When Time Stood Still: Photography by Andrea Bernard

November 19, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Timeless Love {Oak Glen Vintage Photography}

Aline and Charles were full of grand, adventurous, creative ideas when we met for our Consultation. And they immediately struck me as grand, adventurous, creative people. I hope you can see a bit of that in them through their vintage styled Session and images – every set has a bit of a different feel to it. We had so much fun!

On our way to the Session, they told me people said they were crazy for “investing” in pictures when there was no big event or anything to special to document. I loved their answer… Everyone has to spend their money on something – it’s a choice. We just want to spend it on something that makes our dreams come to life, something that makes us happy and gives us amazing memories.

And Aline had envisioned short stories for us to recreate.

The first story was about a shy, demure young woman on a first outing with her love, surrounded by the romance of the woods and utilizing vintage props.  He sees her for the first time.  I love his peaceful admiration.

He hands her the love notes he’s written, and reads poetry to her in the peace of the autumn wood.

She ponders his words and holds them dear to her heart.

They relish their time together.

And they walk into the sunset, more sure of their love than even the ground beneath their feet.

Aline’s second short story to play out was about a couple waiting to travel and see the world and grasp adventure.

And the third story was their story, a story about their ability to “chill” in the car for hours on end just talking about life, about how they text each other even when in the same room, about the closeness and love and happiness they share.

I love the feel of this next set… vintage 70′s right here :)

The final story was Charles’ vision – a liberal rendition of the urban lifestyle: shiny jewelry, hot cars, the city speaking for itself in the distance. We are looking forward to creating this vision at another shoot sometime soon, but for now, I think we captured the attitude anyway ;) .

Way to go for the dreams in your heart, friends. May the world always have dreamers like the two of you.

“Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows?
And what’s on the other side
Rainbows are visions
But only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we’ve been told
And some choose to believe it
I know they’re wrong wait and see
Someday we’ll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me”
- Kenny Loggins

Here’s to dreams and visions of dreams and believing they can really come true.

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

October 19, 2012

When Time Stood Still: The Beauty of Relationships {Soboba Springs Country Club Photographer}

When Roxanne first contacted me from Texas about taking pictures of her parents’ 60th Wedding Anniversary Party at Soboba Springs Country Club, I could tell by the adoration in her voice that this would be a cherished time.  I wouldn’t just be ”taking pictures” of the family – it would be my goal to capture the beauty of the memories and special relationships they share (yes, all 29 of them!).

I hope these images do just that for you, Rohrbacher Family, for generations to come.

The always-lovely Country Club was a great backdrop for this special event.


The closeness of husband and wife, and the affection of sister and brother…

The joy a mother finds in her toddler son…

The admiration future generations have for grandparents of integrity…

The unique bonds of a mother to her daughter…

The connection that binds them all: family, whether loved by blood or loved by invitation.

The years of childhood memories shared…

The respect sons have for a mother who has more-than-earned it…

The love daughters have for a mother who always set an example…

The miracle of shared life and memories that hold strong even when the miles separate…

And the lasting legacy of love and commitment that endured through joys and challenges, 60 years strong… and counting…

All beautiful, all unique, all reflections of the gifts God gives when everything that threatens to break and tear relationships down is instead met with steadfast love.

Thank you for inviting me in to your story and your lives, Rohrbacher Family!  I look forward to finishing your Web Gallery so you can view the rest of your images and think back on this amazing time together.

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

August 26, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Enduring Love {Hemet Anniversary Pictures}

Quite often in my life, I am amazed. Amazed by blessings so undeserved, by breathtaking beauty in nature, by ways my children grow up just a little bit more every moment. And then, there are times I am amazed by people like Bill and Rose Marie, whose love has defied all odds and endured the joys and struggles, blessings and challenges, of 60 years.

What a privilege to spend moments today with this sweet couple, learning bits and pieces of what it takes to always choose love… not the gushy, here-one-minute-gone-the-next type, but the strong, selfless love that never forsakes no matter the circumstances.

In this next set Bill was telling Rose Marie the exact outfit she was wearing when he traveled to West Virginia to sweep her off her feet :) .  He said, “You were the most beautiful girl I had ever laid my eyes on.”  She told me earlier, “He was completely different from anybody I had ever known.” They went on to get married and have seven children. :)

I love the way they look at each other with such admiration.

This hummingbird had perfect timing, flitting in just as they were gazing out the window together…

I am so thrilled to be capturing moments and relationship portraits at their 60th Anniversary Party at Soboba Springs Country Club in October.  All seven children and most of their families will be there!  What a treasure to be able to spend such a special time with their family, complete.

Thank you, Bill and Rose Marie, for allowing me this glimpse into your beautiful lives, and for allowing me to capture the love you share for generations to come.

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

June 21, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Newborn Bundle of Sweetness {Hemet/San Jacinto Newborn Photographer}

So, I know it may seem as though I gush about EVERY client on the blog, but in all honesty, God does such amazing things when He creates people.  Whether they see it or not, I have yet to find one client who does not radiate the image of God in some way – His character, His creativity, His intensity, His beauty…  I feel truly blessed to meet all my new friends and see Him in them.

That being said, God really outdid Himself when He made this precious little newborn.  As I complimented Baby Cole’s sweet, tiny, six-day-old features, his grandfather said something like, “I’m sure you say that about all the babies!”  And I do, because it’s so true!!  Isn’t he just perfect?!

A little angel, really.

Cole’s Mommy and I worked together to soothe him to sleep for this first set of images; he was such a little doll.  It’s so important to me to work on baby’s schedule when creating newborn portraits – and our patience paid off :) .

Though we’ve just met, the impression I get is that Baby Cole is entering such a peaceful family – full of gentle patience and overflowing with strong love.

Adding more feet to the family! :)

It’s so clear that big brother Caleb adores his baby too!

The connection between a mother and her baby is always beautiful.

Love those wrinkly toes!!

While Mommy fed baby, Daddy and big brother played baseball.

It was adorable, and I hope these portraits help you as parents remember the roundness of his little face at this stage of toddlerhood, his inquisitive eyes, those cute little jeans he’ll be grown out of soon, and how the special relationship you share now will only grow more precious from here on out.

Thank you so much for the privilege of creating with your beautiful family, Trujillos.  Can’t wait to show you the rest of your portraits!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

June 11, 2012

When Time Stood Still: All You Need Is Love {Fairway Canyon Wedding Photographer}

When I first met Branden and Jessi for our Consultation, I could tell they were madly in love just by the glances they exchanged… the way they paused and looked at each other whenever I asked a question, the way they shared a desire for a simple wedding, meaningful and sweet without all the drama some over-the-top weddings have.  “We just want it to be very… US,” they said.

Fast forward to a month before their wedding, and I received an email stating they had eloped!! :)   What a nice choice for their desires for simplicity; they seemed so happy with the way their intimate ceremony worked out.  They kept their venue date and instead used the planned time to celebrate with friends and family – a reception full of joy, tears, laughter, and love.

Here’s to simplicity, Branden & Jessi: All you need is love – choosing it for each other everyday for the rest of your lives.

Image

Jessi is a nanny for cutie pies D & P – they love her to bits (if you can’t tell)!!!

And she thinks they’re pretty special too :) .

It was great to meet Branden & Jessi’s bridal party – they were fun to work with for traditional and… not-so-traditional portraits ;) .

The women all looked so lovely…

I think Branden and his Best Man Rodney heard more than once that day that they looked like they belonged on “Men In Black.” ;)

Of course we had to get a little mobster action in there:

The light was beautiful and soft in the field because of the clouds – reflective of the simple beauty of their love.  I think this would make a perfect gallery-wrapped canvas on Branden & Jessi’s wall:

They are so relaxed and tender with each other.

Our next stop was the railroad tracks, where they had some time to just enjoy each other’s company candidly.  I always feel so honored to be the “fly on the wall” when a bride and groom have special time together before they meet the crowds of the day.  It’s beautiful.

It’s so fun when I don’t need to encourage additional affection or joy between a couple.  The bliss you see on their faces is all them :) .

A passing car honked in approval, and Branden agreed of course!! :)

Looking off into their together future…

This one would make a gorgeous wall portrait.

This one too:

They had a Blessing Tree at the reception – each guest could write a blessing on a gift tag and then hang it on the tree.  What a great idea, together with such vibrant spring colors!

The reception was a joyous celebration – great food, memorable toasts, fun dancing, plenty of laughter.

The venue was beautiful.

And I’ll leave you with another portrait of the simple beauty of their undying devotion… with a little romantic vintage style mixed in.

Thank you for the privilege of capturing this sweet time in your lives, Branden & Jessi.  May every coming year be even sweeter!

I’ll see you soon to show you the rest of your portraits!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

February 3, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Lovely Beauty {Laguna Beach Senior Pictures}

Years ago, I had the privilege of being a youth sponsor for the junior highers at our church when Miss Birkley was in the group.  Times have changed, lives have changed, and Birkley has grown up!  What a beautiful girl she is, inside and out.  It’s no wonder she holds the current Miss Hemet title!

We had such a great time creating together at Laguna Beach.  Birkley has such an innocence about her, a natural loveliness, a humility that comes from being blessedly naive about not knowing the power of your own beauty.

I wanted to catch as many candid moments with her as possible.  Below right, I love the way she is going to sweep the hair from her face as the wind gently moves it.  So delicate.

See the natural beauty I’m talking about?!

She, of course, is not TOO delicate though – this girl can have FUN!

This next set would be a great magazine ad for… um… what brand are you wearing, Birkley?  Whatever it is, you make the dress look stunning!

As the sun began to set, we booked it up the (insane amount of) stairs back to the car so we could head to the pier for some shots in San Clemente.  You all were such troopers!  I think it was totally worth it.

Birkley was very patient as we moved my lighting around to create sunset shots under and around the pier.  It was such a gorgeous evening – not too cold or windy, and the sunset burst the sky with color!

David and Jimea, you have an amazing daughter.  Encourage her as she spreads her wings and seeks the Lord.  She’ll really fly!

Birkley, you have a precious family.   Times and lives will continue to change; treasure them and they you.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to get to know you better, to create with you, and to help you remember this amazing time in your life.  I’ll see you soon for your View & Order Session!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

December 2, 2011

When Time Stood Still: Exuberant Beauty {Temecula Winery Senior Portraits}

I had the privilege of taking Victoria and her boyfriend John out to Vindemia Estate Winery last Friday – it was the perfect morning.  A little fog to diffuse the light, vibrant fall colors… While others were out battling the harried crowds of Black Friday shoppers, I watched the sun rise over the vine-studded hills of the Temecula Valley.  It’s a hard life, I know. ;)

Victoria is a senior at Hemet High this year, and I’ve had so much fun getting to know her.  From the time we met at her Consultation, I knew she would make this shoot easy.  She has this amazing blend of self-confidence, gorgeousness, intensity, and a bubbly personality.

Then there’s John, who seems like such a great match for her.  He’s easy-going and strong.  What a sweet (not to mention amazingly good looking) couple.  (Hey, you know where to find me if you ever need a wedding photographer! ;)

John, I think you need one of these in a large wall portrait.  Wow, that’s some intensity.  “Yes, that’s my girlfriend!” you can tell everyone :) .

It always kills me to have to choose which images to put up here on the blog for my clients’ sneak peeks… Especially with a shoot like this, it’s SO HARD to just pick a few!  I think this next one would make a good magazine cover :) .  Can you believe she has never done any modeling?

 

The house below is where Victoria grew up, amongst the trees of Idyllwild.  I think she carries a lot of the beautiful,  free mountain spirit with her still.

And a little retro beauty for ya…

I’ll leave you with one last shot from the top of the mountain – at The Point in Idyllwild.

Victoria and John, thank you so much for spending the morning with me.  I had a great time, and I can’t wait to show you all your images – everything in my attempt to capture the beautiful life God has given you.

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

March 21, 2011

When Time Stood Still: Share a Little Love {Romoland Newborn Photography}

I can always tell when I’m going to love working with a family – not just because of their looks (I believe there is inherent, gorgeous beauty in all my clients anyway!), or because of the opportunity for referrals (though my entire business is based on word-of-mouth), or anything… but the genuine love they share.  It’s not mushy, smile-on-cue-and-give-a-hug-for-the-camera love.  It’s not flighty, be-nice-to-you-when-I-feel-like-it love.  It’s unconditional, grace-filled love, overflowing with affection and wholly immersed in gratitude for the gifts of the people God has put forever in your life.  It’s love you can’t help but see when people who have it are together, whether in front of a camera or not.

 

To follow is a sneak peek for just one of those families :)

 

I’ve had the privilege of creating with Caleb and Rachel since their oldest boy Daniel was just a tiny baby.  Then, as they prepared to leave the country, we had a blast together with sweet little toddler Daniel at the SD Zoo.  Now the Lord has led them back to our area, and they welcomed precious baby Isaiah to the family.

Holding on to Daddy.


Quiet moment with Mommy.

 

Sweet newborn features – there is such peace in fully trusting your every need will be met.

This is the cherished love I was talking about…

Oh, how those little feet change so quickly!

Giggle fun with Mommy!

Thanks so much, Caleb and Rachel, for allowing me to be an observer of your lives and love through the years.  I cherish each moment as well.  Keep on loving!

~ Andrea

July 26, 2010

Genuine, Easy-going Love {San Jacinto Anniversary Photography}

Have you ever met a couple who just seems to be so at ease with one another that they just exude love?  The last few couples I’ve worked with have been just that way.  It was so lovely to meet with Jim and Darlene.  They are celebrating their 10th year of marriage (Congratulations again!!), and I just love to see such a natural affection between two people.  We walked and talked, got to know each other a bit, stopped here and there for nice lighting and pretty backgrounds… and Jim and Darlene just talked easily with one another through it all, enjoying each other’s company.  People like you two are a blessing to me as I seek to share the beauty I see in life.  Thank you.

One of the things I enjoy most about the way I shoot is getting to know my clients; I have yet to meet one who doesn’t have the stamp of God’s handiwork somehow shining through.  Seeing things from this perspective makes capturing moments shared, spontaneous laughter, and love so easy.  I truly hope each of my clients comes away with an impression of this beauty as well.

Thanks so much to you both for allowing me to capture this special time in your lives.  May the Lord bless your marriage with even more love and joy in the years to come!

January 11, 2010

When Time Stood Still: A Young Man of Authenticity {San Jacinto Senior Portrait Photography}

It was so neat to be able to create with Aaron a couple of weeks ago.  Not only is he an accomplished actor, but he also loves the Lord with a sincere heart.  I was encouraged and blessed to talk with him about how faithful God is, and I pray to have captured in Aaron’s images some of the strength that comes from his deep faith.

When a senior chooses to bring his or her Bible along to the shoot, I try to give some ”alone time” with the Lord for a while before shooting any images.  It’s really important to me to make sure any pictures the senior has to remind him of his relationship with God also reminds him of the Truth God spoke in the quiet moments, as the images were taken.  This afternoon ended up being gorgeous – an inspirational place and time for Bible reading.

Aaron also plays the guitar and sometimes leads worship using this gift.  At one point during our time, a couple of ladies walking around the lake asked who he was serenading with such beautiful music, so we told them Aaron was serenading God :) .

Thank you so much, Aaron, for the privilege of capturing this special time in your life.  I look forward to our View & Order Session to show you the rest of your images!

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