When you first plunge into the sea of adulthood and find yourself treading water for the first time, there are many firsts. Though many years have passed since I made that life transition (more than I care to admit), I will never forget my first car…my first apartment…my first home. And like many new homeowners, one of the first things you want to tackle as soon as you get those keys are the white walls.

White walls, to a young adult, symbolizes the lack of ownership, the lack of individuality. I will never forget the gallons and gallons of paint my husband and I went through when we first set upon transforming our first house into a home. By the time we had moved into our current home, our third, the glamor of DIY painting had faded; we paid someone to remove all traces of the previous owner.

But as 2012 rolled into 2013, we craved a return to simplicity, we craved brightness. Almost like a cleanse, we have been painting the walls white. My daughter is not keen on it, but we are. The white walls are calming, they provide focus, and they are a perfect canvas to begin anew.

I found myself swimming in very busy waters last year, and I was happy to photograph beautiful families, amazing farms, and very delicious food. But I was so busy, I neglected this blog, and with the start of the new year, I wanted to give this place a fresh coat. I want to simplify and understand this place for me. Kitchen Confidante has been so fulfilling, and I know where it fits into my life. But I like having this place and realize that I can share here things that don’t fit into my food blog. Portrait sessions, yes, of course. And for personal photo projects, or photos that don’t come with a recipe, I would like this to be their home.

So while it has been a few months, I’m eager for the new start, and can’t wait to share some of the families I’ve had the joy of meeting and photographing last year, and then some. Till then…

“Cookies are made of butter and love.” Norwegian Proverb

If you could measure love in cookies, and I do believe you can, then Gina is one of the most loving people I have had the privilege to meet. A daughter, a sister, a wife, and a mother, Gina loves in the best way she knows how, and that is through her baking.

They say that food is what brings us together, and it is the world of food blogging that brought me to Gina’s kitchen one day, where she shared her talent for the ultimate of cookies. She had welcomed a wonderful group of us into her home to learn the fine art of making the macaron. Her ease around this intimidating cookie was uncanny – Gina is a natural baker, her mind works in measurements but it looks quite effortless and uncomplicated to the untrained eye.

I spent a gorgeous September morning with Gina, in the hills near her home. Brentwood is a lovely stretch of land, flanked on one side by views of Mt Diablo, and acres of orchards. Gina finds inspiration in the local farm stands and creates all kinds of deliciousness, which she shares in her food blog. It was time for an updated headshot, and Gina wanted to step out of the kitchen and into the beautiful countryside she loves so much.

I loved seeing Gina outside of the kitchen, in another world that was definitely hers, where she was at ease. I can see why she has fallen in love with the countryside outside her doors, the beautiful hills, the graceful trees, and the sleepy farms along the way. It was one of the most wonderful photo shoots I have done so far, probably because there was much to chat about, and it was a great pleasure to get to know Gina better.

And I really do think she glowed that day.

Thank you, Gina, for the joy of photographing you! It was a true pleasure to spend some time with you, outside the kitchen.

A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend. ~Author Unknown

I have a soft spot for that bond between sisters and mothers. Those who know me well already know I can be a bit mushy, but growing up, I have been fortunate to have the company of a little sister, and some of my best memories where of us with our mother. I found that growing up, not only did I find a friend in my sister, but with my mother as well.

So when I photographed this lovely family a few weekends ago, my heart melted with the sweetness.

In my last post, I introduced you to this cutie:

Today, I want you to meet her older sister. Adorable, spunky, and so very camera ready – she taught me a thing or two about being on the other side of the lens! Let’s just say she made it SO easy!

I loved how she guided her little sister (and mom and dad!) into poses!

Mom and Dad are pretty cool, too.

See?

I just love how little sisters look up to big sisters! What big sister does…

She does too!

Adorable.

There was a little girl,
Who had a little curl,
Right in the middle of her forehead.
When she was good,
She was very good indeed,
But when she was bad she was horrid.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Longfellow may have a catchy little poem there, but there is no way at all that this little angel could be horrid. I am in the middle of editing a family portrait session from this weekend, and I couldn’t wait to share this one. Can you say adorable?? I mean, look at this cutie! She makes me wish I had beautiful little curls!

More to follow!

Ah, something sweet for September! I am excited to offer a sweet discount of 20% off all portrait packages scheduled this month. I can’t wait to see your sweet smiles and have some fun!

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. ~Anthony J. D’Angelo

I think she brought the gorgeous weather with her last week.

My friend Chandara and I spent a morning dabbling in the beautiful morning light last week, and I credit her with the picture perfect day. Her sunny personality must be the explanation. She brings it with her wherever she goes, and it’s hard to be gloomy when Chandara is around!

Not only does she bring the sun, she brings gorgeous herbs from her family garden. What a treat! The stunning thai basil made for a lovely bouquet. I also used some lemongrass from her garden for a perfect late summer cooler.

But even better than the sun and herbs? Her smile. It’s contagious.

See what I mean?

…you liked Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain
And the feel of the ocean and the taste of champagne…

It was with greatest pleasure that my images and recipes were featured in the Summer issue of Berlin-based sisterMAGAZINE. When co-founder and Editor Theresa (“Thea”) Neubauer first contacted me several months ago, introducing me to this sophisticated and dynamic new online magazine, I was instantly drawn by its modern sensibility and international flair. But I was really touched by the fact that it was the partnership of two sisters that brought this magazine to fruition.

So when she asked if I would be interested in contributing to sisterMAG’s Issue N°3, I was more than pleased to collaborate. After much discussion, I used my inspiration from a recent vacation and island cocktails to sisterMAG, where two original recipes are highlighted, as well as several other cocktail-inspired desserts that have been previously published on Kitchen Confidante.

Enjoy!

You don’t marry someone you can live with – you marry the person who you cannot live without ~ author unknown

When your only sister gets married, it is a most precious time to celebrate. But even as Matron of Honor, it is hard to celebrate the occasion without sneaking a few shots, whenever you can. Here a glimpses of my dearest sister’s gorgeous La Jolla wedding, through my lens.

It was a beautiful and calm morning as we readied for the wedding with the girls at the Lodge At Torrey Pines. Seeing my sister step into her gown was breathtaking, and I was nothing but honored to clasp the necklace I wore at my own wedding ten years ago onto her wrist, transforming it into her bracelet on this special day. Looking into her eyes, I could see my mother, who we desperately missed that day. But knowing that tucked into her bouquet was a locket with her picture brought us comfort.

Lianne and Niall brought so much of their personality to their wedding, both individually and as a couple. Hearing them share their heartfelt vows in our presence brought tears to my eyes.

Lovers of literature, and writers in their own right, I loved the vintage typewrite that invited guests to leave their well wishes for the couple. What a lovely twist on a guest book!

Each place card was lovingly handmade.

Little ones always make a wedding even more special. Aren’t they so dapper?

As evening fell and the sun set into the ocean beyond the stunning cliffs, I lost myself in the company of family and dear friends. With the dance floor calling, I tucked my camera away to soak in the love, and to twirl with my husband and children on the dance floor, my beautiful sister and new brother steps away.

Congratulations Lianne & Niall. I love you both.

Ceremony & Reception: Martin Johnson House

[pullquote]Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical. ~ Sophia Loren[/pullquote]

It was a beautiful spring afternoon when I met the gorgeous K family for their afternoon portrait session. The warmth of the sun followed us as we explored fun locations to shoot, and their energy and enthusiasm really captured me. But what really caught me were their eyes. Mom, Dad, and little ones each possess the most expressive eyes!

See what I mean?

It runs in the family.

But you know what else this family has other than gorgeous eyes? Spunky personalities.

With Independence Day just around the corner, I loved how they wanted a photo for Fourth of July cards! Brilliant!

“I’ll be home for Christmas

You can count on me

Please have snow and mistletoe

And presents on the tree”

There’s nothing better than having everyone home for the holidays. With their daughter coming home from college, it was the perfect opportunity for the P family to capture a portrait, before the holiday celebrations. And I was more than happy to do so!

You can see where the kids get their gorgeous looks from.

There’s nothing like mothers and daughters.

Sisters rock. Believe me, I know.