March 2010

Southern California Beaches

March 30, 2010

Spent a day in California beach hopping from Dana Point Beach, to Newport Beach, to Huntington Beach. Funny thing is that before we left for California, I knew we would be going to the beach. I just didn’t think the weather would be nice enough for us to actually play in the sand and enjoy the water. Boy, were Mica and Rinoa furious that I didn’t pack any swimsuits for them – not even shorts!

The girls got soaking wet from a big wave in Newport Beach, so I had to buy them new clothes at a nearby surf shop. (Yeah, I didn’t bring any change of clothes for them that day either. Thought we were just going on a picnic by the beach. Didn’t get the memo.)

Thanks to my Uncle Manny for a great day!

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That Gritty Look

March 29, 2010

In one of the training videos I was watching while organizing my recent vacation photos last weekend, Scott Kelby showed how to create this cool gritty post processing look that’s popular in commercial photography nowadays. I tried this technique on some of the photos from the wedding.

This is the unreoutched photo of my cousin ML.

This is the image after applying the gritty effect in Lightroom.

This is the unretouched photo of my other cousin DJ.

And this is the image after applying the gritty effect in Lightroom.

There you go, instant print ad models. (Oh, did I mention how I absolutely love these two cousins of mine?) If you’re interested, Scott Kelby shows how to do this gritty look here.

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My Cousin’s Wedding

March 28, 2010

I am back from a very refreshing and much needed 2-week vacation away from the cold weather here in the midwest. Troy, the girls, and I flew to California to attend my cousin Joyce’s wedding, and then just relaxed and hung out with the cousins, aunts, and uncles for several more days after that.

Maderas Golf Club, San Diego

My cousin’s wedding was a small, outdoor wedding overlooking the Maderas Golf Course and rolling hills of North San Diego. Very nice and intimate!

The Bride and Groom

The bride and groom, Joyce and Carlos, make a handsome and very tall couple. We got to know Carlos a little better during our trip, and both Troy and I easily connected with him. We think he’s a great guy.

Tita Liwie, Johwey, Tita Maricor, and Carrie

After the wedding ceremony, we enjoyed some cocktails outdoors while waiting for the reception doors to open. Here I am posing with my two aunts and cousin, Carrie, while Troy takes the shot. (If I haven’t mentioned in any previous posts, I cut my hair short at Troy’s request. And yes, I miss my long hair but I’m also having fun styling my short hair.)

My cousins DJ and ML

Mica with ML's girlfriend Constance

My kids have the half-smile look that says 'Please let this be the last time we pose for a picture!'

Gavin's Family, My Aunt, and I

To view more photos taken during the wedding, here’s a slideshow for you to enjoy.

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