*I’m having an issue with a serial hacker, there is some code in my blog so I continue to get hacked. I am working on fixing this issue, but it requires me to start a whole new blog. Thank you for being patient!*
I met Brianna for the first and last time. Some may remember, she had a disease by the name of Neimann-Pick Disease, Type C. I wrote about our day at Disneyland in this post.
It’s with a heavy heart that I inform you that Brianna passed away tonight. She will be incredibly missed by her loving parents and many family members and friends.
I just made a donation in her honor at this website.
Below are my two favorite photos of Brianna and her dad Jeremy on our trip to Disneyland in January.
XOXO, M
On Rock ‘N Roll Bride!
Brenda’s rockin’ trash the dress shoot in Sydney…
http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2009/08/not-boring-at-all/
xoxo
I am taking the week off (sort of) to attend a small family reunion and spend time with my parents!
I actually got in to Portland on Sunday but have been laying low, reading and enjoying the views. We left Monday morning for the beach rental. But it is not just any beach rental, it is the exact house that my father grew up in! My grandparents owned this house from 1945 until 1973 when they sold it to the current owners, who rent it out to families who come to the coast in the Summer. I’m actually sitting in the exact living room where my parents announced their engagement back in the late 60’s!
The town is called Gearhart and is just outside Seaside, OR. There isn’t much to do here. And its currently raining (which is to be expected in Oregon!) I am still available by email this week.
My extended family is arriving today to help eat the mass amounts of clams my father has already caught (his favorite pasttime). Lots of fresh seafood coming my way this week!
A shot of my parents, not set up at all. They really are this cute. This August they will be celebrating 39 years of marriage!
Family portrait 
This is the path you walk to get to the beach! My dad can remember when it was 100% sand. He says they imported the grass from Scotland and planted it in groups!
The house, built in 1912
It’s amazing to me how late the sun sets up north! This was taken about 9:30pm!
I’ll be home monday June 29th!
xoxo, Melissa
Last night was amazing! Brenda, Cathy and I were ready to show off the new studio space and raise a glass to the many people who supported and believed in us! It was an amazing turn out, I couldn’t have asked for a more fun group of people!
And of course, I have many shout outs!
Dave Cutler from Hit It Music Productions for the lighting and the Gobo (photo below)
DJ Bill Calhoun for keeping the music going until past closing!
Paula Rae florals for the lovely centerpeices
Irene from A Perfect Table for the gorgeous linens
Cheryl and NTC staff for the space and the support!
Erik, our bartender
Allison and Jared Smoley, the design team
Our besties, the girls of Beta Iota
and of course my two counterparts, Brenda and Cathy, who without them this never could have become a dream come true. I love you girls!
It’s Bill!
Signature drinks! Mine isn’t pictured…maybe because it was so popular?
The Cerimone gals and the Gobo!
We each hand selected what drink we wanted to serve
A toast to a successful night!
XOXO, M
Rachelle and Danny have an amazing amount of love and support from their family and friends. That definitely set the tone of the day! I went to high school with the bride and groom so it was fun seeing some familiar faces there.
Rachelle got her makeup and hair done at the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort in Carlsbad.
Rachelle is so tiny, I was worried she was going to get lost in her dress! She almost did
With a little help from her Maid and Matron of Honor!
I adore this image
They were married at the gorgeous San Luis Rey Mission in Oceanside
I guess I wasn’t as inconspicuous as I thought…
An awesome shot taken by my assistant, Mandi
Another by Mandi, a completely candid moment just after they were pronounced married!
The special garden area
My fav <3
The fun bridal party back at Grand Pacific Palisades for the reception!
Rachelle and Danny’s adorable son Cruz! He didn’t like the grass..awwww
Rachelle’s mom in a touching moment
And the party begins!
Cheers!
Rachelle and Danny, I enjoyed spending time with you and your loved ones! Best of luck to you in the future! And give Cruz a cuddle and a kiss for me!
xoxo, M
You are about to meet the happiest baby, ever! This little sweetheart loves the camera and even wiggles with excitement when she hears the shutter click!
Mia’s mother, Claudia, is an old friend of mine and my wonderful makeup artist for my wedding!! If you need makeup down for a wedding or any fun event, hit her up, she is fantastic!
Mia just got signed to a modeling agency, so she needed some new portfolio shots.
This cracks me up!
I laughed at this because it reminds me of those cheesy posed baby shots, where her profile should be superimposed on the top left! haha
Are you just all full of fuzzies and butterflies now?
xoxo, M
I had a blast exploring downtown San Diego tonight with Junior and Yvette! We started the evening at Red Circle bar, where their love story began! Junior was working as a DJ and Yvette was the hot blonde that brought him candy at their first meeting.
After the club, we trekked to find this rad graffiti wall! Turns out Junior used to live just a few blocks from here. This is my personal favorite from the session It makes me smile.
Loving the shoes!
So sweet.
This shot below was taken by my buddy and awesome photog, Aaron of AS Photography who came along to help me out with some lighting that you see in the club above.
Chasing some yummy golden light!
Last stop was City College’s campus
Thanks to Aaron for helping out, including parking my car while we jumped out to shoot! You rock!
Yvette and Junior, I’m looking forward to your wedding in January!!
XOXO, M
Melissa and RJ were married on October 11, which turned out to be a gorgeous Fall day! It was even a bit chilly in the shade. It was perfect since Melissa had only lived in California for a week at that point! She moved here from Michigan to marry her long distance sweetie, RJ.
After 5 years of long distance, they made it official in front of their family and friends. These two love to laugh! That was obvious after their fun engagement session!
The day started at the Comfort Inn with some great vendors.
Sara Balderas of So Cal Makeup did a fabulous job with her airbrush makeup. It stayed flawless all day!
A Charger’s fan – my kind of couple!!
And here is Valerie Wilkerson (619-295-1525) from Tops Salon working on Melissa’s hair
About to become a Mrs. at the Immaculata on USD’s campus.
I love how Melissa is looking at RJ in this shot!
The whole bridal party! They were so fun, they had me laughing all day!
So gorgeous!
After our time at Balboa Park, we headed to Marina Village. Melissa worked hard at all these Fall themed details!
And the amazing cake that was done by Ranch Catering!
Dancing the night away!
One last quiet moment!
Melissa and RJ, I hope you are having an amazing Honeymoon!
Fun Fact: RJ is my third groom in 2008 that is a twin! (Shout out to Brandon and Kyle, the other two twin grooms!)
And a big thank you to Jamie Lawler for being a rad 2nd shooter!
xoxo, M
I’m updating my blog at the moment, so if things look a little weird, this is why!
Thank you for your patience!
