Carbs, snuggling, and lots and lots of laughter - these are some of the defining words of Grace and Jeff’s relationship, and I loved that they incorporated all of these into their Oakland engagement session! We started the afternoon cozied up in their soon-to-be new home, where they snuggled together and snacked on some fries from Mickey D’s. Then we took a walk around their neighborhood - it’s seriously so beautiful with all the light streaming through the trees! We ended the day by catching the sunset atop a nearby parking structure.
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Oakland Family Photographer | The Hui Family
Recently, I was able to return to Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland for a family session with some old friends! Ever since I moved down to the South Bay last year, I've grown to appreciate every chance I get to go back up to Oakland.
I knew D and C from going to church / small group together in Oakland, and I absolutely loved meeting their new baby girl AJ. AJ recently turned one, so she's at the age where she can not just hold herself up but also take a few steps and let out the CUTEST laughs! But I mean, who wouldn't enjoy D and C's rendition of the latest contemporary nursery rhyme - "What does the fox say?"
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Quess + Kristen | Oakland + Alameda Engagement Session
He leaned in and whispered into her ear. She nodded. He whispered some more. A smile crept across her face. Finally, Kristen burst out into giggles. Quess grinned in success at making his future wife laugh. Kristen, still smiling, shook her head and turned to me: "He was telling me how he was going to order chicken wings after this."
I've known Kristen and Quess since college, but I had never hung out with just the two of them as a couple. Let me tell you, it was SO much fun! It's easy to see how much they enjoy being with each other, making each other laugh, and trying all the crazy and sometimes awkward things I ask them to do! It makes my photographer heart flutter when clients trust my ideas! :)
I loved that these two chose places near and dear to their hearts. Oakland is where Kristen currently works, where they have visited the Oakland Museum of California many a time, and where both of them have spent many an afternoon ballin' up all the pickup basketball games and roaming the streets of Chinatown. From there it was just a quick drive over to their current neighborhood in Alameda. This is a special city to them not only because they both live there, but also because it is home to one of their favorite food spots - Q's Halal Chicken! The owner even knows Quess' face and usual order! That's when you know you've made it.
Quess and Kristen, your happiness was infectious! I loved hanging out in the East Bay with you two, and I am SO excited for your wedding next year! Oh, and thanks for sharing some of your Q's combo plates with me - clearly you know the way to my heart ;)
Erina + Michael | Oakland Maternity Session
Erina and Michael are two of the most compassionate and caring people I know. You can tell through both their actions and their words that they are truly invested in their community, from close friends and family to their local East Bay community to marginalized communities and peoples across the country and world. They have blessed me and many other friends through their music, words, and discipleship in my college Christian fellowship and beyond.
Erina and Michael adopted their dog, Sarabi, a little over a year ago. It has been a joy to see them commit to taking on everything that can come with adopting - shyness, timidity, even anxiety - and just love this new member of their family.
Earlier this year, I was taking a walk in the park with my husband John when Erina texted a group message to me and some other girls she had discipled during college. When I looked at my phone and saw 15 notifications from that one thread I knew something exciting had happened - and it was a pregnancy announcement!! I literally started skipping through the park and John was like "Who was it? What happened? Is someone pregnant?" Am I that obvious?? Hehehe. Then when Erina reached out to me about a maternity session in Oakland, of COURSE I had to say yes! And we made sure that Sarabi the shepherd came along for some fun as well :) I can now personally testify to Sarabi's friendliness and warmth that is so clearly a sign of Erina and Michael's love poured into her.. they are going to be the best parents ever!
We may or may not have made a makeshift leash out of a grocery bag ;D They worked it though!!
Michael and Erina, thank you for inviting me into this precious season in your life! I am so excited to see how your daughter continues to grow and learn to love through your love for God, each other, and the world.
Irene + Garrett Almost MARRIED!
The day has finally come.. my wonderful soon-to-be-ex-roommate Irene and her dear soon-to-be-lifetime-roommate Garrett are getting married this Saturday! Our apartment has been a crazy flurry of activity with piles of stuff everywhere from all of us moving out at the same time, but.. I am so so excited :) Here are a few of my favorites from a shoot I did with them a few weekends back around Oakland!
The couple that reads together..
.. and drinks coffee and eats pretzel buns together..
.. and runs down streets together..
.. stays together.
ONE MORE DAY!