Wedding this past weekend in Southern CA at Firestone Vinyard. Groom Devin Lavelle and the Bride, Fiona Young. The winery was a small intimate setting. The decorations gave a 1950s glamour look. Devin and Fiona were both extremely nice and extremely in love. I told Devin that I would count each time him and Fiona kissed, but after the 100th time I just gave up. I enjoy taking natural candid shots above any type of portrait or posed photography. You can't pose the look of Fiona's mom and Fiona sharing an immense feeling of happiness with their smiles. I couldn't and never would have thought, Devin would have torn up the dance floor the way he did, but he did. Yes he did. Enjoy the images and thank you Devin and Fiona for letting me document the beginning of your life long journey

Thank you Photosource for the rental.

Make Up:  Dreamcatcher Artistry
Location:  Firestone Vineyard
Wedding Coordinator:  Avante Events

There have been several moments in my photography career that I will always cherish.  The time I discovered I wanted to do photography, the time I decided to launch my own business, the first wedding I photographed, and now the time I had the privilege to photograph the legend in Mariachi music and a legend in Mexico's music history, Vicente Fernandez.  

Vicente's popularity and music has been recognized as a symbol of Mexico and is very popular in both Mexico and the US.  So many people love his music because he sings about things that we can all relate to.  Love, Anger, Family, Relationships, Childhood, Poverty, Struggle, and Courage are some of the topics that he sings about.  His humble upbringing is also respected and resignates with many fans.  He began his music career singing in restaurants for spare change.  He demonstrates his humbleness with his gratitude to fans at every concert by stating his famous phrase,  

"Mientras ustedes aplauden, yo les seguire cantando"

"As long as you continue to clap, I will continue to sing for you"

He supports this statement at every concert, which usually go for about 4 hours and sometimes longer.  

Some of the other photographers took the concert as another assignment.  To me it is a landmark.  A moment I never thought I would be able to be a part of.  A chance to document a person who I regarded as a mentor when listening to his music.  An opportunity to be present next to someone who helped me explore and understand my culture and upbringing. 

Thank you Adrian Perez from Vida de Oro for helping me get this opportunity.

Thank you Chris Ray, the Stockton Marketing Manager, for allowing me to take part in this event.

Thank you Sean Blair, www.mark2photography.us , for letting me borrow your awesome equipment and your guidance of the Arena.

And Thank you Vicente Fernandez for your 50 plus years of music.

Que Viva El Rey!!

Photographed a bartending competition sponsored by Don Julio Tequila at Mayahuel restaurant in Sacramento, CA on March 26, 2013.  I could only photograph for a short time, but was able to capture some images that represented the environment and the competition.  One of the Mayahuel bartenders, Oscar, put on an amazing show with his unique Jalapeno margarita.  Lighting the Jalapenos on fire with Mezcal, and lifting aromas with the crackling of sprinkled cinnamon.  I will have to go back and actually try the drink.  

For more information about Mayahuel, go to www.tequilamuseo.com

The following is an explanation of the celebration taken from an event flyer

"Xipe Totek is the energy of the springtime.  We celebrate the springtime in honor of the children, who like new seeds, will develop and grow under our care and guidance.  For the Mexica people springtime marks the New Year and a chance for rejuvenation and moving forward."

Mariachi El Bronx is a punk rock group formed in Los Angeles, CA.  This unexpected combination of music is a modern twist to both punk rock and mariachi.  Some great songs to listen to are:  I Would Die For You (Prince Cover); 48 Roses; Revolution Girls: and many more.  They have two albums and will be releasing their third this year.  They also have their punk rock band known as The Bronx.  This concert took place at Harlows in Midtown Sacramento.  The opening band was Kill the Precedent.

Mariachi El Bronx:  www.mariachielbronx.com
Harlows:  www.harlows.com

I photographed Margaret and Robert on their wedding day, August 14, 2010.  I was fortunate to be a part of this special journey and am again privileged to document another special journey in their lives, documenting their first child.  I am a well experienced uncle, but no parent.  I can only imagine the feelings that must be going through their minds and hearts as they await their first born.  Robert told me he is both excited and scared waiting for little Joseph to come to the world.  What an honest answer.  Both Robert and Margaret understand how they feel about having their first child.  They take the time to talk about these feelings.  This reflects both Robert and Margaret's personality.  They are thoughtful, a team, madly in love, go out of their way to please, and have the biggest hearts.  Fortunately little Joseph will come to this world with two parents who will love him, mentor him, teach him, and appreciate him.  Robert and Margaret share a special bond that will reflect in their parenting skills.  These skills will definitely help Joseph when he becomes a big brother in the near future...

Photographs taken at William Land Park in Sacramento

I discovered Miles Davis's music approximately 2 years ago.  Don't remember how I came across it, but I am glad I did.  I have listened to his music since, especially when editing my photographs.  His music elicits expression, creativity, and emotion.  This past weekend I went to the Clarion Hotel to see the Tim Metz group perform some of Miles Davis's songs from the Album "Kind of Blue."  The covers were great and so were the solos.  Enjoy the images.

"An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow."  

-Unknown

Laura and Rene married on February 8, 2003.  Laura wanted to celebrate her 10 year wedding anniversary with close friends and family.  Intimate events elicit so many emotions.  Laura warned me that Rene does not smile and I was told that he does not dance.  To capture any one of these moments requires anticipation.  Turns out Rene's smile is contagious.  Seeing him smile when he was embraced by his father has now become one of my favorite images.  Rene may not have Moves like Jagger, but he danced.  He broke out of his comfort zone for the person he loves.  That is one of the secrets to a happy marriage.  Here are some of the images captured.

This year I begin like last year.  I photographed brothers Alex and Evan.  Since I photographed these boys, both have changed. Physically is obvious, but it was their personalities that shined.  Evan establishing his own identity and characteristics.  Curious by touch. Enjoying the feel of dirt, grass, bark, and branches as a young explorer.  Alex eager to create and share his ideas.  A young director in the making, wanting to stage a new pose and location after every shot. 

Photographing these brothers was not easy.  Their energy was difficult to match, as their mother graciously warned me.  Posing was really out of the question.  It wasn't until I realized what Cartier-Bresson had mentioned that helped me photograph.  "Don't think, be receptive."  I became receptive and the photographs came.  You just have to react.  Anticipate, guess, but always react. 

Here are the perfect role models of a healthy relationship.  The way they interacted with each other truly shows how affection, love, friendship, honesty, and joy are still prevalent in their relationship as it did when they first married 40 years ago.  I will be hitting my 4th year married to my beautiful wife and will always keep Benino and Anna Maria in my mind as to what I expect my marriage to be like in its 40th year.  Thank you to Erika and Margarita, their daughters, for trusting in me to take the family photographs.  These are the rewarding experiences that continue to motivate me to continue photography.