Happy "Labor" Day

Ava, Shane and I have became very good friends over the years. They were my clients a few years ago. I have pretty much documented their lives ever since their wedding day. If you remember, last time I did pictures for them, it was their "bun in the oven" pictures. Well, guess what?! Ava and Shane gave me another opportunity (and honor) to be a part of their lives. This time, photographing their son Griffin's birth on his birthday. Yesterday afternoon, I received an email coming from Ava warning me about her contractions. I didn't think much of it because I know that first borns usually take longer. Yesterday was also my 9 year wedding anniversary, so May and I planned dinner in the city. As I was driving out to the city, Shane called me on my cell to tell me that they are heading to the hospital. I was prepared and had my gear in the car already. I just had a feeling.

Shortly after dinner, I headed down to Redwood City Sequoia hospital to meet up with the couple. As I walked into the room, Ava was going through another contraction. The contraction was not strong, but it did made her uncomfortable. I pulled out my camera and began documenting the process. I was so touched that they wanted me to be a part of this. I was so honored by the opportunity. This is the ultimate photojournalism at its best. Ava and Shane opt-ed for no medication delivery, so Shane was there to mentally help Ava through the process. Shane was there every contraction, every moment. I was touched by the love that they shared. Birthing is a beautiful process, but knowing the couple as much as I do, it makes it even more wonderful.

A few hours later, doctor came in to do another check up, but the news was not ideal. Baby Griffin was turned side way (not good for delivery). At that time, I didn't think it was appropriate for me to continue the documentation, so I left them alone for the rest of the night and headed home.

I woke up to a happy email from Griffin's grandma, announcing his stats. He was born at 3:45am through c-section. Baby and mommy are doing really well, which I am glad.

Welcome to this world Griffin! I can't wait to meet you!!

As you can see, it was a very emotional and powerful process. Thank you Ava and Shane for allowing me to be a part of this special event!

"Bun in the oven" - Ava & Shane

Ava and Shane are close friends of mine. Ava and I used to work together at a high tech company in the Silicon Valley. We became very good friends through the years. Before we got really close, I even shot their wedding a few years ago at the beautiful Nestldown. After their wedding, I found myself returning to Nestldown yearly.

Now they are moving onto the next stage in life. I was so happy to hear from Ava and Shane that they wanted me to do their "bun in the oven" pictures. As many of you know, I don't do a lot of maternity pictures, but when I do, I try to be as creative as I can. Many maternity pictures you see out there on the internet are very intimate, sensual and feminine. I wanted to do something completely different by incorporating the nature. Here is my version of maternity pictures. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Ava & Shane - Danville

It is so nice to shoot for Ava and Shane again. I did Ava and Shane's wedding 2 years ago at the beautiful Nestldown. That was my first wedding ever at Nestldown. I have been back there many times since. I even made it to Nestldown's preferred vendor list! :) Their wedding was so unique and beautiful that it made into The Knot magazine (I was pretty proud of that!). After 2 years, they are still so lovey dovey. It is always nice to see a happy couple coming back for more pictures!

The Knot Magazine Fall/Winter Edition

This is from my pre-blog days but I'd like to share this great news with all of you.

Ava and Shane (my 2005 clients) got married at a beautiful secluded Santa Cruz mountain location call Nestldown. The location is surrounded with these tall trees. It was out of this world. It was a hot summer day and thanks to the tall trees, we had a shade throughout the day, but the temperature was still in the 100s! I sweated all day long while trying to climb up and down to capture the best shots.

Ava and Shane love the photos and submitted them to the Knot magazine early this year. Ava really wanted to see if the Knot would select her wedding pictures to use as a spread for the Fall and Winter edition. The good news is that they selected the photos and the pictures were posted on the Fall/Winter edition of the Knot magazine. Of course, I am really proud of this :)

Flying

This evening, I met up with Ava and Shane for a night at IFly. IFly is an indoor sky diving establishment in Union City. I told myself that I wouldn't do the real thing, so an indoor sky diving gig is right up my alley. OMG, it was sooo much fun. If it wasn't Ava and Shane, I wouldn't have tried this. You guys HAVE to give this a run if you have the time!

Griffin at 3 months

If you are a true blog follower, then I shouldn't have to tell you who this family is. If you are not, ok ok , I'll tell ya all about it. Ava and Shane were my wedding couples at few years back. From then on, I have been documenting their lives every year. From family (no kids) , to maternity, to labor (yes I said labor!!), to now their little one Griffin pictures. I am so honored to be a part of this couple's lives. They have been supportive and even better, appreciate, the work that I do for them. I love this couple and I am so blessed to have clients, well, more like friends like them.

Lil' Sophie & lil' David

I met Sophie in 2008 and the family was introduced to me by one of my friends/clients Ava & Shane. The first time I shot for happy little Sophie, she had a fever of 102. I actually had no idea!! She was jolly, giggly and just happy overall.

Now, David came into this world a few months back. He is another happy little fellow. Christina and Aaron (parents) are such lucky ones. Healthy, cute and happy kids!

Slideshow for Ava and Shane

Everyone enjoys slideshows so I will create one for all of my future clients. Enjoy!

Azadeh & Eric's Wedding at Nestldown, Los Gatos

Nestldown is still one of my favorite venues in the bay area. It is nestled in the woods of Los Gatos. The first time I was here (a few years ago for Ava and Shane's wedding), I was blown-away by the beauty of this location. Today, eventhough after I shot here so many times, I still get that "ah...." feel whenever I stop and take it all in.

Azadeh and Eric had a combined cultural reception. They had a variety of food for their guests, from Persian to Asian to American to fit any taste. They also had a belly dancer in the middle of the reception. How cool?! I personally listen to every type of music. You can ask my assistant Tammy about this :p I Loooove Persian dance music. It just gets everyone going no matter who and what you are.




She is such a beautiful bride. She was once a model! can you tell by her catwalk?


















This was such a beautiful wedding that I want to show you all the slideshow that I created for the couple: