Brandon and Nicole

While I was down in Santa Barbara, my best friend, Brandon and Nicole got engaged!!! I am so happy for them. Brandon and I have been friends for as long as I can remember, and it make me happy to see him with someone who compliments him so well. Nicole is very cool, and I have gotten to know her well since they started dating a few years ago. I love getting to hang out with these guys! I also have the honor of being able to be Brandon's best man for the wedding. 2010 is going to be a huge wedding year for me with so many friends and even family getting married. We took some engagement photos on the beach, and some under the pier (where they got engaged). You can see more photos in the SLIDESHOW too.

Even though I have done photos in so many spots in Santa Barbara, I had never used any of these spots before. I love the photo above, and the others from under the pier.

I saw these cool arches when I was driving down Chapala before. This building and these arches in particular build upon the Spanish architecture that defines Santa Barbara in a cool way. It was a cool spot to see and shoot at.

Congratulations!!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!! I went down to Goleta with Alexis to spend time with the family. Lots of good food and good times :) I am very thankful for all of my family, my friends, and the wonderful people that I get to work for. You guys rock!

The Jorgensen/Myers/Spangler posse.

Madelyn is so cute!

Rylee and Francy. It's cool as the babies get bigger, you get to see parts of their personality forming. Francy thought it was the funniest thing in the world when someone said "Paul Blart Mall Cop," the name of a movie that we were watching.

My mom, Alexis and I went on one of those red double-decker tourist buses. They drive you around Santa Barbara pointing out all of the historical spots. Sometimes it's fun to be a tourist in your own town :)

A classic shot of the SB Mission from the fountain. Seeing the Mission made me excited about Natalie and Dan's wedding that will be there next year.

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving!!

Zack and Chelsea

I got to meet Chelsea and Zack earlier this year when I was shooting Chelsea's brother's wedding (Charlie and Chrissy). I'm stoked that I get to be their photographer too! For their engagement photos, they came up to San Francisco, and we cruised around the city finding spots to shoot at. You can also see more photos in the SLIDESHOW. Good times :)

Ryan and Michelle Buckner

I had the pleasure of being able to photograph Ryan and Michelle's wedding at the Ceres Mansion. It was a beautiful day! You can see more images from the day in the SLIDESHOW too.

The flower girl was peeking out the window, when she saw Ryan and the groomsmen below. She had to pull the blind shut really quick so that Michelle didn't see him before the ceremony. It was very cute!

I was very moved by this part of the ceremony. Michelle's father and Ryan's Uncle took a moment to speak encouragement and blessings into their lives. I got a little misty eyed myself. I think that there is something uniquely empowering about parents speaking into their children's lives. Ryan's uncle spoke for his father who passed away, that he would have been so proud of everything that he was doing.

So cute!

What a perfect day! Thank you so much for letting me be there to witness it. Congratulations!!!

Matt and Allison

I took some portraits for my roommate and longtime friend from Santa Barbara, Matt and his girlfriend, Allison. They are super cute together! Here are some of the shots:

International Justice Mission

Alexis and I went to a benefit dinner for International Justice Mission at the Fairmont hotel tonight. We were both moved by the work they they do in trying to end human slavery worldwide. As the holidays are approaching, I can't help but feel lucky that I have been blessed in so many ways. Luke 12:48 says "To whom much is given, much will be required." I have been given much, and I want to make a point to always give out of my money, time, or talents, in order to help others. Slavery is a growing issue, and although there has been more effort in recent years to create awareness, I think that it will require a whole society to reject and work against it before we will see it disappear. You can find more information about what IJM does at their website: www.ijm.org.

Another organization that I have worked with that is also concerned about ending human trafficking is The Blind Project: www.theblindproject.com. Please take time out of your day to learn about the worldwide slavery problems and partner with these organizations in trying to eradicate it. Thanks.

Jonathan and Sarah

Jonathan and Sarah and an awesome couple! I had a good time getting to know them while we wandered around downtown SF looking for cool photo spots. Some of the shots we got are below, or you can see more in the SLIDESHOW.