Megan and Popeye

I have always loved dogs, and so before we got Kiki, to get my dog fix, I'd always happily volunteer to take my friends' dogs for walks, runs and give them lots of scratches and pats.  Popeye was no exception.  We met in the summer of 2008, while his aunt Beth was walking him around his neighborhood, and I immediately grabbed his leash and we started sprinting around the Castro.  The thing about Popeye is that when he's home lounging in bed, he's the laziest of dogs, but when he's out and about, he will 100% match your level of energy.  When I took hold of him that first day, we tore off down the street, raced around corners and almost took out a frightened lady with her little dog.

The other thing about Popeye is that he is one tough survivor.  He's deaf and so because he doesn't know how to have normal social interactions with other dogs, he endured a period of getting picked on by them.  He has also fought and beaten cancer twice.  Recently, he was diagnosed with cancer for the third time, which he is in the middle of fighting, and throughout his battles, Megan has given him the best care.  To say she would do anything for Popeye is not an overstatement.  They've been together for more than 8 years, and it is really incredible to see someone who so fiercely loves their animal.  Here are some images from an afternoon with Megan and Popeye at home and around their neighborhood.

Beth's Bridal Shower

Here are a few images from my dear friend Beth's 1920s vintage tea bridal shower!  It was hosted by another bridesmaid (also named Beth), whose gorgeous home was the perfect setting.  Beth's mother and aunt decorated the place with tons of antique china, doilies and linens, many that belong to Beth's grandmother.  All of us bridesmaids pitched in with the food, and Beth found adorable vintage white gloves on eBay to hand out as party favors.  I thought I'd share the shower since is was completely DIY.

Beth flanked by her mama and sister!

Look mom, I made the scones and cookies!  Aren't you proud?!

Beth's fiancee Dan did a surprise pop-in with a bouquet of red roses!

Hello, Internet! Here we are!

A few weeks ago, our good friend, Preston Davis of Divine Order Photography, met up with us in one of our favorite spots, the Marin Headlands, to take some pictures of us.  Believe it or not, this was our first professional photo session.  I'm ashamed to admit that I was not exactly looking forward to our shoot.  I have no problem showcasing other people in front of the camera, but in perfectly hypocritical fashion, I actually do not like having my picture taken.  So, during our shoot with Preston, I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun it was!  Adm, Kiki and I had a GREAT time running around, holding hands, hugging, kissing, calling wild turkeys, and I think I laughed more during our shoot than I have in a LONG time. I'm pretty sure what started out as nervous giggles turned into full on cackling on my part, and c'mon, who doesn't love to laugh?

I will say that after doing the shoot, I have much more empathy for my couples.  Modeling is no easy task, and so that makes us want to work even harder to put our clients at ease so that we can draw out their personalities.  We were in luck with Preston since we already knew him and felt pretty comfortable with him.  Aside from the fact that we've got a set of great images (something my mom is very happy about), it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Katie + Ryan Engagement in Oakland, CA

I had a BLAST photographing Katie and Ryan's engagement session.  They live in the Oakland hills and even have a barn in their backyard!  We roamed their large and beautiful property when the light was at its best, and it was truly one of my favorite spaces to photograph.  Oh, and do you see their adorable little dog, Sasha?  She was adopted from the pound about a year ago, and I don't know that I've run across a happier dog - she was literally hopping from spot to spot with a huge grin on her face.  Congratulations, Katie and Ryan!