Kāne Charles Simon is Here!

Design by Minted. 

On March 27, 2013 at 7:35PM, after 39 1/2 hours of labor (yes, you read that right - 39 1/2 HOURS!), our sweet baby boy was born! Kāne, (pronounced "Kah-Nay" and means "Man" in Hawaiian) is just over 7 weeks old now and is lifting his head, enjoying tummy time, smiling back at mom & dad, tracking objects with his eyes, and even starting to giggle! Life has seriously never been better! 

While I am on maternity leave, please feel free to email me and, if interested in seeing more of Kāne & our life's little moments, follow me on Instagram and/or Facebook! 

Thank you to All for your love & good wishes! 

xo,
j.

Personal Update...

So, as I am nearing my birthing date, you may find that my blog posts are fewer & farther in between.  Please excuse my absence - although, I am still actively practicing my craft, I am doing it on a much slower and low-key schedule.  Right now, my focus is on nesting and getting ready to be a first-time mom! 

However, don't count me out all together! :) I am still here to answer questions, chat, and remain involved! I just thought it is best to explain why my blog posts will be more spread out in the next few months while I allow myself some space to adjust to the joys and adventures of motherhood. 

In the meantime, let's be sure to stay connected! There are so many avenues to remain in touch, such as Instagram, Pinterest, Flickr, & Facebook! Find me, friend me, follow me, or whatever you choose - lets just stay in contact! 

And, finally, thanks, friends, for all of your encouraging & wonderful bits of wisdom thus far! It has meant the world to me to hear your kind and supportive words as I travel this new journey of pregnancy and soon-to-be motherhood... thank you from the bottom of my heart!! 

xo,
j. 

Product Photography | Paper Sushi

In January, I was a busy little bee shooting some fun, creative & (not to mention) gorgeous custom stamps by the ever-lovely Jennifer of Paper Sushi! You can find more of Jennifer's products (think packaging supplies, paper goods, galore!) on Paper Sushi's Etsy Store (which is currently closed while Jennifer makes the huge move from Germany to the US of A!). Also, be sure to check out Paper Sushi's Facebook page for the latest happenings, giveaways, and deals! :) 

Here is a little sneak peak of a few of the soon-to-be-listed items at Paper Sushi... 

Happy Shopping!  

xo,
j.

Adopt Me Friday!

Meet Stella. She is a 1 year old, silky terrier mix and was found wandering the streets of LA dragging a chain around her neck. :( Good news is that she is now safe & sound with the Lovebugs Rescue Group here in Santa Ana until she can find a family to call her own! When Stella & I had our photo shoot yesterday, she was full of life, always wagging her tail, and as sweet as they come! Pretty much a perfect pet :)

If interested in this little lady, please go to the Lovebugs website for more information! 

On a side note, and heartbreakingly so, this will be my last Adopt Me Friday post for awhile.  Due to my growing belly (I am almost 8 months pregnant!), its getting increasingly difficult for me to bend, lean, and/or lay down in order to get to eye level with these amazing little pups.  So, I think its time I call it quits for a few months, BUT I will be back after my little bundle of joy is born and we will resume right where we left off! 

In the meantime, here are some awesome animal shelters' & adoption groups' websites (that I have personally worked with in the past) you should definitely check out if looking for that special pup (or cat!) to call your best friend... Pet Project Foundation, Lovebugs Rescue Group, and Seal Beach Animal Shelter.  And please drop me a note if you adopt a sweet pea while I am away - it will totally make my day!!

Happy Adopting, friends! 

xo,
j.

Adopt Me Friday!

The year just started and I am already running a bit behind schedule! I did not have an opportunity to photograph any adoptable pups this week, BUT my friend at Lovebugs Rescue sent me a photo of an adorable Chihuahua named Fiona. She is five pounds and very friendly with both dogs and humans alike! Poor thing was found all alone in a Target parking lot :( Thank goodness someone had the good heart to take her home and contact the Lovebugs Rescue group for help! 

If interested in finding out more about Fiona, head on over to the Lovebugs Rescue website for more information!

Photo provided by Lovebugs Rescue Group. 

Please check back on February 1, 2013 for another adoptable furry friend! Happy Adopting, Friends! 

xo,

j.

Happy New Year!

Wishing you the happiest New Year! I am thrilled its 2013 and looking forward to experience all that this year holds! Enjoy, friends! 

xo,
j.

Happy Holidays!

Can you believe Christmas is NEXT week?! I don't know about you, but for me December has been a whirlwind with shopping, wrapping gifts, parties, and photographing Holiday sessions (one of the best parts!). But, although sometimes crazy & hectic, this still remains one of my favorite times of the year because with the holidays comes the feeling of joy in the air & an extra dose of cheer in people's hearts. Plus, I am super excited to see what 2013 holds - I love the feeling of embarking on a new year, don't you?  :)

Just a little FYI - this is my last post for the year of 2012 as the Husband and I are off to Hawaii this Christmas. If interested in joining me over the holidays (or just curious to see what a tropical Christmas looks like) please feel free to follow me via Instagram and/or Flickr! 

I hope you have the most beautiful of holidays with family, friends, and loved ones whether that be relaxing by a warm fire, playing in the snow, or tanning on a beach! 

Happy Holidays, Friends! 

xo,
j.

O'Hana/Holiday Session | Yarckin Family

For my final shoot of the 2012 year, I had the pleasure to photograph the lovely Yarckin family for a mixed Holiday & O'Hana session in their (ahem, insanely!) gorgeous home tucked away in the sunlit hills of Pacific Palisades. It was a photographer's dream come true - breathtaking setting, lots of light, and a stunning family! 

Thank you, Brandon, Kara, and Hudson, for inviting me into your beautiful home & for an overall perfect Saturday afternoon. I loved getting to know you and hope to see you again in 2013!

xo,

j. 

P.S. Here are a few sneak peak shots of the Holiday portion of the shoot - and, in my humble opinion, this year's Yarckin Holiday card... definitely frame-able! :) 

O'Hana Session | Sturdy Family

Meet Team Sturdy! While on holiday in the States (they are visiting from London!), I had the pleasure of photographing this lovely foursome near their hotel in Huntington Beach. I mean what better way to remember sunny California than with a family photo shoot, right? :)

Adam, Leslie, Madison, & Fletcher - you are by far the coolest & hippest family I have met to date! And I hope these photos remind you of all the fun you experienced & memories you made while on your great Californian adventure! Until we meet again! 

xo,

j.

Adopt Me Friday!

Meet sweet Sophie! This little lady is a 5 year old Maltese and weighs a whopping 9 pounds!  She is a rescue from the Orange County Animal Shelter and is currently living with her foster mom in Santa Ana as part of the Lovebugs Rescue Group. Based on my time with Sophie, I can tell you she is a real doll - loves to cuddle, play (girlfriend has some spunk to her!), and is an all-round perfect pup! 

If interested, you can read more about Sophie here (as well as fill out an adoption application) on the Lovebugs Rescue website! Happy Adopting!

xo,

j.