Nikkie and Marcus : Anytime

I met Nikkie through a friend of a friend in college. The minute I met her, I was struck by her unassuming and charming personality. She literally floats through a room and makes people fall in love with her. Nikkie is funny, smart, caring, and honest. Perhaps a little too honest at times because she’s been known to have people in stitches recounting stories of bird poo and/or Manishevitz wine. You just have to love her.

The minute Nikkie and Marcus met, they formed a friendship that morphed into true love. They married and later had a beautiful daughter, Charli. Then Iraq happened. Or, I should say, Marcus’ deployment to Iraq happened. Marcus joined the armed forces to fully prepare himself for life in the FBI, but it often left Nikkie alone with their daughters. No matter the fear, the loneliness, the separation, Nikkie and Marcus worked hard at staying in love. And they very much are.

I recently discovered that as a part of Marcus’ FBI qualification requirements, he must live abroad for a few years and train. Nikkie dutifully stayed by Marcus’ side and told her daughters they were moving to Japan. Konnichiwa! Though sad to leave their beautiful home and beach surroundings, they’re ready to move forward as a family.

I explained to Nikkie that I don’t—ever—take family photos. Ever. I really believe it’s not my forte and definitely not suited for my skill set. We set up a time to take pictures of her and Marcus…and would you believe little Charli and Sierra were all dolled up too? They looked so cute and when it came down to it, I actually wanted to document their family before they left the country. I was completely puckered out after the shoot, but I left loving their family a little more than I ever thought possible.

This is three year old Charli. Though she pretended to be shy, it turns out that she's total ham in front of the camera…

This is one and a half year old, Sierra. She tried avoiding my camera at all costs, but–thankfully–I captured a few…

We headed to charming Old Town Seal Beach, just a couple blocks from their beachfront home…

Sierra wouldn't let go of her Dora the Explorer backpack but I thought it still made for a true depiction of her sensitive and loving personality…

Charli noticed a bird in a nearby tree…

Dear God…please make me look as good as Nikkie if I ever bear children. Amen.

One of my favs from the session…

The following two pictures were requests by Nikkie and I love with clients work with me to document their families in ways they only know how…

To see more of their session, CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW.