Walt Disney Concert Hall Engagement Session: Brenda + Carlos

On a gorgeous evening in Downtown Los Angeles, I had the privilege of shooting Brenda + Carlos' engagement shoot. We began at the Walt Disney Concert Hall to take in the incredible architecture that the building offers. I love all the reflections that the building has! It makes every engagement shoot completely unique.

 After the sun had gone down we took a quick trip to The Broad Museum and then we were off to my "not so secret"-"secret location" for our dramatic, nighttime shoot with a little help from my off-camera-flash.

At the John Ferraro Building directly behind Ahmanson Theatre,  you can find epic views of the Downtown Skyline. Brenda + Carlos truly felt like they had the whole city to themselves that night which made the evening all the more romantic. They will be married this August at The Pasadena Masonic Temple and I could not be happier for them ;) Check out their entire engagement session below!

Downtown Los Angeles Engagement Shoot

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Rancho Palos Verdes Engagement - Erica + Brad

They noticed each other from across the room while at a party where a mutual friend had invited them. They made introductions and chatted a little. The night ended and they both went on their way. But she couldn't stop thinking about him. Only one thing, she didn't have his number. For weeks, she would call their mutual friend to arrange a hangout so that she would get a chance to talk to him again. It began with a casual conversation at a party but they soon began to fall in love with each other.

Brad and Erica are now engaged after years of dating. They will be having their wedding at The Hacienda in June.  They are both in the medical fields which means they are incredibly busy with work. The couple carved out sometime in their hectic schedule to do an engagement shoot at  Malaga Cove, Rancho Palos Verdes. 

The best time to have an engagement shoot is just before the sunset. And on this night, the lighting was perfect. There was a subtle mist floating around that allowed for the golden light to wrap around them. It certainly made for some gorgeous sunset photography. 

Their engagement outfits during the beach session were perfectly coordinated. I loved the juxtaposition of their elegant looks on the beach.

Malaga cove Engagement

If you're interested in booking Aaron Monroe for your wedding please visit the contact page. 

Laguna Niguel Wedding: Ryan + Amanda

Early in January, Ryan and Amanda were married at a private residence in Laguna Niguel. Their wedding ceremony had a rustic setting with stunning views of the Orange County mountains. The sweeping views made their forest themed wedding all the more perfect. The wedding details tied together the forest theme nicely. Their custom wedding cake was absolutely incredible looking!

After a private first look and a few romantic photos, Ryan and Amanda said their wedding vows in front of friends and family. The weather was a little bit chilly so they generously provided fleece blankets for the guests! Ryan and Amanda couldn't have been any happier on their wedding day. They are genuine people who are adored by everyone around them. Most importantly, they have forged an incredible bond and there is no doubt they will have a life full of joy and happiness. 

Their wedding concluded with a grand sparkler exit as they rode off in a Tesla, cheered raucously by their guests. 

An evening filled to the brim with love indeed!

Photo: Aaron Monroe

Beauty: LM Beauty

Floral: A Pocket Full of Petals

Dress: Christine Ramona Rogers

Cinema: Provideo

Music: Bryson Burns

Catering: Chefs A La Carte

Have a Very Merry....

Some times I need a reminder to take it down a notch, relax a little and remember the inherent good in all people. This was by all accounts a beautiful first Christmas for Lola and her two new cousins, Rowan and Amelia. The joy on my parents faces while they are holding all four of their grandchildren is priceless... not to mention surreal. But in many ways this is an odd (for lack of a better word) holiday season. The first without a big lumbering yellow lab and the first with out my grandmother who passed in October.   Everyone is truly happy despite all this and for many good reasons. (These babes are beautiful!) But I think it is important to remember that people are experiencing hardships, loss and disappointment here there and everywhere...

I guess what I am trying to say is that we must count our blessings, recognize the good times we have with our family, friends and (now for my siblings and me) our kids. Any way... enough contemplative rambling for now! Here are a few of the quick snaps from this bittersweet and beautiful Christmas with all the lovely new babies and their intrepid older cuz, Liam. I set up an impromptu photo shoot for the new kiddos... small, medium and large...  Cheers everyone! 

Long Beach Arts District Engagement: Amanda + Ryan

They are the kind of couple who seem like they have always been together. There are furtive looks, inside jokes and an abundance of admiration for one another. Amanda  & Ryan got engaged last winter and will be getting married in Laguna Niguel, CA. The couple enjoys art, architecture and lots and lots of video games! We headed out on a foggy afternoon where the sun was desperately trying to peak its head out. Nevertheless we strolled through the Arts District in Long Beach in search of some of the unique murals that decorate the town. We concluded the session in Shoreline Village where I learned Ryan shares my same (and probably irrational, at least for me!) fear of birds. Just as we headed out on pier to look at the vast Long Beach bay the sun finally peered through and gave us some beautiful golden light to work with! Love was most definitely in the foggy air... <3

Personal post: Lola's First Christmas

Can she get any stinking' cuter?! My little daughter is not so teeny tiny anymore. She is now a whopping six months old! Lola is sitting up on her own, scooting across the floor and growling like a dog (yes, growling!) in the middle of the night. She is a curious little human that is naturally happy. She brings Danielle and I so much joy and this year entire year has been such a blessing with her. Below are few photos of Lola posing in front of the Christmas tree! 

Seal Beach, Orange County Wedding: Jenny + Tim

Jenny & Tim eloped on a lovely Friday afternoon in Seal Beach, Orange County, California. Jenny got ready with close friends while drinking champagne and cracking jokes along the way. The couple did their first look at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos where they first met. We traveled to a private location on along the jetty where the couple was married by their church's pastor. After the couple said their "I do's" they popped some champagne and enjoyed their first moments as newlyweds by taking in the gorgeous Southern California Sunset. Such a beautiful, intimate ceremony and overall just an incredibly romantic day <3

Irvine Regional Park Family Session: Erin + Cody + Aubrey

She has their whole heart. From here to the moon and back... times infinity...

Cody and Erin are a devoted couple who adore their 9 month old daughter, Aubrey. She is the love and light of their life. Aubrey is a cheerful little bambino whose first teeth are peaking through in her ear-to-ear smile. Watching Cody and Erin play, laugh and love Aubrey is like watching the sun rise for the very first time. It is just beautiful. And for a new parent like me, I am jotting down notes, tips and words of wisdom from their invaluable experience. 

The three of us journeyed out to Irvine Regional Park on a gorgeous winter evening to watch the sun set and chase some golden light. We truly had a wonderful time hiking through the park and stopping to play with Aubrey while snapping some photos. I loved their outfit choices as it complimented the rustic park so well. Cody and Erin are doing a stellar job giving Aubrey a life of adventure and joy.  

The sunset was stunning. The light was perfect. And this family warmed my heart. Below are a few photos from their family session in Irvine Regional Park. 

Long Beach Family Session: Brittany + Bella

Brittany is an amazing person and an outstanding mother. Her daughter, Bella, is whip-smart, funny and incredibly imaginative.  Together, they are an unstoppable pair; a powerhouse mother/daughter combo. 

We headed out to a local Long Beach park for their family session. It was a rather foggy morning but not too cold. The clouds overhead gave us just the soft light we needed. The park had some beautiful variety like large-whimsical trees, vast open shade and a sunny meadow filled with wildflowers. 

Needless to say, I loved their family session and I love these strong women. Cheers!

A Dapper Los Angeles Wedding: Alonso + Stefanie

Ballast Point Brewery Engagement: Jenny + Tim

The first time he saw her they were at church. As she walked by him with a group of friends, she immediately caught his eye. Not knowing exactly what to say he blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "I really like your tattoos!" he exclaimed.  Over the next couple months they began running into each other more and more, each time the conversation blossomed far beyond that initial exchange until finally they set aside a Friday evening to go on an official date. Tim and Jenny's first date ended on a lifeguard tower in Seal Beach where they talked from sunset to sunrise. The conversation is still going strong to this day...

Tim and Jenny are engaged to be married in November in an intimate ceremony with their pastor. I joined the couple at Ballast Point Brewery in Long Beach where Tim proposed to Jenny over the summer. After a drink or two, I followed the couple for a stroll along the beach as the sun was setting. Here are some highlights from Tim and Jenny's engagement shoot:

Almost There

Here is Dani at 37 weeks. I am just in awe of how beautiful she with the bump. Thank you to Priscilla Mora Floral Designs for this amazing flower crown. It really photographed quite well!

35 Weeks & Counting...

My goodness. Look at her. She is just glowing. I know we will look back at these pictures & cherish this incredibly special time. 

Turning Points

I am assuming we will all look back at certain moments in our life & claim "this is where it all changed. That was the turning point." Perhaps that is a bit hyperbolic but it is fun to look back at our journey & ponder the chain of events that brought us here. A few short months ago Dani & I were traversing through Europe & found ourselves in the little quaint town of Manarola in Cinque Terre, Italy. We jumped off rocks, swam in the deep blue Mediterranean, & ate a ridiculous amount of amazing seafood. We had ourselves a roaring good time getting tipsy into the wee hours of the night. Soon after this in our next stop of Barcelona we decided that we wanted to have a baby. All that rollicking fun put things in perspective (or at least I think it did...). We were ready for a little babes. I will forever look back that this image & be reminded of that time with Dani in that little Italian village where all we had to do was put food in our bellies & find our next adventure.  

The Perfect Wedding Song

It is no secret that I love music. I love to discover new music that I have never heard of & let it carry me away somewhere. Some songs are just that beautiful. With that said, this song is just absolutely gorgeous. The lyrics are simply lovely. If you are getting married soon, or know someone getting married soon searching for the perfect song to walk down the aisle to, this is it. Right. Here. This song was just released in 2016 so couples getting married this year would be among the first to accompany this song to their wedding ceremony. Either way, take a listen. It is just so darn beautiful.

"We reflect ourselves in it to make sure that we exist: All we want is love"

"All We Want Is Love" - By Ane Brun

Expecting 2016 To Be A BIG Year!

There are many things in store for the upcoming year that I am looking forward to. But the thing I am most looking forward to in 2016 is the arrival of a baby girl named, Lola Byrd. My wife Danielle & I are so excited to be parents & raise this little girl. I know she is going to be a wonderful child & superb human being. I love her more each day <3

 So that is what has been going on here! Below are some pictures of Dani I took at 17 weeks pregnant. Her little bump is getting bigger each day & we have started to feel Lola move around. It is very surreal to say the least. That is all for now... Any parenting advice you may have I am game! Expect a lot more pregnancy photo shoots in cute little dresses & baby pictures when Lola arrives. Cheers everyone!

Future Career: Dog Photography

Well... maybe one day...

It is currently cold & rainy here in Southern California thanks to the beginning of El Nino. So what better way to add some light (pun intended) by looking at pictures of dogs. This is my brother's sweet sweet pit bull, Daisy. She is a rescue dog with the biggest heart. 

I am currently working on updating my website & creating an outline for 2016. I hope everyone is doing swell on this Tuesday!

Favorite Photo Of The Year

As this year comes to a close I have been doing quite a bit of reflecting. There are many proud moments to which I think I may write about in more depth later. For now however, I am inclined to keep it simple & share my personal favorite photo of the year. This photo is from Robin & Ember's wedding in August & I think it says so much about the couple. The pose is simple, relaxed, honest & romantic. Ember's eyes are striking & it as if you can feel her joy from having just completed her vows. Though I posed Robin, his expression is 100% genuinely his, for he adores Ember & this is their first moment alone as a married couple.

There is romance, in this photo.

There is honesty in this photo. 

This is everything I want to do in spades in the year 2016 with all future couples. Congratulations to Robin & Ember who got married this year &  thank you thank you thank you doing 99% of the work for this photo because you two look amazing! Cheers to the couple.

Do Epic Shit

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What do you do when you feel less then confident? As a creative, what happens to you when you feel like your creativity is the equivalent of sitting in standstill traffic on a Friday night in Los Angeles? 

I had been pondering questions like these for the last couple hours when I stumbled across this picture I took in August. This memo sits atop the desk in the home studio of the wonderfully talented artist Lisa Engelbrecht. Sadly, Lisa passed last year but her spirit most definitely lives on. Her studio is overflowing with tiny cues to inspiration. From pictures of Elvis & Bob Dylan-- newspaper clippings & those ceramic cats that wave to you from a Chinese market-- & of course her art-- her poetry. This clipping she had pasted to her desk is just a taste of her work as she was quite a prolific creative soul. I never really got the chance to know Lisa in this world but the outpouring of love from family & friends after her passing was incredible. I swear it could move mountains. I guess what I am trying to say is a year later it still moves me.

 She lit her community on fire (in a good way, of course) & she was a source of inspiration to those around her. Her words & art undoubtedly live on eternally. As I create my studio space & build a life around art, photography & just plain being a good person as she most definitely was, I too want to be fearless. Peace, everyone & everything. 

Los Encinos State Historic Park - Rubin Family

Every now & again it is important that we take a moment to recognize just how important our loved ones are. Our friends & family are the lifeline to happiness. 

Over the Thanksgiving weekend I spent an afternoon with my sister-in-laws beautiful family, the Rubin's- Jason, Paige, Taylor & Josh. They live just down the street from the peaceful Los Encinos State Historic Park. The weather was cold & the wind felt brisk but it was perfect "jacket weather." The clouds hung in the sky lazily as if they too were relaxing for the Thanksgiving weekend. The Rubin's & I took a break from playing Apples to Apples to spend some time in the park.

Meet the Rubin's. Jason, Taylor, Josh & Paige. They are such a wonderful, close knit unit that really knows how to have a good time ;)

Paige chose their wardrobe but I swear they look they belong in an Anthropologie advertisement!

Some times you just need to stop, have a little fun & be silly! Why not?

Oh did I mention they have one of the cutest little dogs around? This is Dexter, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He is so well behaved & a very important member of the Rubin clan :)

Nothing like taking pictures during magic hour. I love that golden light!

Taylor & Josh have the typical sibling rivalry every now & again but 99.9% of the time there is nothing but love & admiration. They are the best of friends & each other's support. It reminds me of my relationship with my older sister in SO many ways :)

Josh is incredibly creative, imaginative & can make just about any one laugh. Josh loves to play sports but his latest goal is to become an actor & have his own television series. I think after seeing these pictures The Disney Channel or Nickelodeon should be calling in a few weeks!

Taylor is the older sister to Josh. She is brilliant, creative & wise beyond her years. Taylor enjoys to draw but most of all she loves playing soccer. Taylor ran some circles around me with the soccer ball. So talented...

Nothing is more special then a mother & her kids. While at the Rubin household, Josh read me a story he wrote in school about how his mom was his hero. Cute :)

Paige & Jason have been together since their days in college. The love between them is truly incredible. 

More sibling love...& Dexter

Such a lovely day with a lovely family <3