I met Marisa and Orlando while they were working on a charitable cause and it turned out that they were also engaged to be married. I have a soft spot for people who helps others so I'm very happy to be photographing their upcoming wedding.

Marisa showed me some Spanish influenced themes and I immediately thought of the San Gabriel Mission for a quick save-the-date session. This will be in addition to the engagement session and the wedding. I'm looking forward to seeing them again real soon!

I can't begin to express how humbled I have been in the past year. To have photographed and better understand people in unfortunate circumstances. In homeless shelters, soup kitchens, homes for people with special needs. To see firsthand the hardworking staff and generous volunteers helping people in need. It's really changed my perspective on what's important in my life. I would have never experienced this if it I didn't become a photographer. The irony is that I went into the photography business to capture emotionally touching moments, not truly understanding what that meant until I witnessed volunteers waking up early to help distribute food to a mother and daughter who would otherwise not have a meal that day, a little girl in a homeless shelter that instead of complaining about the lack of toys is smiling and laughing with her three siblings and mother. I'm thankful for the experiences that have made me forever grateful for everything in my life.