Category Archives: Personal Photography

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Grand Opening Party

Ok, so I completely understand what all of my couples go through with planning their weddings.  Its a bit stressful eh? When the day finally came I was overwhelmed (in a good way) with how everything came out. I want to thank everyone who made it, your presence and support mean so much to me!

Well you know how my job is to document things? Well that SO didnt happen! I was so busy making sure everything was going right.. and their were copious amounts of bubbly refreshments in peoples hands… that I forgot to take pictures! However we did have the photo booth………..which wouldnt you know, half of my guests didnt make it to! Its ok, I remember you were there! But heres what resulted from the booth:

Elaine and John, from Elaine Bell Catering, they brought a beautiful spread of food that blew me and my other guests away! Did I mention it was delicious?! Matt and I in a traditional prom pose and then Matt looking like a goof ball eating one of Elaine’s desserts. Jennifer the incredibly talented owner and designer of Lush Floral. I so lucky to get to work with her as often as I do!

David Lew, The friend I’ve known the longest in life: since the 1st grade! Sierra and Derrick, old high school friends and clients. Yes, we all went to school together…. can we say yearbook nerds!? Love you guys!

I love this photo Sierra took: we were mocking the “now smell your bouquet” bride portraits from the 80’s. The bouquet was a sweet gift from Joanne of Boutique Events. She even made sure to match the studio with a blue ribbon!

Rose Hyc, James and Lisa Sanders both photographers of the greater bay area. Matt and I being dorks. Then my sister Leanne and her family who trekked out from Lodi!

You might remember Ashley, Matt and Alyssa from a few months back.

Kelly and I mocking an intimates pose! And last but not least…. Kelly and Ramiro who also drove a ways to come to the opening.

Alyssa Taylor has arrived!

Thursday morning was THE most memorable experience of my life. We laughed (thanks to Matt) cried when no one was watching (behind a camera lens) and welcomed beautiful Alyssa Taylor into the world. I swear, I’m not a sap, but right around 10:30 that morning I was! After 28 hours of labor, one of my best friends Ashley was FINALLY ready to give birth. This was after several painful hours of her family and I witnessing some pretty crazy contractions. When I look back on then whole of it all the hardest part for me was seeing her in pain before the epidural. Around 2 am the family and I retreated our separate ways, some to the corner of a waiting room, me to the back of my car. When we finally woke she was ready. (thank goodness!)

I was one of the privileged three in the room. I photographed for the first 10 minutes and then it came to a point where Ashley needed a bit of extra help. Matt and her mother took to the sides and I helped her curl forward. When the midwife said “this will be the last push and she’s here” I went in this mode: Like a stealth photographer (I’m laughing as I write this btw!) I let go of her shoulders for a sec and swooped down to grab the camera off the ground. As I stood up I pushed between her shoulders and started the rapid fire on my camera. I got THE shot. (not posted though… dont want child services coming after me!) My favorite shot from the whole day.

Its funny: the days leading up to her birth EVERYONE was asking me are you sure? Are you sure you want to take part in this and witness a birth? Do I really want to be even more terrified of having kids than I already am? (No joke, the idea scares the heck out of me!) I would not have had it any other way.

Ashley and Matt: I can not thank you enough. Really. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life and will forever be tied to you and your beautiful baby girl. Ashley, I am SOOOOO proud of you, looking back on the whole set of photos I cry again. (my Matt is standing over me chuckling right now) You will be one amazing mother. And Matt: I have no doubt in my mind Alyssa will grow up a comedian. There will always be smiles in the Aldridge-Baker household til the end of time.

She will be loved.

notice the death grip:

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and what becomes of it:

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smokin hot, even in labor!

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The nurses totally staged this shot…. wrapped around daddy’s little finger already. 20080522_195.jpg20080522_196.jpg20080522_197.jpg20080522_198.jpg

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A new toy!

I ordered the 50mm 1.8 lens last week after reading so many great reviews on it. I took a few photos and fell in love! The focus is phenomenal! Why didnt I add this to the arsenal sooner?!

Unfortunately the UPS guy dropped it off when it was close to dark out, so I quickly shot the cherry blossoms that just started blooming out front. More photos to come from an engagement session I have this weekend!

Oh, and now with the new blog you will be seeing massive photos like this one from now on. Looks like a watercolor painting to me:

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David Lew at Pepperbelly’s

One of my best friends since the first grade is FINALLY pursuing his dreams and started doing stand up comedy. Last Thursday night he performed at Pepperbelly’s in Fairfield. Hes playing again (now on a weekend!!!) on Friday July 6th and Saturday July 7th. For more info click here.

Here are a few from the show:



Michael Holmes for Domaine Chandon

Michael Holmes, a Napa area event floral designer designed an beatutiful table scape for a private function at Domaine Chandon on Friday. I just had to share. Hot Miami nights meets LA but in Napa?!

It feels straight out of Grace Ormonde magazine doesnt it?!





Sunshine!!!

We just had the rainiest season on record in NorCal. 23 days of rain! So I finally got out on Saturday and took one of my drives to visit the town of Locke. One of my favorite things to do is drive and get lost somewhere. It clears my head and I always end up finding the coolest little towns on my way to nowhere.

Here are some shots from my trip. My favorite is the detail of the barn wall, it looks like I photoshopped all the color out, but it was actually shot that way.



Tea at the Jefferson St Mansion



Every month, Reed, the owner of the Jefferson St Mansion changes the theme of her Parisian style tea parlors. We have been working to put together a cookbook that will showcase all of the delicious food she serves every weekend for tea. Here’s a glimpse.

AJAXed with AWP