Julie Cahill Photography

New Address

2010-05-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

I wish it were a new home but it really is to a NEW BLOG. So change your links to follow me here. You'll find a recent newborn session there of this sweet little bumble bee.

I have another baby portrait session tomorrow

so check back next week for more!

Back in Biz

2010-04-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah. My hero, James Ratliff got my website up and running.

Oh websites. Sigh.

Go visit his wife's blog and give her some blog love!

She shares great crafts and recipes like this carrot cake.

Yum.

Domain Transfer

2010-04-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

Please be patient while my website transfers over to a new host. Bad timing as I auctioned off a portrait session at Bella's school this weekend and they will probably check my website that is down and wonder what kind of business this is?! Bluehost will be my new family now. I'm so excited cuz they have an 800 number I can call that is available 24/7! With my old host, you had to submit a ticket by email and wait and wait and wait. They didn't have the best customer service at Bludomain. I believe there may be a new blog in my future too... stay tuned.

iphone pic

More important updates: I have an 8 year old!

We'll be doing a little BBQ and bug hunt up at my grandpa's property today. Here is a picture of Bella and I at her dad's Australian football game or footy as they call it. It was the kick off to the season on Anzac Day (like our Memorial Day). It was Australia vs. Rest of the World. The Aussies got their arses kicked! Rod said they have all the fat old men, and recruiting the youth of America is why they lost. They need half Americans and half Aussies to compete here in the states... so if you know any guys who want to give it a try?? It has become quite a large league from when we first started in 2002. It started with barely enough for one team in 2002 and now there are four teams with a few deep on the bench.

Watch some highlights of the pros here. Check out how they climb up each others back to catch the ball, the height they get is crazy high!

iphone pic

Spring Chick

2010-04-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

Here is one spring chick I got to meet this week. She's 3 weeks old and born at home. I love home births! Her name is Isla. Now read it again with the 's' being silent. There you go. She is the newest addition to the Cooper family, who gets to grow their beautiful little family up in the sunny mountains with a veggy garden, chicks, a dog, a swimming pool and mountain lions. Yes! Mountain lions. Robyn said while she was having Isla at home, the neighbors saw a mountain lion standing in the middle of the street during midday while children were outside playing. Yikes!

Blessings to your growing family Robyn.

What's a Duffy?

2010-04-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well I finally saw what a Duffy is. It's about a 20' boat with wrap around seatting that cruises at a top speed of like six knots. Yeah... a whole six! We took about 10 girls out on Mackenzie's Duffy for the afternoon and had a small baby shower for Jenee's twins. Here are a few with my point & shoot from my girls weekend in Newport.

Her brother is a hard core AC/DC fan. Here are his choice pieces for his new neice and nephew.

Our host for the arvo, Kenz and Whit...

The game

The cupcakes

The decorations

Thanks girls for the fun weekend... See you in July!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hope you all enjoyed your Easter.

Ours was new and different with my grandma not here this year.
Just before we were about to eat, my son asked:

"Do they have phones in Heaven?
...cuz then we could call grandma!"

I melted from this little guys words.

We all had warm smiles in our hearts after that one.

Twins

2010-03-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted twins... especially if we ever got pregnant again since Luke is off to kindergarten next fall. That would leave the next one with a big gap from older brother and twins would be instant playmates... no waiting for the next babe to come around. I have them in my family too. My dad is a twin. Not sure about that whole 'skip a generation' theory? Would that mean that I would maybe have them or my kids? Anyone know about that?

Anyway, I'm fully rambling here about twin because my best friend, Jenee IS having twins. The next best thing! Maybe even better as I recall the sleepless nights and diaper changes. I was going to surprise her with quilts for the babies as I am officailly a quilter having completed ONE in my lifetime with these lovely fabrics. Actually it's getting machined at the moment, I haven't fully completed it. I was trying to get the look of this one with more blue and pinks in it for the kids room using the Jelly filled pattern by Camille Rosekelly. I know Jenee likes certain colors and style, so I invited her over to visit my favorite fabric store, HARTS here in Santa Cruz, but only after feeding the babies some Charlie Hong Kong. Yum.

After some baby quilt google searching for free patterns, I decided they are all too hard or too cheesy. I finally found this Olive Rose one and hoped I could mathamatically alter it to the right size. I went with a reccommended size of 45"x60" so they wouldn't outgrow them after all my slaving away, plus Jenee dropped the word "heirloom" sometime during our shopping experience, so I felt compelled to make them bigger so they didn't get packed away with the baby bedding. I didn't want it to be that type of heirloom.

While I altered the pattern fine, I couldn't seem to pack up the quilt and figure where I left off without having to lay it all out and double check all the measurements again. I did this at least twice. Rediculous! So to my husbands dismay, our family room looked like this all weekend. Here is the starts of the girl one...

He is super supportive of me sewing and is the one who scored me a sweeeeeet sewing machine at a yard sale a couple years back. I think he digs it cuz his mom is big into it. He's the one who took the photo to send to his mum and sisters back in Australia.

So as the first round of babies are too arrive, comes the multiple baby shower syndrome. I have three, yes, three showers to attend. All being optional according to Jenee, but I love her to death, so unless there was a wedding to shoot, I'm going to be there. She told me to give her a picture of quilt one at the first shower, a picture of quilt two at the second shower and both the completed quilts at the third shower.

Good plan Nay!

Off to Newport Beach this Friday for baby shower #1!

Question?
Should I do a different pattern or same? I'm thinking I know she likes the jelly-filled pattern and the boy quilt does have lots of white in it. Plus Camille just put out a mini- Jelly that would suit the baby size. Hmmmm.... any suggestions?

Sky

2010-03-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

Sky's mum was wanting her daughter's senior photos done. She asked about my grandpa's property, so we headed up for the morning light on Tuesday. I always shoot there in the afternoon, so it was fun to see the morning light and find some new spots. I feel like this location is endless with it's spots to choose from. We both brought along our little boys to chase frogs and lizards as it is a little boys heaven there. They played so well... oh how my Luke could use a good 5 acres. We are blessed to be able to pop up there whenever though and still have the beach in our frontyard.

Sky seems so photogenic to me. Even when she's not smiling or laughing she has a nice presence on the camera. She was so easy to work with. Especially since she laughs at all my stupid jokes and comments along the way. She worked a few different outfits... check it out.

I love this sign. I have one of my son with his shirt off, age 2 in work boots and dirty shorts sitting next to it. I couldn't resist a hot girl in a dress sitting next to it.

Thanks Sky for the lovely morning!

If you want senior photos done. Email me: julie@juliecahillphotography.com

Sunday Success

2010-03-19T05:20:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU

...to all who came out Sunday to support Rose's Fundraiser. We had over 20 families come out. It was great to hear all the stories of who knows her or where they heard about the fundraiser. A handful came out after reading the article in the Sentinal. One couple had grown up here and read the article up in Sacramento and drove down with their family to do portraits!

ROSE

I love good causes like this. Everyone has the best attitudes and in top spirits. People all coming together for soemthing bigger than themselves. The photographers were a great fun bunch to work with and get to know. We headed over to the Felton fire house after for pizza and an out of this world dessert that Rose's mum made. I HAVE to get that recipe. It's simply amazing. Pure goodness.

I hear that a few families couldn't make our date change, so there maybe another one in the future. Drop me a line if you're interested in making the next one and I'll get you on our list!

Here are a few of the families I shot that day...

Engagement Session

2010-03-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

Michelle and Jared are wedding at the lovely Chaminade in September. I'm really looking forward to shooting their wedding. We started out at the farmers market in Santa Cruz, then headed to the beach on our cruisers to finish up their session. I dig the Natural Bridges location cuz I can bike there with my gear. It's days like these working with an awesome couple and biking to and fro the beach that can't believe this is work. These two are so cute together... at one point when I asked them to kiss and Jared goes, "I can do this all day." They made a day of it afterward, hitting up the Shadowbrook and grabbing a hotel afterwards. Michelle told me about endless mimosas at Center St. Grill on Sunday mornings. I'm definetly going to have to check it out. But if anyone ever plays hookie on a Friday... I know Harbor Cafe offers the endless mimosas as well. Thanks Michelle... Hope you two had a beautiful weekend!

Senior Pics

2010-03-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

I babysat Brandon and his older brother, Jacob from ages 2&4 to when I had a baby of my own. His mom is so dear to my heart. She's help me through so many rocky times and been there to celebrate with me too. I just LOVE them all. I can't believe he's a senior this year! Brandon's girlfriend tagged along for the shoot, so I got a couple of her too.

His folks own 3 Day Closets and their slogan is "Life is short, get organized" but with the door open it makes an appropriate Senior year slogan too.

Family Portrait Fundraiser

2010-03-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

Miss Bella

2010-02-26T11:33:00.000-08:00

It was a pleasure to work with the petite Miss Bella and her parents. I always forget how tiny babies are when they are just born. My babies were 9.1 and 10.5 lbs, so to move a little six pounder around for the morning was reminder of just how tiny and precious they are. She was an angel the whole time. Awake for the first portion, then had a bottle and slept for the last portion. What more could I ask for?

Baby Bella

2010-02-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

Miss Bella came early to her new world and was in the hospital until she packed a couple pounds. She's up to six pounds a little over a month later. Here is a sneak peek...

Daddy asked for a picture of their favorite nap time position.

Sundays in Santa Cruz

2010-02-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

My Valentine and I wandered along West Cliff to the lighthouse. I haven't seen this many people out since the Coldwater Classic. I don't know if it was the Mavericks crowd coming south or the holiday weekend, but people of all kinds were out for the newfound sunshine. The hula hoopin' crowd is here regularly on Sundays from about 4pm to sunset. They provide hula hoops and music for all to enjoy! Come check out some of the life in Santa Cruz on a Sunday.

I've really missed you Sun! Welcome back.

Forever yours,

Julie

A trip down a rabbit hole...

2010-02-12T11:44:00.000-08:00

When I think of fairy tales... I think of oak trees. They strike me as old, wise, protective, and enchanted. They are my favorite type of tree. Orla, and her two kids, Ruby and Jude, showed me the most beautiful oak tree recently. Her backyard opens into this magical space. A little ivy trail led us across a tiny creek with a board to cross over it. The muddy slope led us up to a fire access road that brought us out to a clearing where there was a cattail-lined lake and in the distance, the beach. A little further up we ventured out to a wide open field. From here, she lead me to the mother tree. It was so big, beautiful, and wide open-- like it was welcoming us home with a hug. It was an old growth oak tree with branches stretching wide out. It's a new favorite spot for photos. So if you like the look of photos in the woods or tall grass in open fields.. I've got the spot for you!

Orla is a fighter. Rightly so, being she is Irish. She came here when she was 12 years young. She has a gentle spirit, encouraging words, and big heart. When I think of her, I think of this quote:

“There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.”

I love that Jude had just got stitches... it just adds to what kind of boy he is for our photos!

Meet "Spring" the Dog.

Calling all modeling agencies... any takers?

A boy and his dog.

This is Luke tailing our adventure, but I love the light at the end of the path.

You have to admit... this does look a little enchanted...

...ok, so part of it is Ruby's princess dress....

but we also found this magical looking mushroom.

On the OTHER side of the camera

2010-02-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

Celeste hooked me up with Danielle Gillett who has taught me MUCH of what I know about shooting weddings. This last year, Danielle got engaged and so now it is her turn to be on the other side of the camera. I'm so glad that our clients don't know what kind of shots they want, cuz Danielle knew just what she wanted and told us so the whole shoot! Ha ha. It was a blast though. We shot up at my grandpa's property in the Santa Cruz Mountains. She dragged up bikes, furniture, and about six outfits- Oh, not to mention two photographers, a videographer, a chalk board and of course, Jeff.

We shot this in the fall, but I was on strict orders not to leak anything before the invites went out. Yesterday I spent the day making invites at Danielle's place, so I made the executive decision

it's safe to leak some photos on my blog.

Here is our shootout:

She was very creative in her invitations for the wedding and edited together the photos and videos from our shoot to make a digital invitation on a DVD that she is mailing out.

Here is a glimpse at our fun afternoon!

Celeste- Photographer. Dan- Videographer.

Danielle has a great laugh!

My favorite chestnut tree at Grandpa's property.

I love the warm fall colors in the setting sun.

Wanna know the funniest part.... she SPLIT her pants when she jumped up on Jeff. Really! The topper was Jeff sort-of-kind-of-dropped her. It was time to wrap up our session. The two were just getting sloppy!

Fun times D. Thanks for all your support- You're an amazing gal.

Click here to see her big heart at work!

Launch Party

2010-01-29T14:17:00.000-08:00

Talk about a worthy cause. The idea stemmed from Liz Gutherie, who is heading up the 2010 Dream Wedding Giveaway in San Francisco. While reading through countless stories of applicants, she realized there was an overwhelming population of people who were stricken by health problems, a mound of medical bills, and no time or energy to plan a wedding. For some it is their last wish. Their dying wish. So with that, Liz started calling vendors to see if they would back this idea to giveaway weddings to terminally ill patients.

Last night was the launch party at the elegant Villa Montalvo. Many vendors turned out to support the cause and become a "wish granter" to a deserving couple. There were wedding coordinators, florists, dj's, photographers and more! Some of the most elite in their class, such as President of Wish Upon a Wedding, Sasha Sousa who has just released a beautiful coffee table book of her work. Her book holds tons of fresh ideas for the bride to be! It was wonderful opportunity to network and meet other like-minded professionals who have big hearts for the cause.

Many of the applicants are faced with cancer, something that is near and dear to my friend, Danielle who is a survivor herself. The first "winner" is Florence who has been through a double mastectomy with her boyfriend never leaving her side. She is set to marry in Sacramento this March!

This is the first chapter of many more to open. From WUW website:

Officially launched in January of 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding currently has five chapters to serve Wish Applicants. Beginning February 14, couples residing in or wishing to get married within 300 miles of the following cities are eligible to apply for weddings: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York and Chicago. Receive a reminder email about when we will begin receiving applications. If you reside in another area, we still encourage you to stay connected as New Chapters open regularly.

If you know a deserving couple who you'd like to enter or you would like to donate money, services, airline miles or contribute in another way, please visit Wish Upon a Wedding to be part of this amazing organization!

With great sadness...

2010-01-23T06:22:00.000-08:00

I share the passing of my grandmother. One week ago today, she passed in the night after being in and out of the hospital since Thanksgiving. My chest was tight and breathing shallow in the days that followed the news, but as I began to work on a slideshow of her life for her memorial, I am inspired to be a great wife, mother, and servant. She left a wonderful legacy behind of laughter, love, and faith.

She had the sharpest wit and the warmest laugh. She made jokes right up to the end. At my last visit, I was talking to her cousin about our trip to Australia, when he mentioned his son going to school there. Grandma chimed in, "What's the matter, he couldn't get in to any schools here?" Her cousin shot back, "Careful what you say Marion, I brought my camera." She quickly told him to "play fair" from behind her mess of hair and tired look. Bella and I had a beautiful visit with her for two hours the week before she passed. It was the first time I had seen her sitting up and dressed too. I will remember her looking lovely in her blue blouse and fresh white slacks.

I burst with emotion to think she is in heaven now. To know she lost her daddy at age two and is now meeting him for the first time makes my head spin with curiousity. My heart is heavy with concern for my grandpa as he lost his wife of 65 years. He was such a dedicated man and constantly spoiling her. Most recently, I think of how grandma loved cold hands as she was always hot. Grandpa made anyone with cold hands bring them to grandma to enjoy. Upon our last visit, Grandpa took Bella for a walk outside and when she came back from the walk he told her to go give grandma her cold hands. At first, I was blessed by the personal walk he took my daughter on, but when they returned back, I think I was more blessed to see that possibly his whole motivation to take Bella on a walk was to bring grandma back her first great-grandbaby with a hug and cold hands. The man new how much she loved her family and the simplest things like cold hands are the little ways he would say, I love you Marion.

Please keep my grandpa in your prayers as you think of me these next couple week.

For Rose

2010-01-22T16:09:00.000-08:00

Reserved your spot February 27th from 1-4pm for YOUR family portraits!

A local photographer, Danielle Gillett has organized a fundraiser for a gal, Rose who has been in a horrific car accident and is in need of expensive medical services. Danielle has rallied a half a dozen professional photographers and Bay Photo to sponsor our efforts. For a fraction of our portrait fee, you will have a mini session and walk away with your choice of one 8x10.

Please check back for more details later this month!

Here are a few of my family from a photographer that will be present that day...

Happy New YEAR!!!

2010-01-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

Here we go... Another year at it.

Hope you and yours had a lovely holiday catching up and relaxing with the family!

I've been off in Australia for December catching up with the in-laws. Never a bad place to visit. It was beautiful, warm and even wet at the end of it. A welcome change from our winter weather. Ohhhhh how I love warm weather!! I just hate being cold. It makes my bones ache. It makes me want to stay inside which is never good.

We shared a house with Rod's bro and his little family in the sleepy little beach town Cabarita Beach in New South Wales. (OK, guilty. So the link was pictures. I just feel that gives everyone the best sense of where we were at.) My kids got to meet their 5 cousins finally- whoo hoo. The whole town is walking distance to the beach with some awesome surf. It's a sweet little town just south of the NSW/Queensland border. There is two bakeries, a gas station, a post office, a chemist (drugstore), one fuit/veg shop, a mini-supermarket, and of course... a pub. The resturants are on constant new ownership as it's hard to keep them going on the off seasons with such a small population, but we always give them so business. It's a great place to vacation if you're ever looking for a place to chill out minus the manic crowds.

I'll get some of the fun posted up soon!!

Here is Rod and family playing some backyard cricket on Christmas Day.

My turn. This is me being friendly and fun about it. Enjoy cuz I think there are only two other photos with me in them for the rest of our trip. Classic

photographer problem.

Ok this one looks like a girly hit too, but at least I'm more focused about it. By the way I hate loosing. I stopped drinking one night while playing table tennis cuz I knew I was loosing my edge. Must. Win.

Vasona Park

2009-12-08T17:54:00.001-08:00

Just playing catch up on a couple sessions I squeezed in before we flew out. To catch up with where we left off... Here are some more of Annie and her family who were all in town for the holiday. Cheers.

Grandma and her seven grandbabies!

Vasona Park - Sneak Peek

2009-11-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

Annie's family was all together for this holiday week. We rounded up the seven cousins for a family photo, but first was her little family of four.

Baby Veronica

2009-11-18T18:36:00.000-08:00

Ah, look at this little lady. She was so awake and happy after my arrival. The whole shoot was so peaceful, I didn't want to leave. Her mama Kim had her older two away at pre-school and my two were off at school as well, so I think it was treat for us both to have a quiet morning just coo-ing at her two month old. Thanks for the lovely time Kim.

The McMasters Family at Pogonip

2009-11-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

You often hear a mom say how cute her kids are, but you can't always agree. Well I have to agree with Linda on this one. She has a really cute bunch of kids!

They moved to the area a couple years ago to do a church plant in Santa Cruz, called Antioch Church. Our paths crossed a couple times in Santa Cruz and I was happy to finally get to know her more in depth at a bible study. Her and her family were happy to hike and explore nature on our photo shoot which was a fun change to the more stationary settings. She's a way down to earth mama with a mellow hubby to match. My style people. We had a mini hike around Pogonip in the fog, exploring trails and the old abandoned clubhouse. Maybe next time we can make it to the fish ponds.

The Ingram Family at Natural Bridges

2009-11-12T17:19:00.000-08:00

This sweet bunch did family portraits with me about a year ago. The kids were pretty wiggly last year. This year was a better success with them in place. With a new business, Premier Physical Therapy , they wanted an updated family photo for their website. I'll have to bust out some dance moves or tickling feathers for the kids next time to get some smiles going for the formals. We had a fun time exploring the low tide and watching the sun sink down. It was good to catch up with them. Hopefully I'll get to shoot them again next year as they'll have a new one in the bunch.

The Hunsaker & York Family at Seabright Beach

2009-11-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

These moms have been friends since grade school! Laura on the right, told me they meet shortly after kindergarten and have maintain their friendship all these years. Those are the best friendships. Almost like family. Effortless and full of love. They take an annual photo together for Christmas cards each year. It's usually a few attempts with a tripod, but this year- it was with me! Thanks for trekking across the beach with me.

Baby Hanna

2009-10-26T20:17:00.001-07:00

My dear friend, Laura had her little girl about a month ago. After two boys, she is enjoying having a little girl in the house. Here are a few from a morning visit the other day.

Eugene & Sarah at Seabright State Beach

2009-10-04T22:22:00.001-07:00

Eugene is one of those really really nice guys, who always has a smile for you, and every kid loves. Rod and I squeezed his wedding in between 11:45am soccer photos and a 2:45pm soccer game. Mind you, Rodney is the coach and Bella a player, so they can't really miss either. Luckily, Sarah being a typical bride didn't make her appearance 'til well past twelve once we had arrived and caught our breath. It's lucky all events were in Santa Cruz. I have not really gotten to know Eugene's bride, Sarah, but her brother showed some true colors on the microphone that afternoon. He was a riot. Practically doing a stand up gig while we waited for the newlyweds to be introduced at the reception. Pure entertainment. Sounds like a fun family he married into- Congrats Eugene & Sarah!

Meet Baby Charleigh

2009-10-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

Pronounced like Charlie. She is one month. Our session started out like this...

But after a little feed...

and a bath...

all was good again.

Johnny & Kim at Leo Carrillo Rancho

2009-10-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

This last wedding weekend in San Diego was so much fun!! We had the whole weekend to hangout with the bride, groom and loads of friends and family. I love the idea of stretching out your big day and having everyone around for a weekend. Too often your friends and family all come in from out of town and you barely get to say hi to them on your wedding day. Kim had a social the night before at the hotel they were staying at which was a great way to get a relaxed visit in with all those people you wouldn't get to chat with on your big day.

Kim and Johnny got ready in the same hotel room. A first for me. This was a fun shot that captured him in the bathroom where he perfected his uniform and chatted with his boys while she got her hair done in the main room.

Jophnny was gone with his boys by the time she slipped into her dress.

Kim swapped her bouquet out for her camera before taking her vows to grab a photo! Another first for me!

I love this candid between shots.

Dancing with her bell ringing flower girls. Any little girls in attendance dressed in white dresses and rang bells up the aisle before the bride walked down.

I got to shadow this goofball as he shot the wedding which was an awesome experience to see him in action as he's been doing the wedding gig for ages! "I don't know how to put this, but [he's] kind of a big deal."

Here comes the bride...

2009-09-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Kym and Johnny flew me down to San Diego to photograph their wedding at an AWESOME venue, Leo Carrillo Rancho in Carlsbad. The place was full of character, color, and texture. Photographers paradise! It is home to families of peacocks who roam the grounds and fly up into the tress. Yeah, fly. I didn't know peacocks could fly. Am I the only one here?! I just assumed they were too big to fly up 30 feet into the air. Anyway, here is a peek at her arrival... more tomorrow!

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Schmidt

2009-09-20T19:24:00.001-07:00

Ah. It's over. The aftermath is a harsh letdown. Such a build up... and then it's done. It is so much harder to be a bridesmaid in the wedding then to show up and shoot a wedding. It was hard not to have my camera in my hand. I had to practice mad self-control to not grab my gear. I wish wish wish I could just sit back and photograph this wedding simply for it's beauty and appreciation I have for things through a lens, but I was honored to stand up for them both!! Here area a few I snapped throughout the course of the day. I love Jeff and Erika with all my heart. We have such good times together and I can't wait to watch their family grow. Love, love, love, love you guys. Thanks for having our WHOLE family in your wedding. Muah.

My little beauty... Miss. Isabella the flowergirl:

Meet the ham-it-up-ringbearer, Sir Luke:

The happy couple:

The H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S slide show that revealed Erika's true colors of her youth. For real... I am going to post their slideshow if I can get my hands on it, cuz she was OUT of CONTROL with her cokebottle glasses and braces!!

Ah, good times. Thanks guys for the fun filled night!

New Website

2009-09-15T05:44:00.001-07:00

Check out my new website I launched last week!

The link is in the top right corner for future reference,

but for now, click here.

My brother got married last weekend at Silver Creek Country Club. His lovely bride, Erika had a glamorous vintage inspired wedding. It was soooo hard not to keep my camera on me the whole time. I loved the enthusiasm of the photographer, Lucie, she picked out. She was a cute little blond from Europe, who jumped up in down when Erika would show her new details like jewelry and bouquets. I can't wait to see her photos! In the meanwhile, here is a peek at mine.

Jeffrika at Natural Bridges

2009-09-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

The love birds get hitched next friday!

Luke came along to see his uncle and soon to be aunt get there engagement shots. He was a little giggling school boy covering his mouth everytime they started kissing. It was halarious!

Jeff & Greta at Nestldown

2009-08-27T21:59:00.001-07:00

Ah, it was so refreshing to go to a wedding as a proper guest. Greta was a stunning bride! She has big big beautiful blue eyes with lashes for days and a huge smile to match. We've been friends since high school. We grew much closer after all our friends went off to college and we stayed local for college. She had a small wedding on Sunday in Santa Clara where she went to school, then a big wedding the following Friday at Nestldown. Her now husband, Jeff Fitzgerald is a chef, so he brought in food from the restuarant he works at-- Los Gatos Hotel. Yum. Sure bet the usual wild rice and corn combo.

Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald

This was cute... I never see a bride blindfold the groom for the toss.

Mustaches were props for the photo booth outside. All in good fun!

Off to the honeymoon!

Jonathan & Natalie at Seascape

2009-08-26T21:05:00.001-07:00

Shot for Gillett Photography.

Jonathan and Natalie had a emotional wedding as Jonathan had lost his father last fall to kidney failer. I've been to a few bitter-sweet wedding days this summer. It's always touching to see the love and thought that goes into remembering a loved one that couldn't join them for their weddings day. How lovely that Jonathan fulfilled his dad's last wish: Marry Natalie.

Jeff & Casey at Hollins House

2009-08-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Shot for Gillett Photography.

Jeff and Casey married at Pasatiempo's Hollins House. It is a magical place as night washes over the Monterey Bay and the lights twinkle on along the coastline. Jeff's brother had a the funny line of the night during the toast, saying, "I've always told Jeff he needs some serious counsel, so I'm so happy he finally heeded my advice and married Casey who is a couselor!"

Doesn't she look like a young Catherine Zeta-Jones...

Wedding at the Hollins House

2009-08-14T16:33:00.001-07:00

Coming soon...

Made the Wedding Channel

2009-08-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

Danielle's work is featured on the wedding channel for Ben & Colleen's wedding at Seascape. I second shoot for her, so I'm stoked to be able to say some of that is work by yours truly!

If you check the wedding channel website
here, you can see the spread.

Ben & Colleen at Seascape

2009-07-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some images I got shadowing Danielle Gillett at one of her weddings.

Ben and Colleen are high school sweethearts. During the toast, her dad started out real serious saying how happy he is this day has come, then he went on to say, "...cause Ben is in so many of our family portraits, I didn't know what we would have done!"

Family Portraits

2009-07-27T22:22:00.001-07:00

One from the other night at Natural Bridges

while shooting a family portrait session with Danielle.

Check out more photos on Danielle's blog.

Ben & Colleen

2009-07-24T01:23:00.000-07:00

Yipee...My computer dramas are fixed.

More to come of the happy couple soon.

Happy Anniversary to the Blairs

2009-07-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

Happy One Year Anniversary to Gordy and Danielle Blair! They married last year at Bridal Veil Lake up in Washington. It was a gorgeous venue.

Gordy being the comedian he is came across the lake in a canoe where he pompously gestured his groomsmen to speed up and slow down while he kicked his feet up.

Mehndi

2009-07-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

I was invited to my first Mehndi celebration where the bride to be, Serena was adorned in intricate henna design for her wedding the next evening. The lovely artist, Darcy founder of Henna Lounge in Oakland beautified Serena's hands, while her assistant detailed her feet. Darcy brought two assistants to helped adorn the bride and all the guest with henna.

I couldn't resist bringing my daughter Bella, as she is now seven and very much a lady. I have been enjoying bringing her to the girly affairs the last year or so like baby showers, bridal showers, and now this. I'm trying my best to pass onto her etiquette and manners. Miss Bella getting painted by Serena's aunty...

Here are a few of the guest beautiful designs!

Jason & Amber

2009-07-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

Amber. And so were her flowers.

It's been a slow process, but I have been switching platforms the last couple months from Nikon to Canon. I've sorted and sold my gear and I should be back on track for the summer. Now I'm sorting out computer issues.

Oh technology.

I was able to get through the first part of the wedding before my computer crashed. So here are a few from the start of the day. More to come later...

Jess Hall

2009-04-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

Down a long windy road past several apple orchards lives Jess Hall. She's been having us around for Friday night bonfires along with anyone else who ever wants to come. She and her husband are the most hospitable, down-to-earth people. Out at their place they have four yellow labs, two horses, a goat, a sheep, and a beautiful little girl, Leah. Oh and one more new one to the family they have brought into their home, Andre. A teenager. I say it with admiration but fear of my own future teens. They met him through some work that Jess does in the community. They not only open up their home to multitudes of friends... and friends of friends, but disadvantaged kids and people with special needs too. Her horse, Moonshine is a sweet sweet love of a giant. Especially next to her! She was amazing to watch with Moonshine. She ran him, stroked him, then walked and he followed. Horse Whisperers do exist!

This another one of her loves, Le Le

Trash the Dress Sess

2009-02-16T21:13:00.000-08:00

Today, I had the opportunity to tag along for a trash the dress sess for my friend Celeste. I admit, I was a bit of a squeeky wheel to her the last year. I'm glad she finally gave me a chance to come shoot along side her and sponge off her in the process.

She shot their wedding just yesterday at the Seascape Resort. We had some big elements against us (rain, wind, thunder and lightning), but I got a few good shots despite the wicked storm! The rains didn't get this couple down... they braved out the storm and all our ideas until they turned blue. The dark skies made for a dramatic contrast against the bright colors at the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz.

Johnny & Kym

2009-02-03T10:39:00.001-08:00

On Superbowl Sunday, I shoot my best friend Jenee's oldest brother, Johnny and his fiance, Kym. Did that make sense? Anyway he's like a brother. Quirky, embarrasing, but genuine and comfortable to be around. He's a brother every girl wants, he adores his little sister Jenee. Plus he's in the Marines so you always feel safe and taken care of in his presence which is what I think of when I think of my big brothers. He's been on four tours to Iraq and is in the special forces- a very capable man. His fiance Kym is so easy going and sweet, a great balance to his straight forward ways. She definetly has a way with him cuz I know Johnny would normally never pose for a photo and she got him to work it for a good 40 minutes or so. Ah the way of love.

At the end, we were running low on Johnny's patience, so she asked him to propose again. He agreed.

J: "Kym, have you talk to you dad lately?"

K: "No, why?"

J: "Cuz I asked him if I could marry you."

Ingrams at Light House Field

2009-01-20T17:33:00.001-08:00

The Ingrams are a family from our church, Vintage Faith. I like that our church is full of young families like ours. Their older daughter, Emory is about Luke's age. Lynn and I hook up at the park on Mondays with the kiddies. Lynn is so warm and gentle in her mothering, I think you know that just by her eyes. Her husband Erik is a PT and Rod is looking forward to surfing with him soon. His dad is Chip Ingram, you may have heard his rich sermons on the radio or back in the day at Santa Cruz Bible Church. Memories... in college we would all drive me over the hill for Sunday services. But enough of that.

The first one is my favorite because it sums up what little boys are all about... Sam is muddy and pointing to big airplanes way up high in the sky.

Julieann at Wilder Ranch

2009-01-20T09:57:00.001-08:00

Julieann is so dear to me. She's my neighbor of the last three and a half years. We moved in the same time in August of 2005 when Luke was less than a month old. She keeps me young and accountable all in one breath. She's been so helpful babysitting the kids over the years. It's been a blessing to watch her blossom into a young lady.

She was my muse at Wilder Ranch this last Sunday on a whim. We've been talking about taking her pictures for months, so when she knocked on my door at 4pm for a visit, I said let's just do it... there is about an hour of light left- Let's go!

Julie Cahill Photography

2009-01-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome!