Family Photos: Thurnaus (Oakland, California)

While this family was back in town visiting, we set up a session for some family photos. The location request was for “something rustic” and when I brought up the horse arena in Joaquin Miller Park, it turned into the perfect location, because this little girl is currently SO EXCITED by horses.

Multi Generational Family Photos (Hayward, California)

This was a special shoot, with four generations gathering together to celebrate some milestones in the family. It was a rare opportunity for this much of the family to all be in one place, so I was asked to spend some time taking family photos. Along with the larger group photos, we took the opportunity to do smaller family portraits as well. As you can guess, the cousins ended up stealing the show and were having so much fun together.

Maternity Photos: Melissa & Eric (Castro Valley, California)

At July 14, 2017
By faye
In Couples, Families, Maternity, Photography
0

For this maternity session, Melissa really wanted a spot near the water but that had lots of trees for variety. The levels of water at Lake Chabot were really high and we found some really cool spots where the staircases just ended in the water. It added a new and unique element to a spot I enjoy shooting at and made for some lovely photos. Their pup also joined us for some family photos.

Newborn Photos: Klay

At June 23, 2017
By faye
In Children, Families, Newborn, Photography
0

I got to meet this little guy one week after he was born, which was a real treat. It’s always special to capture the very early days of a new family. Congratulations on becoming parents and welcoming such a sweet little one into your family!

Maternity Photos: Turquoise & Brandon (Hayward, California)

It was so much fun to meet Turquoise and Brandon to celebrate their growing family! Our maternity session was on a lovely Saturday morning (we were lucky enough to avoid the rain) and they were so natural in front of the camera. The connection between these two is so evident in these photos, which makes me excited for their baby to be born into that love. Looking forward to meeting your little guy!

Wedding Day: Justina & Jamie (Castro Valley, CA)

It is always an honor to photograph a wedding day and even more so when it is my very own friends and family. For me, it’s also more personal (and probably more emotional) since I know more about the couple’s story and have seen them grow closer to one another. Meet Justina, one of my best friends from high school and her husband, Jamie. I was asked to spend the morning with the girls while they got ready and also photograph some traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies. Continue on for some beautiful and funny moments.

There were two dresses for the wedding day – the white dress for the ceremony later that day. Since it was such a perfect dress for Justina, I had to take the time to photograph it.
Castro Valley Wedding Photographer For the traditional Chinese ceremonies, the bride wears red and, in this case, chose to go with a modern and beautiful dress.
The groom and his friends showed up to take part in the traditional Fetching of the Bride. This is the first time I had heard of this tradition and witnessed it and it was so much fun! I couldn’t help but laugh as the guys did their best to win their way into the house. There were questions to answer, dancing to do, songs to sing, blind tasting and identification of food and lots of negotiating.
Of course Jamie and his fellas were talented, charming and ultimately won their way into the house. Then we all took off for the traditional Wedding Car Ride. (Everyone in this car was a major trooper too, because it required running out in the pouring rain!)
Then it was time for the Tea Ceremony. While working on the images, I was really struck by how much honor and importance is represented in this ceremony, but by how well it was balanced with such love, sweet moments and laughter. It really acknowledges the role elder family members have played, while also being a celebration of a new family forming through the bride and groom. And, since we had a smaller group for the morning events, I asked if we could do a quick shot with everyone – turns out they have a fun crew!I am so excited for this couple and the happiness they have found in one another. All my best wishes as you continue your journey together!

Family Photos: the Evans (Dublin, California)

This is the third year I’ve gotten this fun family in front of my camera for holiday photos – does that mean this is a new tradition? All joking aside, I enjoy sessions with these four, since we all know each other and they make my job easy by being so great in front of the camera.

Newborn photos: Lillian

After I get to do a maternity shoot with a family, I always start getting excited to meet their little one for newborn photos. It’s so cool to capture both sides of such a big life event. This little lady was so sweet and was more than happy to cuddle up for some photos with mom, dad and big brother.

Mountain House Newborn Photographer

Wedding Photos: Emily & Joe (Livermore, California)

As I was getting these wedding photos ready, I found myself wishing that I could go back and enjoy their day again. Emily and Joe are two of the sweetest people, full of laughter and so easy to be around. I had the pleasure of meeting these two when they first started dating (through my husband), so it was such an honor to capture and celebrate their wedding day alongside them. Congratulations again!

Venue: Wente Vineyards (Livermore, California)

Family Photos: the Mullens (Dublin, California)

Take one silly girl and two fun parents and you get a great set of photos! I was happy to meet up with this family again and spend a morning taking photos. One of the things I enjoy most about family photo sessions is when personalities shine through and when the relationships between the family members are caught on camera. These photos both of those things!