ryan + loren | santa barbara yacht club

Who knew a chance meeting at Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest while in high school would end up HERE!  How many times has a random encounter turned into a lasting relationship?  Not always, but when it does it is sure special!  Ryan and Loren’s story has taken them from high school through college to a big move to Las Vegas for his job and last year they welcomed their precious little girl, Julianna . . . next up, marriage and Loren’s new job as a kindergarten teacher . . . to say it’s been a busy year would be an understatement!  I wish you both the best of everything!  I loved capturing your beautiful day! 

 

michelle castro photography | michelle@michellecastrophotography.com

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

madelynn + mama + disneyland = perfection | disneyland photographer

To say that I LOVE Disneyland may just be a SLIGHT understatement!  It’s not that I like crowds, over priced food, and lines . . . it’s that I LOVE the look on the faces of my kids when we pull up!  It’s priceless!  When I was a kid we went once, maybe twice, a year and we would get there when the park opened and shuffle to the car after the park had closed.  Some of my fondest childhood memories take place at Disneyland . . . every trip would end with my mom and I searching for the perfect figurine to add to my collection.  And then . . . I grew up and a new group of kiddos joined the family . . . I can remember being there when my nieces (now 19) went for the first time . . . the joy on their face was PRICELESS!!!  I LOVE that look!  The look of awe, pure joy . . . the sweet look of  [c h I l d h o o d]!  So . . . I certainly take my older girls out of school plenty and head down to Disney, but sometimes it’s fun to just get away with the little one!  And that’s JUST what we did . . . off to Disneyland/California Adventure we went on Wednesday . . . actually brought the [BIG] camera and documented the day!

 

Oh . . . the many faces of this girl! 

Is there anything sweeter than the laughter of a child?

Oh Boy was it H O T!!!  Thank goodness for the water area in Bugs Land!

Getting Autographs is SERIOUS business!!

 

Oh how I LOVE this precious girl!!!

 

 

Planning a trip to Disneyland or California Adventure?
I’m happy to come along and document your day! 
There are a few options to choose from . . . contact me for info!
michelle@michellecastrophotography.com

michelle castro photography | michelle@michellecastrophotography.com

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

a little friday love

This week’s Friday Favorite is from my sessions . . . I spent time with a family and had a senior portrait session (remember . . . there’s still time to become a senior rep for the class of 2014!!) . . . so here are a few of my favorites from this week!!!

 

The Tuinstra Family

I really LOVE this one below!!  This was one of my last shots and I just love the genuine love that is shown here!  Yes, her kids are growing up and don’t want to snuggle up with mom as they once did, but they still love her!

 

 

Madison and Devin . . . class of 2013!
I met Devin a few weeks ago when I shot his family (his mom is Liy’s 1st grade teacher and we LOVE her!!!)

Madison is heading off to Indiana University and Devin has enlisted in the ARMY and will be leaving for bootcamp on SUNDAY!! Oh my!!! My heart is breaking for his mama!!!
These two were up for any of my hair-brained ideas!  I told them that I’ve always wanted to shoot in one of the orange groves in our area . . . they were totally game!!! 

UMMMMM . . . LOVED our lighting!!!
I love what the tracks represent . . . they are both off on an adventure . . . what’s around the bend?
This reminds me of the Robert Frost poem . . . The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood . . . hmmm . . . where will their paths take them?

 

 

michelle castro photography | michelle@michellecastrophotography.com

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

Friday Favorites

I’ve had to hold off on the Friday Favorites . . . hoping to feature my first vendor next week . . . but until then, here’s my favorite shot from a corporate event I shot this week and the STUNNING Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles! First off, can I just say how much I love DOWNTOWN LA!!!  I really have a thing for it!  Kinda my favorite place to shoot and get inspired!!!!  Second, I love when a friend/vendor asks to have lil’ ol me come and shoot their work!! It really is an immense honor!!!  Jackie with Lotus and Lily Floral Design asked just that . . . so much fun!!!  Without further adieu . . . here’s my favorite . . . well, favorite THREE, from the day!

 

 

 

 

michelle castro photography | michelle@michellecastrophotography.com

she said, “YES!” | “I do!” | “oh my!” | newborns | kiddos | families
all images are copyrighted by michelle castro photography

Stay tuned for COMING ATTRACTIONS!

 

 

 

A time to highlight some of my favorites . . . whether it be a vendor or just something cool I’m dying to share!!!
Stay tuned to next friday for the first official installment of

FRIDAY FAVORITES!!!

Until then, here’s a little something that I just have to tell EVERYONE
about and it has NOTHING to do with photography or weddings or families . . .
but a girls gotta eat! Right?!

Three little words . . .
SWEET. KALE. SALAD!!!

Seriously, this salad is AHHHHH MAZING!!!!!

I find it at Costco and Smart & Final (about $4.49/bag)!
It has EVERYTHING you need . . . the greens, dressing, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds!!!
I like to add some rotisserie chicken ($4.99 at costco). 
I can get about 3-4 lunches out of this bag if I eat it by myself!

 

michelle castro photography | michelle@michellecastrophotography.com

she said, “YES!” | “I do!” | “oh my!” | newborns | kiddos | families
all images are copyrighted by michelle castro photography