A couple weeks ago, Dan and I took advantage of two days off together, and drove out to the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs for what I thought would be an early birthday getaway. We drove up on a Friday morning through a rain storm, and arrived to a cooler than normal, but very clear and peaceful day at the Ace. We had lunch and cocktails at the Amigo Room, and enjoyed a dreamy and much needed massage. I snapped pictures all along the way because the Ace has style and the post rain sky left gorgeous light.








Our room had a private patio and fire pit, and when we got back to the room there was a bottle of champagne with a note that said “We Hope You Enjoyed Your Massage!” I wrapped myself in a blanket and sat out by the fire in the rocking chair with my champagne. I remember looking up at the sky, feeling so relaxed and happy. Dan joined me and we started talking about how much we love taking trips and vacations together. We were long distance for a couple years, and little getaways were so precious. He told me moving to LA was the best decision he’d ever made, and before I knew it he proposed. In a total state of shock and happiness, I said yes. After I recovered and we called our parents, we had dinner at King’s Highway. When Dan told our busser we had just gotten engaged, he said “Whoa, dude, that’s awesome. Congratulations!” And then, “I’m thinking of asking my girl.” Very sweet.






In the morning, I called my Grandmom. Once she knew, I sent this announcement to friends. Dan and I spent the rest of the day lounging by the pool, beaming from all the messages and calls from friends, until our phones died and it was just us. It’s kind of wild that I have the day documented with photos. You’d think I had an inkling what was coming, but I was in total birthday mode and it didn’t even cross my mind until he was down on one knee. I can’t believe I was surprised, and I’m so happy I was. The ultimate treat!
Category Archives: PHOTOGRAPHY
happy super bowl weekend!
I know things have been a little quiet on the blog, and it’s not from lack of things to share! It’s been happy-busy over here filled with photo shoots, writing, event brainstorming, and a quick trip to Vegas. I have so many photos I want to share (including an Indian Wedding ceremony and homemade meatballs!). Dan and I are in the midst of planning our next installment of The Whaling Club, and I can’t wait to host some very special out of town guests. But today, I’ll leave you with this animation of Mindy. We shot some portraits the other day, and even though hip and cool is more her style, doesn’t she play the part of a little dumpling so well?? supes cute.
Happy Super Bowl Weekend! I’m not very in to the Super Bowl, but Beyonce is performing at the half time show so this year I’m SUPER in to the Super Bowl. Also, Dan and I loosely consider Super Bowl weekend our anniversary, since it’s the first time we smooched freshman year of college.
(p.s. Did you see this? Heaven.)
santa barbara


Dan and I spent a day hiking in Montecito followed by dinner at Brophy Bros. in Santa Barbara. It was a gorgeous and cool day, and I brought along my new camera and Lensbaby to play around with the light and scenery on the hike. I’m still learning how to control my Lensbaby, but part of what I love is the unpredictable and creative effects it has on the images. We tried to take a self-timed photo of the two of us, but as you can see it was hard to focus the “sweet spot” without being behind the camera.



Brophy Bros. is a casual seafood spot right on the harbor with awesome views of the water, mountains, and boats. We scored a table outside before the sun starting going down, and we watched the sky change colors as fishermen pulled in some serious sea urchin loot from the water. Dan insisted on closing the night with an oyster shooter before we headed back to LA.
Days off really are the best! We’re hoping to go camping when the weather warms up a little bit. Any suggestions of favorite spots welcome from you SoCal folks!
Britt + Bogie
I recently took some “old Hollywood” inspired portraits of my client, Brittney, and an adorable labradoodle. His name is Bogart! Amazing. He was quite the gentlemen. This was my first time shooting a posed animal portrait (as opposed to candid). What did I learn? Just.keep.shooting. You may only have a moment to capture that perfect shot! And how glam is Brittney?

mailbox



I officially launched my photography business in October! It’s been both exciting and a bit overwhelming at times, and I’m still working on finding the balance between my multiple duties and careers. One of my goals is to launch a shop on Etsy or Big Cartel with some of my fine art prints, and I’ve been going through my files to see what I may want in my shop. I took these mailbox photos up in Laurel Canyon. I was on my way to another shoot, and pulled over when I saw this awesome row of mailboxes. I guess the houses tucked up in the hills have their mailboxes below where it’s easier to drive. You almost forget you’re still in LA up there in that gorgeous neighborhood!
p.s. How awesome is the new Blogshop website? You can see my post about my weekend here.
And congrats to Actor Salon on their awesome new website! I shot the opening background photo.
And finally, if you’re in LA, I’m in a play that opens November 9th at The Open Fist Theatre. Hope you cam make it! (I shot the photo of the swinging girl pre-graphic design!)