One of my greatest dreams is to live a life of laughter, love and travel.

I'm so accustomed to looking forward in life: making intentions or goals, brainstorming about what I could be doing better or faster, etc. I'm so thankful to my fitness instructor who did a 2008 reflection at the end of class the other day because it really hit home. Her words inspired me to reflect in the way I usually idealize reflection...and I found out that it really is possible to savor memories like a supreme glass of wine. Scrolling through my photos from this past year, I savored the fact that I am living my dream. Life is sweet, thanks to you, my friends. Thank you for trusting me with the grand job of bottling your love into jpgs. :-)

Here are some of my favorite shots of 2008. P.S. I will have to add more photos later.

 

The holidays were full of lovely, extended time with family. Music, gingerbread, snow, laughs...it was beyond idyllic. Here are a few from the past few weeks. Happy New Year everyone!

The Stanford Memorial Church provided the backdrop for the gorgeous, regal wedding of Nicole & Charley. Their sweetness and tenderness with each other really struck me at their engagement session a couple of weeks ago so I couldn't wait for their wedding day. The day was filled with the ease of deep, meant-for-each-other-love and the beauty of tightly-knit families. It was such heaven!

  Nicole's daughter and mother.
Villa Montalvo was perfection. The coffee bar was a huge hit. Studio Cake again, of course. Always incredible!

Bride's Cafe is a feast for the eyes--better than any cupcake out there. Janie Medley is the mastermind behind this beautiful blog and I was honored when she asked to feature Annie & Kevin's wedding photos. I'm also happy to announce that Erik & Katie's wedding will be featured soon as well!




 

Chris needed a quick facebook shot but I couldn't resist doing a couple that were a little less straightforward. :-) Look at this handsome man!
 

Now that the big political campaign is over, I'm excited about my own! Ten more special wedding spots available for 2009.

Here are some additional shots from Sarah & Sam's intimate wedding!

Sarah and Sam called me from Denver last Thursday and asked if I would photograph their wedding in Maui on Wednesday. It took me a millisecond to make the obvious decision: who could pass up mid-week nuptials in Maui?! When I met Sarah and Sam in their hotel room, they were getting ready together: Sam zipped up Sarah's dress, Sarah rolled back his cuffs, their children's photos were taped to the dressing room mirror and the smell of tuberose was everywhere. This was a thing of beauty and it was only the beginning. Thank you, Sarah and Sam, for inviting me, a total stranger, to your intimate wedding and for making me a witness! (I won't let you down!) Here's a little favorite with more to come soon. And, by the way, it was my best over-the-hump day ever!

Nicole, Charlie and I spent some time strolling around the beautiful grounds of Montalvo on Thursday. It was a classic autumn day and I can't wait for their romantic wedding the weekend after Thanksgiving!

I used to live in Breckenridge, CO and even though winter was about 9 months of the year, I loved it.  Having Tahoe only 3 1/2 hours away is such a treat, especially in the winter.  Tahoe's peaks look so much like the ones that were outside my Colorado kitchen window and the crisp, clear air makes me feel at peace.  California continues to amaze me.  This, the ocean, desert and redwoods in the same state?  I am so grateful. :-)

Snow and bears at the beach!