Today I got the chance to drive up to Anaheim and spend time with the Wishland Volunteers at their First Annual - People's Choice BBQ Competition. Wishland is a non-profit foundation that provides assistance and cherished moments to children with life-threatening conditions and their families. Being able to volunteer for this event was a blessing.



Please visit them at: www.wishland.org

Today I had the pleasure of meeting up with the Godfrey family at Tewinkle Park in Costa Mesa for Lena's first birthday pictures. I have been taking Lena's pictures since she was a newborn and it is amazing to see how much she has grown! Thank you, guys, for allowing me to be a part of all your special memories. Can't wait to capture many more!!

So I'm still working on the pictures from this past weekend. But I did want to remind all of you that Mother's Day is right around the corner.

A mom will always hug and kiss, a mom will always care. Your days she will never miss, because you will always be her little teddy bear.

Mother's day is just right around the corner - So it's time to capture a gift that will last forever. Kelly Lynn Photography is giving away a FREE 30-minute portrait session for children, couples and families. All of your portraits will be posted online so that you can view and purchase with family and friends.

Please contact me for details or to arrange a time for your session. Email us at [email protected] or at our office 949.716.9375. Let's capture your special moments for your special mother.

Book your session NOW!!

So this past weekend I got the chance to go up to Santa Barbara to photograph the wedding of Karla & Aaron with two of Tennessee's most talented photographers, Jamie Weiss and Sondra Bolling.

I have never been to Santa Barbara, and neither had they, so this was a first for all three of us. We had a blast!! In the morning on Saturday before the wedding, we went down and had breakfast on the beach. And I don't mean next to the beach or that we had a view of the beach, I mean literally ON the beach with our feet in the sand. After our wonderful breakfast we made our way over to where the bride was and started shooting. It was an outdoor wedding right on the beach (what a beautiful setting), and I do have to say that it was a little too hot for my taste. But over all, I was able to still get some amazing images (to be posted shortly) and meet some new friends. Thank you again Jamie and Sondra for allowing me to tag along. It was a wonderful experience and I learned sooo much!!

Today I had the pleasure of hanging out with Kim and Dan down at Laguna Beach. It was a wonderful day, but the heat wasn't coming from the sun but from the passion that Kim and Dan have for each other. Thank you both for letting me be a part of this special time in your lives.

I had the chance yesterday to spend time with Jack Young (http://www.jackzyoung.com), a Seattle wedding photographer, who photographed Charissa and Mike on the their special day. I would like to thank Jack, Charissa, Mike and all their friends and family for having me as part of their special day.

Happy Easter Everyone!! I got to spend this beautiful day in Southern California with Macie and Paul on Aliso Beach Park. Their great sense of humor made for a great day at the beach. Congrads to you both again, I wish you all the happiness. Can't wait to work with you again.

Here is some of the photos that we got chance to get while walking down the strip in...Vive Las Vegas!!

All I have to say is WOW...WOW..WOW!! So Josh and I went to the Wedding & Portrait Photographer International Convention and Tradeshow this past Sunday through Wednesday. Talk about taking in too much information, our first day there we were so overwhelmed with vendors and products we didn't know what to do with ourselves. We had to take a step back, take a minute and figure out what it was that we wanted to concentrate on. But after a long day of talking to vendors and people trying to sell us stuff we just wanted to go back to the hotel and chill for a bit, plus my feet hurt (mainly because I was blonde and wore heels, note to self never wear heels in Vegas). Then that night we enjoyed mingling with our fellow photographers at the Paris Hotel & Casino Club Risque.

Our second day we did the tradeshow a little more and then headed out to the strip to capture the essence to which is Vegas. There was so much to photograph and see. We ran into a few other photographers along the way, sneaking a peak at what they were up to. Rode the gondola in the Venetian and then headed over to Treasure Island to the Social House for the best sushi in Vegas. After all that walking, my feet were ready to go to bed.

The last day we were there we did some sight seeing and then more photography. Over all the entire trip went rather nicely. I do have to say that I'm glad to be away from all that dry air.

To fellow wedding and portrait photographers: please look into going to WPPI next year because it was well worth the money and time spent.

Today I had the pleasure of photographing the engagement of Brandi and Seena in beautiful Old Town Pasadena. Thank you and best wishes to the both of you.

While awaiting the arrival of little Savannah, Alyssa and Chris gave me the pleasure of photographing this special time in their lives. Thank you to both of you and I can't wait to capture more moments for you!!

Today I had the pleasure of capturing Misa and Moe's engagements photos at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano. Thank you..you two for allowing me to be apart of your special time.

HOW DO I STOP MY KNEES FROM SHAKING?
I won't tell you that you won't get nervous, because the plain fact is,
you probably will. But you should know this: most people do. In fact,
if
there's no adrenalin, it probably won't be much of a speech. The
important thing is to keep it in perspective. Just use these tips, and
you'll find that there's nothing to worry about.

For starters, remember that you're not taking an exam, you're talking
to
your friends. Your friends and family are the warmest audience you'll
ever have. They've come to your wedding, and they're on your side.
Think
of it as a bigger dinner party than usual - and it's your turn to tell
a
story. Just relax and remember how comfortable you would be back at the
dinner party - then go ahead and tell your story.

Here's another tip. It's the waiting that's more likely to make you
nervous. Once you're on your feet, and you've started talking, as long
as you know what you're going to say, it's suddenly a whole lot more
fun. So remind yourself of that as you're sitting and waiting, and make
it easier by repeating your first line to yourself. That way when you
get to your feet, and the room goes silent, you won't suddenly freeze.
Instead, you'll just say that line you've been repeating to yourself
over and over. And with that out of the way, you'll find the rest just
follows.


WHAT ARE ALL THE RULES I NEED TO KNOW?
The usual routine is this:

*A welcome by the master of ceremonies, *who introduces a friend of the
family or close friend of the couple, who makes a speech leading up to
a
toast to the bride and groom, *followed by a speech in reply by the
groom, or bride, or both, who thank everyone who has helped organise
the
wedding, usually ending with a toast to the bridesmaids, *who have
toasts made on their behalf by the best man who then makes a toast to
the hosts - who might or might not be the bride's mother or father or
both, *who reply.

But you don't have to do any of that. It's all a question of saying the
things that matter to you, and having the people who matter to you
involved. Choose the people who you would like to say something, decide
who should be recognised and thanked, and then work out an order that
suits you best.

It's always a good idea to have a master of ceremonies, because they
can
keep it all in order, and you really should have someone to introduce
all the speakers. But apart from that, choose what seems right for you.

One of the ways you can make it particularly interesting is to make
some
unconventional toasts. For example, each speaker could choose a year
that they think is particularly appropriate to toast. (For example
"1976, because that was the year that..."). By taking this approach,
you
give people the chance to think about things in an original way, and
have more of a chance of steering away from making speeches that recite
all the usual platitudes.


HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?
Write a speech to practice as soon as you can. That'll give you more
time to hear how it sounds, and adjust it so it sounds like your usual
style of speaking rather than your usual style of writing. And, more
importantly, it'll make you so familiar with the speech that by the
time
you stand up, you'll know just what you want to say.

Once you have it written, practice whenever you can - in the car, in
the
shower. The more you prepare, the more confident you'll be.


WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR SPEECHES?
You can have the speeches at any stage you like, but generally, they
tend do be most successful before you eat, and after people have had
some time to mix and drink.


WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Be yourself, and speak your mind. This is a chance to say some things
that mean a lot to you about people you care about, in front of all
your
friends and family. That's not a chance people get very often, so make
the most of it.

Today I had the pleasure of taking engagement photos for Lauren and John. What a wonderful couple, thank you both again for giving me the chance to be apart of this wonderful time in your lives.

Dana LaRue

My story is a doozy!

The weekend of Hunter and my 5 year anniversary, he completely
surprised me with a trip to San Felipe, on the eastern coast of Baja
Mexico on the sea of Cortez. He thought of everything, from packing
everything I might need (and more) to making sure I got a manicure and
pedicure before we left, to getting Friday and Monday off from my bosses.
Best of all, I had no idea what was going on until 6am Friday morning,
when we were already on our way there!

It was such a beautiful, remote and peaceful place. Our hotel only had 3
rooms, and our room overlooked the pool which overlooked the sea and
mountains. It was a block from the beach, and a lazy 2 mile stroll into
town. Barely anyone spoke english, so we got to learn a lot of Spanish -
everything from ordering more margaritas to bartering for mexican wares in
the shopping bazaar district. The food was amazing, as were the friendly
folks that live there. We drank, dined and danced the nights away under a
sky full of stars on the gorgeous sea.

Saturday night, the 6th, Hunter took me to a secluded beach just before midnight,
with the bottle of wine he had arranged to have in our room upon arrival. They almost didn't let us on the beach, as it was closed, but in that moment, I magically knew enough spanish to say "Today is our 5 year anniversary. We would like to go to the beach and look at the stars. Its romantic" - It worked!
No one was around for miles and miles. At 12:00am it became Sunday, our
official anniversary, and at that moment he got down on his knee and
proposed! It was utterly magical. He designed the ring himself, with a
local Los Angeles jeweler, and its so beautiful! The whole thing was just
a fairy tale. Coming home on Monday was bittersweet - as hard as it was
to bid Adios to our romantic vacation, we were thrilled to get to come
home and share the news with all of our loved ones!

I waited 5 long years but it was all completely worth it. My prince charming.

ello all my beeautiful brides. Are you having trouble booking a photographer for your wedding because of price? Well, I have a solution for you, A FREE wedding portrait contest!!!

Since Valentine's Day is TODAY, I want you brides to tell me how your wonderful men proposed to you. Who ever has the best story will win a FREE day of pictures on their special day. The second runner-up with receive 50% off and the third runner-up will receive 30% off any of the packages.

Now the rules:

Anyone can put in a story and can win (so if you are already booked with me you can still enter)

But the only thing is that your wedding location has to be within a 30 mile radius of central Orange County, CA.

The winner will be posted right HERE on my blog at 7pm

Please email me your stories:

[email protected]

And remember I'm still offering FREE engagement session and 10% off any wedding package through March 1st.

Last night I got the pleasure to watch Madison Paige live at the world famous Key Club in Los Angeles. What an amazing performance. Everyone better watch out because Madison Paige will be steppin' out on that red carpet sooner than you think!!
www.myspace.com/madisonpaige

I got the chance to work with a wonderful group of gentle men - Paul, Richie, Eric and Damon who come together and become Madison Paige. Thank you guys for the chance to capture your road to stardom. Check Madison Paige out at www.myspace.com/madisonpaige
Come back and visit to see some live shoots of this amazing band opening for Metal Skool at the world famous Key Club in Los Angeles

Wedding favors can very much enhance the overall theme of a wedding it is a nice idea to try to get a balance. And don’t forget, any favor can be personalized with a unique thank you note or a short poem on an elegant card.

Seasonal wedding favors are a fairly obvious theme. In winter you could give floating poinsettia candles or mini cherub ornaments. In fall you could wrap tulip bulbs in tulle and tie it with a ribbon to create a kind of home made sentimental potpourri. Spring could bring tiny glass ornaments or a personalized seed packet. And in Summer you could give elegant candles or brightly colored ribbons.

It makes very good sense to try to tie in your wedding favors with the overall theme of your wedding. Think about what the favors represent initially, and then consider things like color scheme. For example, if you have decided on a traditional white wedding, you could package the personalized candy wedding favors in a box that coordinates with the bridal dress, or give ribbons that match the color of your bouquet exactly.

What kind of wedding favors are you going to have?

Do you live in the Orange County area and looking for a wonder make-up artist. Why don't you take a look at Romaine Markus of London Inc.

She not only is a wonderful person and great making you feel at ease. Creating that magical look is what she knows best.

A mother laughs our laughter,
Sheds our tears,
Returns our love,
Fears our fears.
She lives our joys,
Cares our cares,
And all our hopes and dreams she shares.
- Julia Summers

Having a little wedding day jitters??

On the day before your wedding make an appointment with your maid of honor and all of your attendants for a spa day. This should include a facial, haircut (nothing drastic), manicure, pedicure and body massage. This let you get a chance for some quality girl time with those who are the closest to you. You will shine the next day and look like the most relaxed person in the room.

I hope that helped!!!

Music sets a mood--and the type mood is definitely something you want to think about for your wedding. Whether it´s classic or funky, the music at your wedding ceremony and reception will enhance the event.

Several separate events take place on your wedding day. By choosing distinct music for each one, you can create different moods.

The Toss

Need some music to spice up the garter toss? Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

Hot Legs - Rod Stewart
The Stripper - David Rose
The Pink Panther Theme
Whoomp There It Is - Tag Team
Legs – ZZ Top
Mission Impossible Theme
You Sexy Thing – Hot Chocolate
You Can Leave Your Hat On – Joe Cocker
Wild Thing – the Troggs
Do You Think I'm Sexy – Rod Stewart



Cake-Cutting

If you want to have music played during the cake cutting but aren´t into smooshing each other with frosting, try one of these ´sweet´ songs:

How Sweet It Is to be Loved by You – James Taylor
Sugar is Sweet – the Party
Eat It – Weird Al
Sugar, Sugar – the Archies

Finding songs that fits the both of you is really important. What fits you??

Another way to go is to not have Play Lists, let the DJ decided but make sure if there are songs you absolutely do not want played at your wedding tell your DJ beforehand. Also be sure to discuss with the DJ how to handle guest requests for ´no play´ songs.

I know how hard it is to write your own vows, but don't let this task overwhelm or intimidate you. Writing your vows should begin and end with how you feel, not what you think others are expecting. Here are some questions you might want to consider when creating the vows that you want.

When and where did you first meet?
What was the state of your life before the two of you met?
At what point did you realize you were in love? Describe the feeling.
What inspires you about your loved one?
What life goals and dreams do you share?
What have you learned from each other?
What qualities make your love unique? What qualities will keep it strong?
How has your view of the world changed since you fell in love?
What do you most look forward to about life with this person?
What are some special moments in your relationship? Use them all, even the sad times as well as the happy, moving, or profound.
What happened the day you asked her to marry you? How did you feel?

Reading vows you have written yourself during your special day can be the most romantic thing you can do for the one you love. It will bring your own personal touch!!!

Trend 1: Making Split Decisions


Can't decide between a princess ball gown and a sexy mini? Wear both! In 2008, brides will make their guests do a double take by switching up their looks between the ceremony and reception with their gowns and hairstyles -- like an elegant updo for when you recite your vows and switching to natural cascading curls to party. And it's not just the bride that's getting a makeover between acts. Couples are also changing up their palettes with a progression of color throughout the day. Guests arrive to a clean, all-white ceremony, experience a hint of pale hues during the cocktail hour, and then step into an explosion of rich color for the reception.



Trend 2: The Gray Area


Steel gray will replace chocolate brown as the accent color. We absolutely love this soft yet deep hue teamed with butter yellow, bright aqua, rich eggplant, or pale pink. It's so versatile! Introduce the color in your stationery, either in the typeface or paper, and then gradually build it into your reception space by way of slate gray table accents and pewter-toned bridesmaid dresses with a contrasting sash.



Trend 3: A Return to White


In recent years, white has taken a backseat to bold hues like hot pink, orange, and purple. The classic color (or lack thereof) is poised to make a huge comeback in a fresh, modern way. Think tall, glistening glass vases overflowing with crisp arrangements of white phalaenopsis orchids and clouds of soft baby's breath. Also, picture sparkling white cakes covered from top to bottom in miniature fondant blossoms. Palette partner: Rose-colored metallics will add a big dose of sophisticated glamour.



Trend 4: Lush and Luxe


Size does matter. Event designers and brides alike are teaming up to create showstopping floral arrangements, such as those seen during the days of Marie Antoinette. This move toward French opulence means more petals, blossoms, candles -- even feathers! -- as centerpieces go from simple and low to towering and lush. Gilded place settings, brocade linens, and hand-painted invitations complete the elaborate look.



Trend 5: Sample Stations


Self-proclaimed foodies will love this trend: tasting bars for every whim. Sure to be popular, wine and cheese stations are not only delicious, they can be educational as well. We know one couple who hired a professional sommelier to provide pairing pointers. Our favorite is the champagne bar. Just pick your favorite bottles of bubbly and don't forget the mixers, such as Chambord, Midori, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice. Guests will have so much fun making their own signature cocktails.



Trend 6: Vintage Visions


From dresses to rings, brides are revisiting the past for style inspiration. For wedding gowns, that means delicate fabrics like chiffon and tiers of tulle, along with bygone embellishments such as beaded straps, keyhole halters, and lace sleeves. For rings, the hot style for '08 is something vintage. Whether it's simply an antique-style band or a real antique (think your great-grandmother's diamond), what's old is definitely new again.



Trend 7: Guests Make the Call


Need help picking that first dance song? Have your guests vote on it. With wedding websites adding more features like blogs, polls, and quizzes, it's easier than ever to involve your loved ones in the planning and decision making. Blogs are also great for reaching out to your bridesmaids and getting feedback on dress colors, flower options, and decor ideas. We love the idea of setting up wedding polls on your website and asking your guests to vote for their favorite cake flavor, entree choices, or dance music.

More Hot Trends

Green Weddings: Couples continue to be earth-conscious in 2008, from buying conflict-free diamond rings and recycled gold wedding bands to serving locally grown, free-range fare and donning bio-friendly wedding dresses made of 100 percent silk and cottons. They're also honeymooning at eco-resorts and gathering friends for charitable showers at soup kitchens and local park events.

Honeymoon Hopping: By now, it's no secret: Brides and grooms are going big this year for their weddings, and that includes the honeymoon too. Newlyweds are jetting off to not one, but two or three different destinations to celebrate their union. And they're traveling further than ever before. The hot spots: South Pacific jaunts to Tahiti and Bora Bora; Mediterranean getaways to Sicily and the Greek Isles; and African expeditions to Zambia, Botswana, and Johannesburg.

Home-Spun Weddings: For the utmost in personalization, couples are choosing to wed in their own or their parents' backyard. While it may be harder to plan than a ballroom wedding (you'll need to bring in your own caterer, tent, decor, etc.), your day will be truly one-of-a-kind.

Cover Bands: You heard it here first. Cover bands are in demand for 2008. From '80s cover bands to other genres such as classic rock, swing orchestras, or Latin ensembles, it's all about specialized live music to keep guests on their feet.


more details check this website: http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/couplesandmarriage/articletkt.aspx?cp-documentid=5956487>1=10823

1. Consider your wedding style, a simple cotton dress isn't going to work at a Saturday night ball.

2. Get a picture in mind, visualize your dress maybe even create a sketch that you can take with you to bridal shops.

3. Be open-minded, not to contradict what we just wrote above but it's important to try on at least one dress that isn't you think isn't something you ever thought you'd wear on your wedding day. It might end up being the gown of your dreams

4. Know your figure, Don't know which style dress is most likely to flatter your form?

5. Know which white is right for you, there are so many shades of white. You need to find out which shade compliments you best.

6. Think venue, what style appropriate for the venue you are using. You don't want to wear a low cut v-neck in the a house of worship do you?

7. Beware the impulse buy, don't buy a gown until you have tried them all. If it's meant for you you will get it.

8. Know your manufacturer, when you find a dress you like, check for the name of the manufacturer on the tag. This will help ensure that you're getting a quality garment.

9. Pick the right shops for you. You want an atmosphere that fits you, it will ensure that you will be the most relaxed.

10. HAVE FUN!! Remember you're the princess of the day.

So this is how it feels to be 25. I don't feel older!! But what a wonderful way to celebrate me getting older. Walking around the magic kingdom. Annual passes what a wonderful wonderful thing. Everyone should have one.

So it's the time to make goals for this up and coming year. I think that my main goal is to bring all of you memories with my photographs!! Wish you all a wonderful New Year!!

I got the pleasure to visit and take a couple of photographs of my Lindsey and Michael Fish's brand new baby boy. What a good little guy, you can already tell that he is going to be a total ham. Thank you again guys!!

So the New Year is upon us. What a wonderful New Years celebration. Josh, my younger brother Matt, Erin (Josh's Sister) and her boyfriend Christian, got to spend the day at the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland!!! Rides, friends, family and a lot of wonderful childhood characters what more can you ask for?

If any of you get the chance to go to Disneyland during the Christmas season, I would take advantage if I were you. Everything is so cheerful and beautiful. At night the castle lights up and looks like it covered in the blanket of snow. Then while we were sitting there watching the castle light up in all it beauty, it started to snow...well not really snow but was wonderful non the less!!

I hope that you all had such a wonderful New Years such as mine!!



Josh and Matt waiting for the Fantasy Parade



Erin and Matt showing off how much FUN they are having!!!