Walnut Creek Family Portrait Session: The Garcias

Some people simply embody a feeling or an action. Cynthia is a wife, mom of soon to be three, friend, and daughter, and she embodies a hug. A long warm hug that wraps you up to make you feel safe, heard, and cared for. Cynthia is that feeling when someone is rubbing your back when you don't feel well: she lets you know everything is going to be okay whether it's with her words, actions, or listening ear.

I have known Cynthia since college, when we were big eyed, eager undergrads at Cal (Go Bears!) and when everyone knew that Beto ADORED her but hadn't made his move. To have attended their wedding and watching their family grow has been a delight. To see them both grow into new life roles and raise gorgeous and kind children makes me a proud friend. With their third baby on the way, Cynthia and Beto wanted to capture this special season in their life and include the whole family at a session at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek.

Cynthia, thank you for always trusting and believing in me from my photography day 1! I can't wait for the whole family to come down to San Diego! xo, Evmo

Los Angeles Family Portraits: Estrella and Estevan

A year and a half ago, Estevan, Estrella, expecting their first child, and I had a grand ol' time during their maternity session in La Jolla. These two are the epitome of graceful and fun, calm and understanding, full of gratitude and class. Today they are amazing parents to a beautiful little girl and are expecting their second baby! Time for maternity session round 2, but remixed!

See, having grown up with a grandparent in my home for many years, I know how 'it takes a village' to raise a child rings true and how much of a blessing it is to have a close relationship with a grandparent. This is one of the many reasons we included Estrella's gorgeous mother, Rebeca, in this maternity and family portrait session at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in Los Angeles. Rebeca plays the important role of grandmother, mother, and support system to all.

Estrella and Estevan wanted their second maternity session to include lots of greenery so Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area was the perfect backdrop for their vision. With great paths for them to stroll as a family, Big-Sister-to-be finally gave me a smile!

Estrella and Estevan, I'm beyond flattered that you asked me to document a very special time in your lives for the second time. I love how you deeply value each other, your growing family, and those around you. Can't wait for Baby E's arrival! Un abrazo, Evelyn

Cactus Garden San Diego Engagement Session: Ivy and Bryan, Part One

Ivy and Bryan are a couple who's interests I can relate to: lovers of travel - they got engaged during their second trip to Thailand! - and complete foodies, often making intricate dishes themselves at home, these two have been together since college. Having met at Arizona State University, they wanted a southwestern vibe for their first engagement session location and I immediately thought of the Cactus Garden at Balboa Park. With plenty of dirt paths and cacti greenery, the Cactus Garden is as much 'desert vibe' as we can get in San Diego proper, and Ivy's red-orange dress completely popped and coordinated so well with Bryan's chambray button up: please file these two under 'super chic engagement outfits' Ha!

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Downtown San Diego Engagement Session

Ivy and Bryan, Part 2

In-Home Family Lifestyle Photography: Adi, Clara, Luke & Ryan

Adi and Clara have lived in various corners of the globe both as individuals and as a couple, most recently in New York City and Bangkok. Now back in the tri-state area, they have settled into a beautiful home directly across from Manhattan in Fort Lee, New Jersey. As parents to two beautiful boys - Luke and baby Ryan - this will be home for years to come, so Adi and Clara wanted to document this time in their family's life with an in-home family lifestyle session taken late this past summer.

Baby Ryan, with his big eyes and calm demeanor, compliments his big brother Luke, who loves to run around and eat snacks, often at the same time, just perfectly.

Speaking of snacks, Luke had me dying laughing with his approach to eating!

Rest assured that Luke is a sharer and ensures everyone has a taste!

Ryan's chubby legs are so cute you want to pinch them, which is exactly how Luke shows him brotherly love.

This family also loves to read together.

As the morning came to an end, Ryan was ready to be rocked to sleep for a nap...

...and Luke gave me one last giggle before I left.

Adi and Clara, thank you for welcoming me to into your home to document your gorgeous family. Luke is so much fun and Ryan is such cutie-pie. I can't wait to make my way back to New York City to see you all again. xo -Evelyn

Coronado Family Portraits: The Valles

Alejandro and Suzette Valle, parents to two smart young adults, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary as well as had their daughter in town from New York City: this marriage milestone and full nest created the ideal time to have family photos taken near their home in Coronado, San Diego. We began our session in front of the iconic Hotel del Coronado and moved onto the beach as sunset approached.

I absolutely loved that they wanted to incorporate their 'third child' Bella into the family photos, because pets are absolutely family too!

Thank you Suzette for organizing this shoot for your beautiful family and cheers to another 25 years of marriage!