Santa Cruz engagement photography: Caitlin and Doug

like so many people these days, caitlin and doug met online. neither was necessarily looking for anything too serious, but when caitlin's response to an email doug sent was even longer than the one he sent, he was smitten.  being "long winded" and interested in both education and wine, among other common interests, they decided they should meet. 

things progressed quickly, as they realized just how compatible they were (they don't call it match.com for nothing!). soon, they were living together, became proud paw parents to two gorgeous Husky's, and traveling the world together. 

it was on a trip to scotland (or was it ireland? i was distracted by their adorableness together and jealous of their world travel stories) at an old castle that he asked for her hand in marriage. 

she of course said YES, and next year, they will be wed in Costa Rica!

i met them in Santa Cruz at a location that combined two of their commonalities, education and wine. 

The Burrell Winery is an old red school house, with the most beautiful grounds!

we were given permission to wonder and take photos throughout, and i was in heaven! the textures, colors, and vintage junk they had strewn throughout made for a happy kym! 

 their photos wouldn't be complete without their pups!

 after a few with the pups at the winery, we headed over to the edge of the forest for something different.

los gatos, ca family photography: three generations on each side

i can hardly believe all my newborns from last year are growing so quickly! 

i was privileged to shoot ella when she was still in her mama's tummy, and again as a newborn. now, she is a precious little 6 month old, with quite the personality! 

her parents wanted to do a session featuring both sets of grandparents, as gifts to them, and of course, for ella as well. we met at vasona, and had beautiful afternoon light gleaming down on us. 

sadly, ella had been sick all week, and that day seemed to be her crankiest. but we powered through, and although i was only able to capture a couple of her darling smiles, she gave us a variety of different pouty faces! (as most of y'all know, i LOVE crying pictures! they showcase real personality and remind us that not every minute of the day is all sunshine and rainbows! plus, they make for great blackmail photos when they kids are older!) 

 if i only captured one photo from the whole day, this would be my favorite:

 and then she drifted off to sleep in Grandpa's arms...

happy 6 months ella, you are loved by everyone!