52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 43

They are the tiniest of birds. Absolutely mesmerizing. The sound of their wings, the speed with which they move, the hovering and darting, the flashes of color, captivate me completely. They are truly amazing. I could watch and wait, patiently for hours.

We all grow weary at times, that's when we really need to open our eyes and look around us. We are surrounded by beauty, sometimes we have to search it out, but it's there for the finding. We all have days that are harder than others, or more exhausting, or maybe it has been longer than a day and feels like a season. Take the time to find your hidden treasure, that something that can lift your spirits again and breathe new life into you. It may not be easy, but it's waiting for you.

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 42

I have three brothers and growing up, they loved, loved, LOVED the movie The Princess Bride. They had the whole thing memorized and would watch it over and over and over again. I would groan, inwardly and outwardly as they put it on, one more time. Obviously, I also have parts of it ingrained in my brain, because this was the quote that immediately came to mind for this photograph.

My family all still live in England and I live in America. But it's true, that a wedding brings people together. It's the way it should be. My brother Wesley was getting married and somehow I had to be there. I wasn't the official photographer on the day (sniff), I was a family member, a guest. You know though, that I had to have my camera with me and get a few photographs.

I love this shot, the first moment after their first kiss as husband and wife. They are so happy and I think Lou just glows. I am really glad that I was able to be there. We may have had the occasional clash as children, but I love my family and miss them more than they know. It's these important milestones that are worth celebrating.

It was a beautiful day and we are so happy to officially welcome Lou to our family. Now, I just need to figure out going back again in May for my youngest brother's wedding!

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 41

I am currently in England for a week, for my brother's wedding and boy do I miss my family. They couldn't come with me and are at home in California. Those sweet smiles brighten my day, every day and the hugs and the kisses and the little hands. I miss them all. I know they miss me too, but I am only one person to miss and I am missing four (counting my husband too). Sigh.

I am happy to be here but so wish they were with me. Can't wait to be home with them again.

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 40

The weather this weekend was glorious! Low 80s and it's October...in the Bay, which if you don't live here you may not realize that fog is common year round. It was amazing and we had to head to the beach, which with the government shutdown was not the easiest task. Some beaches were open, but the car parks closed, some had open car parks, but the gates to the beaches were locked...completely ridiculous. We finally ended up at Crissy Field beach and after driving and driving found some street parking. It was absolutely worth it and the kids and the cousins had a blast in the water, building sand castles, burying themselves in sand.

As we crossed the field again, on our return, exhausted from hours in the sun, dandelion puffs glowed in the slowly setting sun and what kid can resist those? I think this was our last summer hurrah...and it was perfect.

Beltran Maternity and Family Sneak Peek {Marin Co., CA, Family Beloved Photographer}

I love it when clients' walls are full of prints and this family has a whole wall set up as a gallery. To find people who truly value photography, who feel it is important and not just a nice thing to do, makes me happy. Everybody has different priorities, I totally get that, but in my mind, capturing memories and having something to show the generations that follow is amazing. We document so much of our lives on our phones, which is wonderful and accessible, but it really isn't the same thing as taking the time and making the effort to intentionally capture the beauty of family.

I last did newborn photos for this family, when their littlest boy was just days old (see those here). With baby number three on the way, this lovely couple want to remember not only this beautiful belly but the family of four, that they will be for just a few more weeks. These little boys are suddenly going to seem so much bigger and relationships will inevitably change.

This gorgeous, outnumbered Mama, is about to have a little girl. It's going to be a whole new world of pink for everyone!

 As the sun started to set we headed to the beach for a few more sweet family moments.

Excited to meet and photograph Miss. Lorelai soon. :)