I still have a ton of family and engagement shoots to blog, but I wanted to get this one up quickly, it has special meaning 🙂

One of my best friends, Kirsten and her hubby Brett are expecting their first child at the end of January!   They live just outside of Peoria, IL (where I went to College) so making her baby shower would be no easy feat!  But I planned ahead with the help of her mom and was able to surprise Kirsten at the shower. She had no idea I was coming!  You can see her reaction in the video at the bottom of this post (thanks Laura for capturing it!)  Here are a few from the actual shower:

The monkey talks, hence the reason she has it to her ear!

Us 🙂

Kirsten called me soon after she found out they were expecting to see if any of my trips to IL coincided with the time maternity photos should be taken (7-8 months along).  Since I refuse to go to the Midwest in the Winter, I had no plans to be there.  She was pretty upset, there is no one local she wanted to trust with that!  I snapped a few frames at the shower, which was held at the local Zoo.  (it doesn’t look like it, but its about 30 degrees here!)

The following day, we did another short maternity shoot!  Kirsten is a yoga instructor in Peoria, IL (check out her studio – Namaste Wellness). We decided to shoot her maternity session in all yoga poses!  She was so excited 🙂  I also got to take her class – what a great experience!

Ok I snuck in one non-yoga pose!

I know this one!  Downward Facing Dog!

Fav #1 <3

They are waiting to find out the sex – I can’t wait! I am hoping for a little girl to spoil!  🙂

Fav #2 <3

We had to stay inside – there was snow on the ground outside!!!  Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

xoxo, M

Can;t figure out the video thing…here is the link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPaMRlbj4xo

Sally and David had a beautiful outdoor wedding last week…and it rained before and after the ceremony!  They were so lucky to have gorgeous blue skies the short time in between!

Love the traditional Vietnamese ao dai she wore for the end of the reception!

This may be my new favorite getting in to a dress shot!

David is Scottish and I love love love their kilts! And how they blended the two different cultures!

Gorgeous Sally!

That’s Larry Samuels on the left, doing his thing!

I’m posting two overall shots this time…first one is mine, second is Mandi’s! Loved them both! (can you spot me in the 2nd one?)

Another awesome shot by my associate photographer, Mandi!

Fav <3

Mmmmmmmm..Flour Power cake!

The reception was at the Pearl Restaurant in Rancho Bernardo

Sally is a life long dancer, she performed an impromtu tap dance for David!

I had so much fun getting to know you two at the wedding! I hope you are enjoying your amazing month long Honeymoon to Australia and New Zealand! (Jelaous!!)

And big thanks for making the day run smoothly, Courtney Tibbets from After the Engagement!!

Enjoy your Slideshow!

xoxo, M

PS I’m in Chicago until Wednesday so I can’t post the slideshow on here right now!  You can view it at the link above, but I will come back and add it when I get home! 🙂

Just a few images of my “baby” cousin Paul.  It’s hard to believe he is a senior in high school now!  He has such a loving heart and is a talented musician.  I see great things in his future! 🙂

Love ya cuz!

xoxo, M

Tanya and Justin were married last Tuesday – yes, a Tuesday!  Can’t beat that! 🙂  Tanya was referred to me by Christina Werner of BB Weddings and Events!

I am a bit partial to where these two said their I Do’s.  It’s where I got married – Ocean View Villas in Pt Loma!  Its hard to believe its already been 11 months since my celebration!

Gorgeous bouquets by The Flower Girls!

Somebody’s happy to be married!

My fav <3

Tanya’s nephew was cracking me up…he wanted one so badly!

Stunning <3

Tanya and Justin, here’s to many years together! Thank you for asking me to be part of your special day!

xoxo, M

I took Eve and her family to one of my favorite spots in San Diego.  Eve is a fantastic wedding coordinator in San Diego and is due with their second son, Cross by the end of the year!

Shay is going to be a great older brother!

So sweet!

My fav <3 What a gorgeous family!

Ok this may be my fav!

I really like this one too!

Adorable!

I’m so happy for you and your family Eve!  Can’t wait to meet Cross!

xoxo, M