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

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

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 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

April 18, 2012

When Time Stood Still: New Life, New Creation {Riverside County Wedding}

I have known Leslie for over 5 years now, and I am blessed to count her a dear friend.  We’ve walked through some very challenging times together, and I’ve seen her blossom to become more and more like Jesus.  When I got the call that she was engaged, I couldn’t wait to meet Richie.  God reached down to give them the gift of a marriage founded in Christ!  I knew this would be the beginning of a fresh new work of God in their lives, of something truly beautiful, a new creation.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Leslie, thank you so much for allowing me to join you on this most special of days.  The purple and blue was so lovely; it suited you, friend.   You were the belle of the ball :) .

Richie and Leslie chose to have their first look before the ceremony (but saved their kiss for the pronouncement! ;) .  It was beautiful.  Richie was stunned and Leslie was beaming as they set eyes on each other for the first time that day.  They prayed and asked God’s blessing on the day and their lives together.

Richie, thank you for cherishing Leslie.  Thank you for loving her and the kids with true love that sets its own aside to guide and protect the ones it loves. You have a beautiful bride who loves and respects you very much!

It touched me to see how very full of joy the reception was.  So many happy tears from the bride and groom, family, and friends!

God’s richest blessings upon you, friends.  May He be glorified in all you do, in the new creation He’s made in you, and in the sweetness of your unconditional love.

“Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.  Love never dies”

~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, MSG

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

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!)

September 10, 2011

When Time Stood Still: All Because Two People Chose to Love {Hemet Family Photographer}

It was a beautiful, breezy afternoon when the line of cars full of family pulled up.
Each had come from different distances – as close as a couple of miles, as far as thousands -
to celebrate Chuck and Lenie’s first 50 years of devotion to Christ and one another.

Their children had purchased a WTSS Portrait Session as an Anniversary gift for them.
During our Consultation weeks ago, I was told this was a momentous occasion, the sort of gathering of extended family
that might only happen once in a lifetime…
and I was so honored to be there to capture it.

First we gathered the grand-kids…

Then we went for some individual family shots.

There were some very sweet moments of reuniting…

But on the whole, the little boys made most of our time together super fun like THIS:

I LOVED IT!  Seriously!

We can’t forget about these sweetie-pie girls, though.  Even jet-lagged and surrounded by a crowd, they were adorable.

Thankfully, once it was time for the huge group shot, I had a little help directing the show and getting everyone into place :) .

And we came up with a perfect memory of a treasured time:

This next shot was specifically requested, as Chuck & Lenie have one just like it from their wedding day, 50 years ago! 
It’s so wonderful to see them even more glowing with love than they were on that special day. 
I know they would say that Christ has held them strong and grown their love through it all.

Chuck & Lenie, congratulations on this momentous occasion, and thank you so much for instilling in your children and grandchildren a love for the Lord!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea Bernard
http://www.WhenTimeStoodStillPhotography.com

July 14, 2011

When Time Stood Still: Call It Love {Riverside County Wedding Photographer}

Filed under: Weddings — Andrea Bernard @ 5:25 am
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Since I first met with Tyan, she’s been beaming. Radiant with love, eager to enter this new chapter in her life that she’ll now and forever share with Eric. Though their relationship often involved a lot of miles between them, they made it through, and I was so honored to share in the first day the miles wouldn’t have to separate them anymore.

This day was full of happy colors and bright flowers. Tyan was a princess and Eric her prince – seriously, think an elegant, petite Cinderella. The weather was unusually mild with a gentle breeze.   Everything was perfect.

Isn’t she beautiful?!


It was so nice to finally meet Eric.

He seemed calm as he got ready for the wedding at the hotel, but he and his groomsmen had a thing or two up their sleeves (not literally, lol).  Eric had planned two special surprises for Tyan.  The first was a beautiful pearl necklace, and the second…  I’ll show you later.

I’m always so glad for my couples who choose to spend special time together before the wedding.  This time can be so precious, and it’s so nice to have photographs to remember how you felt when you saw each other alone on your wedding day for the first time.

And here, the princess and her prince :) .

I can never resist cutie pie kiddos…


I had done the wedding photography for two of Tyan’s bridesmaids, Natalie & Jon in October of 2008 and Renee & Rich in September of 2009, so it was also like a sweet reunion for me!

 

Here are some details as the ceremony was about to begin:

It was so sweet to see their faces during the ceremony – I always love that part!


Ah, and here was the second surprise… Eric and his best man had put Tyan’s ring in a Thor Pez dispenser.  It was cute.  I think she was amused ;) .

People kept commenting throughout the day that Eric & Tyan’s (eventual) kids will be such cute redheads!

Toward the end of the reception, Eric and Tyan moved over to the lighted swing.  I like this next one for the tenderness they share.  Black and white can bring emotion through so well.


As they prepared to leave for Michigan, Tyan said goodbye to some special kiddos she babysat through the years.  Some of the boys were in tears.  Take good care of her, Eric, she has a gang of little boys back home! ;)

Eric and Tyan, thank you so very much for allowing me to share in this amazing day of yours.  I wish you all the best, and can’t wait to show you the images that will help you cherish your day for years to come.

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