Invitation Package, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California

Finalized the last of the invitation package for Big Brothers Big Sister of Central California's fundraiser 2013. Package included, Invitation, Hostess Invites, RSVP for Individual, RSVP for Hostess, Wrap around Address Label, Return Address, Letterhead, and the actual Ticket.

Looking forward to their very successful event! Go Big or Go Home!

The Waterfront Hilton, Huntington Beach, CA ~ First Same Sex Marriage 2013

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to shoot a wedding at the Waterfront Hilton in Huntington Beach. It was outdoors at the gazebo just as the sun was setting. (Check out their site, they link to a live view of the beach!)

 The Hilton is very organized on timing and the transition from one event to the other. I have to say, I was impressed. We were given a very limited amount of time to work and my job was especially limited as I had no time to "play". It was get the shot the first time or NOT.

The cake was lovely. "Hats off to the Decorator!"

The florist made several very tall arrangements and placed them along the walkway up to the gazebo. After the ceremony they were placed on the tables as the centerpieces. Again, my job was to shoot the decor prior to guests arriving - so I had to improvise. By the time I would be able to shoot the table decor, it would be dark and filled with guests. Not fair to say "please do not sit until the photographer has been here."

Below is a shot of the table with only the short arrangements. Still very lovely.

But - here is my end result. Photoshop works magic. Shooting the tall arrangements and placing them on the table after the fact gave me flexibility and the end result was better than not getting the shot at all.

I made a sign for them as fun props, I usually try to work in my photo booth, but not on this one so instead just a quick fun shot. One side said "The Mister" and the other read "Just" "Married". Every groom should have one! It made them smile.

A fabulous wedding. And all planned within a few weeks. (No kidding!)

And thus I leave you with a few marriage quotes:

"Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." - Unknown

"Love is a partnership of two unique people who bring out the very best in each other, and who know that even though they are wonderful as individuals, they are even better together." - Barbara Cage

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

And my favorite:

"If you live to be 100, I hope to be 100 minus 1 day, So I never have to live without you."

- Winnie the Pooh

Tag / Card for that special little girl. Tutu just for you you~

Today I made a Girlie Tutu Card.

Made with cardboard, cardstock, netting, ribbon, and a glue gun.

Easy and fun. Just add layers.

DIY Cardboard Paper Birthday Candles

Happy Birthday Wishes.

What to do for a neighbor having a birthday?

Well, how about some Candles in their Garden?

Here is the How To:

First, the things that you will need:

Step 1: Choose your papers

Step 2: Cut the Cardboard (3 per candle) into your desired candle shape. Two outers and one inner.

Reason? The center piece wraps around the wire therefore, the pieces all lay flat. Also it give the candle weight, which when the breeze comes up, they wobble back and forth. Making it look like they are dancing!

Step 3: Glue the Cardboard Outers onto the Papers that you have chosen.

Step 4: Trim the papers. Now you have a front and a back of your candle.

Step 5: Make sliced sections in middle of each inner cardboard. One on top, one longer on bottom.

Step 6: Spray Glue the Back of one Paper/Cardboard side. Attach the Sliced Cardboard onto the glued section.

Step 7: Cut a 4” piece off the Wire and place in the section at top of candle.

Place the long wire in the bottom section.

Step 8: Spray Glue the Back of the second Paper/Cardboard side and attach to the cardboard wired side.

Repeat this process for the flame that you will attach to the upper wired section; your wick.

And last, the dog and cat waiting so patiently for me to come back home.

Sit Stay. They both listen so well.

 PS: This morning at 4:30 AM, I watched a mother Racoon walk her four baby Racoons down the street. You should have seen the wide eyes on our cat!

Wags 'n Wine Fundraiser 2013, Benefiting Waggin' Trails Rescue Foundation Huntington Beach

 Yesterday was the Wags 'n Wine Event at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. Benefiting Waggin' Trails Rescue Foundation, it was an afternoon of Wine Tasting, Food & Music, Silent Auction, Pooch Pageant, Prizes and More! Here are just a few of the dog-gone happy faces in and amongst the attendees, wine tasters, musicians, Laker girls, magician, and me... the photographer. It was the perfect day; sunny with an ocean breeze to keep the dawgs cool. This is a must attend event - You can learn more about future events at this link: www.waggintrails.org 

Senior Graduation Announcements 2013

Been busy making Graduation Announcements for Seniors and here are just two. Simple/Classic style.

 This announcement was created with two photos. The first photo that she gave me is below. The background was a photo that included a friend with him, but she loved the tower. The boys were shaded too much and I wasn't thrilled with the scaffolding in the background, however it had lots of potential. Being that my client wanted just her son and not the friend, (Made sense to me!!) I asked her to see if she could find one with him alone.

She sent me this next pic and it was perfect. I erased everything around him and placed him over the background of the above photo. I painted out most of the sides of the boys on the background photo and kept the pic tilted like the original.

The second announcement was a 2x3 photo that I had to scan, and then I just built around it. Keeping it to a 4x6 single card, mounting on cardstock and voila... Done!

Congratulations to the Class of 2013!

Photo Friday: A Body of Water. The Port of Los Angeles 2013

I have not posted a photo to Photo Friday, a weekly photography challenge, in a very long time. This Friday's challenge is titled, 'Body of Water'. 

A few months back, my daughter's boyfriend took us up in his plane. Flying out of Long Beach Airport, we cruised over the Queen Mary. I shot this pic as the sun was setting.

You can see more Photo Friday posts at: http://www.photofriday.com/ and if you really get inspired you can add your own!  Or vote on those that you love!!

Kelly Blue Morehouse Paddle Out - June 6, 2013

This week Huntington Beach had another tragedy for a family that has touched many lives one way or another. The Morehouse's have been teachers at Huntington Beach High School for the past 37 years. Bill retired a few years back and Karen was planning her exit next year. Her son, Billy, is graduating next week. Her daughter, Kelly Blue Morehouse was killed by a drunk driver this past weekend. Almost home.

The man that hit her was within a few hundred yards of his home.

Karen spoke at the paddle out. She said Kelly gave her the piece sign - and that was the last time she saw her alive. There were hundreds of people supporting the family. It was overwhelming to say the least. Blue flowers were handed out and "blue" was chanted.

Kelly's boyfriend was injured as well. Two broken legs and in a wheelchair, he was in awe of how many people came to paddle out.

When they tossed the flowers in, they began to chant BLUE BLUE BLUE... I don't know how anyone could keep a dry eye. It was so special and Bill and Karen are remarkable people. They have already set up a scholarship fund in Kelly's name - Kelly was going into teaching - beginning next year.