Kristine & Michael - NYC

I was so honored when my friend Kristine asked me to shoot her civil ceremony in NY. They will be having a wedding in Germany over the summer, but wanted to have their civil ceremony documented in NY this past weekend. They truly are a class act couple. Thank you Mike and Kristine!

Spectacularousity!

I just can't resist posting this picture because I'm still fairly fresh from NY and I want to irritate all my friends back there. Today I was hanging out at my favorite beach of all time Wind 'N Sea and yes it's still January people. I watched this amazing sunset complete with tiny surfers and then I synchronized the birds to fly by. Perfection. Tell me you're not jealous, go on a I dare you.

I heart San Diego (sorry New York)

I'm back home in San Diego where it's almost 70 degrees and crystal clear most days. Were else would it be this nice in January? (no I did not touch up the sky it was really that blue today... ok maybe a little tweaking, but not one cloud!).

I'm back home because I'm taking time off from NY and the fashion industry. I am no longer going to pursue my fashion career but instead follow my heart to what really makes it sing. I have no regrets about leaving the fashion world and so far I haven't had that panic stricken "what in the hell are you doing Michelle" voice fill my head. Maybe because I've been through a massive change already (by moving to NY and pursuing fashion with a vengeance) or maybe because this is what I really should be doing with my life and therefore it FEELS natural. Feeling is the operative word her folks. We shouldn't go through life without feeling or knowing what makes our hearts sing. It just leads to numbness and then we will never be able to recognize what's not working in our lives and be able to do something about it.

Today I visited Old Town, a historic state park in San Diego. This is the birthplace of not only San Diego but of California. San Diego is the first permanent settlement in California, where father Juniper Serra decided to set up shop with the first of 21 Missions. What a claim to fame! I really do love being a native San Diegan. No matter how exciting and intoxicating I find NY, or adore SF, I heart San Diego. Hmmm, is it no coincidence I have come back to my roots to start my photography career? Maybe it has to do with finding that authentic FEELING that has been missing. It's about damn time.

Some beautiful wood carvings for sale in the plaza shops.

Some colorful Spanish influences and a scary metal dude...

...and of course some Lucha Libre wrestling masks just as the first settlers wore while they built their beautiful buildings.

Chuck!

Introducing.....Charlie the Golden! Look how gorgeous he is and he's freakin' good at frisbee, but he will also steal your underwear if you happen to leave your luggage open. Everyone has their faults and Chuck just happens to be very curious...with his mouth.


Chuck really likes to bring you his toys when you come home. Above he is showing "Big mean kitty" who's boss. Below he's chillin' with Mr. Mallard.


Ok, I realize my last two posts have been about dogs. But I have been staying with friends and family who happen to love their dogs so much and treat them like their children it's only fair I treat them the same. Plus I'm hoping to score big points with my friends and family who own these guys and so they will keep coming back to my blog. ;)