Monday, June 8, 2015

{A&B} An Oakland Wedding

Live in Love.

One of my favorite quotes is: A True Love Story Never Ends.

As I walked the Oakland LDS Temple grounds with this couple, then traipsed through the beautiful wooded Joaquin Miller Park, I saw true love.

The groom, a man I've know since he was a boy, who was once rambunctious and loud, was delicate and soft.  He guided his beautiful bride along the paths, he lifted her dress to keep it from the elements of the day.  

The two were alight with love.  In between each pose, each time I readjusted the models, I caught them cuddling, smiling, and of course, kissing.  This, these sweet, candid moments of love are what I find immense joy in.  This is why I LOVE to shoot weddings.  To capture that spark, that thing that drove these two to commit their lives, their eternities to one another.

If you don't believe me, look for yourself:

































Sorry for the love overload- it's literally impossible to take a bad picture of these two- they are STUNNING!

To top it off, the bride is not only kind and beautiful, but extremely talented.  On top of doing her own hair and make-up for the day, she put together a GORGEOUS reception:













Months later and I feel I am still in awe of this beautiful couple and this AMAZING day!  

Did you enjoy this trip their beautiful wedding?  Can you feel the love they share?

What was your favorite image?

Thank you for stopping by!

xoxo,
LooWho


Thursday, June 4, 2015

It's Great to be 8!

What is there not to love about turning 8?

Free rent, unlimited popsicles and summer vacations.  I wish I was turning 8!  Your whole life ahead of you without a single regret behind you.  The world is yours for the taking!

In the Mormon faith, we believe this is the age of accountability.  

The time in a child's life when they must draw a line in the sand.

One side right, the other, wrong.

It seems so juvenile to think the world can be so simplistic, so easily divided into two categories.  And yet, as I sit and ponder, it is.  It is that simple.

So easy it is to ride the fence, to walk the line, teetering between the two choices.  When really, deep, deep down, we know.  We've always known, at least since we were mere children.

Some are born with a pursuit for righteousness, they never falter.  Others find the course of mischief more appealing.  

On this day, I took pictures of a sweet young man.  A young man bearing a green crest of honor.  One that promised he would not board the ever-appealing side of no-good, but try earnestly to do what he knows in his heart he should: CTR.

It seems acronyms have gained a lot of popularity in the last few years, but this one, CTR, it's been around ever since I was a child.  I remember putting on that same ring, making that same promise to Choose The Right.

What better motto could one strive to live by at the tender age of 8?









I love the willingness in his eyes, his passion for life!

What truths do you hold to?  What badge do you wear?

Thank you for stopping by!! 

Here's looking at YOU!

xoxo,
LooWho

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Viva Las Vegas!

As some of you may have noticed, my family went MIA for about a week.

Where on Earth did we go, you ask?

Las Vegas.

Yep, me, my husband and five kids hit up sin city.  Why in the world did we take our young family to Vegas, you may be asking yourself.  No, it wasn't to show them what not to do.  No, no.  We find Vegas oddly relaxing.  We stay at a resort and relax in the sun while our babes roam the water.  

There are actually a lot of fun things to do with kids in Vegas that have nothing to do with alcohol, gambling, or strippers... gasp.

First, there's Circus Circus.  There, you can either go to the adventuresome to get in some fun amusement rides, or go over to the circus land and see a free circus show.  

There are also FABULOUS parks in Vegas.  Our favorite happens to be located near some pretty fun shopping, double score!  The Town Square Las Vegas boasts a fabulous splash pad complete with a play house, a unicorn, a stage for those dramatic rug rats AND a hedge maze.  Leave your husband behind to play and scoot on over to an array of shopping!  LOVE!

Of course, our visit wouldn't be complete without a stop by the M&M factory- check out their cute 3D movie and grab some M&Ms in your favorite color!

Of course, there's plenty of sight-seeing.  My oldest declared he didn't need to go to Paris now that he's seen the mini eiffel tower- "this one's tall enough!"  The fountains set to music at the Belagio are always a fun sight and the Volcano at the Mirage never disappoints, though, I will caution that it is loud and hot, so it may send a shiver or two down some spines.  

Other fun things to do that aren't on the inexpensive list are: Serendipity3 at Caesars (we were lucky enough to get spoiled by the table next to us who got our family the full dessert platter that included a huge chocolate chest filled with ALL of their desserts, we can attest- they are the BEST!), the dolphins and lions at the Mirage are amazing- I've never seen lions so large and majestic- we were even spoiled by a private tour by Siegfried himself.. he just happened to walk out and ended up getting the lions and tigers to get up and do a couple of tricks while we were there!  

But, my favorite part of this particular trip to the busy city was actually just outside of Vegas in a small town called Nelson, NV.  A small, preserved Ghost Town in Nevada that has been amazingly maintained.  It has old cars, busses, and even an old plane perfectly placed in the side of hill.  Add to that an array of old buildings and barns, and this old mine town is an EXCELLENT stop.  My kids LOVED just exploring all there was to see.

Of course, being a photographer, I have to say, words cannot do this town justice!  Let me show you what I mean about the amazingness:











You can see how I was in photographer's heaven, right?!  I NEED to own a town like this someday!  Until then, I will get my fix each year when I visit good old Nelson!

I had intended to spend a week away from work and responsibility, but as soon as I saw this place, I knew I had to capture it!  

I hope you enjoyed my recap of Vegas!  Would you ever take your family there?  Do you enjoy a jaunt to sin city every now and then?  What's your favorite thing to do?

Thank you for stopping by!!  Be sure to comment below and show some love!  ;)

Here's Looking at YOU!

xoxo,
LooWho