When Time Stood Still: Photography by Andrea Bernard

November 2, 2012

When Time Stood Still: I am the Vine {Quail Lake Vow Renewal in Central CA}

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

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

September 28, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Beautiful Redemption {Idyllwild Family Photographer}

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

July 23, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Let ‘Em Shine! {Inland Empire Special Event Photographer}

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

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.

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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

June 6, 2012

When Time Stood Still: I Heart Faces – All Boy Series {Inland Empire Children’s Photographer}

I have never doubted that our boys are “all boy,” even when, for a short period of time when he was two, Micah said his favorite color was pink  ;) .

They are double-trouble, double-energy, double-sweetness, double-fun!!

All of these are totally candid images.  I call this one “Teeth and Guns”:

“Exploring”

“Caught in the Act”

“A Boy and His Dog”

“Only They Can Make Each Other Laugh Like This”

So many adorable entries for this week’s theme… Check them out!

Photo Challenge Submission

November 11, 2011

When Time Stood Still: Sweet Family, Sweet Memories {Oak Glen Family Photographer}

The leaves were vibrant and the air crisp… We weren’t exactly prepared for it to be quite THAT crisp, with a dusting of snow over everything and drips of freezing rain falling on us from the dewy leaves above.

Our time was filled trying to stay busy and distracted from the cold, but when you look back on this stage in your family’s life, Michael and Rebekah, I hope these images help you remember how precious it is…

The scrunching of little noses, gentle touches from pudgy fingers, tiny arms that wrap you up in bear-hug squeezes, love and laughter, even distracted glances from eyes eager to take every bit of world in… Memories buried deep in the soul.

Your sweet family is just beautiful – I always enjoy shooting with you. Thank you for the privilege.

Bekah, your laughter is such a gift.  Never stop :) .

May the  two of you be blessed with decades upon decades of enduring love, held strong by the One who loved us first!!

And may your daughters always bubble over with His joy.

Thank you, friends, for allowing me to play a part in helping you remember these treasures.

With sincere gratitude,

Andrea

PS – Oh, and a sneak peek of the way I can show you your portraits up on your wall to scale: (Don’t forget to bring to your View & Order Session pictures of the spaces you’ll want to put pictures up in your home!)

April 5, 2011

When Time Stood Still: All Things Bright and Beautiful {Sacramento Family Portraits}

Phillip and Chelsey have such a fun little family – I could tell this right off the bat when Chelsey told me she’d have their girls in bright pink and orange pettiskirts for our shoot.  Though the skies were cold and gray, there wasn’t much that could hide the sunshine they share.  We had a sweet, memorable time in downtown Folsom together, and I’m so honored to have been given the opportunity to capture this precious time in their lives.

 

When I look through my camera at scenes like this, I can’t help but feel a tug at my own heart for the sweet tenderness the Lord gives parents of little ones.  What a blessing parenthood is!

Chloe had so much fun keeping warm by running with Daddy!  The fluffing of her pettiskirt as her little legs ran was ADORABLE.

 

 

Here’s a grouping of images that would look beautiful together up on the wall, set in a champagne frame with a dark brown and taupe mat.

This family is so affectionate – I was blessed by their love for one another.

 


I love the way they looked at each other throughout our shoot – amidst the activity of two little cutie pie girls running around, the weather trying to freeze us out, and the mindful eye of a camera lens, they seemed to share such a peaceful understanding, a quiet love that believes and cherishes deeply.

 

And, of course, who could even THINK about resisting the cuteness of these two??!!

 

Thank you so very much for the privilege of joining you for the afternoon of memories (and chocolates!) :) .

It’s always so impossible for me to whittle the images down to just a few for the sneak peek…  Until our View & Order Session when you’ll get to see the rest, enjoy!

 

September 1, 2010

When Time Stood Still: Another Year in The Family Journey {Riverside County Teen Portraiture}

Filed under: Children,Families — Andrea Bernard @ 8:51 pm
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Sometimes as I create with a family, I am drawn to meditate on how quickly my own children change – every day and every year that passes, each one is becoming more grown up, learning what it means to love one another, assuming more responsibility, maturing to be more like Christ.

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I was thinking just these thoughts as I captured portraits for this sweet group of siblings.  These kids (though hardly kids anymore!) have changed and grown so much in the short years I’ve known them.  What a neat family, and what beautiful gifts the Lord has given them in each other!


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The brothers told me about their latest electronics projects, including a homemade hologram!

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Later the sisters giggled as they talked with one another…

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What a precious time in all of your lives!

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Tom & Shelley, thank you so much for the privilege of creating with your children.  Cherish these times, and look forward with hope to the bright future each of your children has in the Lord!

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Can’t wait to show you the rest of your images…

~ Andrea

August 16, 2010

When Time Stood Still: Family Through it All {Southern CA Family Portraits}

Filed under: Families — Andrea Bernard @ 3:20 pm
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It’s been a while since this shoot, but I wanted to get back and blog about it anyway – I couldn’t before since the portraits were going to be a gift for Father’s Day :) .

Jessica and her boys are our very dear neighbors, and I’m always so honored to capture portraits for them and their family.  Jessica and I have the whole “2 energetic little boys” thing in common, and I’m just bursting with excitement about her third little boy Jax who is soon to arrive!  Thanks so much, Jessica, for your friendship and for entrusting me with some of your precious memories.  Love you!

Here’s a brief overview of our Mini-Session:

 

The three beautiful sisters…

 

Adorable cousins ~

I couldn’t resist including little man’s cute scrunchy face in this one!

And finally, the extended family.

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