Casey and Connor
Casey and Connor’s fun and goofy engagement session in Petaluma California was filled with lots of fall color, multiple locations and boots to die for.
I didn’t give Casey and Connor a choice to choose anyone else as their engagement and wedding photographer. Within 10 mins of them getting engaged I was offering my congratulations and demanding my right to photograph their lives. After 10 years of friendship (ok, 9.5 years), I felt I could be a little more forward than I normally am.
As natives to Northern California, Casey and Connor settled in Petaluma. It’s this sleepy little town just outside of Napa with a cute little river running through and a park downtown which we’d planned to meet at. It would have been an adorable little park, however upon arrival I discovered a there was a rally being held! Thankfully, just around the corner and along the water was looked like open space for dogs.
I’m not sure how the dogs lucked out, but there were brilliant orange and red trees, soft tall grasses, yellow leaves on the ground, and curvaceous pathways. As we began talking, I realized what makes Casey and Connor both special and perfect for each other. They embrace each other’s quirks and love each other so wholly its impossible to not root for them. Casey is a bit taller than Connor and where most people would want to hide this, she brought her boots to EXTEND the height!
As we started to head to our second location, Connor suggested we just check out the bridge over the water on the other side of the parking lot. The way the sun was diffused behind the town’s buildings created this perfect glow behind them. It was here we really got to play with what makes them unique as a couple. They love to bend and explore gender roles. So rather than your typical shots where the male is in the “power” position, we replaced with Casey.
Before their session, Casey had confided that she was not a fan of the soft smiles trend and wouldn’t be doing them. I’m so thankful she did because it gave me the opportunity to tell her how beautiful your real emotions are. Styled and posed are gorgeous of course, and there is no competition against a perfect representation of your love.
There are so many blessings to living in such a beautiful state and one of the best is all the epic scenery we have within minutes. Only 10 mins from our downtown location, Helen Putnam Regional Park offers stunning views of the valley and a cattail pond just a short walk from the parking lot. With the sun a little high still, we started at the cattail pond and worked our way back to the cars, stopping to get the ring shots in the fading light.
As we said our goodbyes, Casey and Connor told me that they had been so nervous before their session but somewhere in the middle they realized they were having so much fun they forgot that we were there to take photos which is the easiest way to make my heart sing with joy.
I have an addiction
And it’s not more cowbell.
It’s definitely photography. Got you a little worried there huh? Sorry, I am not a drinker and you won’t catch me queueing for a lotto ticket. But the first thing I do everyday is check my photography groups on Facebook. Did someone post a question overnight? Do they need assistance? My workouts everyday are filled with education to distract my burning muscles. Stuck waiting on the kids in car line - better check out what my favorite photography podcasts are up to!
However I am terrible at is sharing my own work. Which is where this new blog series comes in. This is going to be my safe space to share all the things that I love and are making me happy.
I love plants and flowers and the beauty of nature. Alas the ability to cultivate it in my own home and yard is something that has escaped me. I have a few plants that come back every year or I can neglect but will still keep on keeping on. But I YEARN for a lush, magical garden like that in the book The Secret Garden.
While I was in my happy place laying in the dirt, Ruby and her best friend Richey shared some snacks and bounced in his trampoline. I’m so lucky to have such a talented and skilled friend who lets me come feed my addiction and takes care of the kids for me.
Purim with Chabad of Tracy
Purim Celebration with Chabad of Tracy and featuring a fire show with the TikTok Rabbi Izzy Adelist!
Not only was this my first Purim, it was Chabad of Tracy’s first Purim in their new location AND Dovber’s first birthday! The moment I walked into the backyard, I knew Faigy’s sister Blumie was with us in spirit from all the beautiful decorations. Blumie held a women’s gathering a few months ago, teaching women in the community some simple ways to dress your table for every occasion and it was evident Faigy had been taking notes!
Linoy and Eran Even-Kesef
The community gathered in costumes and with noise -makers for the readings. It’s tradition to make a ton of noise when Haman’s name is read, and the kids really love it. Ruby a little too much as she kept making noise even when Haman’s name wasn’t read. Oops!
It wouldn’t be a Chabad event without lots of good food! Fresh bread rolls, cooling salads, braised chicken and these delicious rosemary garlic potatoes kept bellies full! Hamantashen overnighted from New York for dessert.
Dovber’s birthday cake!
One of my favorite parts of the night was Dovber’s birthday celebration. I have been so blessed to get to see him grow up over the last year. Levi and Faigy were expecting him when we first met them the November before they moved to Tracy. He was just a few months old when they made the journey across the country and we finally got to meet him! We’ve spent a lot of time hanging out and he’s always got a smile for me so he definitely ranks among my favorite kids on the planet.
Also fresh from New York, the TikTok Rabbi Izzy Adelist impressed kids and adults alike by juggling apples and eating them. He pushed it even further by juggling knives over Levi. My kids were disappointed that they couldn’t risk their lives and after seeing him almost “drop” the knives at the end, they were glad they couldn’t. I’m sure it was a show drop to give a little extra concern to the audience before he juggled with fire, but I’m not going to tell them that!
