Marion and Brian grew up a stone’s throw from one another on Mercer Island, Washington. They went to the same elementary, middle, high school — had many friends in common (including Brian’s sister Lauren, who was in Marion’s class), but their paths never really crossed. Years later, they lived only a few miles from each other again, this time in Spokane where they both attended college. It wasn’t until a fateful day in 2009; Marion’s need for cereal and Brian’s craving for beer brought them face to face at a grocery store in their hometown. It’s a cliche, but I’m going there — “the rest was history.”

So nothing could have been more appropriate for our session than to go on a tour of their stomping grounds. Mercer Island is a gorgeous community due east of Seattle and we couldn’t have asked for a better crisp January morning. We visited their elementary school, explored the parks and hiking trails around the homes they both grew up in, and then hopped in the car to visit Brian’s incredible Capitol Hill apartment and surrounding neighborhood.

Please enjoy the images below — I don’t think I could pick a favorite if you made me. There is so much love; they had so much fun with each other and it really shows. All of my congratulations to Marion and Brian — I can’t wait for September!

The first thing you might notice about Christine and Matt is their height difference. Christine stands at 4’11” and her new husband Matt soars well above the 6′ mark. But after spending a few minutes with them, the only thing you’ll notice about Christine and Matt is the evident love between them. There is something so sweet and gentle about the way Christine loves Matt. A reassuring touch, bright smile or a heartfelt teary gaze. And the way Matt looks at Christine, it is clear he feels the same about her.

They got married at the Mission Santa Clara where Matt went to law school, and held their reception at the beautiful Hotel De Anza in San Jose. It was a joy to spend the day with Christine, Matt, and their incredible families — these people know how to have fun! There wasn’t an ounce of hesitation getting onto the dance floor and the party continued ’til the end of the night.

Please enjoy some of my favorites from their day below. And big thanks to my husband Rhett for shooting alongside me! All of my thanks and congratulations to Christine and Matt!

Really pleased to work alongside a great team:
Coordinator: Wendy Harrop
DJ: Mike Ewing
Florist: Bloomsters
Videographer: Fotomokia

This morning, I stopped by the very rad Taylor Stitch handmade men’s clothing store in the Mission to pull some looks for an upcoming shoot. Afterward, I met up with my friend Virginia and her son Luca in their neighborhood at Duboce Park Cafe. I don’t always carry a camera with me, but I’m sure glad I had one on hand this afternoon. Luca is such an expressive, curious boy and his mom is simply the coolest – our 10 minute walk to our cars involved a few hunts for imaginary characters, opening of invisible presents, exploration of a local fire station, and lots of running, jumping, playing. And seriously — I can’t get enough of the firefighter rain jacket. Do they make this in adult sizes?

Last week, in partnership with Anne Sage of The City Sage and Ingrid of Charmed, I announced a couples shoot giveaway. We’ve been hearing some awesome ideas on Anne’s blog and to tell you the truth, we are all getting pretty excited about this. Where better to funnel excitement than a photo shoot? I spent an afternoon with Ing and her beau Jake romping around the SOMA and Potrero Hill neighborhoods of San Francisco.

I think we giggled for an hour straight, and the pictures show it. Full of life and so in love, these two were a ball. Please enjoy these images of this gorgeous pair, and keep your ideas coming.

What a beautiful day in San Francisco. We literally sped up Potrero Hill chasing this beautiful light. Thanks to Ingrid and Jake for being such good sports! More to come.

This new year is already off to an excellent start. We are five days in and I have already spent some quality time at the gym, with a new book, with friends old and new, and hanging with the cutest puppy on earth.

Well, it’s about to get even better! You may have seen my dear friend Anne before, as we’ve worked together over polka dots, rain boots, and handbags. She is the mind behind blog The City Sage and Rue Magazine — which finally inspired me to decorate my place. You can see what a talent she is as a New York-meets-San Francisco-hipster-fashionista in front of the camera, but her real talent lies behind the camera — in art direction, visioning and styling.

Add to the mix my friend Ingrid, who owns a jewelry company called Charmed. She creates stunning, handmade pieces of jewelry out of her SOMA studio — I should mention they photograph beautifully. Ing and I bonded over our mutual 10th grade humor and love for all things classy and colorful.

So now to the good stuff!

The three of us are partnering on a giveaway to kick off the year. One person will receive a couples photo session shot by me, styled by Anne, including pieces from Ingrid’s line that will be yours to keep! This session will be a full production, including hair and makeup! So what do we mean by “couple”? It can be anyone — your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, best friend, dog — although I’m not sure on the styling and jewelry front for your pup but, hey, let’s not box ourselves in here.

Please head over to Anne’s Blog for the full details including instructions on how to enter.

One of the coolest things about working with families is watching kids grow up! I met little Freeman in his first week of life. He was not the most cooperative subject, but you can’t really blame a newborn. This time around, he was wide-eyed and very interested in the camera (future photographer on our hands!?). I had a great time hanging with Freeman, his mom, dad, and dog, Grace in San Carlos; it just so happened to be the day before Freeman’s 6 month birthday.

Please enjoy the set below, and of course — Happy Birthday, Freeman!