{brandon | bar mitzvah | valencia}

I can't believe how fast time flies by. It feels like just last month we photographed Brandon's older brother, Matt's Bar Mitzvah. Since that was in 2010, I would say we are well past a month, lol. And omg I can't believe how big Matt has gotten. Amazing how they seem to spout up overnight! Brandon has grown so much and did such a wonderful job reading the Torah, hard to believe he was just a little kid a few years back. It was such a pleasure to work with the Witkin family again. They are adorable and one of our favorite families! I still can't get over how big and grown up the boys are getting. One of my favorite things about the Witkin's is the relationship they have with each other, so sweet to see them interact and love each other as you can see below. Brandon's Bar Mitvah theme was games, how cool! Games ranged from old arcade games like PacMan and blah blah to the Wii and PlayStation. Love the mix of vintage and modern. Way to go mom! ;-) It was great to see all the kids and adults having such a great time. Mazel Tov Brandon! Glad to have been part of such a special event!

{charley | 1st birthday | event}

OMG, do I love this little girl! I just want to gobble her up. Her smile and personality are just too much! And those big blue round eyes just capture you every time. The camera seems to love her just as much, or that could still be me, lol. I had the pleasure of photographing baby Charley's first birthday and I just love it! Gianna, her mommy, and also Event Designer of Chic Celebrations did a fantastic job with this adorable rocking pink first birthday! I love the lawn games, such a fun idea! I have to say this is also one of my favorite smash the cake sessions. Charley's eyes were just glazed over from sugar high, lol! Just too good for words! And, I just love the character artist, he was amazing and did such a wonderful job capturing, not just Charley but all the kids and even some of the "big" kids. The desert table was deck all out with the cute pom pom backdrop and yummy deserts from Sweet and Saucy! I could continue to rave about Gianna and her mad skills, including her child, but I will let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy!

{press | hostess with the mostess | hawaiian birthday party}

I am very excited to share that our Hawaiian Luau Birthday Party was featured on Hostess with the Mostess today. Such a fun birthday party with lots of beautiful design and paper from Cherish Paperie and the amazing cake from Cupcakes Couture. Such amazing work from everyone and the performance by Tupua Productions was fantastic. The kids all had a blast and it was a hit of a party! Thanks for letting me be part of your daughters special day Adrienne.

– Stationery: Cherish Paperie
– Desserts: Cupcakes Couture
– Hula Instructors: TUPUA Productions

{dylan 1st birthday | event | south coast botanic garden}

I am thrilled to announce our new event coverage package for birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers and many other events.

Our first coverage is of adorable baby Dylan who turned 1! This fun filled circus themed party was inspired by one of Dylan’s favorite books “If I Ran the Circus,” by Dr. Seuss. An amazing DIY party pulled together by Mina, Jen (Nunn Better Design), and many more friends held at South Coast Botanic Garden. The remarkable desserts were provided by My Sweet & Saucy Shop, and, as always, they outdid themselves. All the signage, place-cards, and printouts were designs from a birthday party pack, and Jen generously customized all the additional signage. David, the balloon twister, stole the show and had guests, young and old alike, following him around. As guests entered they voted on the Doljabi game, a Korean tradition for a baby's 1st year, said to predict their future. Guests choose between Money – wealth, Book – education, Yarn – long life, and Rice – never go hungry. At the close of the party all four items were placed in front of Dylan and the one he chose would predict his future! After much deliberation on the part of the birthday boy he selected Money!

It was a blast photographing the amazing party and Mina did a great job putting it all together. Thanks for having us a part of your special day.

Picnic Tables: Mckinsey’s Nursery
Catering: CherryStones Grill & Grotto in Gardena
Balloons: LA Balloons in Glendale
Head Table and Sweet Table linens: Vini’s Party rentals
Buffet Table and sign-in table linen and skirts: Party City
Desserts and birthday cake: My Sweet & Saucy Shop
Birthday Cake stand: Rental from My Sweet & Saucy Shop
Invitation: The Candy Tree
Balloon Twister: David Nguyen
Mason Jars with Perforated Daisy design: Peak Candle
Stripe Paper Straws: Etsy
Photobooth props: Etsy