a beautiful story of prayer, love, and adoption | los angeles photographer

I met Cheryl, and although she was COMPLETELY decked out in Oregon Ducks paraphernalia, I knew I liked her!  Then I heard a SMALL part of her story and how she and her husband had prayed and prayed for twins . . . and the Lord provided these precious girls!!!  God is so good and exceedingly, abundantly supplies our needs AND wants!!!  She and David received these precious girls when they were 7-months old . . . they are now two and a half and their adoption was made official not too long ago!!!  They are a sweet family and it was a complete joy to photograph them!! It was a rare session because I had my own three girls with me (it’s just plain hard to work AND be mom), but my girls were ready to bring these two home!!!  They all had so much fun!!   This is just your sneak peek . . . more to come!!!

 

 

michelle castro photography | michelle@michellecastrophotography.com

weddings | families | newborns | seniors
all images are copyrighted by michelle castro photography

sweet {and stunning} araki family | preview | los angeles photographer

My Christmas season always gets started well before Christmas . . . which is funny since I’m a total last minute shopper and am generally finishing up my shopping somewhere near the 24th! I wish I were kidding!  Every year I say that I am NOT waiting . . . but, it just keeps happening! Anyways . . . is this family not the most gorgeous!!!!  They are sweet, easy, and so much fun!!!  I met them last year and have had the privilege of getting to know Jamir as we trained for a half marathon this year . . . she’s much faster than I am, but was such a source of encouragement to me!! Thanks for cheering me on!!!  Here’s a very small preview from our mini session this weekend!!! I’m dying over their gorgeousness and the amazing lighting we had!!!  Enjoy!!!

 

michelle castro photography | michelle@michellecastrophotography.com

weddings | families | newborns | seniors
all images are copyrighted by michelle castro photography

nicole & aaron | 25 days until “I do!” | los angeles photographer

I met Nicole three years ago when we found out that she would be our daughter Lily’s kindergarten teacher.  When I saw her for the first time I was so excited . . . she just seemed like the PERFECT kindergarten teacher . . . beautiful, fun, playful, loving, and nurturing . . . I knew Lily would be THRILLED!  I was right!  Lily had an amazing year and I made a wonderful friend! I have a habit of becoming close with my kids’ teachers! I’m so thrilled that I get to capture Aaron and Nicole’s wedding next month!!!  I love watching these two . . . it is so obvious that they are in love!  Aaron would give her the world if she just asked!!! 

 

 

 

michelle castro photography | michelle@michellecastrophotography.com

weddings | families | newborns | seniors
all images are copyrighted by michelle castro photography

sadie grace | birth | los angeles photographer

Bear with me for a few minutes while I pour my heart out!  In order to fully share the birth of this precious girl, Sadie Grace, I must first start with her amazing mama!  I have had the privilege to call Lynn, Sadie’s mama, one of my dearest friends for the past six years.  We had known who each other was from church, but had never really spent any time together.  It wasn’t until one day in our mommy and me preschool class, with our now 10-year olds, where she shared what she was currently going through . . . I just knew we were meant to be friends! I loved her from that moment . . . she beared her heart and soul! I have watched her walk through fire and come out shining!  I can’t even begin to express how much I love, admire, cherish, adore this precious friend! She has taught me SO much . . . about patience, love, endurance, TRUST, grace, hope, redemption, and faithfulness, just to name a few!  Two years ago the Lord brought this unbelievable man into her life . . . the first time I heard her talk about him I KNEW . . . I knew her prince had come . . . when I met him . . . well, let’s say I offered to get ordained online just so I could marry them that week!!! Not only was it obvious that Ken ADORED her, but he was completely, head over heels, in love with her sons!  Let’s face it . . . when you are a single mom you want to find someone who will LOVE your kids . . . and, well, Ken has from day one!!!  They were married in June of last year . . . and, on Friday, October 18th @ 6:41pm the Lord saw fit to bless their family once more . . . little miss Sadie Grace made her debut!!!  I was there for ALL of it!  A birth is a joyous event . . . but I kept thinking about the last five years . . . how blessed I’ve been to watch Lynn . . . see Ken come into her life . . . I was balling like a baby . . . when you have the opportunity to see God’s goodness unfold in front of you . . . it is a beauty you cannot express with words!!! 

Thank you Ken and Lynn for allowing me to have a front row seat . . . not just on Friday, but always!

Ken, thank you for loving my friend . . . for cherishing and adoring her!  As a friend . . . it is the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen!  You make my heart overflow with joy!

I love you both!  And I’m completely smitten with Sadie Grace!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

michelle castro photography | michelle@michellecastrophotography.com

weddings | families | newborns | seniors
all images are copyrighted by michelle castro photography

lisa & chad | backyard wedding

They had each other, their closest friends and family, and yummy food . . . what more did they need?  Lisa and Chad wanted a simple backyard wedding that captured them and what they love most.  They didn’t want a traditional wedding and opted for a smaller, more intimate setting in their backyard to celebrate their love for one another and their desire to commit their lives to each other.   Here’s a little sneak peek at their day!
Congratulations!

michelle castro photography | michelle@michellecastrophotography.com

weddings | families | newborns | seniors
all images are copyrighted by michelle castro photography