A little bit of Ranch with my Cookies.

Hello,

My name is Allen and I am a cookieholic. I constantly crave, desire and love them. I must have them, they will be mine! Okay, maybe not all of them. I do have some standards, but many pass it and my lips.

At this moment I have been cookie free for 20 minutes.

Some of my favorites include classics like Oreos (My fiance guts them and only eats the outer shell. Then refuses to let anyone eat the spoils from her efforts. I shed a tear each time this occurs.), Oatmeal Raisin, Fig Newtons, the misnamed Animal Crackers, Chocolate Chip and Nilla Wafers (my mom used to make a banana creme pie with them in at as the crust). 

Then there are the more elusive ones such as Danish Butter & Wedding cookies,  Russian Tea Cakes-another misnamed type, Ice Cream, Chinese Almond, Macaroons, and the annual Girl Scout Somaos and Tagalongs.

Let us not forget the tried and true Fortune, Sugar, Peanut Butter, Pecan Shortbread, and many more precious varieties that I couldn't possibly list all of them here.

So what does this have to do with these portraits I created of these wonderful models (in order from the top: Karin Lorene Larsen, Kristin Keating, Eryne Shan, Crystal Leland, Ashley Gregory, and Allyson Hoehl) ?

Granted I do enjoy being around both. 

(Thanks to the MUA's Melody Rachunok, Brandie Bedell, Kacee Geoffroy)

Though in reality they don't have a damn thing to do with each other! I just really like cookies.

So now I'm off the cookie wagon. 

(Special cookies go to Hanssie Trainor, Rob Ninja-Nicholson , Gavin Wade, Erin Wade, Sarah Frenzel, Derek Frenzel, Teale Landstedt, Matthew Saville Baldon, and Yvonne LeBrun.)

Mmmmm shortbread....

Smo mhich cookmie is your favmorite?

Laura and Tyrus: Do you want to go faster?

When I was in Elementary school we used to get free passes to the Western Washington State Fair.

One of the more exciting rides at the fair was the one that spun everyone around real fast. It was like a horizontal Ferris wheel or a merry-go-round on speed, but without the scary horses.

To add to the knuckle clenching sheer velocity effect the guy running the ride had a microphone and during the ride he would ask just one thing, "Do you want to go faster?"

Of course it didn't matter what the riders said, yelled, or screamed in terror. For you are about to go faster, hang on, take a deep breath, and most of all enjoy it.

Right from our first meeting, I knew that Laura and Tyrus were a couple that had something special.  The way they gazed into each other's eyes, I could feel the deep love and adornment they have for each other. 

I was thrilled to be a part of one of the biggest events in their lives. The Ceremony was held at McLean Overlook at Chino Hills State Park.  The view was simply magnificent!  Go back and look at the photos I took atop the park. Go ahead, I'll wait. It is so kool (that is how I spell it) and I had no idea this place existed so close to my house.

One of the things I love about being a wedding photographer is that I get to go to amazing locations and venues that I would otherwise never knew existed.  Laura and Tyrus' reception took place at the beautiful estate, Lilikoilani. Yes it took me 2 attempts to spell that and I still don't know if I pronounce it correctly. Any Hawaiians out there?  Anyway, the estate is simply gorgeous.  More importantly, the food was delicious!  The management and entire staff were extremely hospitable, courteous, and friendly. 

I also had a lot of help from the guys at Final Touch Entertainment. The DJ's,  Alex and his crew, were really helpful not only keeping me up to date on what was coming up, but taking care of the Bride and Groom through out the reception. Thanks guys!

There are many rides in this world. Sometimes instead of taking a ride I like to run them. For example,  one way I can ask the riders if they want to go faster is to suddenly jump up on a table and take their pictures -  see the image below.

"Smile Tyrus, Smile!"

Despite my playfulness, I know that no matter the ride they take, Laura and Tyrus will be enjoying it.  Congratulations Laura and Tyrus!

Laura & Tyrus: Sneak Peek

Because the guys never get enough love.

The Notorious "Dean the Kid"!

What is the high bid  

for this Dean the Kid

An idea I say

to the park all day.

Run, swing, all so fast.

Add Mom, what a blast.

Down a big slide, will he ever tire?

Then make a wish, watch it float higher

What is the high bid  

for this Dean the Kid

 

For tired I am

for green eggs and ham.

Vegas

If you know me, you probably have a pretty good idea that I go to Vegas. Some may say I go a lot. Though I bet if you got free rooms, food, drinks, maybe some money, and a show thrown in, you would consider going as well.

Guess what I got for this weekend?

Guess where I'm going? :)

However, its not always play when I go. The last time I was in Vegas, I had a chance to do a quick street shoot with a bit of a retro look. Check it out!.

Wish me luck!

Sweet 16

Amanda's Sweet 16 couldn't be sweeter!  She is a sweet young lady and an avid athlete who plays basketball and tennis on her school teams.  We started out with a portrait session at the Huntington Beach Pier.   There were so many great photos that I decided to make a collage.  The photo was used for a signature board at the party held at the 300 Anaheim at Anaheim Garden Walk.  

 

300 Anaheim is not your typical bowling alley.  It's ultra hip and modern with neon lights equipped with colorful lounge charis and a bar to chill with friends.  Amanda's party is held at the private lounge.  It had 8 private lanes, a bar (no alcohol was served since it's a Sweet 16 birthday party), lots of bowling balls, and its own cubies with shoes in all sizes.  Best of all, the buffet and chocolate fondue served!    

 

Amanda's mom really knows how to throw a great party.  Everyone had great fun, great food, and a great time!