#11

To me, he’s the same Lil Oski that was always at the house with my sister and bro-in-law. He’s the same Lil Oski that entertained us for hours on end when my friends and I would dress him up in MC Hammer pants, a Sierra T-Shirt, a medallion, and my sister’s purple suede boots, only to have him put a boombox on his shoulder and dance for us like Michael Jackson as we videotaped him. He’s the same Lil Oski that followed me around the house saying “Weeesa?!” in a scooby doo-like voice. He’s the same Lil Oski that cried to me when my dad wouldn’t let him go across the street to play basketball because no one could take him at the time. The same Lil Oski that had us on the floor in tears from laughing so much because he was so silly, fun and full of life. The same Lil Oski that put a smile on my face even on my worst days.

To see him now – all grown up, mature, and taking the basketball world by storm – I am speechless. The amount of tragedy and loss in his life is far more than any person should endure in a lifetime. I think about it and my heart breaks all over again. His drive, strength and commitment pushed him to overcome what most people would not be able to. Period. For Orlando to achieve so much in his life and to now reach his dream is beyond anything I can put into words. I am extremely proud of not only the basketball player that he is, but the amazing young man he has become. My other sister summed it up perfectly in just one sentence... "God really did a great job with him..."

I made sure to bring my camera with me on the night of the NBA draft where family gathered to support Orlando on what turned out to be the night of his life. I’ll tell the story the best way I know how... in photos.

Then, the call from Indiana...

Waiting...

Breathe.

YESSSSS!!!!!!!

Amidst the cheers, screams, and tears, I hear someone yell “There’s a party up in Heaven tonight!!!!”

Yes. Ms. Vicky, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Odessa, Ms. Valerie, Ivan, Angel and Mark.... were definitely present.


From the Linsao/Mathews/Johnson/Sherman/Baria Family, we love you and wish you the best! #11 ORLANDO JOHNSON all the way. GO INDIANA PACERS!!!

It's gotta be one of the sweetest things

She has that beautiful glow about her and her happiness was so contagious... I got to spend the morning with Adrienne and Andre (who are expecting their baby girl weeks from now) and being in a little piece of their world was so much fun. The anticipation and the excitement of what's to come.... I remember all of those feelings of being anxious and wanting to meet my babies as their due dates approached.

Check out a few of my favorites from Adrienne's maternity session and you'll understand why...

Thank you for making that trip out here! Thanks Adrienne, for hiking through the rocks (with child and all) so I could get the shots I hoped for! Thanks Andre, for not sending me your laundry bill like you threatened for all the rocks I had you lean on in your white shirt!

Kayleekai

I swear it was yesterday when I photographed this little cutie pie at a few months old during family portraits. All of a sudden, Kayleekai’s about to be a year old? And this sweet thing is just about the cutest little thing ever. Both her and big sister, Jordyn.

Her mom initially planned months ago to make this Kayleekai’s 1st birthday portrait session, but eventually it evolved into family portraits and I’m so happy it did because they have such a sweet family. Even though I had them meet me at the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning, they were all in good spirits with warm smiles and ready with flowers in their hair.

Janay, thanks for being so organized and planning Kayleekai’s 1st birthday pics way in advance! I adore those little girls of yours and I’m so happy I got to take pics for you.

Their wedding memories

Karina and Matt were married two years ago in an intimate beach wedding in Carmel. Karina and Matt live three hours away, so I can only imagine how much went into the wedding planning and finalizing the details without being local to the area. They hired a photographer (not me), paid the photographer, and the photographer showed up to shoot their wedding as agreed upon. Karina and Matt were married on a beautiful day in Carmel and I’m sure it was everything they dreamed of. They began their happily-ever-after and anticipated receiving their wedding photos as expected.

Two years later, Karina contacted me and her story broke my heart... After two years, they never received their wedding images from their photographer and at this point, they don’t know if they ever will.

My heart dropped and my response was “Please… tell me what I can do for you two…” and from there we exchanged numerous emails, sharing ideas on how we could do a re-do of their wedding day.

So here it is!!!

Thank you so much Karina and Matt for making the trip out here! I am so happy to have met you both and feel really fortunate to be able to shoot your wedding portraits. And Sharnie.... thank you!

To my upcoming brides & grooms, rest assured I WILL PUT MY HEART AND SOUL INTO DOCUMENTING YOUR BIG DAY AND YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR WEDDING IMAGES AS PROMISED. I take my job seriously and I take pride in my work ;)