Life With [Ed] Photography

Friends| Amber's Bachelorette Weekend

2012-02-26T11:01:00.002-08:00

There is a girl; her name is Amber, and she's the reason why 17 of some of her favorite people drove to San Luis Obispo for a weekend. [Side note:Amber was my roomie for 3 years before I moved out to become a Mrs., so to me--she'll always be "Roomie."] For those of you who don't know Amber, she's one of those rare personalities who is able to be friends with just about anyone..and their mother! She has that kind of spirit that draws people in, which makes sense because she absolutely loves people. In proper bachelorette celebratory fashion, Amber's best "fran" Cathleen planned an amazing weekend at the beautiful Flying Caballos farm for Amber and 16 of her favorite lady peeps. Typically, herding 17 women together from different circles of friends means one thing: drama. BUT (yes, it's a big one...), we had an amazing time with each other, caught up with old friends, made new ones, and laughed and danced our butts off. Oh, and we ate. The ladies can chow down. Believe it.

Some shots of the lovely almost Mrs. and our awesome weekend abode:

The lovely bride-to-be enjoying every minute of her weekend/photo shoot:

[photo was taken by Cathleen : my edits:]

Amber with the weekend planner AKA hostest w/ the mostest:

Words right out of the mouth of the bride-to-be: "Best weekend of my life."

Mission accomplished.

Amber, we're so insanely excited and looking forward to your big day that's going to come quicker than you know. Love you!!

More pictures from the weekend

When in doubt, bust out the iPhone: Natalie & Jared Part II

2012-01-18T11:31:00.000-08:00

When Dave and I get to do shoots together, we typically have our own cameras. Unfortunately, the day before the shoot-I couldn't find the battery charger for our other camera. Well, instead of taking no pictures at all, Dave took the liberty of using my iPhone to get some shots of Natalie & Jared. I love that Dave sees & composes shots differently than I do. That just means that we get two different perspectives on what's going on, which in turn tends to be mutually inspiring.

Dave got some behind-the-scene looking shots, some of the lovely couple enjoying each other's company, and some of me--in action, if you will. Thanks, love! You're awesome :).

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E-Session: Natalie & Jared

2012-01-17T19:25:00.000-08:00

Dave and I went to Malibu Creek State Park a few weeks ago to take Natalie & Jared's engagement pictures. The sun was actually a bit brighter than I had hoped for (for picture-taking purposes), but it made for a really comfortable pseudo hike to look for some quality photo spots. I was relieved when Natalie showed up in pants and what seemed like comfortable shoes to walk in because some of the terrain in the park aren't really intended for heels and dresses.

Even though these two beautiful are self-proclaimed uncomfortable-in-front-of-the-camera people, they responded well to our motto of "Just hang out, have fun, and be you. We're kind of just like flies on the walls." (Since I can't pose to save my life, I totally feel for any of our clients who are in the same boat. Giving the motto seems to help people lower their guards. It's helped me in the past. I'm not that comfortable in front of the camera, so being me is really the best I have to offer. What Dave and I really are looking for is for the couple or whoever that's in front of the camera is "being," so that we can get real moments--with some direction here and there. )

Anywho, we're super excited for their wedding. Natalie actually just told me they'll be getting married on August 11th of this year--not too far from where we took their engagement shots. Yay!!

I took the liberty of doing just a B&W post. I've not done this before, but there was something about the black and white shots from this session that I was really drawn too. I'll post some of the color ones on Life With [Ed]'s Facebook page ASAP. Stay tuned for those.

The to-be Mr. & Mrs. Freitag:

We love you two. Thanks for letting us take your pictures and hang out with you--can't wait for August!

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Sneak Peek: Natalie & Jared

2012-01-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

Taking pictures of friends might be one of my (newer) favorite things. Now that we're all grown up's, have busy schedules and live in different cities--it's not often that we get to spend time together. Taking pictures gives us that opportunity, and it also shows us how much of our lives we've gotten to experience with each other. This past weekend, Dave and I got to take pictures of our friends, Natalie & Jared, who are going to get married later this year.

A seriously good looking pair, wouldn't you agree?

Stay tuned for more pictures!

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A Returning Face: An Upcoming Shoot

2012-01-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

Rembember this girl?

From this shoot?

Well, that took place when I was still living in Long Beach, and Natalie was just about to graduate from CSULB. A LOT has happened since--Dave and I have gotten married, Natalie and I have moved multiple times, and...

...
...

Natalie and her love have gotten ENGAGED! They'll be married later on this year, and guess what? They asked Life With [Ed] to take their engagement pictures; one word: YAY! It seems like a lot of our friends are drinking the same water or somethin' because we're going to 6 weddings this year. Crazy.

Nat and Jared, we're so excited for this weekend! Prepare to set your eyes on a good looking couple, folks.

Sidenote: It's crazy to look back on old pictures and see the progress that's been made, and there's only more room to grow! I'm grateful for the friends who have let me learn a bit more of this craft by having them as subjects. It doesn't hurt that I have some really good looking friends to practice on :).

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Long Beach Engagement Session: Brandon & Erica

2011-12-29T00:50:00.000-08:00

You know those friends you meet in college that just stick? The ones you know you'll keep in touch with through the next crucial, exciting stages of life? Well, Brandon's been one of those friends to me (Liz). He and I met in college, and in many ways, he became the big brother I never had. We've seen some of each other's high's and low's, and hands down--Erica coming into his life was a huge high. From the get-go, it was clear that their relationship had the "stick" factor; this one was for keeps. Their love for Jesus radiates from every facet of their lives, their love for people is impossible to miss, and their love for each other speaks for itself.

These two are incredibly passionate; they're the kind of people who pour their whole selves into whatever it is that is set before them. They are loyal and loving, funny and generous. They are the type of people who you'll never hear a single negative thing about. As a result of being such natural lovers-of-others, it is clear without having to spend too much time with their friends, that Brandon and Erica are two very loved individuals.

It was such an honor to spend time with the love birds in the city where all the magic happened: The city that holds such a special place in both their hearts is the very one in which they met (at The Auld Dubliner), where Brandon proposed, and where they decided to have their engagement pictures taken. It was so fun running around my old stompin' grounds with these two:

There you have it, folks--two incredibly beautiful people. As it turned out, this shoot turned out to be even more fun than we could have anticipated. At The Starling Diner, they ended up getting their coffee on the house because the server was awesome, and at The Auld Dubliner, the workers let us take their arrow chalkboards down from the walls and use them for the shoot. Thanks for letting me take your engagement pictures. Dave and I can't wait for your wedding. July couldn't come soon enough!

You can see more of Brandon & Erica on Life With [ED]'s facebook page.

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Sneak Peak| Brandon & Erica's Engagement Session

2011-12-22T16:29:00.000-08:00

I had such a great time going all over Long Beach (my old stomping grounds) to get some engagement pictures for these two love birds. Stay tuned for more!

Kiddos: Cute, cake-faced and enjoying life.

2011-11-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

Kiddos: MaKenna Turns One

2011-11-18T11:07:00.000-08:00

Kenna
KennaBeans
KennaMoo
Bennas
Baby
Littles

These are all of this little babe's aliases, and even though outside the weather was gray and on the brink of rain, the inside of the home was filled with voices saying their own version of the little birthday girl's name--celebrating her very 1st birthday.

I haven't picked up my camera in a while with the wedding and settling in and all. I decided to bring it to the little babe's birthday party. There's nothing quite as good as a sweet little girl's birthday and perfectly overcast weather for some documenting. After getting home and spending time going through the photos, I kept on seeing a reoccuring theme: Kenna wasn't just the center of attention because it was her birthday, she was at the center because she has been given this beautiful and loving spirit that just draws people to her.

Kenna, as you have turned one and will continue to have plenty more birthdays, [ED]'s prayer for you is that you continue to grow into a woman of grace and great stature. You are a joy, little one. You are so loved.

The babe anticipating her guests:

Sugar!!:She was a bit unsure of eating cake for the first time, but the "eyes shut--this is oh so good" look that you see a few pictures down show that it grew on her :)

"It's my party; I can cry if I want to."

Oh, and last but not least, I had to give Kenna's big brother, Micah, a shout out. He did such a great job at sister's birthday party. He was quite the entertainer himself:

Sneak Peek: Birthday Babe--the Center of Attention.

2011-11-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

Sweet MaKenna turned one. Hang in there for the full post.

Kiddos: Micah

2011-09-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Five years ago, our friends Mike and Jess tied the knot. Not long after, they found out that they were going to have their first kiddo. Given that Mike and Dave have been friends for quite some time and that I have had the privilege to know Mike and Jess for a few years now, it simply blows me away at how quickly time has flown by, how much of our lives have changed, and at how big their little fella has gotten. I used to read him stories before he could even make sounds, and now he's telling me stories. Holy moly.

Micah, squealing with delight and yelling, "Daddy, higher!" reminded me that:

Life's adventures will take us up, and sometimes they'll swoop us to some lows, but we have to enjoy the ride. Papa's got our back:

Thanks, kiddo. [ED] loves you.

P.s. We're so excited to have you as our little ring bearer. You're going to be a natural :).

Sneak Peek.

2011-08-24T01:12:00.000-07:00

Caley married her Jordan this weekend, and she is now a Mrs.

More pictures to come!

Headshots | Michelle

2011-07-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

A little quote to give a little glimpse into the massive heart that is hers:

"I am only one, but I am one.

I can't do everything, but I can do something.

And that I can do, I ought to do.

And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do."

- Edward Everett Hale

Facts:

1. This girl and I were meant to be friends.

2. Dave agrees.

3. She is about as stunning on the inside as she is on the inside.

4. If you were to look up the word "real" in a dictionary in the perfect dictionary world, you would see:

I know she must get it all the time, but Michelle is wise beyond her years. She is hilarious, and her hilarity is matched by her intelligence--and only outmatched by her ginormous heart. Yes, ginormous does have the red dots underneath as I am typing this out; I'm OK with that. I was elated when she asked me if I would take her headshots--not only because Meesheo (as [ED] calls her) is quite the talented photographer but also because I love ANY chance to spend time with her. So thank you, AGAIN, lovely girl. I had a blast.

[ED] loves you, and we're really excited for what He's got on the horizon for you.

We do! | Amanda & Chad

2011-06-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

A little while back, Life With [ED] was given the opportunity to assist photographer friends, Sarah and Rosina, for Amanda and Chad's wedding. My new friend Becky and I assisted with some of the photobooth fun as well as just getting some shots here and there. Make sure you check Sarah and Rosina's pages soon for the official wedding pictures.

Amanda and Chad tied the knot in a beautiful church--flooded with natural light:

The ceremony preceded a beautiful backyard reception:

Photobooth shots--proof that fun was had!:

Make sure you visit Image Bearers Photography and Rosina W. Photography for more from Amanda and Chad's wedding.

Congrats, you two! May the joy seen on your wedding day be something that threads through the rest of your days as man and wife :).

Friends | Kathy & Richie--An Engagement Ceremony

2011-06-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

Being a part of a Vietnamese household, I have the pleasure of seeing and experiencing various traditions--one of which is an engagement ceremony. What made this one extra special was that it was one for my friends Kathy and Richie.

They met, dated for quite some time, and just recently got engaged as he took her on a surprise helicopter ride and popped the question with a beautiful LA cityscape as their backdrop. I couldn't be more excited for them! Kathy loves Richie well, and he eagerly reciprocates. Having known Kathy for a while now (since my young, awkward years), I must thank Richie for bringing such an adventurous side out of her. They are a mighty fine pair :).

[ED] was so glad to go to their ceremony and capture some shots from the day. Thanks for letting us be family and for welcoming us in to be a little part of your story :).

It was a lovely ceremony--an event drenched in family, love, and how God is at the core of it all.

Our Life | Missing in Action

2011-06-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry we've been a little MIA! Wedding planning is in full swing for [ED], so we haven't had as many photography-related endeavors lately. [E] featured a DIY on her other blog about making sweet n' simple favor tags. Go have a look-see!

DIY Favor Tags

We'll be back soon with some photo updates! :)

Friday Photo | Not-Quite-a-Midsummer-Night's-Dream

2011-06-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

Summer (and almost summer) is the simplicity of candles in their rightful places--repurposed Mason jars. They have that "just right" feeling to them.

Our Life | And We've Begun...

2011-06-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

...officially working on wedding "stuff." After the first two weeks of [ED] being engaged, we really didn't do much because the "biggies" got taken care of so quickly (what a blessing!). We've been able to kind of take things slowly. Well now that i'm ([E]) done with school, we can be a bit more wedding minded.

Our wedding day philosophy:

* Keep it simple.
* Remember what it's really about: our marriage.
*We don't have to spend the buco bucks to have a memorable celebration.

So in light of that, we picked one of our favorite engagement shots from the shoot with our lovely friend Rosina, and I just placed some info here and there, and voila--our Save the Date's!:

Sorry it's kind of blurry--I got so excited I just snapped a quick picture of one of the cards :).

Our Life | Signs of Summer

2011-06-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

[D] went on a underground mine adventure with his men, so I went to my friend's backyard BBQ the other day for a Memorial Day celebration, and these little beauties quickly caught my eye: bright, radiant, and welcoming.

These are a sign of the soon-coming summer.

"In summer, the song sings itself."

-William Carlos Williams

[ED] cannot wait to see what songs this summer sings :D.

Our Life | Boxed In

2011-05-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another." -Anatole France

Anatole couldn't have said it better. "Lasts" are required to usher in "firsts." I know that many beginnings are just around the bend for [ED], but it's a little hard to swallow that some things are ending. It's bittersweet--more sweet than bitter, but in the moment I think we typically feel more bitter than sweet. This past weekend I ([E]) packed up all my belongings that have accumulated over the last 6 years and took it to my parents' house in the SCV. It's my last week in Long Beach, and I really FEEL it--tears, longing looks down familiar streets, and yeah--more tears. [ED] dreams of potentially living in the LBC one day, but for now--we hold our hands open to whatever God has for us next.

The bright side: The next time I get a U-Haul, it will be to load up my stuff into a place where my husband (come October 15th--whoa!) and I will be able to call our first home. Holy mackerel.

* Eyes closed, deep exhale, big smile breaks across my face*

Friends| Becca & Nimble

2011-05-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

Plain and simple. [ED] loves Becca.

[E] here.
Becca has been my roommate, a soul sister, and a forever friend.
Becca was one of [D]'s accomplices during the proposal-planning time, and they're so
sibling-like--it's kind of awesomely strange.

Becca= Lovable. Loving. Alive. Warm. Passionate. Creative. Beautiful. Inspiring. And that's just naming a few. She also has a knack for words. You can check her story-telling out here.

Nimble= Her adorable bike. She adopted Nimble from me--too big for me. Just right for her.

When I think of Long Beach and what it's meant to me, she is one of the first faces that comes to mind. And when I leave Long Beach, she is going to be one of the souls I will miss the most. Thank you for coloring our lives so.

Our Life| Robbed.

2011-05-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

I'm [E] currently packing up my room to get ready for the big move. [D] came over the other night, and I was venting about how my room is a place of chaos, and he just pulled me in for a hug and said, "No, it's just a place of reformation." Although it was hard to admit that his perspective was way more spot on than mine, I knew that if I didn't, I would be guilty of the following:

With every additional year we gain under our belts, we either continue to grow or we'll find ourselves saying, "No." The older we get, the more set in our ways we become--the more we fear change. It's in these times that looking into the face of a child--into his demeanor and remembering the beauty of being teachable. That child allows investments to make their way into his life by being open to learning--to growth. Those of us who lose the ability to do so are robbed.

Today's Photo Reminder:

Stay teachable.

Our Life | Beauty in Chaos

2011-05-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

This picture kind of sums up this season in our lives. I'm [E] graduating, ending a job that I love, and leaving a city I've considered home for 6 years. [D] is working full time, using his car as extra storage before we move out of our separate dwelling places and merge into one, and helping me plan a wedding. As [ED], we're learning to transition well--to hold on when possible and to let go when necessary.

In the midst of transitions, it's easy to think that everything is chaotic.

It's always more difficult to remember what's beautiful.

Let's:

1. Slow down.

2. Stop.

3. See the beauty.

4. Repeat as often as possible!

"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."

-Henry Ellis

Family | A Day With the Dickrans

2011-05-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

The Dickrans are good friends of ours. Not only are they one good looking family, they are just lovely people in general. We've had the pleasure of being around for the Mike and Jess' journey of meeting, dating, getting married, and bringing two beautiful kiddos into the world. Since then, they've actually witnessed the establishment of [ED] and are now seeing us through our journey :).

Here are some shots from a 15-minute shoot with them (the little lady had to take a nap, so we were working at turbo speed :D).

We're quite blessed to know that we'll get to share a whole lot more life with Mike, Jess, and the kiddos :D.

Friends| We Get Crafty!

2011-05-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

[E] here.
These shots were taken from a craft day a while ago.
I have talented friends; there's no denying that one.

Neck Cozy a la Kelly.

Magazine Coasters a la Becca.

And here's Whitney making some awesome wall decor for her and her hubby's new home:

We Do! | Holly & Paul

2011-05-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

In life we tend to be surprised when things work out differently than we had expected. This is Holly and Paul's story. He came into her life as she came into his, and now they know a love like they have never known before.

Our favorite thing about the whole day was that it was ALL about family.The proof is in the pictures :D

Amen:

Thanks for letting us be a part of your day!

Kiddos | Selah and Sophia

2011-05-17T01:35:00.000-07:00

Our friend Katy is a supermom.
These are her super kids.
Aren't they just the cutest?!

The littles at the beach:

Look. at. that. spunk!

No wonder she loves being a mom! :D

E-Session | Caley & Jordan

2011-05-17T01:24:00.000-07:00

They met 6 years ago.

His DJ-ing tunes have made their way to her heart.

Her easy-going demeanor has won him over.

Now, they're getting married.

So excited for you guys! August couldn't come sooner!

You'll be seeing these two again in a few months :D.

Graduation | Natalie

2011-05-17T01:11:00.000-07:00

Old roomie [E's].
Always friend.
Good times.
Happy Graduating!

Headshots | Emilie

2011-05-17T00:58:00.000-07:00

Beautiful friend.
Beautiful heart.
Beautiful Emilie.

She's just that knock-your-socks-off kind of girl :).

E-Session | Becoming the Robies

2011-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

We did a quick engagement shoot for our friends Nicole and Ben while we were in Central Park.
Dreamy. Just Dreamy.

These two will get hitched this coming August :).

Our Life | New York City

2011-05-16T23:46:00.000-07:00

A quick trip to the Big Apple = Some snapshots to share.

I want to go back...

Hi there!

2011-05-16T23:09:00.000-07:00

We're Team [ED]--better known as Elizabeth + David.

Photo by Rosina

E= I'm the creative eye, the dreamer, and the capturer.

D= He's the other creative eye, the businessman, and the supporter.

Together with us, you'll experience Life With [ED].

Our goal is to capture life as we see it, to capture moments that you'll want to hang on to, and to capture (and encourage) love wherever possible.

Life includes:

- Weddings

- Engagements

- Graduations

- Birthday Parties

- Misc. Events

- Random Wonderfulness

- Etc...

If you like what you see and need our services, please let us know! We'd love to hear from you.
Any questions? Please contact us at: lifewithedphotography@gmail.com