balboa island wedding

I know this post isn't very christmasy, but I have been working on this wedding and was excited to final get some of my favorites online.

the ceremony was in an amazing church right on balboa island and the reception at the beautiful balboa bay club in newport beach.

happy christmas eve day!

(due to the request of the bride, I have posted only detail shots)

heather underwater

mark loaned me his underwater casing and boy do I wish I had a photo of the casing! it looked like something suited for spaceships in the 1950's. it was amazing. we headed out into waimea bay and I learned that underwater photography would be much easier if the water wasn't moving. being hit by waves and pointing the space age camera contraption in any direction gave some interesting results. heather was a great sport and as I proceeded to slowly drown her. I love her red hair against the green of the water. wowzas!

I should really buy a underwater casing since I live in beach land. would anybody be up for a underwater shoot? if so email me at rachel@rachelthurston.com

eliza magazine

today I had an accessory shoot for eliza magazine. the crew was great and the model was a pro. look for it in their spring issue.

Photographer- Me
Model -Ely with Ford
Makeup- Stephanie with Next Artists
Hair -Alexis with Next Artists
Magazine/Stylist -Heidi Howard

somebody loves christmas trees!

those somebodies are us!

I wish I could tell you how exciting tree lots are for me. I'm not sure if I should feel bad that we chop down SO many trees for a fairly weird tradition of putting pines in our living rooms, but it doesn't stop me from loving every pine lovin needle.

the smell. the silly prickly branches. the crazy high pressure lumberjacks following you around as you hug each tree to see if the fit is right. grant's smile as he frolics around the lot. the santa hat I made him wear. not wanting to do anything all day except sit by the tree, smell the tree and worry if there is enough water for the tree. the other night I even slept on the couch so I could be near the tree. it cures all ailment's too! grant was grumpy from his laptop not working right so I tore off a tiny portion and rubbed it in my hands and held the piney oils up to his face. he cheered right up! I'm serious! try it!

oh, I love christmas.

don't forget..

penny+mom+dad+kitty

a little bit of christmas baby, a little bit of newborn.. a little bit of family and a little bit of cat on beautiful yellow chairs.. a little bit of sucking on dad's nose (cute/gross), a little bit (more like TONS) of drool and little bit of hair pulling.. a little bit of snuggling and a lot of being in love.

I had the best day in san diego with you guys. our 1 hour turned into 5 and I was kind of glad. it gave me 4 more hours of getting to know you and your adorable scrumptious baby girl. make lots more just like her. xo.

simply photo

jen, who has the blog "simply breakfast" also has this blog, called simply photo. her quiet still life's are haunting and beautiful.

she makes being inspired look so effortless. sigh. if only I was more crafty.

simply breakfast

I have been following this blog for awhile and am sad to see it near its ending. she posts beautiful photos every morning of breakfast. there are not many things I love more in this world than breakfast and pretty photos. I think I would really like food styling.

she has printed a couple books that you can buy here.

( I love the old wood table she eats most of her meals on)