Meet Kalia !

On Wednesday April 1st, my dear friend Alysce delivered her first baby, Kalia Ann Lagbao. I've known Alysce since she first started as a NICU RN. She's such a sweetheart and I have no doubt in my mind what an awesome mom she'll be! Anyways today was a special treat for me because Alysce and Martin honored me with the pleasure of shooting lil miss Kalia Ann. Initially I had told Alysce and Martin that I'd probably get these up by Wednesday, but as soon as I started editing away today, I just couldn't stop! So here are a few of my favorites from today...

Alysce and Martin, thank you for being such great sports today! May you both enjoy every minute with your new bundle of joy! Oh and you'll definitely be getting a picture disk in the mail sometime this week!

Alright so without further ado, Kalia at 12 days old.

one of Kalia's protectors, definitely a gentle giant...

the main protector of them all.. dad!

check out that beautiful head of hair!

kalia having a moment here.. hehe

Initially Kalia was grumpy with all changes and maneuvers. Martin said it best when he asked Kalia if she thought she was being underpaid for today's work. Does this expression say it all?!

too cute for words! pink lips and pink soles are just not meant to be in black and white!

soon enough, she tired out...

Ejay's 23rd Birthday. Theme: Celebrity Status

So this past Friday, my brother Ejay celebrated his 23rd birthday at my parents' house in Corona! I'm not about to post up the craziness that went down, but if you know Ejay, I'm sure you can find an album on his myspace or ask him for the link to the pictures I took. All I can say is, "blame it n the a-a-a-alcohol!"

the air yeezys

it's a Cruz party, so of course there's always a DJ! Rex and Miles *Mayhem*

*"The Roc boys in the building tonight! Drinks is on the house!" - JayZ

*celebrity status*

P diddy makes a surprise appearance (all the way from Chicago!) to personally deliver a bottle of Ciroc to Kanye West

Mia & Jasper tie the knot!

Mia and Jasper's relationship has survived trials, tribulations, and even war. With both of them serving in the Air Force, distance has always been an issue from different parts of the country to different parts of the world (including Afghanistan!). Last weekend however, Mia and Jasper's relationship came full circle as they tied the knot in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the years that they've been together, they've had to rely on patience and trust to keep their relationship strong. So when time became their enemy on their big day, it didn't phase them one bit... In fact, I'm sure it made their vows that much sweeter....

Mia and Jasper, we're so greatful to have friends like you both! Just remember, we were there for you guys no matter how late it started! We wish you nothing but a lifetime of happiness and love as you finally begin your new lives together.

Since Ron was one of the groomsmen, I was with Jasper and the guys most of the day. Perfect opportunity to play with the Canon! Here are some of my faves!

my lil cameo. haha!

waiting for the limo

mia's walk down the pool aisle


the new Mr & Mrs Almosara!

my favorite shot

jasper and mia had ask me to snap alongside their photogs. i tried my best not to get in the way, so as i mentioned in my previous post, i disabled my speedlite and bumped up the iso.



the father/daughter dance

long time superfriends. And no those aren't gang signs.

jasper trying to keep up with his nephew.

but he ain't got nothing on this!

yay for married friends!

Jasper and Mia

I remember the first time I "met" Mia, which was through Myspace. I got a message from Jasper and because they were both serving in the Air Force and stationed in Germany, Myspace seemed appropriate. He was so excited to introduce her to all his friends! I didn't know Jasper well enough at the time (since he was technically Ron's superfriend) but I knew enough to know that she was really special to him...

What started off as friendship eventually turned into a schoolyard crush. It was raw and it was refreshing. According to Mia, He wasn't her type and she wasn't his. But they had so much in common that they just clicked like you wouldn't believe. Although both their flirtatious intentions were obvious, neither one of them had the courage to admit anything. That was until the aftermath of Combat Dining... After enjoying a night of tradition and festivities, Jasper summoned the courage and yelled out, "I LOVE YOU MIA!" Initially Mia didn't take it seriously so she didn't think much of it. But Jasper being ever so persistent, called her work the very next day and laid his heart out on the table. After that, Jae & Mia was established and the rest was history...

A couple days ago Jasper asked Ron if I'd like to take pictures of them as an engagement session so to speak. I was really nervous cause I knew engagement sessions required alot of posing and directing since engagement moments are not necessarily candid (i heart candid moments). But how could I say "No" to Mia and Jas?! lol. Hope you like your pictures... Looking forward to your guys' wedding at the end of this month!!

well, it use to say Williams-Sonoma, couldnt help myself. lol

do you know where we're at?

we had this inside joke with mirror reflections and cameras. lol!

I call these next couple of pictures, the many faces of jasper! he reminds me of my brother, hehe! The lighting was oh-so-perfect! But it also helped that they're a good looking couple ;-)

Ron's favorite picture

change of venue when the security guard asked us kindly not to take pictures! Oh well, at least I got my shots!

Exactly why i love candid shots!