart is knowing that you know the Holy Spirit within you. It makes you glow. You don’t have to strive to be like someone else, but it’s an assurance knowing that you are enough. When you interact with a beautiful person, it’s not about them. A truly beautiful person draws beauty out of others and is able to see beauty in places other people don’t see it."

I personally love this session.  It must be one of my favorites of the year.  Warm tones and muted colors that fills you with a sense of wonderment.  Awe.  Who wouldn't want to remember these moments reading books to their children!  And especially as an educator, this environment suits Kristin and her daughter perfectly.  

Chung Family Holiday Session {Irvine, Orange County Photographer}

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas!" That's what the cute, round, wooden sign with the cute calligraphy said as you walked into their home.  Little Arthur was sick, but even with a runny nose, he managed to get through this in-home family holiday session like a champ.  The modern home with neutral colors of grey was a beautiful canvas for a young family of 3, getting ready for Christmas.  Even their maltese joined in on the family fun!  

We started in the bedroom with a large window to their right.  Then, we headed over to the kitchen to snack on some breakfast before ending up in the living room.  They changed into their super cute Christmas PJs (from Old Navy!!) and had some family time by the Christmas tree!

Everett's Newborn {Palos Verdes, CA Photographer}

After 46 hour of labor (oh my!) little Everett was born.  I hope you know how much your mom went through to bring you into this world, little one! (And without any medication too!) He is the first child of proud parents, Tyler and Jessy who have been on countless adventures even until the moment the baby was born.  While pregnant, both mom and dad finished their Tae Kwon Do track to receive their black belt and stayed active and culturally engaged.  They've been on so many adventures, crossing off items on their bucket list, but I bet they would say without any hesitation that having Everett in their family is the great adventure they've been on!

Baby Ezekiel's Fresh 48 {Torrance, CA | LA OC Family Photographer}

The heat wave had died down and it finally started feeling like Fall in Southern California.  Though the air was crisp outside, there was nothing but warmth in the hospital room where the Baby Ezekiel and his family were recovering.  Baby Ezekiel was delivered at the Torrance Memorial Hospital after 36 hours of labor.  It was worth the wait.  And all the work.  And the pain!  This first born boy has made a grand entrance into the Thieme family!  

Lincoln + Claire's Anniversary Session {Irvine & Orange, CA Photographer}

2 years ago, they entered the Training College as newlyweds. 2 years later, they are now commissioned as Lts. of The Salvation Army and have moved to their first appointment to Aberdeen, Washington. 2 years ago, the bride wore a firey magenta, purple, red ballgown for her reception. To remember that time, she brought it out for this session. Elegant, classy and bold. If I had to use one word to describe these two as individuals and as a couple, I'd use the word BOLD, which I hope is reflected in the images.

Kat + Anton's Wedding {Brea Community Center}

One of the characteristics that stand out about Kat and Anton as a couple is that they love their friends.  Yes, the 16 person bridal party and the VIP treatment they received is one evidence of that. 

They also had the longest processional I've seen.  It was great!  Their Filipino background meant they've got a large family and people you're not related who you call family.  Family is important.  I learned from this wedding that they have Sponsors - grown ups usually older than them who support them in lots of different ways.  $$$ being one of them.  Cha Ching!!  Coming from a Korean background, I get it.  We have a similar kind of support system where our parent's generation (and their friends) lavish gifts on the children who get married.  But with a Filipino wedding, the Sponsors get to be part of the processional AND they get a seat on honor in the ceremony.  That was so heart warming.  Again, it wasn't just about the couple.  It was about the people are involved in the couples' lives - the community... the family.  

Ok, I know they care a lot about their friends and guests, but I just have to say a few words about the couple. Kat and Anton.  They are a fun couple!  They are also adventurous, active, smart and hot, but they are the first to admit that they both have a geeky side.  Speaking of fun - Anton gets the Best Dancing Groom award.  He gets so into the music while he's dancing - as if he is putting every ounce of this soul into the moment.  Kat gets things done.  She's the one who organized the details of the wedding without being excessive, but having it be AMAZING and meaningful.  As Anton said in his vow, she does everything so well and sets a high standard that she inspires everyone around her to want to be better.  She can also kick off the heels and party when she wants to!  

It was a blast being a part of this day.  You could tell there was so much love being poured out on this couple who gives to much to their friends and family on all the other days!

 

 

Ceremony + Reception Site: Brea Community Center
Coordinator - The Cucumber Bride
Floral Stylist - Beyoutiful Blooms
Hair and Make-Up - Luong Lasting
Linens, Chargers, Glassware - Something Borrowed Party Rentals
Dessert Table, Giveaways Table - Party Pieces by Perry
Draping and Lighting - Adrian, XL Entertainment
Photo Booth -  Photonometry
Videographer - Dustin, Cinema Life Weddings
DJ - DJ Roial1

Food and Drinks:

Alcohol - BevMo
Bartender - Paul, National Bartender Staffing of Southern California
Cake/Desserts - Carmen's Bakery
Catering - Peris Restaurant

   

Alex + Faith

If fairies exist, their names would be Alex and Faith.  Pretty, confident and add a sprinkle of a sass... you would think these two were magical creatures the way they made themselves at home in nature.  We had a morning photo session at the Peters Canyon Regional Trail in Tustin, California.  Not only are these two young ladies were confident in front of the camera, their confidence spills over into their outlook of the world.  Yet, it's not a mean confidence, it's a confidence that is bundled in kindness and in caring for other kids and little babies.  So not only do they take gorgeous photos, they have a beautiful heart.