jdrf promise ball

there are certain events that you know are going to be great before they even start, and the jdrf promise ball was one of these events. from the moment we walked into the new hilton bayfront hotel in downtown san diego until the final raffle ticket was drawn, the jdrf promise ball was absolutely amazing.










the evening is a huge fundraising event for the juvenile diabetes research foundation (jdrf), a great organization that is committed to finding a cure for juvenile diabetes. there was a fabulous silent auction with some really great items up for sale and a live auction, which included dinner by san diego firefighters, tickets to oprah, and a trip to yankee stadium, among others.






as part of the fun, they had a great take on the traditional photo booth, a company called a little scene. in about a minute, they will take a 7-second video of you and turn it into a photo flip-book, like the ones you had when you were a kid. its a fabulous idea and super fun.




the bidding was fast and furious as the auctioneer (who spoke faster than anyone i have ever heard) did a great time raising money for this great cause.






overall, this was a great time and an amazing fundraiser, and we were honored to be a part of it.

if you are interested in learning more about jdrf, visit their website. To donate to or become a volunteer for the san diego chapter, visit the website to learn more.

to view all the images from the event, visit our viewing site. a portion of the proceeds from the sale of all photos will be donated to jdrf.

welcome to the newest maurer!

we almost couldn't believe it when kim and brian told us she was pregnant again, and that she was going to be due before her first child's first birthday. we thought she must be crazy for wanting two babies, or she was just so happy her husband was back :) we met little andrew last weekend, and although kim said he does nothing but sleep, he wouldn't sleep at all when we were there. plus he doesn't like to be a little naked baby, so we wrapped him up nice and warm and got some really cute pics...
















and of course we couldn't forget about adorable mackenzie, she is only 1 and she can already talk, i am thinking genius baby...

playtime for sydney

you might recall that we have been taking pictures of my friend deanne's little girl sydney since she was born, and as she approaches her 2 year birthday, we decided to venture out into the park and have a little fun on the toys.










sydney is very particular and doesn't like sand in her shoes...




and she still doesn't like to smile at me that much, but i think she is adorable even with her brooding and serious look...



her eyes are absolutely amazing, she could be making the most ridiculous face and she would still be cute...










finally it was time for the itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie-yellow-polka-dot-bikini--could this be any cuter?

starbucks 1 - mcdonalds 0

so i am an advertiser's dream, trying every new product they put in front of me. wowed by the messages promising fame, fortune or maybe just creamy goodness. on my way home from la last night, i decided to try mcdonalds new iced mocha, which they claim is the affordable version of a starbucks. as i waited in the drive through window and saw the cashier putting the final touches of whipped cream on my drink, my lips were watering. and then i tasted it. all i have to say is that mcdonalds doesn't have anything on the starbucks mocha frappuccino or iced mocha.

in another bit of fast food disappointment (yes, i am back eating fast food now that i am back travelling as a consultant), i tried the jack in the box mini sirloin burgers (see the commercial below if you haven't seen it).



i LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the commercial, so i was psyched to finally get my hands on those yummy bits of heaven. again, one bite into them and i knew it was advertising trickery.

i am sure this won't sway me from trying yet another new and not-so-tasty treat, but hopefully i'll save you from wasting your money :)

wedding: carla and jesse

we were expecting rain on the day of carla and jesse's wedding, but the odds were in our favor as the sun came out and provided a beautiful backdrop for their wedding in mission valley. jesse loves the chargers and even has some charger bolts on his ring!





carla looked absolutely stunning and jesse looked muy guapo!





carla's granddaughter looked precious as one of the flowergirls...





james braved traffic to get some shots of jesse and the guys looking cool, while i kept it safer with the ladies...





the ceremony was filled with emotion and laughter, as jesse broke out a flask and carla gave jesse a chargers ball and chain...









we spent a little time with carla and jesse and the wedding party after the ceremony...









the party got started early, and we had a lot of fun with the bridal party and all the guests...










love the facial expressions here...







with this much excitement over catching the garter and bouquet, we'll for sure have lots of customers...



friends and family, to be notified when the rest of the pictures go online, click here

carla and jesse, we wish you lots of love and happiness and thank you for including us in your special day!