today.. a fun interview

 today i am over on whatwouldgwynethdo.. one of my FAVORITE blogs.. it screams chic chic chic.. raluca has a feature "i don't know how she does it" and she asked me to participate.. whhhat? me? i am SO honored and really can't believe she thinks i am cool enough.. take a peek.. you'll LOVE her blog!

one thing..

about 10 years ago.. i woke up in my sweathearts arms.. i told him i love him so much.. we had talked about getting married eventually.. but we were young and money for buying the ring was of course, an issue.. i remember this one particular morning, i said i didn't care about the ring.. buy me a silver band and let's do this! :) we had a fun day planned this day.. we were going to the getty museum.. i was excited he was showing interest in a museum.. i mean, it was not his "cup of tea" to be perfectly honest.. we hiked through the large grounds.. admiring the beautiful views, breathtaking art and gigantic buildings.. he sort of rushed me through some exhibits and i started getting a bit annoyed.. i mean.. you can't come to a museum to just rush through the lovely art.. we had just moved from san diego to los angeles so damian could go to film school at ucla and see if it was a career worth trying.. this was our first day "out on the town".. we climbed these stairs that went for days into the sky it seemed.. we got to the very top with a spectacular view..and i'll never forget.. as he hugged me from behind his heart pounded like crazy.. he says to me.." look at this view.. it is like our life.. the ocean representing san diego, our past {little did we know we would be hightailing it back to san diego aka paradise just a year later}..and our future which is la and the city.. he turned me around and said i just love you so much.. 

but. 

{whhhaaatt.. a but?} there is one thing i would change if i could.. {whhhat?}..

 he got down on one knee and said "your last name.." 

he pulls out my beautiful diamond ring from his pocket and asked me to marry him..

it was sooo amazing and i love to think back to that day and the story.. i was so so so shocked and so giddy!! i had no idea my sweet guy was shoving cash under our mattress forever to save for my ring.

so that is how my sweetheart asked me nearly 10 years ago..

to be his wife..

 this is us 10 years ago..

 a trip to costa rica..

 

and this is us now.. 

our trip to new york..

 so.. he did change that one thing.. my last name..

and there has not been any other requests..

{whew!} 

a small package..

your wedding day photos..

they come in this little case.. with this lace bow.

it arrives at your door..

..

what i love more than anything.. 

is knowing that you will have a big, giant smile on your face when you open it.

that makes me so happy.

i love love.

i am editing this sweet couple who was SO fun and SO in love.. it was amazing.. i got teary with this first photo and i laughed out loud with the second..
stay tuned..

Big Sur through photos..

our first family road trip was so amazing.. i can not even tell you how fabulous it was.. i was a bit worried, given our last disaster BUT. with practice and patience, comes reward. yes. it sure does.

the traveling itself i even loved, climbing in the car with my family and hittin' the road.. it was the best feeling ever.

it was a gorgeous drive and i was stunned with the beauty when we arrived..

none of these photos are edited.. 

this is pure, straight out of camera delicious big sur..

 

{instagram photo}

{nepanthe restaurant.. it was delicious and so beautiful}

{instagram photo and an ap called phonto for text.. LOVE it}

{yes a waterfall into the ocean! so stunning}

{california poppy!}

{a beautiful mistake}

{instagram photo..my favorite part of the day was in the brisk 42 degree morning, sitting bundled with a little morning campfire and a cup of coffee.. i miss it!}

{until next year big sur.. and a longer stay}

ummm.. so good!

can't stop drinking coconut water with a few blueberries plopped on top.. try it!

a recipe!

hey ya'all!! how is your summer? mine has been awesome! our trip to big sur was amazing and i have been shooting some FABULOUS weddings. i am enjoying our pool and beach days.. makena made it to level 2 in gymnastics {yay!!!} and we are doing a poolside movie/slumber party for her birthday.. it is just non-stop party over here.. in between it all.. ONE night.. yes one night i cooked a great meal.. my kitchen was turned upside down and i neglected my children for a couple hours but it was delicious and i wanted to share it with you in case you were wanting a 5 hour clean up and an awesome meal.. :))

i got this cookbook POWER FOODS.. 

such an amazing cookbook!

• 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle chile in adobo
• vegetable oil
• 4 poblano chilies
• 1 garlic clove
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1/3 cup quinoa
• 8 ounces small mushrooms, such as white button or cremini, trimmed and quartered
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 can (15 ounces) black soy beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup crumbled fresh goat cheese (4 ounces)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, rub peppers with 2 teaspoons oil. Roast until slightly blackened and softened, 15 to 20 minutes, turning once. When cool enough to handle, remove skins. Make a small slit in each pepper and carefully remove seeds, keeping stem end intact.
   
2. In a blender, combine chipotle, garlic, and 3/4 cup water; season with salt and pepper and blend until smooth. Add cilantro and pulse once to combine.
   
3. In a small saucepan, bring 2/3 cup water to a boil. Add quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes; fluff with a fork.
   
4. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Add mushrooms; season with salt and pepper. Cook until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes; add corn and beans and cook until heated, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese and quinoa.
   
5. Pour sauce in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Stuff peppers with filling and arrange in dish; dot with 1/2 cup cheese. Bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes.
   

Julie and David's Moonlight Beach, Encinitas Wedding..

this was such a simply sweet wedding.. a moonlight beach wedding in the morning with friends, family and such love.. 

i met at julie's house while she got ready and took photos of her as calm as can be.. i played in their backyard with their sweet daughters.. 

how stunning is she and that dress is so gorgeous! 

in honor of her late father, julie tied his dog tags in her bouquet..

we met her soon to be husband for a private first look and some photos before the ceremony.. i love this because it is a sweet moment just the two of you share.. nervous excitement.. giggles and sweet sweet smiles.. it is a special time.. and it is just between the two of you..  

the ceremony was perfect as the beautiful encinitas sun sparkled down on the married couple and the crashing of that turquoise water whispered in the back.. it was amazing..

 david and julie said "we do".. each of their daughters as well as julie and david had a jar of sand they poured together to symbolize their love and coming together as a family..
it was so so so beautiful..

there lunch reception was held at stone brewery in escondido where everyone sipped amazing beer, ate delicious food and mingled..

if that isn't a perfect wedding day.. i don't know what is..

thank you julie and david for letting me capture you and your lovely.. 

"we do's"