{Heaven} | Rest in Peace Grammy | Life Photography

I have had a crazy year! I'm sure many of us have. Life has felt like a roller coaster gone off the tracks. All year I have been anxious about everything. Weird thing through this roller coaster of life I have found peace at some of my hardest moments.

I just returned from Washington after reuniting with family for my Grammy's memorial.

It was great to see everyone, to reconnect and to support each other. Our grammy was our matriarch of the Dickson tribe. We shared memories of her and through pain we found joy.

I left Washington feeling like the trip was much too short and had wished I could enjoy just few more memories with my family.

My sister Kendee & I had left early Sunday morning for our flight back to Cali. As we flew through the clouds, I was awestruck by the beauty of the heavens as the sun rose. I sat there thinking my Grammy is in better place; we will all be guided by the lessons she taught us. Our lives will go on with her in our hearts and with every sunrise I will know you are shining down on us. When I look to the skies, I know....

Luv you Grammy!

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Utterly Engaged | 1 Year Anniversary Hoedown | KrashingMotions Photography

Late July, I attended the Utterly Engaged 1 Year Anniversary Hoedown. I've posted about these fabulous girls before and their amazing online magazine. Again I was impressed with the magnitude of the event displayed. These girls know almost everyone in the wedding industry of California and they reach out to SO many couples engaged, providing the best resources and advice to planning a wedding.

I arrive meeting my gal pal Megan of Honey and Poppies and her husband plus partner Matthew. I had a hard week at the time (actually the last 3 weeks have been considerably hard but I see blue skies in my future), I had just received a call the day before that my Grammy was about to pass (BTW... that tough cookie lasted an additional 9 days & I just got back from the memorial... more to elaborate later). So the timing was bitter-sweet for me and I felt challenged to mingle and talk with everyone.

I arrive to a magnanimous setting of rolling green & golden hills with hoedown wedding flare!

How could I not go, when there were SO many fabulous vendors there to sponsor & present!

Two of those vendors were Long Beach Wedding Collective's own.. Megan Gray of Honey & Poppies (co-founder of LBWC) and Oprah's own favorite Melody of Sweet & Saucy! So as a photographer of the LBWC, I had to represent (did I just say that? represent? So not me... I should have said I gave my support by shooting their amazing displays)!

After taking in the landscape, I notice the amazing wild flowers and haystacks accompanied by some authentic grass roots music by "Grasslands" and the smell of some good ole BBQ!

One display stands out to me and I am drawn in... who shall it be? Well one of the LBWC's girls Melody of Sweet & Saucy. The design was by Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings and she really knew how to draw us in along with showcasing of Melody's creations!

After gazing at Melody's fabulous works of art, I meandered to the real event of the Cook-Out!

The cook-out consisted of 3 event/catering companies:

Fork in the Road

Summit Events

Mustache Mafia

My first stop was Summit Events with their amazing display along with their rich, tantalizing "Santa Maria rubbed angus tri-tip" along with creamed corn and "melontini". Ok that was amazing! Too bad I did not come with an appetite.... really?

Then I headed over to the Mustache Mafia with their take on sliders. BTW, I am not a fan of sliders in anyway! I never order them when I'm out and I do not think of them as exotic or sumptuous food. The amazing car-salesman, I mean food extraordinaire (as I like to call him) sold me on trying them by being extremely personable, personable to the point that I thought I have to know him! Oh, as for the slider, I really liked it which means kudoos for those of you who love sliders!

Then I needed a break, my tummy was killing me with the amazing, rich food. I eat pretty healthy, not like I count calories (because I do NOT) but I eat stuff that makes me feel good. This food tasted amazing but was not so kind on my gastro-intestines.

I took pics, then headed to my final tasting with Fork in the Road Catering. I hate to admit this, but I was in such a food coma that I neglected to shoot their display of food, but I do have to tell you they had the BEST macaroni & cheese I have ever had!

The Summit Event's display truly rocked everyone! Sorry to pose an opinion, but they did (go girls)! They also had a tri-tip that matched my palette more than the others, but this was a BBQ theme that served not my style of grub.

Here is my Mafia guy- his personality just sells anything and everything. He knew how to draw us in!

Of course Megan's fabulous creations! This girl is booked, people love her so get in now before you can't!

Of course our girl Melody of Sweet & Saucy! I don't eat sweets either (just merely because I do not crave them but I know her creations melt hearts!)

And of course the girls of Utterly Engaged....

Some shots of the photog of the night- Jessica Claire! She is a true gem!

So much to see, so much to shoot and way too much to eat!!!!

Thank you girls for inviting me! I truly love your spirit!

Event Sponsors: Photography on Utterly Engaged by Jessica Claire Event Coordination by Christina Wright of Simply Modern Weddings Videography by Shade Tree Films Lighting & Rentals by Signature Party Rental Linens by La Tavola Linen Moving Photobooth by Aaron Young Photography Floral by Honey and Poppies Desserts by My Sweet and Saucy Dessert Table Styling by Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings Pies by Jay’s Catering Live music by Grasslands Bluegrass Band DJ Entertainment by Vox DJs Bartending by Sunseri’s Bottled sodas by IZZE Pop up disposable bins by Fling Bins Caricatures by Cartoon Slinger and Caricatures by Jennifer West Silhouettes by Silhouettes by Nancie Hair braiding by Hair Comes the Bride Make up by Jamie Michele Host make up by Nicole Deanne Wooden signs by Brian of Brian Khang Photography and Aaron & Barbara of Aaron Dieppa Photography

BBQ Throwdown Challengers: Fork in the Road Catering Mustache Mafia Summit Events

Silver Sponsors: My Wedding Concierge Ever After Honeymoons Pixie’s Petals Weddirazzi

Bronze Sponsors: The Suitcase Studio Kupcakespot Just Wenderful Jeff The Silent Chef Desi Baytan Hitched

Swag Bag Sponsors: S’mores by Sweet Lydia’s BBQ Seasoning by Pizzazzerie SPF/Bug Repellent Towelettes by SmartShield Bottled water by So Happi Together Sea salt cookies by DL/sh Design Cowboy boot chocolates by Sweets Indeed Music mix by Hi Fi Weddings

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Santa Barbara Photographer | Ringo of Lucky's | KrashingMotions Photography

I mentioned before that I was whisked away by my fab friend Maggie this last weekend to Santa Barbara. It was super spontaneous, something I haven't experienced since having a child and I felt free and fabulous!

Santa Barbara holds MANY memories for me and for Maggie. She and I met in Santa Barbara back in the college years. I moved there in '91 and met Maggie a couple years later at Longboard's Restaurant where we served. In those days we worked to party. We had energy that never ended. We could work, party, hike, run, bike, party some more and never got tired (not anymore, I still feel the effects of a night out 4 days later). This was my first trip back to SB with Maggie since '96 and it was so much fun visiting old friends, old stomping grounds and some of our fave spots.

I go back to SB almost every year with my husband visiting those same favorites (they are that good, you have to return each time).

One place that I was not familiar with was a place in Montecito called Lucky's.

Maggie has been here many times. How is that I never knew about this place? It was so classic with old photos of famous people back in the 40 through the 60's. We enjoyed a glass or 2 of vino, and two salads (mine was the arugula chopped salad...YUM). Regardless of it's classy demur setting it is actually really casual and welcoming.

Matt was our bartender and an old friend of Maggie's. He was so friendly & so accommodating. After lunch, I wasn't ready to leave just yet. The traffic was building and it also meant our mini get-away would be ending. So we opted for a mimosa to follow with some coffee.

Shifts were changing and we had the pleasure to meet Ringo. I saw this "kid" (not a kid) walk in as if he were straight out of the 40's; his style and presence could not be overlooked. I don't normally stare, but Ringo captured my attention and I couldn't help but think he needs to be in film! He has that WOW & "it" factor, besides his resemblance to a young Pacino! I of course asked if I could take some photos of him; he was very sweet and indulged me for a mini photography session.

So take a gander at Ringo and tell me what you think? If you agree and know someone, let me know and I'll forward your info to him. By the way don't you just love his name? Ringo- yes that's right his parents apparently loved the Beatles.

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Laguna Beach Photographer | Sawdust Festival | Art

So, I had intended posting these last Saturday, but was swept away by my friend Maggie to a spontaneous weekend get-away to Santa Barbara. Of course, I will be blogging our weekend fave spots for everyone to check out later this week.

But as for my day at the Sawdust Festival...

I posted my daughter's shots just before this post and I really think Kruiz is a natural. I look at some of my past work before I knew what I know now and I feel like it's great to learn but it is also great to be spontaneous and capture a moment or thing without putting too much thought into it. Hence how I'm so impressed with Kruiz and her RAW talent.

Here are my shots but possibly with too much thought.... not sure?

The boots that Kruiz managed to capture without a problem but it took me 10 efforts to get them before lil M would take off. Just below is Kruiz and her new found friend lil "M" Hansiee's daughter. They were 5 year olds going on 15~ too cute.

These pieces were so inspiring that I'm going to start painting again.. that is once I finish painting my house.

I had to shoot Matt; he is an encyclopedia of camera knowledge. He knows pretty much anything and everything about technicals of cameras, settings, lighting, etc. I think he said his background was engineering which makes sense of how he retains so much information.

Of course I had to shoot Joe who ended up being the entertainment of the day oh and of course the 'girls' too.

The bracelet below was a very generous gift from Joe to Kruiz. He bought both the girls one. They were so excited. Really Joe- you are very generous!

Chris just above was my new found friend for the day. He just moved from LB to Costa Mesa... wish I knew you when you were here. And as for the rest... just stuff I loved to look at and loved to capture.

Go enjoy your day everyone and enjoy the art you comes across!

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Sawdust Festival Laguna Beach | b-School | Daughter Photographer

As you many of you know I have a daughter. She is now 5 and she continues to amaze me. She is lucky to have so many talents! A bright and talented kid! I foresee so many fabulous careers in her future. She truly believe she can do or be anything she wishes. She loves to draw and paint like her mommy n Mimi. She loves to dancelike her Daddy and I. She LOVES music like us all, but has an amazing ear for recognizing what instrument is playing and a keen memory of each note after hearing a song only once. She is incredibly smart and just 3 weeks ago she read her 1st book straight through. And one of my favorites, she has a passion for taking photos. I would love to work with her one day on a real wedding!

Recently, she and I met up with b-school members including Becker our host and the ever interestingly fashionable Joe Photo at the Sawdust Festival. I gave her my 10D and away she went shooting like fiend. I wish I had paid more attention to her focal point setting because she would have had some many more awesome shots.

Here is a preview of my natural photographer and her perspective of everything!

All of these shots are hers with my personal presets.

I had know idea she shot this! I was most impressed she captured this one because of the complexity of the reflection and composition. She nailed it... and for once a shot of me~thanks baby!

I took a similar shot but her perspective is so much more interesting because she is at a much lower level. One of the reasons I try to bend and shoot from below. Variety of heights creates interest. Oh and she was lucky enough to nab a shot of lil M's boots. I tried all day and that lil one kept escaping from my frame. Lil' M is Hanssie's little girl who is also 5. They were 2 peas in a pod running a muck everywhere!

Another example of a 5 year olds perspective. Everything looks so big from below and I can see why they always want to reach and get closer to what the see; it's a bit magical!

Oh and here Kruiz took on the challenge! Our generous tour guide of the day Mary who said it's a challenge to capture the chimes because of the constant movement... well Kruiz you win girl! Oh and of course a shot of Becker. I discovered he loves being an Uncle but doesn't really want to claim one for his own. Thanks Becker for being tolerant of the two 5 year olds teasing you and whipping around the festival. How about hiring Kruiz as 2nd shooter sometime?

Well there you go! OH and special thanks to Joe for the beautiful necklaces you got the girls! Kruiz loves it (the loves fashion) and mommy just might have to borrow it sometime!

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Happy B-Day Maggy | Lifestyle Laguna Photographer | KrashingMotions

Last Saturday was one my dearest friend's birthdays! It's crazy we are coming to an age where we really don't celebrate our b-days instead we celebrate our friendships.

Mags loves taking people to kick ass spots where we can celebrate in style; she's extremely generous. So of course in true Maggie form we celebrated at Casa Del Camino's rooftop spot Ky'a in Laguna; wow what a view! Have you been there? Apparently it's one of the hottest spots in Laguna. If you want to reserve a table it will cost $150 (and that's just for the table, nothing included) and guess what people pay it!

When we got there the coastal eddie was just breaking and I could feel the sun was going to bless us with some summer rays- finally! I can see why people pay for such a view.

The champagne was flowing and the sun kept beating down. We squeezed together to hide in the shade. Luckily, our waitress had some sunscreen so the celebrating continued. Laughs, old stories of our glory days back in Santa Barbara led us much to quickly into the sunset. Time to get the bill... all I can say is ouch & Ky'a must be making a crap-load of dinero!

Here are some shots of us basking in the sun, I mean the shade... Below is Maggie n Abbi, then Abbi & Kruiz and more of Maggie.

Mags with each of us! By the way, she has a Maggie pose, one she has perfected over the years and doesn't change. It kind of reminds me of the episode of "How I Met Your Mother" with Barney who says he can never take a bad picture because he has mastered the perfect pose... well that's Maggie. Every pic is the same perfected pose and smile... unless I get her laughing or totally candid and guess what she can not take a bad picture!

Even though it was Maggie Day, i couldn't help but be enamored by my lil one who ended up finding a new buddy for the day! Abbi n Kruiz were so frickin' cute!

Kruiz always seems to steal the show and of course look at her laugh!

I'm jealous, I want pics like this of she and I. I have so many pics of her that are so awesome but they are always with someone other than me. Oh well, what's a photog supposed to do? I'm not bringing my remote clicker.

And the finally the gorgeous Maggie!

Girl you rock!

Oh and she is single if there are any fabulous guys... and our standards are high.

Hhhhhmmmm...

I'm going to place a blog of the fabulous look of maggie and the requirements of the right guy in a later post for certain!

Happy B-Day Maggie~ we love you!!!!!

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Lifestyle PHotographer | Happy B-Day Karlee| KrashingMotions

My sister Karlee just had her B-day in June at the Blue Water Grill in Newport Beach.

I know it's already August but I was a bit busy to pay attention to the photos I took of her during her birthday lunch until recently. She wasn't expecting me to shoot her though and why not? (Hello of course I'm bringing my camera). Even though she wasn't really up for a photo shoot, she did want to get some pics of her with her girls. She is a photographer as well (or used to be) but she still is the one who shutterbugs her family which leaves her out of most of the shots. So now Karlee here are some of just you and the girls, oh and a few of our nephew Andrew because he wanted in on the attention too.

My family is pretty lucky because I think we made some of the cutest kids around...

just had to brag because REALLY they are so frickin' adorable!

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