So a few months ago Jake and I decided on the spur of a moment to drive up to Carson City to visit his family to surprise his younger brother for an early birthday celebration. There's just something about a spontaneous decision, a long drive through the edge of the sierra nevadas, and sharing the experience with your best friend that just creates those special moments in life you'll never forget. We had such a relaxing weekend visiting his parents and two younger siblings, Grady and Addie. I had never been to Carson City, so they decided we HAD to visit Virginia City, an old mining town from the Gold Rush. The city was complete with an old school house, a classic 'old west' city street, hole in the wall nick nack stores, and boot hill (a grave yard where they buried the bandits and crooks in town). From there our tour took a turn for the mountain, and in less than an hours drive we found ourselves in beautiful Lake Tahoe soaking up the warm breeze and ridiculously clear water. Then came a birthday celebration for Grady, and in the morning a hike up to this cross WAY at the top of the hill (ahem, mountain) behind his grandparents property. Needless to say it was a whirlwind of a weekend, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Here are a few snapshots I took of our weekend, and don't forget to check out the photos I took on the way back home of random and exciting new places... including a lemon shaped building with a steel framed dinosaur. I'm thoroughly convinced adventures like this weekend is what makes life so special. :) Enjoy!

(PS. special thanks to Addie and Jake for taking over my camera and snapping a couple of the shots so I could jump in the picture. Such mad photo skills you guys :D )

Chelsey and the girls getting ready

So you may remember this gorgeous lady from her engagement photo shoot I did a while back. Well, her and Chris's big day finally came and I was privileged to be a bridesmaid in their wedding! It was hands down one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever been to. Chelsey and I have been best friends since highschool and it was a great joy being a part of this big day. The rehearsal was at the Walnut grove out in Moorpark, and us girls stayed the night in a hotel right near the venue. It was a fun day/ night filled with laying by the pool, ordering pizza, lots of giggles, watching old movies, and loads of memories. This is the second wedding I've been in that the bride chose to do this, and I think it's SUCH a good idea! What better way to spend your last day of being single than with your best friends? The morning of, In the midst of all the make up and hair spray craziness, I managed to grab my camera and shoot some pictures of Chelsey and us bridesmaids getting ready. Oh, the anticipation for the big day! Chelsey, I hope you and Chris enjoy these pictures and have a wonderful and blessed marriage together. Love you both!

It's all about the lighting

Ohhhh lighting. The more I experiment with photography the more I've come to realize just how key lighting is. It can make- or break an image.

The other day Jake and I journeyed around Burbank looking for the perfect spot at the perfect time for the best golden sunshine. We stumbled across this beautiful park that was shockingly empty for a gorgeous Friday evening. I think the emptiness really adds to the charm of these images.

Not only was this great practice in getting the lighting just right, this was also the first photoshoot that I did entirely shooting raw. One word: AH-MAZ-ING. Wow, I'm NEVER going back! I feel as though the veil has been lifted in a huge hurdle in getting my pictures to look jusssst right- just like they do in this crazy head of mine. Also, I've never really done a photoshoot with my handsome boyfriend, so this was also great practice in taking headshot type images. He's so handsome :)

Hope you enjoy this little for funsies shoot!