Happy belated Thanksgiving!

We've been off-the-hook busy with final holiday albums and cards and weddings. It was so great to take a break this weekend and have my family visit.

Just living in this country we have so much to be thankful for. Even in harder economic times, so many are struggling and it breaks my heart. I've always been "miss optimist" {in fact some of my family members call me Pollyanna} despite when things are rough, life seems sunnier when we focus on the people and blessings we DO have, as opposed to what we do not have. Here's my "A" list of thanks for this season...

my loving husband
my sweet dog
good health
my family
freedom
Jill
Cady
my clients
gardening and the smiles it brings to my face when my plants grow and bloom!
talent
amazing light
flowers
deer
changing of the leaves
a warm fire in the fireplace to heat the house!

One of the lessons that has really been at the forefront of my mind this year that I'd like to share: the greatest joys and blessings in life come from people and things only God can give us....people, animals, plants....so really when outside circumstances seem rough, flip your thinking and be thankful for what you do have and the things money can't buy!

Thanks for reading...hope you enjoy my little family shoot, of my family!

Miss Ruby Jean....she's priceless!

my mom, with my niece and nephew (Jack) and of course, Coco the dog!
the whole family....
my sister and her "three" kids..

my mom with her furry grandson, Sgt "Gunny" Highway!



mi y mi mama...

Ethan and Grant | Santa Cruz Portraits

This is a start my catching up blogging {I have some of the most incredible things to share!} - and I'm sure all you workin' peoples waiting for 5pm today will enjoy a new post!

I've had the pleasure of shooting both Ethan and Grant since they were babies, and their parents since before the boys were born! Rene and John are some of my oldest clients - pretty much since I started! I am grateful for families like them who have stuck bye me for all these years - approaching 10 years now, I opened Allyson Magda Photography - time sure does fly!!!

We shot Ethan's 2 year old photos a couple of weeks ago - I think his personality shines through pretty clear in these shots.





big brother Grant...











In this family {like mine too} the dogs are just as important as the people!
here's Rudy and Shep:

Marlie | Paso Robles Portraits

I've been shooting Marlie since she was a week old... She just had her second birthday! She's a character for sure and loves loves loves to be tickled and play with her daddy!






















Paso Robles portrait photographer
San Luis photography
San Luis Obispo Weddings

Holiday Templates!

Attention all photographers.....

If you are looking for holiday templates for your client holiday cards, look no further! I'm proud to announce my partnership with White House Custom Colour press printed division. Visit their website today to purchase and download templates for your holiday cards!

Here are a few samples of what you'll see....

Featured...The Little Black Book Blog!

My morning was made in the shade when Michelle from Style Me Pretty {The BEST wedding resource for brides planning their big day} called to tell me we are featured on their "Little Black Book" blog today!

Check it out HERE!

They're featuring Tara and Sarkis' beautiful wedding. Ceremony at Mission San Luis Obipso and reception at the serene Still Waters Winery.

Nicole + Jamie | Carmel Valley

Nicole and Jamie, so sweet, so delightful, sooo many wonderful touches! Jamie and Nicole are a special couple, filled to the brim with kindness and love for each other, as well as those around them. They are the type of people who just ooze, sugar, instead of sweat.....

Their wedding was in Carmel Valley at one of my favorite spots, Bernardus Lodge. It reflected the love and goodness they give others. Seriously, I think you could feel the warmth of their family and friends surrounding them, for what will surely be a lifetime of joyful moments and a successful marriage for years to come.

Nicole and her aunt did the flowers! Wow, seriously the best "homemade" bouquets and center pieces I've ever seen! Russell from Stellar Films did the super 8mm film - can't wait to see how that turns out, check out their website HERE, and blog HERE!









a little croquet on the lawn during cocktail hour...And finally....
all I do at weddings couldn't be done without Jill!!! Take a minute and check out her section of our website, she shoots her own weddings, and as you'll see, is incredibly talented!

For the complete experience of their wedding, watch the slideshow!







Carmel Valley weddings

Carmel Valley wedding photography

Get Happy!

Off the note of yesterday's post, Meadow, has launched a new forum on Happiness. One of my favorite recent art pieces by Rodney White says this: "We tend to seek happiness when really it's a choice" These words just resonate to me on a daily basis. Each day we have SO many choices, and we can either make them happy or we can make them something else.


The "Take Happiness Lessons" forum is all about a community of people who choose to be happy and make it a practice in their lives and also to encourage others. Check it out!

http://www.takehappinesslessons.com/


San luis obispo photographer
San luis obispo weddings

Meadow and family | morro bay portraits

Meadow has been my life coach for a couple of years now, and she's always such a joy to shoot! This was the first time we got to shoot the whole family. Doesn't she have the most beautiful family? Their joy and true contentment is evident. Her daughter is just about ravishing with that red hair, and her personality more than goes with it!

If you're stuck in anyway, with your career or facing a big decision, you should contact Meadow - she is truly the best thing I've ever done for myself and my business... and she has quite the list of credentials....having been on the Oprah Winfrey show, and a book being published this winter!!