Well, after years of saying she would never be pregnant, no one thought this day would ever come. It’s such a big event, my mom & I had to fly out to Toronto to give my cousin a baby shower! There is nothing like High Tea, so that’s what we did. A bunch of ladies sipping tea, eating tiny sandwiches and ohhing and ahhing over little baby things! Here’s a look:

My aunties, Barbie & Suzy

Choosing not to know the sex of the baby, Michelle & Frank are desgning the nursery as an African Animals theme. What a great rug!!!

Here’s Rene, a very dear friend who gratiously donated her fabulous apartment for the shower with my mom.

I love the look of horror in my face as I allow my mom to use my camera.

This past Saturday I shot Maryann and Duane’s wedding with the help of photographer Christine Haws (Jen was in Toronto for her cousin’s baby shower). Maryann and Duane are possibly two of the sweetest people you could meet, and Jen and I had a lot of fun shooting their engagement session a couple weeks ago. Following Maryann’s Egyptian heritage, they were married in a Coptic ceremony at Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Santa Ana. The ceremony included many elements that were similar to an Armenian ceremony Jen and I photographed our first year. After the ceremony, we took the bridal party to Little Corona Del Mar Beach, where they made quite a spectacle for the tourists gathered to watch the sunset. As you can see, they had a LOT of fun there.

photo by Christine Haws

Duane pinning the boutonniere on Maryann’s father.

Duane and his brother, Tracy, outside the church

One of the three Coptic priests performing the ceremony.

The cross, the crown and the robes

photo by Christine Haws

I know I often say how much fun we had at our weddings and how much we love our couples, but I really mean it!! We are so lucky to meet and connect with some of the coolest people around. Alison & John are no exception. We had a blast with them this Saturday at their Hyatt Huntington Beach wedding. We were so inspired by this beautiful location that we did more “posed” portraits than we typically do, but they really seemed to fit the vibe of this place. Alison wanted to do her own make up, but was looking for a little guidance. Being in New York, I sent her to my very good friend Kinga for some make up consultations. She looked AMAZING!!!! LaRaine Wilson of This Old Garden Gallery created a stunning floral display of multi colord orchids, Patrick Belton played the most unique (meaning FANTASTIC!) mix of songs during the reception and everything came together under the organized eye of Joanie Scott. It’s always difficult to narrow down to just a handful of favorites, but here’s a few.

The beautiful bride

The handsom groom

The guys all started quoting The Godfather as we set this shot up

Alison about to make her entrance

I love that she is such a goofball!!!

The fanastic setting of the Huntington Beach Hyatt

Love this cake shot, by our lovely assistant Elisa Shebaro

A big big thank you to Briana & Adam, who’s wedding we shot last summer. Alison was a bridesmaid in their wedding and they encouraged her to meet with us when she was first planning. We love referrals!!! We’re also shooting a wedding this coming October with Adam’s sister Heather, who is coordinating! It’s so nice to be part of the family!!!

This was an engagement session weekend! Andrea & Mike were looking for something “rustic, with lots of trees” for their session, so we took them to Topanga state park. It was a beautiful day with gorgeous light streaming through the trees, we had a great time and got some great shots. No deer spotting this weekend, but Nate & I have seen deer hanging out in the park before. It always amazes me when I’m in the Santa Monica Mountains, how out in the middle of nowhere it feels, yet, we’re only a 10 minute drive away from city. Here’s a peak of Andrea & Mike:

We had so much fun with Maryann & Duane this weekend, shooting their engagement session at El Matador beach in Malibu. Maryann and Duane are getting married at the end of August, and I’m so bummed I won’t be there! I’ll be in Toronto visiting family, but Nate will take great care of them. Here’s a look at our beach fun this weekend!

Everyone’s been asking for more pictures of the twins, so here they are. The bris and baby naming were this past Tuesday, here’s a few shots (no details of the procedure, I promise).

First of all, it ain’t a party without the Manischewitz shots!!!

Sweet Emily

I thought the chin straps for the mini yarmukle was genius!

In case you couldn’t tell them apart by the pink and blue, they now have ankle name tags

Emily thinks “What’s the big deal here?”

The proud papa

Sweet Jack. I cried more than he did.