day trippin': vasquez rocks

One of the best parts about living in LA is how many sweet spots are close enough for a daytrip. Thanks to instagram, I'm always learning about new spots to spend a free day exploring that are within an hour or so from home. Vasquez Rocks, with that rust-red rock and shadowy green brush, was a gorgeous spot to spend Valentine's Day climbing up and around, and I'm already planning a trip back to watch the sunset over the boulders. 

what home tastes like

Life is one big mess of transition right now: two weeks ago I left my home in Bellingham, last week I slept on a friend's couch while working my last week, two days ago I left my home of four years and yesterday I landed back at my parents', where I'll be for a month or so while preparing to move to Cali. The homebody in me is in a bit of disarray, to say the least. 

But coming home to a back deck full of fixings to make the most glorious sandwich, paired with an icy beer and shared with my best friend and adventure companion, made me feel home again for the first time in weeks. From garden to tummy is the best path, in my opinion.

What tastes like home to you?   

lucky in love: Antonia + James

Last month I got to photograph the loveliest, most laid-back backyard wedding (laid-backyard? does that work?) for a girl who I've known since we were toddlers. Our families have been the closest of friends for years (here's some adorable proof) so photographing her day was an honor and so, so fun. 

Antonia wore her mother's wedding dress, which another family friend tailored to create this gorgeous gown. How special is that? Seriously, look at the back of that dress--stunnnnning. Her & James are perfect for each other; balancing each other out in every way and quite obviously in love. 

The ceremony and reception took place in her parents' back yard, which they call Good Times, beautifully decorated with natural blue details and woodwork by my mom & more friends--everything about this wedding was homemade and put together by friends, which made the day even that much more full of love and joy. Even the delish dinner featured pulled pork that had been slow-roasted and personally pulled by friends. Too good. 

And seriously, this wedding was fun. Nothing was fussy, nothing overly stressful, nothing overdone: just good friends, good food, good beer, good vibes & true love. This is a family that truly laughs together, cries together, and takes care of each other, and I am so grateful to have them as part of our lives. Antonia & James, thank you for trusting me with my very first wedding, and thanks for the fun day! I wish you thousands more days just like this, full of the people who love you.