***

We sipped hot chocolate.

And ate fudge that Mason made.

We put on fancy dresses.

And went to Tangled.

I loved it just as much as Ivy.

We went to vintage shops.

And found pretty little treasures.

We had a girls only day.

And had breakfast at a cafe along the ocean.

We went to Nellie Gail.

And looked at the Christmas lights.

We did lots of things.

And nothing at all.

…and both were just as beautiful.

***

I’m head over for this little girl, I am.  I’m used to being surrounded by boys so to be able to wear glitter gloss and braid her hair and play princesses is such a special treat for me.  My heart always breaks a wee bit when it’s time to go.  I’m convinced that I’ll be seeing much more of Ivish though as she has fallen head over herself…for Mikey.   I had many requests to pull out my iPod where I had video of Mikey stored. She would watch him with a smile on her face and then say “Ohhhhh..he’s so CUUTTEEE!” I melted even more because it’s in an Australian accent.  :) …and when they talked on the phone, Ivy mostly giggled and smiled.  I then got on the phone and asked Mikey if he liked talking to Ivy and he said, “Wellllllll…I couldn’t really understand her because she doesn’t speak English.”  Priceless. 

Sparkle, sparkle Sweet Girl. Big Loves.

Krysta xo

***Processed with Sheye’s Eye Candy Actions – Pretty Gritty ***

I’m working on finishing up this session right now…these two are my favorites. :)  I have had the most gorgeous group of girls in front of my camera this year.  They exude beauty – inside and out. 

It has been crazy over here! Tis the season. However, I do have some posts coming up with….a GIVEAWAY and Krysta Manthe Photography stocking stuffers so stay tuned. 

I also promise that I will start writing more than one to two lines per post too. Pinky Promise!!

Much Love,

Krysta xo

“Go to Crystal Cove”, she said. “Make sure you stop in the tunnel to look at the murals on the walls…you’ll especially love the one at the end.”
…and so I did.  I drove along the coast with the windows down.    I followed the trails and took my time.   I looked at every brush stroke on those walls.  …and when I got to the end, just as she said, there were three words:  Life Is Beautiful. I smiled big.  I spent that afternoon by myself on the beach. I silenced the stressors, welcomed the tranquility, and reflected on this past year…on how far I’ve come…and how far I have yet to go…

…and two days later I got to do it all over again with this gorgeous girl in front of my camera.  These are literally the last few shots of her session.

It’s so good to be home, but it’s places like this I tuck away, carry with me, and can’t wait to meet again.

Thank you Tara…for introducing Crystal Cove and I.

…and thank you Laurie for making it all the more beautiful.

Much Love,

Krysta

***  For those of you who have inquired about sessions or sent me e-mails this week, I will be going through my inbox today and tomorrow.  I am now with a computer in tow.  I also have many many sessions on their way to being delivered!  :) ***

… a few more images from Brad and Erin’s California engagement session.  More sunshine, bits of beautiful, and shoes to covet.

Much Love,

Krysta

Little Miss Gia, her beautiful mommy and daddy, dear friends, Montage Resort, perfect light = happy happy girl.  You would never know it, but about five minutes after we started shooting the above images, the fire alarm went off at the Montage..and it was LOUD!  Poor baby Gianna started crying and I can’t say I blame her.  The crying wore her out and she ended up falling asleep in her mama’s arms.  I thought we’d lose the light, but she woke up bright eyed and ready to go and let us capture a few more of her down at the beach before the sun went down.   We visited her at home a few days later and she was a dreeaam baby.  I loved watching how in love her parents are with her.  Her daddy is so protective of her and her mama lights up every time she looks at her.  Sheye and I couldn’t get enough of this sweet baby girl… 

See? She is all kinds of scrumptious. Those little baby thighs get me every time!

AJ, Nina, and Beautiful Gia – thank you so much for letting us spend the evening with you and inviting us into your home to capture your family.  You are such warm, giving people and Sheye and I both felt so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet you.   I am counting down the days until my lens dances with your baby girl again. 

Andy and Rachel -  Thank you so much for being so wonderful, for introducing us to AJ, Nina, and Gianna, and for the beautiful conversation over a glass of wine.  We shall do it again very soon!

Much Love to all of you!

Krysta