Chico California Photographer: Inside My Living Room

For many years, I have been hoping for an armoire. It was one of those pieces of furniture that wasn't totally necessary, but in the back of my mind, I never gave up looking for a good one. After years of looking on Craigslist and going back and forth on how much to spend on such a piece of furniture, we finally caved and found just the perfect piece.
And, I am so excited about the end result. It is beautiful to me. It compliments our style really well. As you will see, my style is very neutral... And I like that. It is simple. So, here are just a couple photos -- a small glimpse into our living room and the newest "furniture investment" in the Stone household.

Cheers to Friday! We are on our fifth day of illness in the Stone family, and I am praying for some relief soon. It sure makes me thankful for the health that we usually have :)

Chico California Business Photography: Fleet Feet

Last week, I got to work with Fleet Feet in downtown Chico. Talk about an awesome concept and store. Seriously, whether you are a marathon runner or you walk even just a little bit, this company has so much to offer, from shoes to retail. The owners have done an amazing job of building the Fleet Feet brand. You can find them on the web here or on facebook here.

The "shoe wall" in itself, is just amazing! They spend a lot of time with each customer, fitting exactly the right shoe to both need and style. It is pretty cool to watch.




The apparel is really high quality -- only the best for anyone who is active.

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Countdown

I have been very under the weather this week, I mean wow, I have not been this sick in awhile. So, I apologize in the lack of posts.
I have had a lot of time to think about the upcoming wedding season and wanted to share with you a countdown to each couple's glorious day. I am oh so excited for what is to come!

Paul and Bethany: 30 Days
Adrian and Adree: 50 Days
Jeff and Julia: 65 Days
Scott and Rebekah: 79 Day
Chris and Mallory: 94 Days
Chris and Katie: 100 Days
Jared and Ashley: 107 Days
Levi and Heidi: 122 Days
Matt and Crystal: 128 Days
Simon and Veronika: 197 Days
Bobby and Lauren: 205 Days
JT and Maddie: 219 Days
Jon and Moryah: 260 Days

Chico California Photographer: What is My Style?

I am asked this question all the time: What is your style?
I pondered this so much over the years, especially as my work began to evolve. It has been in the past twelve months that I finally understand what I love most, what is my style:

To produce beautiful images, straight out of my camera.

To spend a small amount of time in my "digital darkrooms", editing my photos.

Really, all I want to do -- is make life, look real, right inside my camera.


And because a post is so much better with a photo... And this happens to be one of my all time favorite sessions:

Chico California Portrait Photographer: Ryan, Megan and Ethan

I think it is fitting to have a post with this sweet family today as it has been nearly one year since Kenny and I moved to Chico. At this time last year, Ryan and Megan invited us in as roomates. Little did they know, they would have to put up with us for almost three months. You have to be pretty amazing to live with Kenny and I for that long -- and let me tell you, they are! Now they have sweet Ethan.
All that to say, I am so grateful for Ryan and Megan and Ethan. Documenting their pregnancy through Ethan's four months has been wonderful. They are great parents -- and Ethan is a bundle of cuteness... I know you will be seeing more of this little guy.

We started the session in their home, just hanging out...




They are such good parents...




Poor little man -- there is nothing worse than a camera in your face.

Not to worry, he calmed right down in his Mom's arms...


We went to a location outside and Ethan loved it.... They are a beautiful family, huh?





So cute...



Cheers to Friday and so much to look forward to!

Chico California Photographer: Made In Chico

Oh goodness -- I am a little behind on my local business highlights -- Look for another highlight next week, but for now:

Made in Chico -- what a wonderful concept behind this store! I am honored to showcase some of their retail designs here. Made In Chico sells everything from vintage furniture to jewelery, and it is all local. It comes from a variety of different people and brands, made right here in our sweet town. Let me tell you, I could spend a lot of time discovering little gems in this store. Last week, I had the privelege of working with them and here are some of my favorite details. I could go on and on....
Oh and don't forget to find Made In Chico on the web by clicking here.



I think Kenny wants to buy me one of each ;)




Don't you just love how they set up the store? So cool!


Oh, the details....



And... in case you find yourself needing some chairs with character....




That's all for now, friends! Have a great Wednesday!

Chico California Photographer: Seasons

I snapped these photos before a session this weekend. It is so amazing to see the seasons change right before our eyes. I have been struck lately with how quickly life changes.

One of the reasons that I have been so thoughtful of this, is because of Sara's story. Sara is a senior in college, the sister of a friend of mine, and she has cancer. Every time I read a new post on her caring bridge website, I am inspired and convicted. I believe that God is using Sara right now -- and that her story is beautiful.

When I think of seasons changing, I think of this verse:
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance...
And He has made everything beautiful in its time."
Ecclesiastes 3

I know that God has a beautiful ending to Sara's story as well as yours and mine. May we learn to embrace the seasons of our lives and in the end let God create something magnificent out of our moments.

Chico California Photographer: Snapshots of Some Cuties...

Well -- this week certainly got away from me! Getting back into the routine of things after four days in Disneyland is harder than it sounds :)

I am still working on downloading all of my photos from the time with my family -- but I didn't have any problem picking out these favorite snapshots of Adelaide and Benjamin. I am so blessed with the cutest neice and nephew! They are sweet children and were such troopers to our long days in Disneyland. Of course, you will see that getting a three year old to look at the camera is not easy -- especially when you are at the happiest place on earth. I love my family so much and creating memories together this past weekend was priceless. I wouldn't trade it for the world!

So -- cheers to Friday and these two blonde hair, blue eyed, cuties!





Yep -- I love the crumbs here :)

Chico California Business Photographer: Made In Chico Tease...

Details -- I love them because they show that someone took time to create something beautiful! The details in this local store are amazing.
A full post, highlighting the business, Made In Chico, will showcase early next week! For now, I can tell you that I would want both the wreath and this little trunk for my own home :)

Chico California Photographer: I Left the Blogging World Behind...

....To spend time with some of my favorite people in the whole entire world at the happiest place on earth!
I can't wait to share some more fun with you later this week! For now, a photo of my beautiful neice hanging out with the best husband a girl could ask for.... And yes, we were at Disneyland!