Megan Hartley Photography http://meganhartleyphotography.com Orange County Photographer Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:35:25 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 She Hearts Haiti http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/02/02/she-hearts-haiti/ http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/02/02/she-hearts-haiti/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:35:25 +0000 admin http://meganhartleyphotography.com/?p=2064 Sheila is the girl I wanted to be in high school. She was kind, brilliant, gorgeous, thoughtful, and truly had a heart for God. My husband once joked “well, why didn’t you just marry Sheila if you think she’s so perfect?”  :)   While she’d be the first to tell you that she’s not perfect (yes, she’s humble too … add that to her list of attributes) she was and is a totally awesome person. I am so blessed by her friendship and I am thankful to be able to support her in her latest admirable activity – spending a year working as a registered nurse at the Children of the Promise children’s home in Haiti. She has already been there for three months and, in a few short days, she’ll be returning to Haiti for the next year. You can follow her adventure on her blog and I promise, you’ll fall in love with her and her beautiful heart too.

Sheila, thank you for being you. Your honesty, your compassion, your sense of humor … I simply adore it all. I will continue praying for your time in Haiti and I know that you will bless all those you come into contact with, just as you have blessed me with your friendship.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

]]> http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/02/02/she-hearts-haiti/feed/ 0 Good things come to those who “like” … http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/30/good-things-come-to-those-who-like/ http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/30/good-things-come-to-those-who-like/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:43:53 +0000 admin http://meganhartleyphotography.com/?p=2050 Facebook is a wiley, time-sucking, snoop-satiating temptress. It sucks up more of my time than I’d like to admit and I’m not really all that sure why. I mean, I don’t really care what people are eating for lunch most of the time or what errands they need to run this afternoon. And I am sure that most of my friends don’t care that my adorable child said something hilarious today (sidenote: she totally did – when I told her that her sister had a stuffy nose and the sneezes, she told me that her sister also had the “chokes” because she keeps coughing … hilarious, right? Right.) So, why oh why do I check that silly site multiple times a day? I suppose because it’s a way of connecting with people that I don’t have the time or opportunity to truly connect with. Friends from long ago, clients who have become friends, family members who live far away … it is a great way to keep up on the lives of those I care about, even if that means sorting through the mafia/farmville/”if you don’t repost this then you’re a bad person” posts to do it.

Despite my mixed feelings about it, I recently started a facebook page for Megan Hartley Photography and I’d love it if we connected there. I’ll try my very best to not be annoying and I hope that this page can be a place where I post photos, random tidbits, and coming soon for facebook “likers” only … a giveaway! Hurray! So go ahead and “like” Megan Hartley Photography on facebook and I promise to TRY to keep the anecdotes about my kids to a minimum … but they really are cute, aren’t they?

]]> http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/30/good-things-come-to-those-who-like/feed/ 0 And then came Stella … http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/26/and-then-came-stella/ http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/26/and-then-came-stella/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:08:10 +0000 admin http://meganhartleyphotography.com/?p=2024 There is simply no way for expectant parents to truly understand the way their world is going to be turned upside down by the birth of their baby until it is, in fact, turned upside down. It’s so easy to wonder “what did I get myself into?” when you have baby poop under your fingernails, spit up on your shirt, and fuzzy teeth since brushing your teeth is now a luxury rather than an expectation. But then you look … really look … at that tiny little person who caused all of the chaos. And you remember that she’s worth it. Every stinky second of it. And your start to realize that you can’t even really remember what a right-side up world even felt like anyway, and even if you can remember it, there’s no way you’d go back. That, my friends, is parenthood.

Hayley and Nate, welcome to the parenting club. Our members may be tired, have less money, and say the word “potty” more times than anyone should, but I guarantee you it’s one of the best and most rewarding clubs you’ll ever join. You two are already exceptional members – your love for Stella and one another is so beautiful and even in your exhaustion, you are still finding time to appreciate the wonder of your daughter. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Stella’s first days – she is truly something special.

7 day old Stella …

]]> http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/26/and-then-came-stella/feed/ 0 Haley and Nate – Maternity http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/16/haley-and-nate-maternity/ http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/16/haley-and-nate-maternity/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:07:32 +0000 admin http://meganhartleyphotography.com/?p=2003 Very soon, Hayley and Nate will be meeting their precious daughter for the very first time. They are going to be amazing parents and the love and dedication they have already shown to their baby shows how blessed this baby is to have them as parents. I was so thrilled to be able to capture these maternity photos of the beautiful Hayley at almost 38 weeks pregnant and I hope that Hayley and Nate are able to look back on these photos and fondly remember this special time in their lives.

Hayley and Nate, thank you so much for allowing me to take these photos. I know doing anything at 38 weeks pregnant is not easy, let alone getting ready for photos and walking through grassy fields! Hayley, you are stunning and I can only hope these photos make you feel as beautiful as you truly are, both inside and out. Your darling girl will be here before you know it and I just can’t wait to meet her!

Onto the photos!

]]> http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/16/haley-and-nate-maternity/feed/ 0 Carizza and Devon – Married! http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/07/carizza-and-devon-married-2/ http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/07/carizza-and-devon-married-2/#comments Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:02:50 +0000 admin http://meganhartleyphotography.com/?p=1918 It rained the day before. It rained the day after. But on this day – their day – the rain ceased and the sun peeked out as if it just knew how much we wished to see it. Carizza and Devon’s wedding day was a day full of love, laughter, dancing, eating, and caring. Their intimate wedding at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art allowed them to truly celebrate with each and every one of their guests and, most importantly, with each other. Everything came together perfectly thanks to the amazing coordinating team at In the Now and the day just could not have gone any smoother. Carizza was an absolutely stunning bride with her beautiful White by Vera Wang dress and makeup and hair by Flawless Faces. After Dark Entertainment did a great job on the music and lighting and kept everyone dancing and having fun the entire evening. With delicious food from The Burnt Truck, drinks from Sunseri, and desserts from Sweet and Saucy, everyone in attendance left with full bellies and full hearts. Absolute perfection.

Carizza and Devon, I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to share your wedding day with you. It was such an honor and privilege to document your day for you and I enjoyed every moment of it. You two are just the best and I can’t wait to see the many blessings that result from your marriage. You have already been such a blessing to me and I absolutely treasure your friendship. Also, a huge thank you to my second shooter for this wedding, Stacy De Groot! Major props to Stacy for not only capturing great photos but also for talking the tow man out of towing my car! I owe you, Stacy!   :)

The day began with Carizza and her bridesmaids getting ready at The Hotel Hanford.

The bridesmaid dresses are by Coralie Beatrix and can be wrapped an infinite number of ways! So awesome!

Carizza and Devon’s first look at The Hotel Hanford was so sweet … they were so genuienely happy to see each other and Devon’s love and appreciation of Carizza was so evident.

After the first look, we had time to take photos of the bride and groom together as well as the wedding party near the venue, OCCCA.

Flower Allie did a beautiful job on the florals for the wedding … they really added a beautiful romantic feel to the day.

How cute are the bridesmaids with their Wedding Chicks Totes? And the groomsmen looked dapper with their Ben Sherman ties.

Seriously? Could they be more beautiful???

How amazing are these invitations? Amanda with In the Now designed them and they are beyond perfect!Devon’s Dad, Cor, presided over their marriage ceremony. I thought that was just about the sweetest thing ever.

Heart confetti made by Devon. What a sweet detail!

Beautiful linens by La Travola and rentals from Classic Party Rentals.

These escort ornaments were perfect for this December wedding. Such a special detail! If you haven’t had food from The Burnt Truck you are missing out. After experiencing it for the first time at this wedding, I am sold!Carizza and Devon’s vinyl logo adorned  both the aisle for the ceremony and the dance floor thanks to Creative Media Print, who also made the plexi signs used to decorate OCCCA. Many blessings upon your marriage, Carizza and Devon!

 

]]> http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/07/carizza-and-devon-married-2/feed/ 3 Steve and Claire – Engaged! http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/02/steve-and-claire-engaged/ http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/02/steve-and-claire-engaged/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:43:09 +0000 admin http://meganhartleyphotography.com/?p=1827 Claire is one of the most wonderful people in the world. Now, you may think I’m just saying that because I’m her best friend, but really … it’s 100% accurate. One of the things I love most about Claire is her optimistic and cheerful spirit. I’ve known the girl for 20 years (we met when we were six) and rarely have I heard her speak a negative thought. And, even though it’s hard to believe it was even possible, Claire has gotten even more cheerful since she met Steve. Steve is also wonderful – a fellow optimist, a hard-worker, and a super genius who loves to laugh and makes my best friend the happiest I’ve ever seen her. They are perfect for each other and I am thrilled from my head to my toes that they will be getting married this summer!

Claire and Steve, thank you so much for allowing me to take your engagement photos and for letting me witness your love. You are both such thoughtful people and I love how you continually put the needs of the other above your own. I can’t wait for your wedding and I am so honored that I will be standing up with you on your special day! Love you both!

]]> http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2012/01/02/steve-and-claire-engaged/feed/ 3 Jonathan and Julia – Engaged! http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2011/12/30/jonathan-and-julia-engaged/ http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2011/12/30/jonathan-and-julia-engaged/#comments Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:29:25 +0000 admin http://meganhartleyphotography.com/?p=1797 They met in the hardest class ever – organic chemistry. And in between discussions of hydrocarbons and molecule structures, a different kind of chemical reaction occurred – love. Now, five years later, their relationship has stood the tests of time and distance. They are more in love than ever and their upcoming wedding is going to be one filled with laughter, celebration, and fun.

Jonathan and Julia, thank you so much for allowing me to take your engagement photos! It was such a treat for me to be included in this special time in your lives and I couldn’t be more thrilled for you both. Your obvious love and beautiful friendship were a joy to experience first hand. I hope you enjoy your photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

]]> http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2011/12/30/jonathan-and-julia-engaged/feed/ 0 Rob and Olivia – Engaged! http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2011/12/23/rob-and-olivia-engaged/ http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2011/12/23/rob-and-olivia-engaged/#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:00:24 +0000 admin http://meganhartleyphotography.com/?p=1761 Rob and Olivia are beautiful, they are fun, and they are so in love. They’ve already pledged to serve our country in the US Army and this summer they will pledge to protect, serve, and love one another forever. It was my pleasure to capture their engagement photos and I am so thankful to have such wonderful clients who are up for my crazy ideas and ready to do whatever it takes to get the perfect picture! I know their wedding is going to be a beautiful, love-filled day and I am completely honored to be a part of it.

Rob and Olivia, thank you so much for such a wonderful afternoon. I had so much fun exploring, chatting, and hearing about your wedding plans. June will be here before we know it and I simply can’t wait to capture your wedding! I hope you enjoy these photos of your beautiful selves! :)

 

]]> http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2011/12/23/rob-and-olivia-engaged/feed/ 2 The Albarian/Traub Family http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2011/12/14/the-albariantraub-family/ http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2011/12/14/the-albariantraub-family/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:51:22 +0000 admin http://meganhartleyphotography.com/?p=1740 Siblings are an amazing gift. I say that as an only child who never had to share my toys or wear hand me downs! :) Seriously though, the siblings in these photos represent the best of sibling-hood – they love one another fiercely, enjoy each other’s company, and can both tease and receive teasing with ease. They’ve also welcomed a new sibling-by-marriage with grace and humor. Their parents have obviously done a remarkable job in raising such fun and loving people and it was my absolute joy to take these family photos for them!

Cass, Priscilla, Paul, D.J., Daniel, and Suzy, thank you so much for letting me spend the afternoon documenting your family! You guys kept me laughing and on my toes and I just had a wonderful time with each and every member of your family. I hope you enjoy this small sampling of the photos we captured!

]]> http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2011/12/14/the-albariantraub-family/feed/ 1 The Wiebe Family! http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2011/12/12/the-wiebe-family/ http://meganhartleyphotography.com/2011/12/12/the-wiebe-family/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:00:50 +0000 admin http://meganhartleyphotography.com/?p=1712 One of the things that I love most about my job is that is has given me the opportunity to reconnect with old friends. Brittany is one such friend and through the magic of facebook, we were able to get in touch and I had the honor of taking pictures of her sweet family! I so appreciated this family’s willingness to drove quite a distance for our session and our time together flew by because they had me laughing the entire time! There was one point I actually had to put my camera down and catch my breath from laughing so hard. This family is so full of love and fun. I loved watching Brittany interact with her parents and the way Brittany’s fiance, Adam, fit so perfectly into the family. And they brought their incredibly friendly, well-behaved dogs to the shoot! These pups are clearly important members of the family and I was so thankful they were cooperative and weren’t camera shy!

Wiebe family, you guys are awesome! Thank you so much for such a wonderful afternoon and for making the trek all the way to Orange County! I look forward to keeping in touch and give those puppies a snuggle for me!

Onto the photos!

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