Urban Whimsical Baby Shower | Published on 100 Layer Cakelet

Today, I'm delighted to share this urban, whimsical baby shower, and I want to thank 100 Layer Cakelet for publishing this fun and playful soiree on their adorable blog. Hazel and her husband, Marc, the masterminds behind Blu Bungalow, are two of the kindest, hardest working people I've ever met. It was an absolute honor to celebrate the anticipated arrival of their son, Parker, on this warm San Francisco day. Kaella Lynn's thoughtful orchestration highlighted their personalities and created a fun atmosphere for this Jack and Jill affair. The "A" list team of vendors also outdid themselves. You can read all about it on 100 Layer Cakelet. 

I also want to wish the Bourget family every blessing under the sun as they embark upon this crazy ride called parenthood. May your home and hearts be filled with God's sweet grace. xo

Photos by Sandra Fazzino Photography / Event Design and Styling by Kaella Lynn Events, http://kaellalynnevents.com / Catered by Culinary Eye Catering, http://culinaryeye.com / Flowers by Huckleberry Karen Designs, http://www.huckleberrykarendesigns.com / Cake and Favors by Pretty Please Bakeshop, http://www.prettypleasesf.com / Laser cut statues and stir sticks by 43 Layers, http://www.43layers.com / Linens from La Tavola Linen, http://www.latavolalinen.com / Music and AV by Spintronix / Entertainment, http://spintronix.com / Hazel’s hair and makeup by The Glamourist, http://www.theglamourist.com/

Arden's 1st Birthday. Seesaw SF. San Francisco, CA.

Few things are more precious than a baby's first birthday, and Arden's mommy, Reichel Broussard of Copycat Chic, a popular interior design blog for those with great taste but a tight budget, made sure no detail went unnoticed. From her jelly jar mini cup gift giveaways, mini strawberry plants, mini grilled cheese sandwhiches, mini burgers, mini pink ballons, mini pink beach balls, mini donuts… even Arden's pint size guests…. you name it…. it was mini, and it was simply adorable. The party was held at Seesaw SF in San Francisco's Hayes Valley. If you haven't checked our their website or venue, it's a must see. Seesaw provides creative education, workshops, story times in various languages as well as an on staff child psychologist who is available to parents and children for ongoing support.

Here's a little peek at Arden's special day. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed photographing it, and have a wonderful weekend!

Gabilicious

I know there are many that do not favor nick names. However, I don't want to imagine how boring life would be without them. Gabriella is a beautiful name through and through. Of Hebrew origin it means, "God is my strength." {How lovely to be reminded of that everyday!} Coincidentally, I chose Gabriella as my confirmation name. But really, when you look at these images - doesn't "Gabilicious" come to mind? She's Gabi, she's delicious, so in my books, she's Gabilicious.

These are a few select images from a project {not-so-top-secret} that I'm working on with a few other fabulous and fine women. Can't wait to share the details. For now, I can tell you that the stylist on this shoot was Rosy Fridman Strazzeri. To say I adore her is an understatement. Her style, her vision, her feminine strength is heaven. Working with her on this short shoot was such a gift and a treat. One of my favorite things (of many) about Rosy is her use of the word "geniale" which translated from italian means "brilliant, ingenious; of genius." Imagine working with someone and hearing that word being used to describe the outcome of your collective creativity. It would feel good, right?!

All that said, there's some big news coming up, so please stay tuned. Will share some fun changes in life and on the blog in the next couple weeks.

Happy Spring!

The Riley's. Family Portraits. San Francisco Bay Area.

Samantha was two the first time her patient, coy eyes gazed into my lens. She was full of bubbles and laughter posing like a pro for the camera. Later, at three, she impressed me even more. If you look closely, you may recognize her from the website.

This weekend, at four years old, Sam displayed a new kind of poise. The one that says, "yes, you're only eight months old, and I'm your big sister, Charlotte, so mommy and daddy will be very busy with you for a while, and that's ok, because I'm excited you're here, too." Well, I'm ad-libbing here, but you get it, right? Charlotte looks up to her big sister, smiles so big (probably to show off those two fancy bottom teeth that came in) and beams brightly making her eyes twinkle like fairy dust.

There's nothing like having a sister. Congrats, Samantha and Charlotte! You're so very lucky, and so am I for having the honor of documenting this special time in your lives. xo

Marini's, the Sequal

Just about as darling as they come, full of energy, ready to talk with the grown ups, and letting you know exactly her stance on important world matters like when it's time to enjoy a good meal of prunes and oatmeal, at just seven months, Sofia has taken the Marini family by storm. Her mommy is brazilian, her daddy is italian, and she has the beauty and charm to prove it.

Like the Marini's, many of us live far away from our loved one's. To say we miss our family and friends is an understatement. We sacrifice important moments and all of the mundane day to day activities in between that we know would somehow feel better if we could share them with our best friends and sisters, brothers and cousins. For the Marini's who have family in Brazil, Italy, Los Angeles and Canada, family photos are even more important to far away grandmothers like Sofia's who hasn't been able to meet her yet. I can't even imagine the heartache and what that must feel like? The way I see it, when these portraits arrive in her home, she has something to daydream over, a way to connect and imagine what it must be like to be with her granddaughter in person holding each other, laughing together. And it's an opportunity to see her daughter living her life happily - a way to cherish the blessings in all of their lives. It's one more way for their hearts to be close even though they live time zones apart.

I was so excited when the Marini's booked their second session (just before Sofia was born, we had a maternity session at the Presidio in San Francisco). Now that baby Sofia is sitting up and sporting all kinds of smiles and laughter, it was the perfect time to capture their growing family, the love, and the laughter - the joy that a baby brings.

Sisters

A quick sneak peek before we head up to Sonoma for the holiday weekend. These four sisters are the most lovely young ladies. We had lots of fun at Lake Temescal hoola-hooping, blowing bubbles and playing in the sand! As you can see, even baby Ilana broke out her bikini! Stay tuned! Next week, maternity portraits!

Katerina Isabella Anais Zauner

This week Katerina (aka Katty) flew on her first plane ride all the way from Geneva to Reno to meet her maternal grandma, grandpa, aunties, uncle and cousins. Afterwards, she took a car ride through the unexpected April snow to Sonoma where my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting her, too. Her eyes are captivating and her touch is affectionate and gentle. She is ALL girl! Knowing mommy and daddy deserved a little R&R alone together, I offered to babysit for a few hours. As soon as they slipped away, we played with the camera. : )

Sandra + Lya