Queen of the Kitchen

My mom is an amazing cook. A baking queen. I know you probably think I am just saying this because well it's my mom. But I am not. Ask anyone who has ever tasted something she has touched in the kitchen. She is one of "those people" who doesn't have to follow a recipe or use measuring cups.
Her food touches your soul. She has this secret weapon that goes beyond ingredients and recipes.
When one of my assignments for my photography class was to take an environmental portrait I was instantly inspired to photograph my mother in the kitchen. She hesitantly agreed as she doesn't like being in front of the camera as much as she likes being in the kitchen. But with a little persuasion she agreed. It was such an honor to document her.
Stayed tuned for a special project I am working on...

A Perfect Fit

Have you ever met two people who simply are perfect together? Let me introduce you to my beautiful cousin, Janece, and her wonderful fiance, Doug. They truly are perfect in more ways than one.
Not only do they complement each other's personalities so well but their "perfect fit"-ness pervades their entire relationship. Doug is a competitive cyclist who owns a fitness center, Shape Up of Corona Del Mar, and Janece is a personal trainer extraordinaire. On top of that... they are health food fanatics who recently introduced Tony and I to CHARD. Have you ever heard of "chard?" It's supposed to be good for you. Cooked properly, chard can be pretty tasty but let me warn you now - it will do a number on your digestive track ;) Enough about that.We've recently been able to spend some time with the happy couple and it has just been a blast. Doug has allowed us to participate in his weekly spin class (if you ever get a chance to go... #1 Remember to STRETCH! #2 Get there early because it is a popular class. and #3 Bring lots of water.), they've introduced us to Biagio's of Lake Forest (Biagio's serves some of the best pizza around), Doug has shared some wonderful organic wine (Tony thought all wine was organic until recently), Janece has introduced us to her favorite teas, and just a few days ago we had the opportunity to photograph them for their engagement at the grand estate of William Lyon in Coto De Caza.
We had so much fun on the shoot. The grounds were amazing, the subjects couldn't have been easier to photograph, romance was definitely in the air, and the perfect time spent was a natural extension of this awesome couple.Here's to you, Janece and Doug. We look forward to your wedding and to having a growing friendship with you in the years to come.

Scattegories

The rules: It's harder than it looks! Copy to your own note, erase my answers, enter yours, and randomly tag 10 people (including me) And publish it. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real...nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.
Have Fun!!

1. What is your name: Danielle

2. A four Letter Word: Dive

3. A boy's Name: David

4. A girl's Name: Delaney

5. An occupation: Doctor

6. A color: Deep Purple

7. Something you wear: Dress

8. A food: Donuts

9. Something found in the bathroom: Doo-Doo

10. A place: Disneyland

11. A reason for being late: Dead

12. Something you shout: Don't

13. A movie title: Devil Wears Prada

14. Something you drink: Diet Dr. Pepper

15. A musical group: Duran Duran

16. An animal: Duck

17. A street name: D Street

18. A type of car: Datsun

19. Something scary: Darth Vader

20. Ice cream flavor: Dark Chocolate

Beautiful: inside and out

I love being able to be there for my friends and family when they need something. My loved ones are such a precious part of my life. So when my dear friend, Adrienne called and needed some head shots I was happy to do the honors.
Adrienne is truly a special lady. We share a deep connection and I am ever grateful to have a friend like her in my life.
After we took a few shots we headed to one of our favorite local Mexican spots for some good food & even better margaritas. It was a perfect afternoon!