The old Mission Road bridge in Bonsall was already one of our favorite places to shoot. No one ever had to twist our arms to get us out there, and even though Adam and Teryn were the umpteenth couple we’d escorted across the old arched span, shutter clicking all the way, they definitely kept it fresh and fun. This early summer session was also the first time we’d ever taken pictures of a couple in a construction zone, which is something that could grow on me real quick. :) :)

We shot their wedding less than a month after this, and will soon be sorting through the best of the ceremony and reception, which were also right here, on our home turf. All I can say about their wedding photos is this: TREES. You’ll see.

Old Bonsall bridge, meet new Bonsall bridge. BOOM!

Before I tie this off, a couple of outtakes and, yes, another hands-in-the-shape-of-a-heart.

But never out of date.

See, we did Jer & Shan’s killer engagement session at the old Bonsall bridge several months before their wedding, and when the Big Day came around, we knew to expect TONS of chemistry and emotion. (These are two main ingredients of any great wedding picture.)

As Shannon’s family calls Fallbrook home, everything was held here in town. The ceremony was convened at the historic First Christian Church of Fallbrook (which was literally one of the first Christian churches in Fallbrook — if not THE first), and the reception was held at her family’s house down by Highway 76. There, among other awesome things that went down was an incredible photobooth, which we blogged not long after their wedding.

Their day was filled with great legacies of lasting marriages and family ties, and as friends we would have probably been there anyways. But being part of such a special day was a privilege that we will never forget. We love you guys (and your little guy)!!! :)

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This is from all the way back in July ‘10, when my Uncle Paul got married and added Nadine to our rambunctious clan. Their ceremony and reception were at The Grand Tradition in Fallbrook, where we shot their engagement session almost a year ago. You can also see my favorite images from their photobooth here.

It is a blessing to be a part of anyone’s wedding. And it’s even better when you know at least one of the people making vows. And it’s even better if like 50 members of your extended family are around to give you a hard time (and lots and lots of hugs). This wedding was especially awesome because of the beautiful surroundings at The Grand Tradition–the settings and angles are tailor-made for wedding photography–and the fact that, well, Fallbrook is our home base. We don’t have to look it up on the map. This is where we live, and weddings here feel like hometown events to us.

This was truly a special day, and we were honored to play such an intimate role in documenting every minute of it. We love you, Uncle Paul and Aunt Nadine!!!

Every wedding should end with sparklers. :) :) :)

We recently did a photo session of our niece, Emma Rose. All cheeks, as you can see. We decided to throw Isaiah into the mix, and together they had no idea what to do with eight unruly limbs. Hands were entangled, feet were playing footsie unintentionally, and they actually got along really well…

…until…

More baby! That’s right! After months of not blogging since our last Isaiah post, we have another Isaiah post for you. (Currently working on a couple of weddings, an engagement session, and more to follow.)

Had to post that one first because it’s the face he makes when someone across the room has something he wants. Like candy, even though he doesn’t know he wants it yet.

After a loooooong blogging hiatus (caused, incidentally, by the subject of this very post), we are unspeakably proud to present our son’s first portrait session.

As a photographer’s son, Isaiah is the perfect subject. Fussy at times, yes, but no more than a professional model… :)

Plus, when he is awake he stays bright-eyed and alert. And he already knows to look for a lens up in his grill.

Little man reserves the right to yawn a LOT because, you know, taking pictures is hard work and stuff. Which is fine, ’cause it’s cute, and I reserve the right to take pictures all day long.

This is his complaining face, which precedes the screaming face by about 12-and-a-half seconds…

And then there’s the My-Head-Fell-Sideways-&-I-Can’t-Lift-It-Back-Up face.

Have to end with this one, even though it’s pretty much a magazine ad for a particular brand of pacifier. The fact is, if you’re with Isaiah for more than half an hour, odds are very good you’ll see him chomping on that thing.

P.S. Prepare to see much, much more of this kid on this blog. :) :) :)

First up are these three from Hot Summer Nites, the series of downtown events held in Fallbrook on six different Friday nights throughout each summer. I went to the event on July 9, and drooled all over the classic cars.

(Please note, the paper incorrectly slugged the story as “CARLSBAD,” which I assume was due to the fact that the couple in the photo they chose were from Carlsbad. Don’t be deceived, the picture was taken right here, in Fallbrook!)

CARLSBAD: Hot Summer Nites

BONSALL: Last flight out of Bonsall International Airport

One day this spring, I was driving home from Oceanside with Dori, and noticed that there were several people out flying model airplanes at the old Bonsall airstrip that was scheduled to be closed the next morning for road construction. The airport was in the path of the new and improved Highway 76, and I ended up hanging out with Glen Looft as he took the last flight ever taken there. It was a really interesting story, and here are a few photos that the Times passed over.

MILITARY: New VA cemetery pleases vets

For this story, I drove down to Miramar to take some pictures of a deserted field that will, next year, be developed into the VA’s latest cemetery. San Marcos Pearl Harbor survivor Ted Roosvall was an early and persistent champion of the project.

FALLBROOK: Annual repainting of water tower signals new class of seniors

Another one of my recent favorites, I had been after this story for years. Anyone who’s been to Fallbrook knows about the water tower with the years painted on it. Last month, I went up and watched while the tower was repainted, and, of course, took some photos. Here’s one:

NORTH COUNTY: San Marcos, Fallbrook students celebrate the day

Lastly, I was there for all three high school graduations in Fallbrook in June. Here is one of the graduates singing the National Anthem:

Please let me know if this was an interesting post. If there is positive feedback, I will make a habit of doing this every couple of months.

First up, my nephew, the ring-bearer.

He flexes:

And……… the flower girl. (Love this sequence, after we gave her a handful of petals.)

“Should I do it?”

“I’m gonna do it…”

There were a lot of my nephews running around.

Stay tuned for some amazing images from their day. We love you, Uncle Paul and Aunt Nadine!!!

Dori had her first ultrasound last month, and this is what it told us. Couldn’t be happier. :)