It was such an amazing day – beautiful fall-like weather, gorgeous details, acres of vineyards as the backdrop.  Yet the most important detail of the day was most definitely love – the long time love between Gladys and Rey, parents watching their children get married (the first on both sides of the family), the happy tears, watching these two start a family of their own.  That emotion brought a beauty and energy all its own to the wedding.

But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wedding details, starting with Gladys’ something blue – her stilettos.  Love the new spin on an old tradition.

A blessing from the bride’s father.

The couple was married at Gladys’ family church, with the afternoon ceremony scheduled between two church masses.  It was fun to see a church so lively and active on a wedding day.

The wide angle church photo courtesy of my second shooter, the lovely Jen Johnson.

My favorite post-ceremony image – break time for the Mariachi band.

Off to the reception at Falkner Winery:

Brides, you want a DIY project?  Gladys and some friends actually created the centerpieces themselves:  manzanita branches + brightly colored fresh flowers + glue gun = gorgeous!  The table numbers and menus were created with a template from Wedding Paper Divas.

Love the bling inside each rose of Gladys’ bouquet.

Another great shot by Jen – Gladys is definitely a beautiful bride!

So while I was getting my groove on with the guests outside, Miss Jen was working the photo booth inside the tasting room:

Even the bride and groom jumped in for last call at the photo booth:

Gladys and Rey -it was simply lovely to photograph your wedding day – you are so fortunate to be surrounded by such kind and loving family and friends.  I hope the two of you are enjoying your Hawaiian honeymoon – drink a mai tai for me!

Click here to see a slideshow of Gladys + Rey’s wedding (including more of those zany photo booth pics…)

Special thanks to Jen Johnson for second shooting with me!

Vendor Information:

Reception: Falkner Winery, Temecula, California

Bride’s Dress:  Maggie Sottero

Hair and Make Up:  Lia Negrete, Beauty by Lia

DJ:  DJ Stylo

Cake:  Cakes To Celebrate, Temecula, California

She’s not shy at all, is she?

All summer I’ve been hearing how my (almost) 5 year old was scared to go to kindergarten.  I know many of my friends were weepy just thinking about that first day drop off, but I wasn’t sad.  I was nervous she would be intimidated by the classroom, her new teacher, her new playground.  We walked her into class, and all the students and parents sat down to read a story together with her new teacher.  Her eyes were like saucers, taking in her new surroundings.  When it came time to say good bye she just waved – no smile, no hug, no tears.  I walked out relieved – she seemed fascinated with all kindergarten has to offer.

Then my husband called today after the morning drop off.  My little one walked through the gate to the playground, turned around and simply said “bye daddy”!  And off she went.

Only then did I become teary-eyed, because my little girl is growing up.  Today, she needs me a little less than she did yesterday.  And that makes me incredibly proud – and a little sad.

Happy Monday everyone – lots more to come from Gladys & Rey’s beautiful Temecula winery wedding.

I am a very impatient person.  I have grown increasingly more patient since I’ve become a mom, but that’s not saying much.

I am DYING to show you more photos from the bridal shoot I did, but for now this shoe shot will have to suffice. Seriously, having to wait until after the wedding to share these bridal photos is KILLING ME.

Summer is winding down, kindergarten and preschool await my girls, so things have been a little crazy around here.  I promise there are many posts coming soon!

This is sweet Alice – you may have seen her here or even here.  It’s hard to believe she is already 18 months!

I spent a warm Sunday afternoon with the LeMonnier Family, just exploring and wandering at a local park for our mini-session:

Along for the journey – Alice’s trusty blankie.

Also making an appearance, Alice’s thumb – good for when we got a little tired from all our exploring.

Not a bad way to spend a sunny afternoon, if you ask me.

Thank you Alice for a wonderful time at the park – I hope to see you again soon, camera in hand…