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

When Abel and Lindsey were first married in a small courthouse ceremony ten years ago, they couldn’t have known the challenges the next decade would hold. All they knew was that they were  committing to weather life together.

From three beautiful children joining them in succession, to taking care of their ailing grandmother, through all the uncertainties and ups and downs, the Lord held them. When it seemed like they would never have time to just breathe, God gave them the selflessness and strength to get through.

And now, He has graciously given them a new season – He has blessed their obedience, drawn them together, and even created a bit of “breathing room” in their lives.  What a reason to celebrate!!  October was the perfect month for it too – the warmth of autumn colors, the harvest, the reaping of good things that have involved LOTS of hard work…

Lindsey’s dress was just perfect – elegant, intricate, warm.

She was a radiant bride, even while just getting ready!  Her “something blue” was a beautiful ring given to her by her grandmother.

Abel was stunning in his fall-colored suit, taking in the significance of this special day.

I can tell he is so proud of their kids, as they are of him!

Abel and Lindsey chose to have a “first look” before the ceremony.  They were so sweet.  I always think this is such a special choice – the emotions and memories of sharing this amazing time together last for a lifetime!

It was super cute to see how excited the kids were to see their parents all dressed up and loving on each other.  After Abel & Lindsey had a few moments to themselves, the kids RAN to them and engulfed them in hugs!

What a beautiful family.   (Love little sister’s curtsy!)

And I mean, really, how can anyone resist kiddos this adorable?!

I have to admit, I have a very hard time holding back from capturing portraits of tiny people who are SO stinkin’ cute.

We also captured some portraits for Lindsey’s brother and sister-in-law and their sweet family.  This one would make a super-cute Christmas card!

But I’m kind of partial to this one .

And here is the full extended family portrait for Lindsey’s side…

The celebration was touching and beautiful, with the kids as the wedding party, Lindsey’s parents officiating, and guests who’ve loved and supported Abel and Lindsey through it all.

Surrounded by loving support…

After the ceremony, we created some golden sunset memories near all the beautiful fall trees at Quail Lake.

I love the peaceful way they hold each other close – it’s like they know they will make each other stronger.

At the reception, they had a really cute photo board showing special memories from the last ten years of marriage – what a great idea for a Vow Renewal!

Here is Abel’s extended family portrait:

And a fun one of Lindsey and her dear friends!

The dancing after dinner was so much fun!  The kids especially know how to get DOWN!!   I think little Mr. was just overcome by all the sweet emotion of the evening.  He had me wiping away happy tears behind the camera!

What a precious thing to see the love they have for each other, and the joy and fun they share.  Abel was even serenading his lovely bride in that middle shot…

As the evening wound down, the lake and the stars and the spinning world just became more beautiful.

Abel and Lindsey, may the Lord richly bless you in the decades to come with deep love and unity.  Continue to be a blessing to each other! And “may our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!” (Romans 15:5-6 MSG)

Thank you so much for the opportunity to take part in your amazing day, this testimony of God’s faithfulness to you and your growing commitment to Him and each other!  I can’t wait to show you the rest of your images once your Web Gallery is ready!

Continue to cling to the Vine!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

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

There is so much beauty to be seen in life.  Yet I truly believe the deepest beauty here on earth often comes through the other side of great challenges and pain, when God recycles the bad things and turns them out for His glory and our good, when He makes “beauty from ashes”.

This family has a beauty from ashes story, one in which God has worked wonders and redeemed their relationships – that is the business He’s in after all, redemption!  And so, it was with great honor that I tried humbly to capture their beauty – God’s beauty, so clearly in their lives.

Chris is leaving in a few short days to begin his journey as a Marine.  I’m so glad they’ll have these memories to share of their times together as this chapter closes and a new one opens.

Brother and Sister – they don’t love each other or anything…

The light was so pretty up in Idyllwild; I think this stream was meant just for them!

In these next two sets, they were each sharing their favorite memory of time spent together – it was sweet to see all the smiling and laughing involved .

Katie recounting a story…

I know a touch of that adoring look Cynthia has on the right – a beautiful thing for a mother to feel toward her children.

I totally love these next family shots!!

We then moved on to a different part of the stream where the beautiful light illuminated the greenery.

In this next one, I asked each person to tell the others one thing they appreciate about them.  Once it was Chris’ turn to listen to what his mom and sister appreciate about him, he said, “Oh yeah, keep it coming!” lol

Mom held it together until the end, and then the emotion of it all came; she was so sweet.

Thank you, God, for making this family and covering them with Your Redeeming Grace – it’s something only You can do.

Cynthia, Chris, and Katie, thank you so much for opening yourselves and your lives to me – I was so blessed by this time with you!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

Then“Then”, a 1990 single from The Charlatans, featured on Some Friendly album →

We have had wonderfully strange weather this summer, and enjoying the storms almost every afternoon has definitely been a highlight!

“First Summer Storm”

Micah and Noah were both thrilled to run and jump and splash and play in the puddles – in their swimsuits of all things!

So many fun entries over at I Heart Faces for this week’s theme… Check them out!

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

I am currently accepting applications from 2012-2013 high school seniors who are interested in being a Rep for When Time Stood Still their senior year! Senior Reps receive a FREE session and have opportunity to earn free products (like a new iPad!!) for referring your friends to WTSS!

If you are photogenic, outgoing and interested in applying to be a Rep, please visit my website, When Time Stood Still Photography, and click the “Senior Rep App” link to fill out the application.

One boy and one girl will be selected from the following schools this year:

• Baptist Christian High School
• Baptist Christian Academy
• Hemet High
• San Jacinto High
• Taquitz High
• West Valley High
• Other schools may also be considered

Can’t wait to get this year’s group off to a great start!!

Now that I have a bit more breathing room in the schedule this summer, I will have a chance to blog a few more sessions that I didn’t get around to posting in the spring… Erin’s spring mini-session is one of them.

When I think of Erin I think of adventure, a sweet balance of goofy and serious, bubbly energy and inner peace.  In all of this, whatever fears she may have are surpassed by the spirit of courage that makes all her adventures and boldness and peace possible.

So, we tried to capture just that… in an old, abandoned warehouse that was (I admit) just a little bit creepy and pretty gross, but totally awesome at the same time.  (Josh and I actually have our eyes on that warehouse – if the property is still for sale in another 20 years when all our kids move out of our place, we may just convert it into my new photography studio!!

After the warehouse, we made our way down to a fun little section of town, full of color.

She has such engaging eyes!

How honored I have been to capture your fun, free spirit, Erin!  Have a blast in Hollywood at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts – standing strong and tall and proud of the God who made you so special!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

I’ve never been a huge fan of the desert, but I believe in a God who has infused His Beauty into nature and people everywhere, and no matter how tough things get (or how dry and brown!), eyes that truly see will not miss this beauty.  So, I set out to reflect it…

I presented two concepts to the city, one focusing on the beauty of the diverse people in our community and the relationships they share, and the other on the beauty of the diverse landscapes and natural textures.  They went with the landscapes idea, and I got to put it up today!   All nine images were taken locally.

Special thanks to the very kind Mark Orme, Assistant City Manager of Hemet, for this opportunity, thoughtful Executive Assistant Kathleen Aguilar for the photo, and to the especially helpful gentlemen on staff who were extra hands for me in putting up the panels!

There is a small blurb about me and When Time Stood Still Photography in the frame on the desk below, as well as a cute bird holder for my business cards.

The blurb says, “Andrea Bernard has had a passion for photography since childhood. Upon moving to the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley in 2005, her love blossomed into much more than a hobby.  Her official custom photography business, When Time Stood Still Photography, began in 2008 and has grown drastically by word of mouth alone since then.  She is honored to serve clients locally and across the nation, drawing out the beauty God has created in nature, people, and relationships.  Andrea’s current wall display here at Hemet City Hall is entitled, “Our Journey,” chosen to reflect the great diversity and various walks of life represented in our community – all different and all beautiful in some way.”

A big thank you to Tessie Galletta for all her hard creative work in bringing forth the beauty of her local property (Dogwood flowers lowest center image), as well as to Daniel and Carolyn Straub for the use of the beautiful view from their amazing property overlooking part of our valley (center image with fountain).

Thanks so much to all my clients for your continued encouragement and support – I am amazed at what God has continued to do with this life-long passion of photography.

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

I had the absolute privilege of capturing memories for a wonderful group of people this last weekend at the 1st Annual “Let ‘Em Shine” Talent Show, put on by EEK Fitness. It was a tremendous success – not only as a way to allow children and adults with disabilities to share their special talents in the spotlight, but also as a reminder to the audience of how amazing, courageous, talented, and truly special (in the most positive sense of the word!) those with disabilities really are.

The event was set up with all kinds of fun decorations, helping contribute to the “star quality” atmosphere.

The Valley Queens were on hand to present awards and make new friends… They really connected with a few of the younger girl entrants especially.

The entrants brought smiles to my face with their smiles, shoulders held high with pride, and commitment to each other and their talents.

One thing that struck me about the evening was the amount of unhindered joy and emotion that filled the room.  What a blessing of an experience.

I love the look of love and pride this precious girl has for her treasured friend as they surround her in the dance routine.  So tender… And the pianist’s enthusiasm couldn’t be beat! I told her I wish my fingers would cooperate with me like that!

The High Hopes Program out of Temecula brought a great group – their first number was patriotic on the handbells…

And then later they let loose, getting their groove on!   High Hopes received 1st place from the Talent Show judges.

There was quite a bit of rockin’ out going on when these guys came on stage as well!

I was grateful to be hidden behind my camera for this next act…  I was a basket-case full of touched, happy tears as Alison lip-synced with innocence and passion “Mean” by Taylor Swift.

We had an intermission and I got a chance to capture some of the amazing people and colors of the night.

Victor (on staff at EEK Fitness) and his daughter then gave a special performance of “Under the Sea”.  It was aDORable.

It was neat to see Victor and the rest of the audience so proud of all the entrants.  Daniel was up next with an amazing lip sync of a hip-hop love song – performed from the heart.

D&D Group Home brought a great bunch of entrants as well, performing a patriotic “I’m Proud to Be an American” in sign language that had the audience singing and swaying heads along.

It was just beautiful to see the joy and dedication that filled the evening.

Voice of the Valley winner, Shelia Diggs Trammell, brought along some friends, performed with her Fantastic Dream Team puppet, and offered a moving rendition of the song “Hero”.

All the entrants went home with a carnation, a certificate, and their very own trophy.  I think it really meant a lot to them.  They will also each receive a 4×6 photo from their performance.

I think this image sums up how I saw and felt the event – nurture, joy, beauty, relationship, community – all things that define the best in us.

Thank you so much, friends, for allowing me to capture this amazing evening for you.  I’ll look forward to sharing the rest of the images with you in the Web Gallery I create for you on my website.  I hope to meet you all again some day!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea Bernard

When Time Stood Still Photography