Chantel Elder

Audrey: full speed with pigtails

2011-10-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

Some children make you recall your childhood so vivdly. Their energy and curiosity reminds you that you too were that small, and that at one time the world seemed so big. The phrase "It's a small world", made you think of a Disneyland ride as a child, rather than networking and how small the world really is as an adult.

Every now and then a kid comes along that reminds me of my smaller self, with such relentless energy and a demand for exploration, that it just tickles me. Meet Audrey. She is just a curious ball of energy... I have been needing a source of inspiration, and leave it to a two year old to demonstrate that running full speed with pigtails flying is exactly how to live life.

Lost Books and Anxiety

2011-10-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

I have been in a funk lately. Not like a stay in bed too long and wish you didn't identify with the long, sad list of symptoms on the Cymbalta commercials funk...far from it. It is more of a mind racing funk. I feel... whats the word... anxiety. Anxiety has been chasing me; on the treadmill, around the park, when I walk Boss and Abbey and when I am sitting, it rests heavily on my shoulders. I am sure she (because you know Anxiety is a "she" with an attitude) is the reason I have bad posture.

I have been having the hardest time organizing my thoughts with my life and business and the balance of the two. The problem solver in me is just so tired of being confused and overwhelmed...and anxiety ridden. Somehow I feel like if I type this out loud, it might ward off some of these feelings and be the first step in the direction of fixing it. So that is my plan. Obviously I went straight for the most scientific route. Typing... and re-reading a lost self help book (The Art of the Moment) that I received in 2002 on my birthday are sure to be the answers. Why was I receiving a self-help book on my 21st birthday you ask?! I have no idea...whatever the reason I didn't have the good sense to really read it at 21. I was probably doing something super epic and important that I really can't recall right at this moment.

My eyes fell on it the other day as I was searching for something else and let's just say it hit home enough for me to blog and photograph it. Odd how things happen like that. I have been lost...so has the book...then magical powers and stars aligned so that we met once again. It offered insight on everything from small photography reminders to remembering to forget things of no importance and take a deep breath with the things that are. It hasn't warded off my anxiousness and anxiety completely but it did offer a quiet moment to get lost for a minute.

So the point of my ramblings is if you are lost and have anxiety about stuff...or you are just about to turn 30 in a few short months and are pretending that it isn't effecting you, then maybe you will seek refuge in this book.

The Art of the Moment by Veronique Vienne with photographs by Ann Rhoney

Ana + Kevin - Engagement on the Delta

2011-09-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

Someone to ride on the back of the bike with...have picnics and dance around in amazing light with... Someone that makes you want to dress up... and then dress down. Kevin you found your girl. Ana lives with a lightness that is the envy of many. She knows how to laugh with her heart and compliment with her eyes and the day I photographed her and Kevin, I just might have learned a thing or two about happiness. Congratulations you two! May the wedding be everything you dreamed it would be.

xoxo,

Chantel

My So-Called Fashion

2011-09-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

My Dad hated it. I would sneak into his room and open his drawer so slowly and stealth like while he was sleeping and then nab them quickly. They didn't fit at all...none of it did really, and how could my Dad's clothes fit a 14 year old? He didn't know it, but his wardrobe was so much cooler then mine. It was the 90's and while Angela from "My so-called life" had a different flannel for every day of the week, I did not. But my Dad did, and so I stole them and his socks. Because wearing socks with the heel on your calf was cool at some point...or maybe it wasn't...but I still did it.

I have never been that fashionable. Greg can attest to my random fits while frantically searching for something to wear for 2 hours only to put on jeans and a black shirt and flats with pride, like I just discovered something perfect and worth the fit (I blame my Mom because that is her signature outfit too). Even in the 90's I had a hard time and fashion then was homeless now.

Sometimes I forget I was a tom boy, and then someone is there to remind you. These popped up on Facebook from an old friend and what made me cringe at some point in my angsty life makes me smile now, because my Dad dressed cooler then I did, which is why he never had clean socks.

This is my "My socks aren't comfortable on my feet" face while walking.

I wanted that "Coke is it!" t-shirt with every ounce of my being at that point in my life. Kevin was clearly the best dressed here.

Andy + Andrea - Yuba Sutter Engagement Session

2011-07-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

I am a California girl, but I will snag any opportunity I can to make sure you know I wasn't born here. I was born in the Midwest. Despite the chiggers and humidity and lack of being in close proximity to any ocean, in my head I have somehow managed to romanticize my birth place. I think people in the Midwest fall in love to fireflies lighting up hot summer nights with the sweet smell of newly harvested wheat dancing in the breeze. I am pretty convinced that if Greg and I lived in the Midwest that is exactly how it would have played out....But I live in Northern California and although we don't have lightening bugs and wheat fields, we do have farms where romance blossoms just the same, only instead of newly harvested wheat it is the sweet smell of central valley fruit trees that catch the breeze.

Meet Andrea and Andy. When they mentioned Andrea's parents had a ranch I was immediately excited to shoot their engagement photos there. Nothing is more romantic then orchards,old barns, cowgirl boots and the one you love....

Andy she is all yours...

Andrea you get my vote for the most expressive eyes ever...

This car is the same car that Andrea's parent's drove away in on their wedding day

My Favorite from the day...

Andy & Andrea! I am so excited for your wedding, you two are truly gorgeous together!

xoxo,

Chantel

Alicia + Matthew - Sacramento Engagement

2011-07-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

When Alicia and I chatted on the phone about what kind of engagement photos she and her fiance Matthew wanted, I thought of this area that Greg and I take Boss and Abbey on Tuesdays. It is a stones throw from the studio and has lots of dry grassy areas and pops of wild flowers. It is some what of a local treasure that is off the beaten path a bit, and during the week it is quiet and deserted. I have been aching to use the location for the perfect couple...

You two are gorgeous and best wishes on your wedding day!

xoxo,
Chantel

Beer Tasting and a Birthday Party of two

2011-05-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

He told me the week of. I had been hassling him about a birthday celebration for two months (mostly to make myself feel better since I booked a wedding on his actual birthday) and he tells me the week of, that he wants to tour the Anchor Steam Brewery. Good news: He picked something! Bad news: they book 6 months out for tours. Good News: My sexy phone voice worked when I called and begged for a birthday party of two, to be squeezed in to the Tuesday 1pm tour. Score!
It was overcast and gloomy, but that is how we travel. Some people are sunny, sandy beaches people and we are overcast, drizzle people. Some people go on dates on Friday nights, we go on Tuesday day dates. I could say that it works for our schedule, but I tend to believe that when the clouds come out during the week, we get the world to ourselves. We headed to the Anchor Steam Factory for our tour then found a lovely little Thai place that was open just for us. After we ate Greg suggested we check out the Sutro Bathes. I had never been and wanted to cross that off my 30 before 30 list, preferably before the rapture. Even though it was his birthday, some how my darling always ends up spoiling me. Hope you had a lovely birthday honey! Next year - No Weddings on your 30th and that is a promise!

Love,
Chantel

Things that go in beer that look pretty in the light...

Greg and I at the Anchor Steam Factory doing a tasting! - They have pretty hefty tastings too might I add. I am partial the the Breckle Brown

A fabulous little thai place that we spoiled ourselves at.

Greg looking all daper

Old Sacramento Engagement: Chelsey & Nate

2011-05-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

This is Chelsey and Nate. They are in love so completely. They have all the symptoms...unexpected laughter that makes their heads snap back, stolen looks and pet names. They are some of the most passionate people Greg and I have ever met.

Greg and I discovered that Nate and Chelsey lived in our neighborhood right after we bought our house. We bumped in to them at one of our favorite pubs and realized we knew so many of the same people. Once the connection was made that our houses were a stone's throw from each other, our friendship just fell in to place, and so began the dinner parties and double dates. They have since bought a new home in West Sacramento but they will forever be our neighbors.

Chelsey and Nate, Greg and I are so excited for your wedding day! We are excited to share in all the festivities and look forward to all the awesome years to come. We love your friendship and consider ourselves lucky to know you both. These are some of the photos that remind me of your passion and patience for each other. I hope you enjoy them. You two are beautiful together.

Love,

Chantel

Downtown Sacramento Wedding : Liz & Jaime

2011-05-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

Greg and I like to party, we are those kind of animals. The party kind. We like to dance and shout songs into the night with libations and good friends. So I am always excited when I get to photograph a wedding that is full of those kind of people. We started at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament as Liz was getting out of the limo to walk down the isle. Normally we start somewhere and take getting ready photos and lots of before photos with families but there are no rules with weddings, and that is part of the reason I love them. The limo door opened to Brittney Spears "Dance till the world ends" (side note: Brittney's best hit EVA) and out poured all of Liz's closest lady friends, pumping their fists in support. A most epic start to the day...a few touch ups on the make up, and we were off to the isle, where Jaime waited patiently.

Here are a few from the day. Gracias Jaime y Liz! Enhorabuena!...Look who is working on her Spanish!?...That's right Senorita Chantel!

Magical Bunnies, Bliss and a Video

2011-04-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

There must have been magic bunnies running around this Easter, they were handing out much more then eggs and candy, although I got my share of that too. The weather was fabulous and my quiche (I made 4) came out...yes all of them... on my first try. I must confess I had help from Greg but still they came out just the same. It was good times with family, and after everyone went home with their bellies stuffed with brunch, Alana, Greg, Boss and Abbey and I lounged around the new patio room. We had a little family pow-wow and as the wind blew in the new sun room I was completely grateful of every single solitary thing in my life. My school debt didn't even bother me. I hate the idea of forgetting those moments so I grabbed my camera in hopes that when I skim this blog on a later date, I will remember how I felt right then.

My mood was bliss, and then, as if things couldn't get any better, Wes Davis made it known that he had finished a little video from our wedding to promote Beatnik Studios. I need not say any more, except for thank you to Wes. You made me so very happy on an already lovely day. Oh and to watch his talents before your own eyes click here, I might be biased but he filmed such an awesome event!

Chantel

Lavender from the yard , wine and Alana computing...

I have no idea why but I love this photo of Boss..it doesn't even really look like him...

Dear sweet Abbey you are such a little troll...

Bossie being adorable in the lawn

Day Dates & Daffodils

2011-04-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

I wanted to have a day date. So bad in fact, that I was prepared to throw a fit complete with feet stamping and exasperated huffs until I got my way. Lucky for me I didn't have to go through all that much effort, because Greg needed one too. We both needed to get out of town and day dream a bit.

Destination Daffodil Hill was established. We drove along Hwy 16 and listened to all our favorites on the ipod, stopping only at a fruit stand for a much needed grapefruit and Cajun cashews. I am obsessed with the ruby red grapefruits and Greg with anything spicy, so we were in snacking heaven. This time of year is my favorite, but then I think I say that about the beginning of every season. Everything was in technicolor on Friday...it was gorgeous, a perfect day for letting fluffy thoughts cloud your mind.

We decided to park our car on a little street in Sutter Creek before we headed up the hill. We walked around, hand in hand, tasting wine, sampling cheese and looking at things for our home that would never fit.
We found a saloon for sale and let our minds teleport to a life where we owned it. I ran a photography studio out of the back and Greg was the Sam Malone of Sutter Creek.

Greg took the camera from me throughout the day and I was reminded how much he loves photography too. We bought salami, a baguette and a couple of cheeses at a little cheese shop, so we hopped back in the car and headed to Daffodil Hill to eat our picnic among the flowers.

Hearing about some else's day date is never as much fun as having your own. I suggest grabbing your favorite person and heading for the hills...here are some photos to motivate you.

Greg took this photo of me...what can I say, he makes me smile!

I think I have almost convinced him that wine is delicious...almost. I need like 6 more months I think.

I wanted these tables and everything on and around them. It all wouldn't fit in the car though.

I loved this wall. It wouldn't fit in the car either.

The Destination: Daffodil Hill

Greg being all distinguished with his cheese and salami....and then not so much haha!

The cheese on the left was mustard and ale, and the other was English cranberry...delish!

I married him for those smile lines round his eyes.

It is getting longer! My hair that is.

The self portrait.

Carla & Ron: Private Residence Wedding/Mulvaney's Reception

2011-04-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday kick started our wedding season officially, and it was oh-so-lovely. Ron and Carla held their simple ceremony at their home in Natomas. Roger and I always love it when a couple decides to let us step in to their world. Most generally simple is sweetest, and that is exactly how this wedding turned out. It was endearing and quaint and after Carla and Ron's vowes I found myself stealing a quick text to Greg to tell him how much I loved him. Texting on the job you ask?! Well now I am still a newly...and besides, Roger was driving to the reception that was located at Mulvaney's B&L downtown. Here are a few from that day that I loved for one reason or another. This blog post easily could have been twice as long as it is in picture content but I had to stop somewhere.

Thanks Carla & Ron!
You two are so lovely and we wish you both the very best!
xoxo,
Chantel

Carla's bridesmaid & sister put her bouquet together that morning!

Carla you are so stunning...

These were the other photographers at the wedding :) Adorable!

Kelly & Jason Sacramento Engagement Session

2011-04-04T20:57:00.000-07:00

We started at a book store on 21st Street called Time Tested Books. The name would prove to be quite perfect for these two. I won't get in to all the details of how these two ended up together or why the name (Time Tested) seemed so perfect, but I trust they will get where I am going with it. Kelly and Jason met, had other lives, and then met again. Like a perfect circular story that ends just as is should or begins right where you want it to... in a happy state, where boy meets girl, life happens and boy eventually ends up with girl. Their story is my favorite because I happen to be the main character of a story not too much unlike Kelly and Jason's.

Um Kelly this one is pretty much all you...lovin' on the light.

I love spring...

Jason and Kelly! I wanted to post some that I thought were lovely to curb your curiosity :) We are so excited for the wedding and can't wait to see you all fancy on the big day! Happy Planning...

~Chantel

Angel & Shaun - Engagement Session in Forrest Hill

2011-03-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

I have never considered myself a "mountain person." I have always liked the outdoors but I have never considered myself one of those people who loves being surrounded by all things wilderness. Don't get me wrong... I like camping with friends once during the summer, and the occasional hike, but I am always aware of how much work it really is to "rough it", and so, I often just appreciate the mountains from a distance... like on the news and photo post cards. I do, however, consider myself to be one of those people who can easily be inspired by the fabulous lifestyles of others, and I think that may have happened during this engagement session. Angel and Shaun reside in Forrest Hill, and their home is gorgeous. I found myself wanting to immediately sell my house and high tail it up the hill to find some green property with romantic drifts of snow everywhere. I am not sure if was the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains or the sun that broke through the clouds periodically and shined down on these two, but I have been day dreaming about returning to a mountainous place with my Greg ever since. Angel and Shaun, you two are infectious "mountain people" that I just can't get enough of...

We started at the couples gorgeous house...

Angel just so it is all on the table...I pretty much want your hair.

Something about Shaun kickin' around at some rocks all shy like that I just love...

I loved this so much I put it in our window at the studio

The day was complete with rock skipping...

They are probably talking about me and my trash bag covered boot in the water...what can I say?! I am dedicated!

Can't wait for the wedding day guys!

xoxo,

Chantel

Liz & Jaime - Old Sacramento Engagement Session

2011-02-24T18:15:00.000-08:00

I love to hear how it all unfolded, especially when she had no idea it was coming. Surprises are the very best, and when a couple starts telling their engagement story there is always a moment when a giant smile stretches across their faces. It is usually when they get to the part of total surprise.

Last Saturday, Liz and Jaime walked down to the river during their engagement session to show us exactly where Jaime surprised Liz. They told us their story of how they had gone clubbing with friends the night before and the next day Jaime wanted to take a walk to Old Sacramento. An unsuspecting Liz agreed as long as she could get ice cream. While they were sitting on a bench near the water, Liz was prattling along about how delicious her ice cream was.... this is the part of the story where Liz started smiling brightly. The part where Jaime gets down on one knee and Liz is totally and completely surprised but his question.

Congrats you two! There are few things in life that are more blissful than happy surprises and ice cream. We are so excited to photograph your big day!

Dang Jaime gettin' all McSteamy in no time...

This is where it all began

I am going to pretend Liz is laughing at my humor...instead of Jaime's

You would never know they were two inches from falling into the river.

Just so you all know I would risk a verbal reprimand from a sheriff and muddy boots for pretty light and ratty beams

These two love Starbucks possibly more then my Greg.

Girls on the Grid most eligible bachelor - Sacramento events

2011-02-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

I was never one of those people when I was younger who participated a whole lot. I never waved my hand wildly to be chosen at pep rallies and, other then playing my trumpet for the games (yep I was super cool), I never cared about attending the football games in high school. I considered myself independently social. I really didn't care about school spirit or the benefits of participating for the greater good of my environment. So adult Chantel always surprises me a little...

I am not sure if it is being a homeowner, a business partner, or if being married somehow altered my perception of everything... or if maturity in general is to be blamed. But I care now and I participate...ALOT. I also find myself trying to convince others that participation is the key to the success of our little community. Luckily, I have found lots of other women who feel the same way about our community. Girls on the Grid is more then a lifestyle blog for women. It is a little hub of energetic, bright young things that have respect and appreciation for all things in their community. This group of ladies takes our mini-city that has been regarded by many non locals as "miserable" and proves it wrong.

Last night was the 2nd annual Most Eligible Bachelor contest at Lounge on 20, and I participated as the photographer, again. This contest is fun but there is a hidden meaning behind the fun of many a singles gathering together with the placement of a "crown"... it brings community together. It is a non-serious mixer of professionals having a fun time. It was a blast and as always I considered myself lucky to be surrounded by the young professionals in Sacramento, and I can't wait to see how our little city blossoms over the next 10 years.

Below are some from the evening...

Girls on the Grid official cocktail - $1 went to support WEAVE!

A much larger crowd than last year!

Brad Cecchi - a really good friend and one of the top eligible bachelors. He didn't win but by the looks on the ladies faces maybe he should have?!

The winner! Eric Dietzis the most eligable guy in Sacramento ladies...don't all fight at once now! Rumor has it he likes babies.

Becky Warren the official chief editor for GOTG - being adorable while ordering a cocktail

Jamie Ramos (middle) organized the event. Kudos Jaime you did a fabulous job!

Raymond - Sacramento Senior Portrait Session

2011-02-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

Meet Raymond. I have never photographed anyone that was such a master at "smeyez" (smiling with eyes). Seriously. Tyra would be proud. I am a huge fan of serious expression, but if you don't know what you are doing you can just look mean or uncomfortable in photos. Raymond nailed it, but while he was lookin' all GQ I promised him I would get him laughing, and you know I totally did...

I warned him that I was funny....

Raymond loved his shoes and I can respect that as a fellow shoe junky.

Raymond you are too cool for school. Really. Once you leave high school the whole world is going to open up for you, good luck in all that you do.

~Chantel

Laura Braden: Anytime Downtown Sacramento

2011-01-31T15:13:00.000-08:00

I met her in a hot tub with mutual friends. She was wearing a bikini and pearl earrings. That was one of the many things I would learn from her, that you can wear pearls with anything. Sweat pants, big sweaters, cocktail dresses...and bikinis. I should have known someone that can pull off pearls in a hot tub would be one of the most amazing people I'd meet in my adult life.

I have no idea how we transformed into friends. All I know is that if there was a Saturday afternoon pub crawl or a birthday or graduation that needed to be celebrated, she'd need to be there. She is on the mandatory invite list.

I have met few people that blow my hair back. Most everyone dances to a different drum but there are those people that are infectious with their zest for life. That is Laura. She dives head first into everything... books, politics, music, people, food....drink. Her appreciation for culture and humanity is inspiring and I consider her to be one of the most influential people that I have had the pleasure of meeting. When she left she gave Sacramento a little more confidence and potential as a little city then when she'd found it.

I think I have mentioned before that I am a regular contributor for a site called Girls on the Grid. Girls on the Grid was Laura's baby. And before she left I wanted to photograph her around Sacramento, and especially at the Capitol, because that was what landed her here in the first place. Of course she wore pearl earrings. Below are some photos from her and Betty White's quick session...

Megan and I can't wait to visit you in Tennessee Laura!

You are so California and Betty is so a comedian.

My favorite

Food and Friends list - Sacramento Caterer: Crisp Catering

2011-01-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

I searched everywhere for a caterer for my wedding. EVERYWHERE. The only thing harder then finding a caterer was finalizing my guest list. Those were the sources of most of my stress. I really wanted delicious and fun food (that was reasonably priced) and every person I loved, to be there to eat that delicious food. The food and friends list, who knew it would be so hard?!

My friend Angie works for the California Restaurant Association and gave me a list of people to call when I was at my wits end. I won't get in to all the caterers that wouldn't call me back and were mind boggling expensive, that wouldn't include glassware in that mind boggling price, prior to Angie's list.

Joe of Crisp Catering, was at the top of the referral list. We called him, we booked an appointment and when he convinced my Dad that chorizo stuffed, bacon wrapped, dates were delicious... and that it was possible to have a Thai noodle station and a slider station at my wedding at the same time, we knew he was our guy. What I didn't know was that 4 months after my wedding I would still be talking to Joe regularly. Joe had managed to creep on to the "delicious food" list, as well as the "friends" list at my wedding.

My food was amazing. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. He even sent out street tacos in the middle of the night for my boozy guests as a surprise gift to us.

Aside from making this a post all about Joe and his fantastic team or about my wedding, I also wanted to post some stuff I have been working on for him. Although it is a work in progress it is near complete...Ta-Da!!

Thanks Joe for everything, and good luck at your bridal faire this weekend!

A caterer with a portfolio - pretty sweet!

Yah I made our caterer take a photo with us...so what?!

Asian inspired appetizers...My favorite!

The album is compiled of photos from a few catered jobs I have photographed over the last few months with empty pages in the back to add future photos too. The album starts of course with a photo of Joe and the executive chef Jarrad.

30 Before 30 List

2011-01-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

Here it is! I put together a list of things I hope to do before my 30th birthday this year. It was harder then I thought because I wanted it to be realistic. Obviously go to Spain and dance to techno in Ibiza and run with bulls is on the bucket list, however not this year. I took into consideration that finances are what they are and work schedules can get kind of crazy so here it is...all of them are things I have never done! Some of them are just sad...like #26 and #29.

30 before 30 list

Attend a Monster Truck Show and come back with wearable memorabilia.
Run a half marathon - Action Plan

Run 5k
Run 10k
Finish up with a half marathon

Give Blood – for real this time without fainting.
Decide if children are “for us” eventually.
Be an extra in a movie or T.V. show.
Watch all of the Indiana Jones movies in a 24 hour period…shhhh don’t tell I haven’t seen them all…or any of them completely through.
Go to Yosemite
Ride a mechanical bull and get a picture to prove it.
Get my motorcycle license
Volunteer for an organization (and being a pro bono photographer doesn’t count).
Start my garden from seed this year instead of buying seedlings at the last minute from Home Depot.
Establish a retirement plan (bor-ring)
Learn how to dance – like ballroom or salsa so that I could use this skill possibly in being a movie extra (see #5)
Attend a live Hockey game and try to get close enough to see blood on the glass.
Make my Grandma Smith’s secret fudge recipe with my mom…perfectly.
Master the wink.
Go Kayaking hopefully with Greg …who hates the river.
Let my hair grow long enough to be considered “vixen hair” despite ALL of my urges to cut it back to my signature bob.
Learn all of the words to “It’s the end of the world as we know it” by R.E.M. so I can sing along with Greg (who already knows them) and so I can sing it loudly in 2012 at Steve and Angie’s End of the World/10 yr. Anniversary Party!
Learn how to change a bike tire - like the tube part when I get a flat (this doesn’t seem that hard)
Officially begin my personal portrait project of everyone I know…so get ready.
Bring back letters- Send one a month to someone for no reason - (a letter not a card).
Paint my bedroom (this is harder then it sounds - color?!)
Try Bikram Yoga (sounds intense)
Actually watch the Super Bowl and try to understand most of the rules of football.
Try risotto and see what the hype is all about and then learn how to make it (yup never eaten it).
Go to the San Francisco Sutra Baths…with my camera.
Learn how to wear lingerie like a super model not like Liz Lemon - this is for you Greg!
Get a facial.
Become a "bed maker" in the morning - simply because I love getting in a nicely made bed at night

Bonus:
* Visit Johnny in San Diego and then go to a seedy part of Mexico for the first time.
* Really plan/budget a vacation with Alana involving a cruise ship somewhere for 2012
* Really learn about wine because right now I know I like red and I know I like to drink it.
* Maintain my new healthy eating lifestyle and exercise habits, without letting it go by the wayside!

No, No...Thank You

2011-01-22T10:48:00.000-08:00

I can't thank you all enough. You know who you are. The lovelies out there that refer me... The people that believe in me and tell all their friends...The friends that let me do what I love. I am spoiled and you all humble me so. As if referrals aren't enough, you thank me...You take time out of your busy life to drop a card in the mail. YOU thank me, and although I love few things in life more then pretty stuff in the mail... somehow this seems backwards. So, I am thanking you back. Because of all of you, I have 14 gorgeous weddings to look forward to in 2011 and it is just barely booking season! You all make me blush an abnormal color of pink.

Love,
Chantel

The Ocko Family - Sacramento Family Portraits

2011-01-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

I am always amazed by the power of connections and networks. Don't worry I am not going to get all marketing weird and babble on and on about "networking" or "netmaking" or whatever coined terms are part of the vocab of a serious marketing speaker. I am just sayin' I am amazed by how many people find their way into my life and mine in to theirs based solely on connections.

I met Viviane and her ridiculously cute family last year, through my hairstylist extraordinaire/friend, Tania Voochen. Viviane is Tania's sister. I had a blast photographing them last year at William Land Park so this year I wanted to up the ante a little.

I usually scout new locations when I am walking my dogs. This place near my house seemed perfect for a wintry shoot! I have been wanting to post these and found the time this morning. Thanks you two for fitting me in to your Holiday season!

Love,

Chantel

The official family photo. The dogs were cool with getting official but lil' Jayce...not so much.

Somtimes I wish I could wake up and be a rambunctious little boy for a day.

This one was my favorite from the day. It was like I wasn't even there on their family adventure in the fog.

Viviane you make me want to cut all my hair off...Hmm, I do have an appointment with your lovely sister on Wednesday!

Last year of my 20's

2011-01-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

This year I said I didn't want to do any big thing for my birthday, because it was just 29. Plain ol' 29. My lovely friend Jenni said we had to do something. She said she would make me a cheesecake and a couple friends could come over and eat it with me... and maybe dance if my living room if things got rowdy.

I like plain cheese cake. Understatement, I LOVE plain cheesecake. Toppings are a distraction from the creamy goodness of perfection. Jenni was disappointed until she came up with the idea of a cheesecake bar. Jenni showed up with two cheesecakes and Lisa showed up with one. Alana brought the toppings and everyone brought a variety of wine. At some point in the night Lisa took the camera from me and got some awesome photos. I am spoiled and have the very best friends in the world. They spoil me rotten and I adore every one of them!

Delish!

I received wine and this ornament from Amy and Camile. Obviously this ornament was made from Bossie's likeness.

Lisa took these photos of my mom and I. I love them!

My ladies spoil me so.

Lisa and Chelsey.

Chelsey and Nate. This caption should read "fun with cheesecake!".

Camille and Amy!

Some of my favorite faces on the planet. And universe.

Angie and I.

Thanks for making my birthday sweet and making sure I celebrated 29 in no sort of plan ole' fashion!

~Chantel

Devon, Gusteau and Ruby - Sacramento Calif.

2011-01-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

Smashed in faces are my favorite. I love all dogs, it's just the ones that make me squeal and point and make Greg "looky,looky!!" out the window while driving, (trying to avoid a car accident) are the ones with smashed faces. I had the pleasure of photographing Devon and her two ADORABLE frenchies. She loves them as much as I love my Boss and Abbey. Smashed face dog fans are a little extra crazy pet owners I think. We are our own breed.

Devon asked me to come to her home and photograph these little rascals for a Holiday card and as a surprise for her husband. Meet Ruby on the left and Gusteau on the right...

Devon had the most amazing cream colored bubble skirt...

Devon you have an absolutely gorgeous smile and I am not just saying that because I want to steal your dogs and your bubble skirt.

We thought a walk might do them some good

The official Holiday card!

Ruby decided it was time for a wardrobe change...

While Gusteau waited patiently.

I spy two very envious puppies in the window.

Thanks Devon for thinking of me for this project! I had so much fun and am so glad to have met you and your little critters!

Chantel

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

It really felt like it this year. It felt like Christmas and New Years and all things Holiday-ish. While last year we celebrated abroad and rang in the New Year in Dublin, this year we celebrated with friends, family and traditions. It was exactly what we needed to do to appreciate all of the magical things that happened for Greg and I this year. Short of caroling I did just about everything that makes up the Holiday Season. We even had our photo taken with Santa although he looks less then pleased. You would never know that Greg had to be talked in to this. Happy New Year to all, and may each year just get better!

Amanda & AB - Dixon Engagement Session

2010-12-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

Amanda loves football...no like LOOOOVVES football. AB knows this, which is why he knew it would be perfect to fly to Texas and purpose at a Dallas Cowboys game (Amanda's die hard favorite team). I know, I know, it seems like a role reversal. But it isn't. You can imagine my surprise before hearing all of this, when Amanda said she wanted to take her engagement photos at an abandoned high school football stadium in Dixon near their home. I am game for just about anything and if the location represents the couple then I am usually head over heels at the idea of someplace different.

Below are some of my favorites...

We started in a dugout nearby and waited for evening light on the field

Sometimes you have to say something that will win them over...or be a complete idiot either way I love laughter.

Amanda : "Pretty please can we go to a Cowboys game, Texas isn't THAT far!"

Oh my gosh Amanda you are so lovely!

I found my dirty puddle reflection

I took a gamble on shooting in bright, bright sun, and well... I liked it! As Roger says if you don't try anything different you won't get anything different

I loved the orchards in Dixon, so we took a walk.

I have never met a couple that makes walking look so good. ever.

You guys are gorgeous!

Amanda and AB, I am so excited for your wedding! I had a blast with you both at your engagement session and I am really looking forward to seeing you both all glammed up in your wedding clothes, you two are going to be dazzling!

Chantel

Katie & Ryley Engagment - Oakland Galifornia

2010-11-29T21:25:00.000-08:00

Oakland has never been on my radar in the bay area. I am not a Raiders fan or a football fan for that matter and Greg has always said we root for the Giants not the A's. Other than the photography camp that I attended a few years back on the outskirts of the city, I had never really been there. When I was asked to take engagement photos in Grand Lake, I had no idea what to expect. I crossed my fingers and decided to shoot into the unknown in hopes of finding something the couple would love.

I arrived a week ago Sunday to photograph Katie and Ryley around their neighborhood. Holy Hell I loved the Grand Lake area of Oakland! It had all the vibe of San Francisco but wider streets and a more quaint feel. Adorable. Just like Katie and Riley. Here are some from the day...

The light outside their apartment door was spectacular...so we warmed up there for a minute.

This tree was seriously waiting for me, it was meant for a photo shoot, or climbing, or lounging near...I heart this tree.

Katie you are so mysterious...

The one to the right is one of my most favorites.

I think at least twice a week I wish I was a red head.

A sassy little stoop that needed some love.

I have a thing for reflections right now, it is my goal to find a lovely one at each session. Puddles are my current favorite. The storm the night before left this little gift on the rooftop of their friends apartment building. Score!

Thanks guys! Enjoy every minute of you're wedding planning process. Make it yours and you will have the time of your life!

Chantel

Alana turns 30! - Downtown Sacramento

2010-11-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

We don't know them but they know us. At least I think they do, because it seems pretty impossible not to notice three chicks running up and down the street at spontaneous times of day or night wearing anything from pajamas to party clothes. Our neighbors probably have nicknamed us, I can image mine is the "Ungraceful runner" because even as I approach 29 I shoot out of my house whenever I have something exciting to share with the girls... and run. Yes run, my awkward flailing run.... four houses down to Alana's. I am sure it is ridiculous to watch because it was when I was seven.

Alana, Laura and I are neighbors, but more importantly friends. We pretty much rule Hooke Way in Hollywood Park. Back and forth we tote baked goods, sometimes borrowed clothes, and always wine. Alana's house is smack in the middle of Laura's and mine, so lots of Friday evenings have been spent there gushing about all our latest celebrations and disappointments. The three of us could easily be the inspiration for the next television series on friendship.

Last Friday we decided to venture out of our neighborhood and head downtown to start celebrating Alana's 30th. We took the day off because that is what sophisticated and mature women do...they take the day off of work to drink cocktails at happy hour on their birthday's.

I have known Alana since I was 15 roughly. We both had old cars and boy clothes in high school and while were weren't that close then, I can't be grateful enough for our friendship now. It was important to me to document her 30th, being flirty and looking forward to the next 15 years.

Alana loves to dance almost as much as she likes cats

Alana, have I ever told you that I long to wear glasses and envy that you can with such style?! Now we have a new issue to talk about over wine :)

First Stop the Shady Lady!

We opted for Jameson and the giant peach,,,hello delish!


Loved the rain...

Robyn and Phil- Hawaii in the Foot Hills Wedding

2010-11-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

I love quirky, loud and hilarious people. I love dry scenes of humor that push the boundaries of being inappropriate. I adore the silly and the boisterous. Basically...I love Robyn and Phil.

Phil is from Hawaii and Robyn is a California girl, so it seemed perfect to have a Hawaiian themed wedding with yellow and fuchsia accents decorating the private residence of a family friend in the foot hills of Sacramento. Every aspect of this wedding was a demonstration of the couple, and their love for each other and their family.

I got swamped this wedding season and wasn't able to post as much as I wanted to, so in celebration of their upcoming two month anniversary I thought I would post a few photos to share with everyone. Thank you Robyn and Phil for including me in your big day and for insisting I sip on "skip and go naked" drinks during your reception. You two are destined for happiness everywhere you go.

Chantel

Love this!

The Bridal Posse

Possible one of the sweetest Father Dances ever...

Engagement Session on the Delta

2010-11-12T15:31:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon a fabulous tractor on the Delta when my sister graduated high school a few years back and I did her graduation pictures. When this couple mentioned they were interested in tall grasses and a rugged feel for their shoot, I immediately thought of this fantastic barn off the Delta. While we headed in that direction we passed the rusted out and overgrown tractor. I had completely forgotten about it. It was fabulous when I stumbled upon it with my sister the first time, and it was even better when I rediscovered it a couple of weeks ago for this engagement session. All these gnarly and prickly thorns had started to grow up, in and around it. This session makes me think of good ol' boys and country love.

Can't you just imagine this in a small town newspaper announcing an engagement?! Pearls and all!

Not your typical background with a fence and all but I love the small town feel... it reminds me of Wheatland or Sutter or someplace rural...

I love Erika's bright blue eyes. L-O-V-E 'em!

Samantha & David: Capital Plaza Ballroom Wedding

2010-10-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

I loved this wedding. I love this couple. I feel like Samantha and David could easily have been friends of Greg and I for years. These two make me smile and skip and smile while skipping. They are darling and sweet, and head over heels for each other. They are the reason I love my job.

Some of my fav's...
xoxox,
~Chantel

Mike & Rachel: East Portal Park Wedding

2010-10-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

I wanted to grab the mic at the reception and say all sorts of lovely things and congratulate them for finding each other, but I didn't. It just wouldn't have been graceful while juggling a camera. Thankfully I have my own blog platform to say whatever my heart desires. I should let you all know that I have a thing for the microphone. I hate it, but you would never know it. Whenever one is near there is some sort of natural gravitational pull and I have this overwhelming urge to grab it and say a few words. I am usually sweating and having my "body blush" and as I speak I have this sort of out of body experience where I watch myself say something. Once all over, I have the same feeling that 4 glasses of wine gives, me minus the headache the next morning. I am slightly addicted to public speaking in a I totally hate it sort of way. At Mike and Rachel's wedding I resisted. Instead Greg said something just perfect to the couple we have known for years. I did what I try to do best, I clicked away and tried to capture the couple in all their romance, laughter and charm.

Words are escaping me for how happy I am for these two, maybe because I don't have a crowd and a microphone...

All I really want to say is that my heart is jumping with excitement for all the people in my life right now. Rachel and Mike you guys are amazing together. Rachel you give Mike's wit and charisma purpose in this world. You are the one he is suppose to make smile from ear to ear,and Mike you found her...the girl that will rival you in the kitchen, challenge your tall tales and share your interest when it comes to your bicylce obsession.

Love,

Chantel

My Wedding

2010-09-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

I didn't blog about it. I couldn't really, until I could reflect a bit. It is just now that I am really able to sit back and realize that I got married and now have a husband. That is such an "un-me" thing to do. It wasn't in my deck of cards to meet someone, plan a giant wedding, have it, and then have a husband. That just wasn't the way I saw my life going. To be really frank I thought the whole thing was stupid - Marriage that is. I saw myself living happily with someone possibly for a lifetime, and never really involving paperwork and government and all that. I could be a photographer to the stars in between being a photo-journalist in a war torn country and then come home to my fantastic "life boyfriend" and be quite happily unmarried. That is what my life was going to be like. Work first and love second. Because all my own dramatic issues indicated that work was so much more predictable then love and even though I loathed the idea of predictability and work, it was some how much better then marriage. Marriage = bad. Yup I had issues.
So naturally someone with that perspective becomes a wedding photographer right?! Hmmm...

Weekend after weekend I would come home on Saturday nights after photographing people and their families having ceremonial, marital bliss but my perspective stayed the same. Marriage was not for me. I even dated people previous to Greg that shared the same perspective. Marriage was for saps and for years I was the president of that club. Then I fell, for a die hard, true blue, romantic.

A hot air balloon ride in Napa Valley and a large sign sprawling on the ground below, with one short question, accompanied by my Grandmother's vintage ring in Greg's nervous hand, changed everything. Like I said, he is a romantic and I ...I am the lucky one I guess, because each of his attempts at romance is better then the last. I am the clueless dude in the relationship.

Greg wanted a big wedding initially with a fantastic party. I thought eloping would be better. We thought Europe and then Tahoe and then my parent's back yard and before you knew it a whole year had gone by and we hadn't decided a thing. Nothing felt right. It all felt like someone else's wedding, someone that I had either photographed or had seen on a blog. If we were going to do it then it had to be ours. But wait...I was never going to get married.

Our wedding was over Labor Day weekend this year. September 5th to be exact. We held both the ceremony and reception at Beatnik Photography Studios off Broadway and 17th. My dad walked me down the isle in to a room of all of the most awesome faces on the planet and at the front was Greg. The backdrop of our ceremony was giant photographs of all of the most romantic places we went together on our trip to Europe. I get chills if I close my eyes and visualizes everything all over again. I started crying the second I saw him...and through my vows...and first dance...and speech...and father daughter dance and the next day I cried even in the elevator leaving our hotel. This un-romantic "never gonna get married" girl cried tears of joy the whole time. Who knew?! Greg did. He knew this wedding photographer loved parties and celebration, family and friends, flowers and photos and delicious desserts and food...in a nutshell weddings.

Everything didn't go perfectly. Weddings aren't perfect. Marriage isn't perfect and I certainly am not perfect but if I did it all over again I wouldn't change a thing. Not one. It was amazing and a total rush and I loved every minute of the event that I never wanted to have.

I was never going to get married and Greg knew I would. He knew that I am indecisive and I usually change my mind several times even though I already know exactly what I want. He knows I throw fits and am stubborn. He knows I am scared of famous people and wouldn't last a minute in a war torn country. He also knows that for never wanting to get married I spend an awful lot of time at weddings. He knows me better then I know me and he lets me self discover without telling me I am wrong. That is why I love him and that is why I married him. And that is how I ended up with a husband.

Below is my favorite from the day that capture everything perfectly. I posted tons on my Facebook and Roger wrote a lovely blog with his take on the day....because naturally he was my photographer.

All the Single ladies - Sacramento Pub Crawl Bachelorette Party

2010-08-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

My girls. They planned a bachelorette party for me a few weeks back. It was perfect. I didn't want a Napa extravaganza spa retreat or a orange tinted stripper on a Vegas excursion. I wanted an evening with the ladies that have seen me at my very best and my very worst. That is exactly what they gave me. My bachelorette party wasn't so much about getting married to a fantastic guy and having one last hoorah, It was about gathering all the girls that have known me at different stages of my life on one night, and reminding me how lucky I am to have them. It was about having my own personal Sex and the City movie moment.

Alana, (the adorable black haired lady on the far right beaming with excitement) insisted that I schedule a make-up session at Benefit and then booked a hotel room at the Sheraton Grand for the night for us. Jenni (the super tall bombshell with the zebra shirt) got together with Alana and planned a pub-crawl all over mid-town. At each bar a few more girls would join the party and eventually we ended up at the press club dancing the night away.

This is the crew that started out at the Sheraton. Ladies I love you so...

Pianos and cocktails and ...yes I was asked to get off the piano...

Hitting the town and taking pictures

My sister made it...isn't she adorable?!

My neighbors and newest friends!!

Thank you ladies for a fantastic evening, with you in my life I am a little more sane. I love you all!

P.S. Roger you rock for showing up and taking a few shots early in the night!

Love,
Chantel

Dead Scott at the Refuge Downtown Sacramento

2010-08-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

I played the trumpet. I also went to band camp. Twice. There, now you know what a band geek I was. During my trumpet playing, Band Camp going days, I also wore braces. It wasn't the coolest point in my life...or the prettiest for that matter. I rode the bus to school every day for a few years, and lugged my giant trumpet case around awkwardly. Awkward. That is the best word to describe it. I was completely and utterly awkward from the floor up, but I didn't really know it and if I did, I probably wouldn't have cared. At this particular point in my life I was probably my most comfortable me.

I was asked by a fantastic client, and now friend, to photograph her son's band. You can imagine how immediately I agreed, based purely on my own small band experiences. Dead Scott is a different kind of band than my high school nerd band. They are quite a bit cooler to start. I love how these jobs pull my head back in to forgotten corners of my life. Somehow I doubt these guys have ever been to band camp...

Boys being boys...

Life Update!

2010-08-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

Sigghhh* I am sitting down with a moments peace to blog. Let me life update a bit: We were featured on Groupon a few weeks back. I answered the phone one day to a bright cheery voice, with a Chic-aaago accent and immediately was intrigued with what Holly (the gal on the other end of the line) presented. For those of you that haven't checked out Groupon please do! It is a fantastic site with savings galore set up in a cool way that doesn't make you feel like you are a grandma clipping coupons. Being a lover of "new things" and because I am easily excited by all things marketing I decided to give it a whirl.

Our Groupon Special was publicized on a Friday and ran over the weekend. I thought maybe we would get 50 or 60 people to buy our special ...75 if we were really really lucky ducks. By the end of Friday we had 88 and then on Saturday around 150 I started to get scared...

On Sunday our special closed with 277 purchased specials. Holy Hell how are we going to manage this I thought?!?

Well we have been managing and juggling.... just fine! In fact, we have met such awesome and amazing people from our experience. Below is a client that I just adored. I love her lion-ess hair and her fantastic brown eyes. She purchased our Groupon Special for some head shots of herself. I wanted to share with the cyber world how adorable she is...

Meet Angela!

Loved her necklace

Angela your hair is so freakin' awesome envy is the first word that comes to mind!

Hair you go...hahah

2010-07-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Roger and I shot a wedding. The bride, Sonia had the very best head piece! It was second only to Carrie Bradshaw's blue bird head piece in the Sex and the City Movie- say what you will... I LOVED that giant bird she wore when she was going to marry Big.

Some years back we photographed a wedding and the bride had gigantic bee hive hair and I was so in awe the whole day. I love it when brides push the hair fashion envelope a bit.

Sonia (the bride) said she ordered her head piece from Mexico, so you guessed it I have been googling like made to see what I can find for my own "reception hair". Yes..I want different hair for my own reception. Gosh I turned so bridal I am almost embarrassed...almost.

Thought I would post a quick few before I head out of the studio to enjoy this fantastic Friday!
More to come on the Mayorga wedding next week.

xoxo,
Chantel

My Blogging Affair

2010-07-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

I love blogging. I love it so much that I thought I would start blogging for someone else - Yeah Chantel like you have time to do that - your thinking. Well it is a really part time/bi-monthly thing. I blog for Girls on the Grid (GOTG). I have mentioned it before but I never really shouted it from the roof tops or anything. It is something I do because I love it, and because it is my first step in replacing either Annie Leibowitz or Barbara Walters when they retire -either one really, I just like meeting rad people.

A couple of weeks ago I interviewed & photographed Misha Lindsey of Delaney Designs. I featured Misha as my Grid Girl this month. She inspired me to do more myself - do what more? everything more...myself. Misha is a DIY genius. She installed her own electrical wiring in her house and put in an entire kitchen and floored her bathroom. What have I been doing with all my time?!

Misha has a pink tool belt and THE best curly hair. She was so adorable and creative that the green eyed monster in me wanted to dislike her for a split second out of pure jealousy. The monster lost obviously because she is totally fun and super sweet. I wanted to post a link on here to the GOTG article, and also post photos here too... just because I love stepping into someone else's world and I wanted to share.

If you know someone to feature as a Grid Girl feel free to nominate them in the comment section or email me I need a subject for next month!

xoxo,

Chantel

Miss Rachel & Mike - Engagement Photos

2010-06-23T15:24:00.001-07:00

I love skate parks. I spent a good deal of time at one growing up in Yuba City. The sound of skateboard wheels hitting the pavement always makes me whip my head around as if I will know the rider. That sound always floods my brain with memories and teen nostalgia...it reminds me of youth, sticky hot days and ice cream trucks. It reminds me of summer...

You can imagine how game I was when Rachel said that she wanted to do engagement photos with Mike and some of them should take place at a skate park. LOVE it! Here are a few...

Mike needed a little convincing that this would be fun...

I love the cupcake belt buckle - very Rachel

Hitchin a ride...hahah!

One of my very favorites!

After a quick outfit change we headed to East Portal Park where Mike and Rachel will be getting married...

The bling and Miss Rachel doing her Thang...

I love love. I didn't always though, I wasn't sure if it was quite believable. It is impossible to not see it with these two...they are quirky and hilarious and they adore each other so simply....Sessions like this, and friends like these two make me love it. After I wrapped up the session and left their house I couldn't wait to go home and hang out with my own sweetness....

You two are infectious,

Thanks Mike and Rachel, Greg and I can't wait for your wedding day!

Love,

Chantel

The Hurley's - A Wedding on the Delta!

2010-06-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

I have been surrounded by all things wedding latley. My own of course is quickly approaching and I am somewhat of a mess about it, but also I have been attending them with camera in hand. The most awesome part about most of them is that many of them have been for some of my oldest friends. I have neglected blogging about them because chances are if I am sitting in front of a computer I am editing, uploading, album designing or let's be real...facebooking. Although hardley any of my time has even been spent on there. I have been scarce with my web world and I am sad about it. So while I am exporting images to send off to the lab for an album I thought I would post a wedding that is dear to my heart.

Meet the Hurley's.

I love them so. Seth knew me in my "party girl" days, when I loved to wear bright colors and dance in to the wee hours of the night. I am telling you my life is built up of a series of bad fashion trends and my techno phase is no exception. I met his Bride Jen a few years later (after my techno fascination) at a mutual friends wedding while the two were dating. Jen was super sweet and perfect for Seth, so it was no surprise that the two ended up dating for years. I was so excited when I got a call that they were engaged...I was even more excited when they booked me to be their photographer!

Because pictures do it better then my writing, here are a few that I loved from Seth and Jen's wedding!

Love this couple!

Boys being boys....

Thanks guys for sharing you day with me! LOVED it!

Catering - Rayna's Gourmet Catering
Venue - Wilson's Vineyard
Cake - Shelton's
Officiant - Starlen Weddings (Roger Morgan)
Flowers: The Bride's oh-so-talented Mom!

Just Dance - A Downtown Portrait Session

2010-05-26T17:32:00.001-07:00

Some sessions grab a hold of my heart and I just love them. Don't get me wrong I enjoy nearly all of my jobs but every now and then there is one that I just adore for one reason or another. This session is one of them.
I had been emailing back and forth with Jennevee for a couple of weeks or so before we scheduled her session. She decided she wanted something out and about downtown with her two adorable boys. She wanted something kind of modern with buildings, and alley's and not so much park and foliage. PERFECT! Jennevee wanted to start at Mulvaney's Retaurant because it held a special place in her heart, and then head out to find a mural to use as a background. It took a minute for her sons to warm up to me but once they realized that mentally I am like 12 everything fell in to place...My very favorites are the ones where they cut loose and started dancing and jumping around. As I type and listen to my pandora station it is accuring to me that life is just better in general when dancing. Below are some from the session that I have meant to post for the last week and a half. LOVE them....

Picked his mom a flower! What a sweet boy !

Dancing around...so adorable!

I totally love the downtown feel with the bikes in the back and everything...

Paparazzi for a living?!?...Naaa

2010-05-01T15:33:00.001-07:00

My friend Laura is one of the genius ladies behind Girls on the Grid. Girls on the Grid (GOTG) is a lifestyle blog in Sacramento that discusses everything from politics to the best night creams for ladies. There are several regular writers on it and a few months back she asked if I would guest blog when I had time. Of course I said I would and my guest blog has turned into a twice a month column on documenting women and what a day in their life is like. I love it so much...It fulfills the unaccomplished photojournalist in me. I am so serious when I say these guest blogs offer a way for me to get out in to the world and meet people that I never ever other wise would. It is really the perfect combination of photojournalism and environmental portraiture. I freaking LOVE it!

Last night Laura asked if I wanted to take some photos for the premiere of Touching Home a movie written by two local twins staring Ed Harris. I thought it would be lots of fun and why not give a shot at being a paparazzi?! Turns out I am the sort of person that kind tends to shy away from people in the spotlight. I just stood quietly by Laura and while she chatted with people I clicked away. Below are a few that I really like and I posted a link to all the others taken! Laura and I had a blast and if you aren't familiar with the Girls on the Grid site, check it out!

Click here for more photos from the event with free download

Laura being adorable

The VIP party had really cool lights

Ed Harris getting interviewed a few inches from my face on the red carpet

The twin writers and stars of the movie...

The night wouldn't be complete without Kevin Johnson

Questions and Answers after the premier

Somewhat of a Fairy Tale

2010-04-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

I fell in love on Saturday...again. I was wide open and completely aware of the glorious results that the object of my affection had on me. Let me back up and explain myself.
Once upon a time...long ago but not THAT long ago, when I began shooting weddings with Roger, he handed me a 35 mm camera with the "normal" or 50 mm lens - (I re-named all my lenses and should let you all know that I never call them by anything other than my own names for them - in this case Normal lens is the star). Roger told me I had to earn the use of flash and other lenses. Once mastered, I could "move on". SO I shot all weddings available light for years...I thought I was missing out on something. Of course he always got to use flash when ever he wanted,because he was the Master Splinter and I was the ninja turtle. Eventually I was able to get a flash and access to more lenses - I was so excited that I ditched my little Normal lens and put on the flash and "Important" lens. Important lens is the Betty Paige of lenses. She is curvy, and a real eye catcher and she looks pretty damned important. For much longer then I would like to admit I would grab Important lens over Normal, just because she was so darned important looking. As it turns out, I really kind of dislike the darn thing sometimes...she is bulky awkward and so un-dreamy. What is dreamy and o-so-romantic is my beloved little normal lens! The ending of this story is much like any other fairy tale, it ends with a lovely bride and in this story a flash-less camera with the Normal lens...below are the results of my relationship with Normal lens. I love her so.

The guest book

This couple was so smiley! Normally I am tempted to post tons of romantics but really these photos of the couple have a fabulous time are some of my most favorite from the day.

Normal lens and I dancing around the bride and groom...

Samantha & David: Engagement Photos downtown

2010-04-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Midtown is gorgeous at this time of year. Everyone is outdoors, walking their dogs, riding their bikes and just generally basking in the spring weather. On Thursday Samantha and David were scheduled to take their engagement photos. We headed downtown with the idea to use a coffee house as our location for shooting. I loved the idea and am always stoked when a couple has an idea to experiment with. Because it was such amazing weather we decided to take advantage of all the little nooks and crannies of downtown around the coffee house. We chose to use the Weatherstone on 21st and H. That is the area where Greg and I lived in our first place together... before we bought our house. Maybe it was because I was shooting in my old stomping ground, or maybe it is because spring always throws me into this daze of sappiness, but I loved this session - This couple is in the exact same spot in life right now as Greg and I - and I am so excited for them!

Rainbow Bridge Engagment Session: Ryan & Vina

2010-04-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

I had never shot at Rainbow Bridge. That is like saying a die hard Kings fan has never been to Arco Arena. Every photographer has shot at Rainbow Bridge in Folsom. Well, almost every photographer until last Saturday. Roger and I drove up to Folsom around 5 on Saturday to meet Vina and Ryan, they are scheduled to be married next month and we are thrilled to be their photographers. Before the big day Vina wanted some engagement photos in Folsom at the bridge...I now know why every other photographer has shot at Rainbow Bridge....it is gorgeous! Throw darling Vina, her stud of a man Ryan and their adorable dog Yoshi in the mix and viola! We have a pretty lovely session....

Note to self: put Off or mosquito repellent in the camera bag.

Meet Vina and Ryan...and of course YOSHI! :

Roger made bff's with Yoshi while I photographed Vina and Ryan

I love this...

Thanks Vina and Ryan! I am excited for your wedding!

~Chantel

Sharaya Anytime: Senior Graduation Portraits

2010-04-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

When I was younger I was NOT fashionable. I think I have mentioned before how I thought my Dad's clothing was the perfect look for me. I have specific memory of putting on my Dad's old military fatigues along with some "chunky" and very 90's heel boots, topped off with a shiny brown satin shirt. Take your mental visual of the description and add bell shaped hair and braces. Yeah cute. How can this be since I have developed in to an oh so fashionable twenty-something?! Alas, I am still a fashion dork and have thrown tantrums that Greg can attest to when trying to put together an outfit. It usually results in something black, Jeans and some flats. I have my mother to thank for my steady-eddie fashion, because as she reads this if she looks at her own attire she is probably wearing the same thing.

A few weeks ago Roger and I tag-teamed a senior session. The young lady that we photographed was soooo stylish and had some serious ideas about what she wanted out of the session. We headed downtown to find fantastic locations to capture the variety of looks her outfits had. As I looked down at my own attire and compared my plane Jane black shirt and jeans to Sharaya's outfits I thanked my lucky stars that at least I wasn't wearing my Dad's clothes anymore thinking they were cool.

Here are a few that I shot...

We found these tutu-ed mannequins ....how is that for a theme!

I am a sucker for movement!

This one is one of my favorites....we found a mustard field in the middle of downtown...I kind of have a thing for Mustard fields right now.

Really Sharaya... You are so stunning! Congrats on the graduation!

~Chantel

John Reiger - Sacramento Lifestyle Portrait

2010-03-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely in love with my neighborhood...and my neighbors for that matter. I am already lucky in that some of my dearest and oldest friends live on the same street as me, but luck seems to have given me a double dose because every time I meet a new neighbor I find out how truly fantastic the little Hollywood Park community really is.

The studio, like my house, falls right on the edge of Hollywood Park, so when the Hollywood Park Neighborhood Association asked if we wanted to join as a business it was an obvious call for us. We met everyone on the association board, and lots of the community at the holiday mixer this last December at our first meeting. While there, I offered to photograph all the board members for their new website. I had no idea how truly awesome this job would prove to be. My goal was to capture and portray each neighbor in their environment. My goal was to give people that came across the association's website, a feel for the people that make up out awesome community.

My first subject was John Reiger, a potter, political activist and board member on the Hollywood Park Neighborhood Association, among many, many other things....

Meet John, He invited me into his studio space and his world

The craftsman at work. His studio looks out onto his garden-scaped back yard. Everyone should be so lucky to call a place like this their office.

John's inspiration board was full of photos of all sorts. Potters that inspired him, cars he loved, basically anything that sung to him that was worthy of clipping out was tacked up in his surroundings...I must say I was inspired by this too.

John's logo that is put on each and every one of his masterpieces.

My mom has a pot I made in high school and yeah.....it looks nothing like this

My Homework Assignment - Wedding Catering

2010-03-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

SO..I have been to about a bajillion weddings, actually probably somewhere between 50 and 75 would be a good guess, and now I am planning my own. It seems like this would come naturally to me right? I should pretty much know exactly what I am doing, and be able to throw a wedding together with like a month of prep. No, Not and WRONG! I am in high gear research mode. You would have thought I have never even heard the word wedding before in my life...Good thing my lovely friend Jeni is a planner extraordinaire! She is keeping me in line with this whole part time job called wedding planning. She is my talking and organizing real life Martha Wedding Binder. This week Jeni's specified topic is catering. I need to find some fantastic party foods as my homework assignment.

I am opting for a serious Sex and the City vibe...think cocktail attire, high tables and finger foods...think Carrie Bradshaw and Big if they didn't get married in a courthouse. My friend Angie Pappas works at the California Restaurant Association and sent me an awesome list of places to start researching. Before I pick up the phone I needed a little inspiration though....

Here is a yummy set up from a wedding we did some time back. Not exactly what I am going for in look and feel, but it is still gorgeous and offers the motivation I need to begin my homework. Feel free to recommend your favorite catering place if you have one that you love dear sweet cyber world, I am so open to suggestions and clearly need the help!

~Chantel

Laura & Kevin - Sacramento Wedding Reception

2010-03-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

In November I had the privilege of photographing a quaint little wedding for Kevin & Laura in Tahoe. It was just immediate family and because I carry a camera I was able to weasel my way to the occasion as well. It was perfect and romantic and exactly as intimate as a wedding should be between two people. Because Kevin and Laura know lots of people it was important to them to celebrate in style, so they threw a reception for all their friends and family at the absolutely stunning Historic Elks Tower in downtown Sacramento. I am in love with this building's details...I must have done something right with the wedding photos because they invited me back as both a guest and as their reception photographer. Score! I had a lovely time seeing friends, meeting Laura and Kevin's families and documenting the evening.

Below are a few from the wedding that I though were cute/adorable/fun/etc.

Obviously good looks run in the family...

My House Guests! Friends of Greg and I that were at the wedding and stayed with us...

Absolutely Gorgeous Laura!

I love Girl energy....

Dancing Queens

Thanks Laura & Kevin for including me in the fun! Love you guys <3

~Chantel

From Studio to Environmental - I Love what I do!

2010-03-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

If you follow my Facebook, you will notice that my posts have been full of excitement. I am not a “Debbie Downer” typically but this last week my updates have been filled with a wee bit more pizazz. Life is exciting and good…as I type this, a big black rain cloud is heading towards Sacramento. But, no bother. Rain on cloud!

I had some fantastic jobs in the last week. The kind of jobs that made me realize my niche I think. That is huge for a photographer (or any job for that matter) because often times that is the very hardest thing to figure out. That big black rain cloud opened up for me and poured out ideas… it rained out the memories I had of pursuing photojournalism when I was in high school. While my dreams of that have significantly changed some of the elements have proved to transfer over into aspects of my current photographic efforts.

I am in love with the environmental portrait. Love I tell you, oh sweet cyberspace! I photographed a local potter in his studio last week and then yesterday I photographed Rachel Wallace, the executive pastry chef over at Ella for a new project I have been working on. I love being in other people’s space. Stepping in to their world is so much more interesting than bringing them in to mine. Below is a link for the blog post I wrote for Girls on the Grid and also a few photographs I wanted to post on my own site. I had a blast Rachel and thanks so much for the sweet treats!

On a side note if you are a gal that would love to be featured on Girls on the Grid as part of my "Day in the Life" Project leave me a comment or shoot me an email. Happy Friday!

Lilly Mills - First Birthday!

2010-02-25T13:53:00.000-08:00

If you are a regular reader of my blog you would know that the Mills family is probably one of my most favorite families. Aside from photographing Lilly when she was ity bity, I got to spend a couple days with them in Tahoe last summer. Jack also hooked me up with his brother in London over Christmas, so Greg and I got to stay in a little flat in Bethnal Green. Some how, some where between the first time I met Jack and Jessica, and now, we have become friends. Their family is gracious, hilarious, warm and inviting. When Jack called to tell me Lilly was turning one, I couldn't believe how fast time had flown by. Of course I would take some candids of her first birthday party!

Below are just a few that spoke to me for one reason or another, She is turning into this amazing little person!

Lipstick and Lights continued

2010-02-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

Oh dearest Blog I have back burnered you....but I type with a treat. I couldn't post any of the lipstick session photos without the consent of some of the ladies and also I had to wait until after Valentines' Day, so lurky boyfriends and husbands wouldn't discover what their vixen's had been up to. We had so much fun that I think I might put together something for August...maybe call it...Sun-kissed and Sultry? A Tahoe beach house would be SO fun...Hmmmm....I think I just like to name things.

Lipstick and Lights was held at The Citizen Hotel. It was nothing short of fabulous! My friend Brad, works at The Grange and sent up the most divine little desserts at night for all of us to nibble on, they were almost too pretty to eat! We had wine and snacks and primped and prettied the ladies...it didn't take much, they were all gorgeous to begin with. I collaborated with Miss Tania Voochen for this project and she perfected hair and make-up. She is always so awesome!

Miss Voochen in action....

The view from our suite, next year I think I will shoot for the pent house, but this was really nice too!

Primping and all the yummy wine!

Below are just a few images that I loved that I was allowed to post. Thanks ladies you were all so fabulous!

Lipstick & Lights! Ladies Night Boudoir Photography

2010-01-31T15:34:00.000-08:00

Much like a shy guy on a first date, I get nervous before shoots. I am not sure if it will ever go away. It is part of my ritual that I go through before every single job. Yesterday the check list began with; tri-pod...check, light stands....check, forms, papers, reflectors....check,check, check. Camera....nope. Where the hell is the camera?!

I looked up at Roger in embarrassment as I realized I was so nervous for my ladies night boudoir sessions that I left the camera at home...along with all the lenses. Luckily I am a hop and skip from the studio, but that gives you a good idea of how nervous I was. I could have been any twenty something guy on a first date as he realized he left his wallet at home.

Once a session is in full swing my nerves escape me and I wonder what my problem was to begin with. Much like a fantastic date, once I met up with all the ladies, laughter, conversations and wine passed the time at record speed. I can't think of anything more fun on a Saturday evening then spending it with beautiful, confident and creative women! Miss Tania Voochen was available for hair and make up and did a bang up job on glaming up the ladies.

I just got back to the studio and as I am backing up all the files, I thought I would post a quick photo from the event. I didn't get permission from the ladies yet so I will just give a quick little kick off photo that sums up all the success of this little project until I can post more! Thanks to everyone that came, it was such a blast!

My Not so New - New Years Resolution

2010-01-27T17:35:00.000-08:00

SO I did decide to exercise more this year, with my new Julianne Michael's DVD and sadly I haven't even so much as located the video in my house. It is there, I am just not sure where. The goal was to tone a bit and shed a few in anticipation of my wedding this year. As it pushes toward February I am thinking it might end up being a New February Resolution.

Exercise wasn't exactly my very top priority this year on the list, although it was close, instead I mentally wrote "Be More Decisive" above "Exercise" in my mind, this is particularly important especially in one specific area of my life; my wedding (I truly am the worst bride ever). My problem is really that I love just about everything, and can see really awesome potential in most options. It drives everyone crazy including myself. That also might be called optimism, except if you never make a decision, time and opportunities pass you by...say for example the last year and a half of my engagement and not a plan on the books!

This week I decided a couple of things;

A) To plan my wedding or at least put other planners more in charge of it

B) Make one solid decision even if it was deciding to buy a planning book.

I am proud to say that I completed both A & B without having to spend money on a planning book! I bought my wedding gown today...well my parents did anyway. After going back and forth between a few options(big surprise)..I really just couldn't decide! They were both so different and equally highlighted very different parts of my personality. Both were fantastic and after Jen my lovely lady at Bella Donna Salon went through her time tested questions to narrow it down my indecisive nature proved to be no match for her method. I couldn't decide...so I had my Dad decide. Viola! One wedding decision down about 2 bajillion more to go. While I was trying on my dress for the last and final time Jen mentioned she thought I had lost some weight since the first time I had gone in to see her....looks like I won't have to consider myself such a slacker in January after all !

Because a blog is just boring without at least one photo and because I can't post a picture of me in my dress yet, I thought I would post a photo of an adorable pair of one of our past bride's shoes because that is what I have decided I am most excited to purchase next!

In the Swing of Things

2010-01-18T14:04:00.000-08:00

Before I whisked away on my European Christmas vacation I was spinning around and around with all the craziness that comes with leaving for three weeks during a holiday, graduating college (yay!), finals (boo!) and all of the regular holiday season madness.

I had originally thought that I would have blogged more while on vacation and share all the amazing things that I saw and discovered in my little public journal if for no other reason to remember every single thing. Aside from my first night there I didn't blog once. No Happy Christmas from London or even a Merry New Year from Dublin....nothing. I also thought I would take a bajillion pictures of absolutely everything and while I did come home with about 452, that is certainly not a bajillion, that is about how many images are shot in the first half of a wedding. I took my little cannon elph and snapped randomly, like a true tourist. I came home with too many pictures of buildings and of course a ton of Greg; my forever favorite subject. I will post some of my vacation later and maybe sporadically when I am feeling over worked and far away from my fantastic vacation that I waited my whole life to take. Just to throw me back into the swing of things I thought I would post a favorite session from before I left.

Meet the Glarborg's! Their family is adorable and I am always envious of young parents that are so comfortable with the idea of parenthood. It frankly scares the crap out of me, but seeing parents like this make it seem a whole lot less scary...

I love this one! We is such a little momma's boy...

London Blogging from a far away town...

2009-12-21T07:04:00.000-08:00

We landed! After gathering our bags, stumbling around the train station, and realizing the only thing I forgot was an umbrella, we made it to our hotel! Greg scolded me for bringing seven pairs of pants as he lugged my suitcase up 5 flights of stairs, (what a doll) but if too many pants and no umbrella are the worries than we are good!

We are staying at the AROFSA hotel and as Laura and Greg were filling out paperwork, a front desk woman asked if I was Chantel and then handed me a lovely little blue box ...a Christmas present you could say. I knew what was in it but I was still excited. I unwrapped it slowly, and found the most adorable set of keys, two of them were these large old skeleton keys. They were dropped off by a Christmas elf of sort, and offer proof that Christmas this year will be one of the most memorable and treasured.

A couple of weeks ago one of my most favorite clients, Jack Mills, came in to pick up some photos. We chatting about what we were doing for the Holidays and I mentioned that Greg and I would be flying into London on the 20th. He asked if we were spending the Holiday there, I told him that we had decided against it because every hotel I had checked seemed to be crazy expensive for the Holidays. I told him we had decided to spend Christmas some place else so that we didn't deplete all our vacation money on hotels. Jack said we should really experience a London Christmas and then went on to mention that his brother lives in central London and would be in the U.S. over the Holidays. He said he would contact him and was sure that he would let us stay at his flat. I was excited but didn't want to count my chickens...A week later I received a detailed email from Jack's brother David, with directions for the key drop off and a list of awesome stuff to do while we are here. How sweet is that? Christmas Elf indeed! I love this man and I have never even met him!

Tomorrow we will head to the flat and unpack a few things as we will be there until after Christmas. I found a really awesome website with posts of favorite local walks around the city with historical landmarks, parks and of course, including the necessary pub stops in between. I think tomorrow Greg and I might check one of those out. My sleep schedule is all crazy and as Greg sleeps and I blog, it is snowing lightly outside. I have experienced snow at Christmas before, but this is a different snow...kind of drizzly and more wet, softer and not as cold. Pure bliss... and I am going to try to remember every minute of it!

Us attempting to not look touristy in the tube station...fail.

I wish my front door keys looked like this!

Our little room for the first night.

I just brought my Cannon Elph on this vacation and even though I wish I had the Nikon at times I think I am glad to travel so light!

Nicholas Howell

2009-12-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

Although physically I will be far far away on Tuesday, my heart will be here, and more specifically it will be at the base of the Sutter Buttes. My memories will lie in Sutter, and even more specifically in this little nook to the left of The Howell residence, on College Avenue, referred to by many as "The Kick-it Spot". The Kick it spot was the teenage version of a fort. The ground was worn down from visitors and a little two-seater chair swing was pushed up to the side of the house creating a cove. It was perfect for avoiding parents and indulging in forbidden cigarettes and other teen curiosities. The real draw to this haven aside from it's secret charm was the host; Nick Howell.

When I was in High School I spent much of my time with Stephanie Howell. We drove back and forth from each other's houses. Like all high school friends we couldn't spend enough time with each other. Aside from our wardrobes, & lip gloss, we shared parents and siblings. Our lives meshed together...our families became each other's families. And while my little sister and Stephanie irritated each other like true sisters do, Nick and I were friends.

When I transferred to Yuba City high as a sophomore I didn't have all that many friends in my grade. I remember being overwhelmed by how many people there were compared to my former, much smaller school. One day when I was walking to class alone wallowing in my unpopularity, I familiar voice yelled my name from across the quad. It was Nick, and at that point I had just seen him around Stephanie's house when I visited. He was there for an ROP mechanics class, He came jogging over, talking a mile a minute and in a matter of 30 seconds I had transformed from "the girl Steph brought around" to a friend. That was how Nick was, instant friends with everyone.

Aside from Nick's lightning speed conversations, and laissez-faire lifestyle, he was charming. He was a master at the wink and had a teasing smile that danced around the corners of his mouth and eyes. He had a harmless naughty streak that people found refreshing and attractive, rules didn't apply to Nick and the world was his playground. The consequences that most find from a rule-less life added character to Nick, and with that character came more friends from all walks of life.

Stephanie what I wanted to say when I found out Nick had passed away, is that even though my emotions weren't obvious, I am grieving for you. I want you to remember that your brother thought the sun rose and set with you and that he adored you. I want you to remember how he used to coax you into taking him to a friends house or to the store with just the simple words "C'mon Steph". And you would even when you didn't want to, because he was so very persuasive and charming. I want you to forget about the horrific way that he left this world and remember every single wonderfully small and perfectly irritating thing that he did that made him your little brother. Through tears while typing, I want you to know my heart will be with you and your brother on Tuesday... sitting on the kick it spot swing, smoking an imaginary cigarette.