When Time Stood Still: Photography by Andrea Bernard

October 19, 2012

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

Filed under: Anniversaries,Blessings,Couples,Events,Families,Getting to Know my Clients — Andrea Bernard @ 9:41 pm
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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}

Filed under: Blessings,Families,Uncategorized — Andrea Bernard @ 6:20 pm
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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 →

August 10, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Spirit of Courage {Custom Hemet Senior Pictures}

Filed under: Senior Reps,Seniors — Andrea Bernard @ 5:18 pm
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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

 

June 21, 2012

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

Filed under: Blessings,Families,Getting to Know my Clients,My Thoughts on Photography,Newborns,What to Expect — Andrea Bernard @ 7:19 pm
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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}

Filed under: Blessings,Couples,Gallery-Wrapped Canvases,Getting to Know my Clients,Uncategorized,Weddings — Andrea Bernard @ 2:36 pm
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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

February 3, 2012

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

Filed under: Getting to Know my Clients,Seniors — Andrea Bernard @ 3:19 am
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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

August 11, 2011

When Time Stood Still: Irresistable Sweetness {San Jacinto Newborn Photographer}

Filed under: Families,Newborns,Uncategorized — Andrea Bernard @ 6:04 pm
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Little Miss Kendall was just 11 days old when we met at her beautiful home to capture her tiny newborn features.  Her Mommy and Daddy are so proud of this bundle of sweetness;

love for her just seems to radiate right out of them.

 

There’s nothing like being held by Mommy and Daddy.  It’s amazing to me how babies relax in their parents’ arms.

Okay, see what I mean about the irresistable sweetness?

This is one of Mommy and Daddy’s favorite outfits for K – we thought she looked so cute, like a little beach girl from the 1920′s :) .

Kendall was so cuddly, all curled up, sticking her little fingers and thumb in her mouth, hand to her face… drifting off to sleepyland.

Her room was the sweetest cherry blossom pink, the room Mommy wished she would’ve had growing up.  (I think any girl would love it!)

That’s Kendall, tiny little thing, sleeping there on the closet shelf. I had Mommy right beside Kendall, barely outside the frame with arms ready, for safety of course! (Safety is of the utmost importance to me – I’d never knowingly sacrifice a newborn’s safety just for the cuteness of a shot.)

Thank you so very much, Colin and Breanna, for the opportunity to meet you and capture memories with your sweet little girl.  She will grow and change so fast – you’re going to LOVE watching it all transpire before your very eyes!  Cherish this time, and know you’ll be blessed even more by her life in the months and years to come.

~ Andrea

July 14, 2011

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

Filed under: Weddings — Andrea Bernard @ 5:25 am
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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.

June 19, 2011

When Time Stood Still: Happy Father’s Day!

Filed under: Blessings,Newborns — Andrea Bernard @ 7:44 pm
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It’s been said that a great father is a good representation of God to his children.

Thanks to my husband, my father, and my father-in-law for making this true in our lives, and for all the dads out there who do the same.

“The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

Deuteronomy 33:27

March 21, 2011

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

Filed under: Blessings,Children,Families,Getting to Know my Clients,Newborns — Andrea Bernard @ 4:40 pm
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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

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