San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Photographer | Ciara & Joseph

I didn't meed Ciara and Joseph until the day of their wedding. In fact, I had only corresponded with Joseph's mom, Susan. I have a lot of weddings where a parent will book but my interactions with Susan really struck a nerve in the best possible way. She explained to me, almost tearfully, how important photography was because Joseph is her only child and these photos will mean the world to their family. I immediately placed myself in her shoes imagining my son getting married someday. I couldn't help but watch her throughout the day- how she teared up as Ciara walked down the aisle, how she cried with Ciara as she recited her vows to Jospeh, Susan's only child, and how she beamed with joy every time her son beamed with joy. I thought to myself, "I hope he knows how lucky he is to have such a wonderful mother." - but I know he does, I could tell in the look on his face as he danced with her later in the afternoon.

Both Ciara and Joseph were full of love, up for anything, and fully focused on the most important aspect of their wedding day - their friends and family. Everyone ate delicious food, had amazing cupcakes, and danced.

Susan, thank you for finding me and allowing me to be a part of this special day.

San Francisco Bay Area Maternity Photographer | Virginie & Charles

When Virginie called to inquire about a maternity session I was immediately in love. Yes, I admit that I am a sucker for a beautiful foreign accent and seeing as how both Virgine and Charles are from France I was in luck! They were expecting their first child, a baby girl, and wanted to document her pregnancy in one of the most beautiful places in the states- San Francisco. Both musicians, they asked if it was okay if they brought along a guitar for Charles and a microphone for Virgine (she's a vocalist). While I don't usually love props, I do love props that are deeply important to someone's story. Music is how they met, it's what they do as professions, and they are even naming their daughter Melody!

Yet again San Francisco didn't disappoint! It was a stunning, warm evening overlooking Sutro Baths and Lands End. The only bummer was that every other photographer in San Francisco seemed to agree that it was a great spot for photos because it was packed! I actually ended up outsourcing a few photos to have people removed from my background. While sometimes it doesn't bother me there were a few photos where I really wanted the focus to stay on Virginie and Charles.

I am happy to announce that their sweet baby Melody has been born and she is STUNNING!

San Francisco Bay Area Family Photographer | The Reisters

Whitney and Jeremy have been together since high school - he was the quarterback and she was the cheerleader. How do I know this? I was there too, just a couple of years older ;) I remember them both as 16 year olds and when we met again in person for their session it was like nothing had changed, but also so, so much. They are now married and the parents of a beautiful little girl. Of course I'm also married to my high school sweetheart and we have a family of our own.

We all grew up in Sacramento, a place I visit often from the Bay Area since my mom and many friends still live there. Being so close to Sacramento is one of the reasons we moved back to the San Francisco Bay Area, so that we could see everyone more often.

It was a warm spring evening when I photographed Whitney and Jeremy with their little girl. I love spring sessions because it's the only time in Northern California when the grass is green and soft! Their little one year old girl was a total doll and smiled nearly the whole time which is unheard of for that age! She was so happy to be outside running around (that's what you get when you walk at 9 months like she did!)

One of the really cool things about being a family and wedding photographer is that you get to reconnect with so many people that you might have not otherwise seen again.