Nancy + Roger....at last!

Nancy and Roger finally tied the knot..........after nine years! No, the engagement period didn't last that long. Nancy and Roger actually got married about nine years ago in a civil union by themselves. However, they knew that they always wanted to do it right and fully celebrate their wedding vows with their family and friends. So this past weekend the big date finally arrived, and with help from everyone, the wedding day was a big success! The wedding celebration took place at one of my favorite churches, St. Denis Catholic Church in Diamond Bar. Afterwards, the partying began at the Sierra La Verne Country Club until the wee hours of the morning. Congratulations Nancy and Roger!

Please click on the pictures to enlarge them for more detail.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's day to all the moms out there, especially to my wife and my own mom! As a father of two very young children, I've finally realized how valuable and hard working moms really are. To show my appreciation, I didn't want to just give my wife another Mother's Day gift. So what kind of gift could I give her that would show her how great she is and how much I appreciate her hard work? Well, I did it the best way I knew how: photography! So with a little help from the kids, I took a self portrait with them to show what it would be like without my wife's help. I hope you enjoy the results and that it inspires husbands and fathers to further appreciate the work moms do!

High Tea for Hardworking Heroes

I had the honor of attending and volunteering my photographic services for a special event. The Victim Services Unit of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office had their 3rd annual Staff Appreciation Tea Luncheon at the quaint and bucolic Etiwanda Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga. The event was organized by Chief Marilynn Kimball to honor the hard working ladies in the Victim Services Unit and to reward them for a job well done. The unit works with victims of crime in all aspects, from counseling, to restitution, to assistance during the trial process. These are the “behind the scenes” people in our criminal justice system. The District Attorney of San Bernardino County, Michael A. Ramos, and Assistant District Attorney, Jim Hackleman both were in attendance and gave inspiring speeches that expressed their appreciation to the ladies. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed high tea. The ladies went all out and even dressed up for the event! After tea, various gifts from supervisors were raffled off to some lucky winners. Advocate Lorna Soulier and Supervising Advocate Janet Hulse also used their talents to decorate the entire event. In fact, they have their own part time decorating business “Due Angeli the Decorano.” To the ladies of the Victim Services Unit: keep up the great work! Everyone appreciates what an important role you play in making the lives of crime victims better.

Daisy's Quinceañera Celebration!

Daisy celebrated her quinceañera with a bash this past weekend! The day started off with a celebratory mass at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Bellflower and continued to Simon's Waterfront Banquet Center in San Pedro. The party lasted through the night with Daisy and her friends putting on a great show. They waltzed for guests and even performed a surprise dance that rivaled the Broadway cast of Chicago! Mexican Folkloric dancers and great food rounded out the rest of the evening. Daisy's parents Polo and Ana put a lot of work and planning into this celebration, but they didn't forget to let loose and party too! Happy 15th Birthday Daisy!

There's "Pure Elegance" at the Prom!

There are so many decisions and things to do when a young lady has to get ready for the Prom! What dress do I wear? Were do I get my make up done? Well, Simone Dickerson, owner of Pure Elegance Hair Salon in Bellflower, hosted a Prom fashion show last week to help the ladies out. Simone's salon not only offers the regular hair services, but also spa-like services as well. The second floor of her salon is dedicated to pampering blushing brides in their private suites while they're getting ready for the big day. All the girls had fun modeling prom dresses and getting make overs. They strutted their stuff down the runway and also posed for portraits afterwards in the bridal suites. Be on the lookout for another fashion show from Simone. The next one will be a bridal fashion show, and you can bet we'll be there!

Finding A Lovely Daisy In the Snow

All my friends know that I'm an avid snowboarder. So this past weekend when I said I was going to be up in the mountains, everyone just assumed I was going for fun. Well, it's true that I had a great time this weekend. But this time it was with my camera, on the job, without a snowboard.
Daisy will be having her fifteenth birthday in April, and I was hired to photograph her quinceanera. She wanted to have a portrait session in the mountains with a winter theme. At first it was going to be just her, but most of her court showed up as well for some group shots and some fun! We found a place in Running Springs that was secluded and pretty much untouched. My friends Julie and Adam live in Running Springs and clued me in to this hidden gem of a place. Thanks guys!
The portraits came out great and the whole group took advantage of being in the snow with sledding, snowball fights, and pretty much just horsing around! Of course, Daisy's parents, Ana and Polo, were there as well and I just couldn't pass up the chance to photograph a quick family portrait at the end of the day. By the way, Ana makes a pretty mean posole, which she kindly offered to me and the rest of the party. Thanks Ana! Be sure to look out for pictures of Daisy's quinceanera in April. It'll be coming quick!