Thankful!

When Thanksgiving approaches we know how quickly the year is coming to its end, but more importantly we reflect on what we are most thankful for. This post is to share an idea I had with my children yesterday as I wanted them to let me know what they were truly thankful for. So before we went to be with family and share some grub food at my sister Brandys house I grabbed a few shots of my kids. When I look at these photos it makes me so thankful to God for all the blessings he has brought into my life. I am blessed to be a wife, mom, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend. As I write this post I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving with their family and friends.

Michelle Pinkava - Vista Murrieta Senior - Murrieta Photographer

I've known Michelle for years, and when I received an email from mom asking if I can do her Senior pictures I was more than excited. Michelle is very well rounded young lady, very active in school with sports and community. As you can see on her Letterman's Jacket she has hardly any room to add any more activities! On our way to our shoot I had the opportunity to listen to her goals of becoming an RN and the schools she is applying for. It's great to hear how her enthusiasm is to continuing her education in a field that will help others and save lives. Here are few of my favorites from part 1 of her shoot. We will have one more shoot in the spring with her prom dress and cap and gown! Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!

Mr and Mrs Westfall - Seneca Falls, New York Wedding Photographer

This wedding holds a special place in my heart. I have known the bride Brittany since she was only 16 years of age. There was a time she worked for me and we would always talk about the day she were to get married. I remember her always saying when I get married you will be my photographer. Almost 8 years later she kept her word and hired me as her wedding photographer. I couldn't have been more happier and more excited for my first ever destination wedding. What was even more comforting was going across the United States with amazing friends.
Their story is quite different than most. Steve is a mechanic for a professional motocross rider and Brittany's family have been in the racing scene for many years with their brother. Brittany's sister Samantha met Steve at a race out of state and thought well this guys seems really cool for my sis. Long story short Brittany and Steve started speaking on the phone and arranged to meet. Keep in mind Brittany is a Cali girl and Steve is from Seneca Falls, New York. Brittany said she felt ok buying a ticket and flying to New York to meet Steve for the first time. As she boarded off the airplane she looked for the face she had only seen in pictures, nervous, scared, and their he was. With a warm embrace in that instant they knew they were destined for eachother. Which brings us to this day.



































To see more of their wedding day please click on the link. http://cliftonphotography.myshowit.com/steveandbrittany/index.html

Mock Vintage Wedding - Temecula Photographer

A special thanks to Tracy Dee for organizing this event at La Maison Rustiuqe located in Temecula Wine Country. 

Amanda Goraleski (Bride)

Mark Laribee (Groom)
Amanda Shaw (Bridesmaid)
Whitney Carpenter (Bridesmaid)
Make up Cathi Singh
Make up Kimberly Bragalone

Mini High Fashion Shoot- GUESS inspired- Murrieta Photographer

A few months back I was part of a small shoot in Laguna Beach, that is were I had the opportunity of working with models Valentina and Kaylie. Valentina and I were talking about how fun it would be to do a shoot with smokey eyes, slightly teased hair, our minds just kept clicking away with ideas. In my area it is not common to find Shoot Outs, or photographers getting together to build portfolios. Atleast  I have not heard of any until my first experience with a group called Photog Shootout. The thing is that they always remark the importance of networking with other photographers and branching off to have smaller shoot outs.  I have been so fortunate to have been surrounded by amazing photogs, make-up artists, etc.. and invited to some amazing shoots that are just out of this world awesome!  

Not having anything close to home I was talking with my friend Alicia about my talks with Valentina. Long story short she was so kind to open her home and use this amazing location right around the corner from her house. The one thing with my friend Alicia when her mind get's going, she gets going! Let's just say there will be a little film of us all in action that was produced on our day, thanks to Alicia's friend Moises. On another note, because we are not pros at putting together a shoot we all had a great time pretending like we did and just went with the flow. Here are some of my favorites from the day!

A special thanks to Crystal Roberts who did an amazing job with hair and make-up. To our models Valentina, Kaylie, Lucy, Jarred, and Bryan. Also to Mia, and Kelli who came out to shoot along side. Alicia thanks again for opening your home and helping put this together.