Catrina & Joe from SLO

OMG becky, could this couple be any cuter? A fun and playful couple, they were troupers as we marched off into the field and woods... anything for a great shot (just the kind of couples we like to work with).

Social at MoCA

March 21st - San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art was the location for the 3rd ChileCo Social of the year. This menu was my favorite to date (in addition to photographing all the great food I get to eat it as well... yum, yum) with wine pairings from Australia the lovingly prepared five course meal made the taste buds come alive. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the evening.

Special thanks to all the vendor partners that made it possible:

Floral - Embelishmint

Linens & Chairs - Concept Party Rentals

Music - DJ Shami Dee & Headphones Jones

WamPler Kids

Saturday night at the Hotel Del Coronado I was on site to capture the WamPler Kids annual auction and dinner. This was my first time with this group of passionate supporters. Their mission is to send physically and economically disadvantaged kids to summer camp, the founder Steve is the driving force behind the group. Having been born with a severe case of Cerebral Palsy, Steve had great experiences from camp. The rugged outdoors, sleeping under the stars, fishing and the time around the bonfire are all great memories that he hopes to be able to share with new generations of campers. One of the things he took from the the time in the wilderness was the sense he could do anything he set out to do.

This event was unlike many of the other non profit galas I support, first off everyone was in camp attire not black tie formals. The other thing I noticed was a well decorated but not expensive decorations, it really was evident that the goal was to raise money to support the kids not to have huge parties. Everyone had a great time and the closeness of the group was evident.

Check out their web site and offer support if you are moved by the cause

Look Great in Photos Tip #2

Fine tuning to look your best.

Last month we covered some basics (refresher if you missed it), this month we are going to fine tune the pose for the ladies.

This pose shows a common stance people default to when forced to have their photo taken... our model is facing the camera straight on with shoulders squared up to the camera, although she is a very fit person the camera adds 10-15 lbs.

With a slight turn of the body the overall mass is reduced dramatically. Additionally she has one leg forward and the knee is tucked in, this helps to bring out the curves of the figure.

The final step in the pose is to open up the arms slightly, this creates a space to see the waist and removes the additive effect the arms have when they are at the models side. If the you have something in your hands like a bouquet, raising it slightly will cause this effect naturally.

Special thanks to Jennine Estes - Relationship Guru for being a great model

Impress with a New Fabulous Location

This month's party planning tip is all about impressing your friends. What is a better way to do just that than by showing off your party or event at a fabulous, undiscovered, new spot in town...

I recently discovered a true polished gem, right in the heart of downtown San Diego. Se' San Diego is a sexy and sophisticated new venue that I am so excited to know about! Their Sales Manager, Rigel Bitterman (pronounce "Rigel" like "Nigel") took me on an exclusive tour of the property and, I have to tell you, it left me astounded. Every detail of every space has been lusciously adorned with something special to see and touch - YES touch!. The property's decor is comprised of many art instillations of varying sizes - some are up to two stories tall - will leave your head spinning. Every nook and cranny has something special to take in. Even the interior of the elevator is spectacular! (Just a little secret about the elevators, when you walk in, you can't figure out why it suddenly smells so calming, but it is because the wood they use is from vanilla plants. Can you believe that? Plus, the way in which they chose to use the wood is totally gorgeous! Just like everything at Se' San Diego.)

Every part of this venue screams, "Throw a party! I'm so fun and fabulous. How can you resist?" from the restaurant, to the pool deck, to the private suites, to yes how can I forget, even the event rooms! I am so in love with this sexy space that I can't wait to tell all my friends and clients.

Finally, I would be remiss to not mention the customer service. To sum it up, Rigel said that Se' San Diego's philosophy about service is "The answer is yes. What is the request?" Ah! I'm in love. Just what every event planner and party-goer wants to hear.

I invite you to check it out. Their opening festivities run March 27 through 30 and I am sure there will be a lot of fun for everyone! Go to www.sesandiego.com or call 619-515-3000 for more information. Say hello to Rigel for me!

Nina & Mark kissing in the park

I had the pleasure of working with a great couple today, we wandered around balboa park and Mark and Nina practiced the kissing they will be doing at the wedding... it is more work that you think to be great at kissing :)

Rick & the kids in the park

A few images from today, I had a great time with Rick and the kids.