There are times when people ask if there was a moment when my business changed. I think for a few seconds–revisiting the answer to this question although I'm certain of the response–and say, A moment? No. A series of moments? Yes. There have been times through my petite career when I was about to change, moments when I couldn't help but breathe anxiously in hopes of something great to grow.

One such moment was Gabriel and Carlie's engagement session almost two years ago. It was my first year in business and after meeting with Gabriel and Carlie, I knew we were a perfect fit. When they arrived to their engagement session (looking tres chic and uber fabulous) I smiled with delight. We laughed and chatted. Before I started shooting, Carlie stopped me and told me she trusted me. That I could do whatever I wanted with them. That I had the permission to shoot however I wanted. And they were just there to have fun.

This was a moment.

It was the first time clients let me do what they knew I could. They didn't come with a list of photos they wanted, didn't come in matching outfits, didn't compare my work to the photographer they really wanted but couldn't afford. Carlie and Gabriel simply said–in so many words–Do Your Thing. And to a young, budding photographer (who was desperately trying to find a photographic voice), this was priceless.

I'm incredibly thrilled and honored to still be documenting their love with my camera. A few days ago, they scheduled a session to merely document their lives and neighborhood in Ladera Ranch, California. Here are a few of my favorites…

Com'on, don'cha just adore Carlie's laugh?! 🙂

I think every girl should have a photo of herself alone. A picture she can show her future children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who she was, and who she dreamed to be…

I hope Carlie doesn't kill me for posting these pictures. It's just that we're both professional dancers (ahem, at heart anyway) and these really show off her mad skills…although I was tempted to put my camera down and show her how mama REALLY breaks it down!