Emory and Michelle: Engagement Session in HB

Hi all! ;) Still getting caught up...

I had a great time in Huntington Beach with Michelle and Emory a few weeks ago... take a look below to check out some of my favorites. And, be on the look out for their wedding shortly...

Jenny and Dan: E-session in Huntington Beach

I'm back! :)

First thing's first... I promised Jenny and Dan that they would get to see their pics today so here they are! Jenny is a fashion major and Dan owns a clothing store in Tennessee (Dan flew in for the session... well, to see Jenny, too...) ;). These two were so cute together.

We had the best time during their "extended" e-session. They opted for a longer session (we spent a very fun three hours together down in Huntington Beach.) Four outfits, a box of Sprinkles cupcakes, a few changes of clothes in their car, and a lot of laughs later... we ended our day in the parking structure for some really cool night shots.

Here's a slideshow... I had so many pictures that I couldn't choose only a few to post on the blog!

I wish you two all of the best on your wedding later this month. Sorry I won't be there to shoot it but I know you will make an amazing bride and groom. May your marriage be even better than you can imagine! I'll see you next for your "Day After" session. I can't wait!!!

Best- Natalie

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!!! ;)

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!

Alyssa and Steve: e-session at the St. Regis

Alyssa and Steve are getting married in September so it was about time we did their e-session! ;) Alyssa wanted to have their e-session at a place that had beautiful architecture that reminded her of Italy... rustic and elegant at the same time. I think she was successful in identifying the perfect location... the St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point. As any of you know that have been there... the St. Regis is beautiful and it was the perfect location for these two to strut their stuff and just hang out together in front of the camera. I'm really looking forward to your wedding guys... it will be lovely... just like you! ;) Enjoy some of my favorites from our time together below... Talk soon! - Nat

Jill and Dave: e-session

Jill and Dave were married earlier this month... (to be blogged soon)! But, before their wedding (only a week before, in fact) we finally were able to do their e-session. Jill and Dave are a great and funny couple... they are great together... and I think that shows in their pics. We headed to downtown Long Beach and started with a drink (to loosen Dave up... although... I don't think he needed it!) at Cafe Sevilla. After some yummy sangria we headed off on our search for fun spots (and a few wardrobe changes). From the alleyways to the parking garage to a few different flights of stairs... check out a few favorites from our exploits below. Thanks guys!!! I can't wait to post your wedding pics... so much fun!!!

Mena and AJ's e-session...

was so much fun! We headed down to Orange Circle, had a bite to eat and then headed off exploring in the stairwells and alley ways. These two were up for anything and were lots of fun. Once we had finished up in the Circle, we headed back to Huntington Beach to a "really cool" desolate field. Yes, I know that "desolate" and "really cool" don't typically go hand in hand... but come on... don't you agree in this case? :) I had a vision and Mena and AJ were up to helping me make it a reality.

Don't the two of them look amazing? Both of them commented how much fun the e-session was and how they couldn't wait to see the pictures. I really felt that this session captured not only the fun moments and Mena and AJ's personalities but also some cool editorial or magazine style of images. It's awesome to be able to get all of that in one session! Here's a preview of some of my favorites. More will be up on your online gallery soon, guys... enjoy! :) PS- I can't wait for your wedding in August!

Like the sign says... these two are "hot!"

I love how the light lit Mena's face.

One of my favorite pics... a very simple and cool wall.

I really liked the lines and colors in this picture.

Funny... a bit of an inside joke... let's just say that somebody might have been having a bad hair day when we started the morning... it shaped up as you can see, though. :) Thanks for the use of the sign, Hank!

We saw this really cool area that almost looked like a carnival... it said it was private... oh well... ;)

And, on to that cool field... these are those magazine shots I was talking about... don't Mena and AJ look like they're in a commercial? Mena joked that she felt like somebody was going to whisper "obsession"... you know... from the commercials... :)

One last moody shot.

Desiree and Steve's e-session

Desiree, Steve, and I headed down to the Montage earlier this week for some fun photos. Oh... I forgot to mention that they brought their dog, Spirit (and carried him in a bag!). My dogs won't fit in a bag (they're big labs!) so it's always a crack up for me to see a dog in a bag. Anyways... Des, Steve, Spirit and I had a great time and got some really fun pictures. Des and Steve were so nice and after we were all done they brought me to dinner at the Montage... so sweet guys. Thank you so much. I really enjoyed hanging out! The conversation and food were both fabulous!

I can't wait for your wedding in July! Enjoy your preview below...

Nicole and Tommy's e-session

First in the many upcoming posts is an e-session with Nicole and Tommy. All I can say is... WOW. A beautiful couple inside and out, Nicole and Tommy are getting married next month in a Greek Orthodox church and will then be heading off to the amazing [seven-degrees] for their reception celebration.

First, we met at Zinc cafe in Corona Del Mar for a glass of wine and coffee... and a few pictures. We then headed off to the beach... and... what an amazing day. This kind of day reminds me (like I needed reminding) why this is such an extraordinary place to live. Nicole and Tommy were great... adventurous, super relaxed, fun, and... well... I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Oh... and there's one in there with their best friend Marco who joined us for part of the session. He and Tommy have been friends for over 2 decades and we had to get a shot or two of them, as well. Pretty cool. I hope you guys enjoy some of my favorites below and I can't wait for your wedding next month. All my best... Natalie :)

Darcy and Todd's e-session in Venice

Last weekend, I headed down to shoot Darcy and Todd's e-session up where they live in Venice Beach. I think they would claim to be camera shy but ,as the day went on, they seemed to get pretty comfortable. :) My favorite sister-in-law (and fellow photog), Angela, accompanied me, too (Thanks for joining us, Ang!).

It was quite a fun adventure... We started off at their house, headed down by the canals, walked by some of the very cool beach front houses (one of which is theirs... WOW... it's beautiful!), and then we headed down to James Beach, one of their favorite local restaurants/bars... and, might I add... the home of THE BEST margarita I've ever had... and that's saying a lot! Yes... I (we) drank on the job... don't tell anyone... ok? C'mon... :)

Anyhoo... we had a fabulous time and I can't wait to shoot their wedding in August at Verandas in Manhattan Beach. Enjoy my favorites below... Thanks for the fun afternoon, guys!

We found this book just sitting on the ground in an alley... I thought it was perfect... because of the color! :) But seriously, "the untouched histories"... these two are both historians... how perfect?!

Isn't Darcy pretty? :)

What a cute couple...

A shot through the chair...

Yes... that margarita on the end of the bar... that's mine... don't even think about it...

my favorite shot...

And... finally... Darcy and Todd show you their muscles on the boardwalk... watch out or they'll "crunch" you! :)

Sarah and Steve's e-session

I met up with Sarah and Steve in Pasadena last weekend for their e-session. They were in town for a family wedding shower (where I met them before we went out on our adventure). As luck would have it, I think had the opportunity to meet most of the family when I picked Sarah and Steve up. Everyone was so welcoming and kind that by the time Sarah, Steve, and I headed off we were all on "hugging terms" (yes... I'm a "hugger").

Anyhoo... we headed off and had a blast walking down the old historical alleyways. I don't know if you can tell from their pictures but Sarah and Steve are very tall (both over 6 feet)... they actually made me feel short... and I'm almost 5' 10"! Cool architecture, textures and a really sweet couple who are very much in love made for a fun afternoon and what I hope they think are some pretty cool pictures. I'm really looking forward to your wedding in July, guys!!! We're going to have a blast. I hope you enjoy your e-session preview.

I think the one above is my favorite...

Christine and Jay in Balboa Park

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of shooting an engagement session for Christine and Jay in San Diego at Balboa Park. What a fun place to shoot and what a cute and sweet couple. Christine mentioned that Jay had been practicing for our session... his modeling prowess was apparent ;)... just kidding Jay! But seriously, these two were naturals in front of the camera. And, how about Christine's dress... I LOVE it! So cute!

So far, I'm only booked for their engagement session (the wedding is likely to be a destination wedding... which I love photographing!!!)... c'mon guys... you know you want me there on your big day to tell you to tickle each other when you get nervous!

Thanks for the fun morning! I hope you enjoy a "few" of my favorites below. Make sure you look for the one where the happy couple is being serenaded by a very colorfully dressed conquistador (or at least a cute little mariachi man)! I'll be talking to you soon!

Wendy and Daniel's e-session...

was sooooo much fun! Wendy and I didn't actually meet until we shot their e-session. We did, however, talk a number of times on the phone. Each time I just knew I was really going to like Wendy. Even though she is dealing with some personal adversity right now, you'd never know it. Talk about a positive attitude... what a great girl... And, Daniel... WOW... he has to be just about the kindest and sweetest guy I've met (outside of my husband, of course... sorry, Matt! :).

These two are a perfect match. They couldn't stop smiling and having a good time the whole morning. Wendy and I even managed to keep Daniel awake (... inside joke :) )!

I can't wait until your wedding, guys. I hope you enjoy your preview of the pictures. Keep smiling!

Nicole and Dave's E-Session...

Nicole and Dave and I headed down to Long Beach and later to Seal Beach for their e-session. We had a really fun time and finished up with them buying me a breakfast burrito at Nick's in Seal Beach... yummy!!!

Nic and Dave were excellent subjects... aren't they cute? :)

N+D... I'm looking forward to your wedding in May at the beautiful Ponte Family Estate Winery in Temecula. I hope you guys love your pictures... (There are a lot... I just couldn't decide!!!)

Erika and Thos...

are getting married in March at the very hip Parker in Palm Springs. We headed off with their dog, Bear, to Laguna Beach for some engagement pics and had lots of fun playing in the sand. I can't wait to photograph your wedding, guys! Enjoy the pictures and I'll talk to you soon!

Steve and Andi's e-session

took place all the way out in Victorville. It was a bit of a drive... but it was worth it! We took pictures at Andi's grandparents' ranch. Very cool! I loved the rocks and the desert look.

I can't wait for your wedding guys! It's going to be beautiful and FUN!

PS- Stay tuned for Andi and Steve's fun "Save the Dates" on another post!

Shannon and Darin...

are getting married in May in Huntington Beach but we went up a few miles to Seal Beach to shoot their engagement session. Darin wasn't too keen on the e-session idea... but he warmed up very quickly and was even giving Shannon direction on what to do in front of the camera. :) Thanks for the fun time guys... and the margaritas after! I can't wait for your wedding... it's going to be so much fun... and you're going to be beautiful, Shannon! You won't look too bad yourself, Darin!

Alyssa and Rob's E-Session...

in Long Beach was a blast! I was so busy with multiple clients that day that Alyssa and Rob were kind enough to meet me at 8:00 in the morning for their e-session! They were bright eyed and bushy tailed, though. :) We roamed around down town Long Beach (which is where they had their first date and where they now live) and I think we got some really cool and fun pictures.

You guys are awesome... I can't wait for your wedding in Malibu in February!!!

Enjoy the pictures!

Melissa, Nathan and USC...

were all together once again when the lovely couple, Melissa and Nathan, went back to their Alma Mater to take their engagement pictures. We had a lot of fun on campus (which is beautiful by the way) and I learned that Tommy Trojan is not USC's only mascot... they also have a mascot that is a feisty stray dog named George Tirebiter... Who knew?!

But, I digress... Melissa and Nathan will be getting married in Pasadena in June at an amazing church and will be having their reception at the Athenaeum, a private club, also in Pasadena. I know it will be beautiful and I'm looking forward to seeing these two on their big day.

I hope you both enjoy your pictures. Here's a preview with the rest to be coming to you soon! Enjoy!

Jenell and Jeff...

recently took their engagement pictures at the beautiful Toscana Country Club in Palm Springs. They are such a sweet and laid back couple. We got to hang out with their chocolate lab "puppies", Burrito and Daisy, and I got to see Jeff's dad's great collector's Jeep. We had fun touring Toscana in their golf cart and enjoyed debating which 80's sitcome was the best... I believe Magnum PI ended up being the winner. :) The architecture and colors there were amazing! It was definitely worth the drive!

Jenell was referred to me by Mimi Biel of Erin Cole Couture, where Jenell purchased her dress (which is stunning from what I hear!). (Mimi has been ramping up her work on wedding coordinating. If you're interested or need a coordinator, let me know and I'll put you in contact).

Take care guys and see you soon... here's a preview of your pics! I hope you love them! Thanks for letting me spend the day with you!

Jen, Carl... and Francis...

spent the afternoon with me at Huntington Beach's Dog Beach. I've got to say that Jen and Carl are two of the nicest and most real people I've ever met. And, they are such a great couple. They brought their "baby", Francis ,along for their engagement session since he is part of their family. Francis, who is a very handsome bull dog, was sporting a leopard print halter and coordinating leash and was flaunting his new spiked collar. He looked stellar and very tough! :)

We had such a great time... even if a wave did come and get the three of them a bit wet... it didn't dampen their spirits. Check out a slideshow of some of my favorites below...

I can't wait for your wedding in October, Jen and Carl... it's going to be beautiful and a BLAST! Enjoy! (Press the play button in the bottom left corner of the imbedded window below. It will take a little while to load but it will be worth it!)