Aimee Westcott - Captured: A Blogtography

This Blog Has a New Home

2011-01-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

To view my latest work please visit my NEW blog at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Leo + Dre - Wedding - Marina Village

2010-11-12T19:42:00.000-08:00

This blog has a new home. You can check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Leo + Dre tied the knot on the most popular day of the year, 10-10-10, at one of the most popular places to get married in San Diego - Marina Village. There must have been at least 10 other weddings going on at the Villages, but none were as stunning as Leo + Dre.

Leo + Dre from aimee westcott on Vimeo.

www.capturedbyaimee.com

Lauren + Frank - Wedding - Saint Francis Chapel

2010-10-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Lauren + Frank tied the knot on October 2nd, 2010. We started the day with some beautiful portraits of Lauren at the SDMA Sculpture Garden in Balboa Park. We then headed over to one of the sweetest little churches, Saint Francis Chapel, for the nuptials. After that, it was off to some fun locations around Balboa Park for some family portraits and some alone time with the lovebirds.
The party ensued at one of my favorite rooms at the Prado. I was assisted by the very talented and sweet Lauren Nygard. We had so much fun capturing their day.
Here are a few of my favorites.

Lauren + Frank from aimee westcott on Vimeo.

Vendor Love:

Prado: Sally Raissi, sally@pradobalboa.com

Wedding Coordinator: Joan Whalen, info@joanwhalen.com

Florist: Wholesale Florists (Kendra), weddings@sdflowers.com

Hair/Make-up: Jet Rhys Salon, jetrhyshair@jetrhys.com

Chapel Contact: Keith Fitzgerald, kfitzgerald@museumofman.org

DJ:Lou Tamagni, tmagproductions@cox.net

Ceremony musician: Anthony Garcia, anthony@agarciaguitar.com

Officiant: Pastor Mike Mitchske, pastormike@cox.net

Jonah - Baby Portrait - San Diego

2010-10-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

I think one of the most beautiful things I have seen is the love and excitement of first time parents. Matt + Sarah were so cute with Jonah and each other. Jonah did exceptionally well for his first photo shoot and we got some great stuff.

Congratulations Matt + Sarah on your sweet handsome guy!

Zoey + Mom + Dad

2010-10-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

I recently went south to my homeland - Melbourne Beach.
While I was there I was able to photograph Lisa and Mike and there newest addition- Zoey.

Zoey has got some cute chub rolls that have made her quite unsteady in the crawling or walking position thus she has had to become very resourceful. For transportation Zoey shifts from one butt cheek to the next in a serpentine motion. She is quite proficient at it and it was hands down one of the cutest things I have ever seen. An amazing tropical storm* cut our photo shoot short and moved it indoors. Luckily with some props and newly painted walls we were still able to get some really cute stuff!

*it never rains in San Diego so I was sooo happy to be able smell the rain and see the beautiful Florida skies light up

I think this should be the cover of some rad 70's album.

Naomi Wedding Shower

2010-10-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

I was so happy when Naomi asked me to photograph her wedding shower that her amazingly talented aunt's threw for her. Her family is just as warm and loving as she is and made me feel so welcome.
I can't wait to see them all at her Josh's wedding at the end of this month!

Melanie + Sean Wedding El Cortez

2010-09-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Melanie + Sean were married at one of my favorite locations, El Cortez, in downtown San Diego. We were sure smitten with these two and their friends and family.

We can't wait for our Zarape meet up!

Dorian + Me = Three

2010-09-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Eighteen years ago I met a very persistent Eddie Veder look-a-like at a beach party in Melbourne Beach. Three years ago today I married this long time love. A year ago today I almost lost him to a traumatic brain injury, which he received only a few blocks from our house. This past year I have watched this very brave man fight to get back to me and the life we once had.

Thank you Dorian, for fighting, for not giving up and for coming back to me.

Happy Anniversary squared!

I love you, I love you, I love you!!!

Photography by Flutter Glass

Simone + Matt - Prado - San Diego

2010-09-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Simone was one of the first people I met when I moved to San Diego. Seeing her, almost five years later, with a new life and career in New York and marrying her long time love Matt was such a great feeling. They had their beautiful ceremony and reception at the Prado in Balboa Park. Their crew had so much energy and life and, were so fun to work with they laughed, loved and danced their way through the night. Congratulations Moni and Matt, we love you guys!!

Vendor Love:

Ceremony / Reception SiteThe Prado / Loggia
Andrea Pena Andrea@pradobalboa.com
www.balboaparkweddings.com
Coordinator + FlowersJen Haase www.dayof-love.com
jenh@dayof-love.com
Cakewww.sweetcheeksbaking.com

elaine@sweetcheeksbaking.com

Hair & MakeupClaire Young

http://www.clairestyle.com/
clairestyle@cox.net

Victoria + Brian - Engagement Session _ San Diego

2010-08-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Victoria and Brian wanted a vintage theme and feel for their engagement session. They brought along some great hand made props for their Save The Date's. I also got some props from the very talented and artistic Sweet Emilia Jane. Not only is she an amazing artist, she is also an incredibly giving friend. She took time out of her busy schedule to make the pinwheels and ribbon sticks the day before the shoot. Victoria and Brian, aside from being completely GORGEOUS, were so fun to work with. I am in love with every pic from this shoot. Here are some of my favorites.

Colleen + Chris - Wedding - San Diego

2010-08-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Colleen + Chris were married in a beautiful ceremony on July 16th at St. Brigid's Church in Pacific Beach. After the nuptials we headed to the reception at Kona Kai. We got so many great shots of this incredibly photogenic couple throughout the day but the last shot of the night is one of my favorite wedding shots of all time. Lauren (my talented assistant) and me grabbed Chris and Colleen for one final portrait before we headed out. Lauren backlit them and I took the following shot,straight out of the camera. Perfection!

Jennifer + Barney - Wedding - Point Loma

2010-08-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Jennifer + Barney were married on July 3rd at North Chapel in Point Loma. This couple has such a cool story. Abby (Barney's sister) is best friends and business partners with Jennifer. Abby not so subtly played match maker and got the sister she always wanted and Jennifer and Barney got each other. It was so heart warming to see the love that Barney's two little girls have for Jennifer and to feel the immense and deep love of all of those that came out to celebrate Jennifer and Barney's big day. We always have fun around these two and their family and were so happy that they chose us to photograph their nuptials. Here are a few of our favorites!!

Melanie + Sean - Engagement Session - Balboa Park

2010-08-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

We photographed Melanie + Sean’s engagement session at various locations around Balboa Park. The bonus was we got to shoot at the place where Sean popped the question. It was a sweet shoot for a sweet couple. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding at the end of this month.

Sweet Emilia Jane's-Sweetness

2010-07-31T12:06:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

A while back I had the opportunity of shooting a baby shower for my good friend the wildly talented and newly married Emilia Jane McCool. I cannot say enough about how amazing she is but, if I were planning an event, soiree or shindig Emilia would be my woMAN!

Kristen + Francisco - Wedding - El Cortez - San Diego

2010-07-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

High school sweethearts Francisco + Kristen were married on Father's Day in the Don Room at the historic El Cortez. Their vows were beautiful and a poetic reading about fathers had the entire room, including me, in tears! Aside from being stunning, these two have amazing souls. We were so happy we could be a part of their day!

Amanda + Josh in Mt. Shasta

2010-07-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Josh + Amanda were married in the idyllic setting that is Mt. Shasta. Not only did the snow-capped Mt. Shasta serve as the backdrop for their nuptials, the ceremony and reception took place at Amanda's parents dream-home/cabin. To write that this place is AMAZING is an understatement, it was an absolute dream to shoot . Terrie from Salvadno"s Events did a phenomenal job bringing in rustic yet elegant decor to match the setting and style of the cabin. We had such a fun time with Amanda + Josh and their family and friends. It was a 3 day-event filled with great food, swimming and just the right amount of partying (we had to work after all). OK enough from me, check this beauty out for yourself!!!

Rachael + Scott - Yosemite National Forest

2010-06-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

I grew up with Rachael so when she told me she was engaged I was excited, when she said they were getting married in Yosemite we were jealous, and when she asked us if we would photograph her wedding we were honored. Family and friends assembled for three days of activities and to celebrate the nuptials of two of the sweetest people in the world. They were married at Glacier Point in Yosemite. They read their vows overlooking Half Dome and El Capitan. We were blown away by the beauty of Yosemite and the love that Rachael and Scott have for one another and their family. On to some of my all time favorite wedding photo's.

Michelle + Neal - Wedding- La Jolla Bridge Club

2010-06-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Michelle + Neal were married at the La Jolla Bridge Club on May 30th. Michelle planned most of the wedding from a distance since she was in San Fran up until shortly before the nuptials. The wedding was nothing short of fantastic. It was a beautiful day filled with love, amazing family and a lot of laughter!

Andrea + Juan Pablo - Immaculata - San Diego Museum of Art

2010-06-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Andrea + Juan Pablo were married at the Immaculata at USD on May 15th. They choose the ultra cool Museum of Art in Balboa Park for their reception. Juan Pablo is from Columbia and Andrea is from the states they met in Europe, the style of these locations suited their spirits and was a reflection of where they initially fell in love.

Andrea made this big day even bigger by graduating from law school on the morning of their wedding. AMAZING!!!

Memorial Play

2010-06-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

Totally geeking out with my newest lens obsession at a M-Day BBQ!

Hosted by the very gracious Jamie and Ben!

Derby Inspiration

2010-05-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

I was cleaning out my hard drive and came across this catalog shoot I did last year and, was sad because Jordan (the very beautiful model in the photos) has moved to Alaska. Jordan grew up riding horses and could barely contain herself during the shoot. The afternoon consisted of over zealous ranchers and mini horses, which believe it or not are kind of frightening. Jordan I miss you and hope that you are loving Alaska!!

Megan + Brain Engagement Session

2010-05-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

When we met up with Megan and Brain at the Cabrillo National Monument Tide Pools in San Diego for their engagement session we started joking and laughing immediately. Their ridiculous looking pugs CoCo and Tini added to the fun. By the end of the shoot my cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing.
I love when I get to shoot couples that are as excited and fun loving as these two. I cannot wait for their wedding in 2011.

Tim+Raya - Green Pastures - Austin

2010-05-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

When Tim first told me he was getting married and he wanted Aimee and I to fly to Austin and snap photos of the wedding, we were so excited. I hadn't met Raya before but I've known Tim since he was in the eighth grade, when his straight blonde hair fell to his shoulders, when he was the only kid in Cocoa Beach, Florida listening to Fugazi. I knew he would find someone amazing to share his life with and he did just that.

The whole trip, from the moment our plane landed to the second the wheels lifted off the ground, was great. To feel the love from old friends, and to see the love that Tim and Raya feel for each other as they tied the knot at Green Pastures in south Austin was exactly what Aimee and I needed since the accident. I can ramble on and on about how great the day was, but you can just see for yourself.

Thanks for letting us be a part of your big day Tim and Raya. We're looking forward to seeing you out on the open road in your new VW Westy!

Chuck & Becky - Palos Verdes - Wayfarers Chapel

2010-05-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

It is really cool when you get a glimpse of true love.

Dorian and I got more than a glimpse at Chuck and Becky's

wedding at Wayfarer's Chapel in Palos Verdes. The evidence

was apparent on Chuck's face as soon as Becky made her way

through the large wooden doors of the small "tree chapel."

Chuck's expression was of true love and pure bliss;

an amazing thing to bare witness to!

I was so excited to shoot the inside of the chapel designed

by Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright's son, especially after

taking shots of the grounds for Chuck and Becky's engagement

shoot. The chapel did not disappoint, the organic architecture

and lighting provided an amazing backdrop.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Watch Slide Show Here!

Florida, Florida Isn't Close Enough

2010-04-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

Even though I have been in San Diego for over 5 years Florida still feels like home. I love the sticky air, long days and warm nights. Last week myself and 3 of my closest friends from all across the States went back to reunite with the family and friends we left behind. We ate a ton, sat up late drinking & playing games and did a good bit of crying (I have not seen most of them since the accident).

I spent time with pops, sis and gabe and the most beautiful niece and nephew on the planet...seriously I am not biased they really are insanely beautiful. There is never enough time to see and do all the things I want (like driving by my childhood home) but, we were able to squeeze in about 30 minutes for a quick photo session with the clan.

Here are some of my favorites!!!

Trevor & Kristen - Engagement Photo's - Anza Borrego & Salton Sea

2010-03-29T17:50:00.001-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

I have the coolest clients!! Kristen and Trevor live in Vegas and are having their destination wedding in San Diego. Within 5 minutes of meeting them I knew that we were going to create some incredible art together. They came all the way from Vegas to shoot at the post apocalyptic landscape that is the Salton Sea. I have been wanting to shoot there for a while and was so excited when I met Kristen and Trevor because they definitely have the right look and feel for the spot. I love their glamour juxtaposed with the ruins of this ecological time bomb.

We shot at Anza Borrego on the way to Sea where I took a giant cactus to the foot. Kristen bravely grabbed the cactus's 3 large spurs that were lodged into my foot and with one swift painless motion removed them (flip flops + desert = bad idea).

Kristen and Trevor are adventurous and literally walked on shattered glass to get the shots. This day was also so awesome because I got to shoot and hang with my friends Cynthia and Henry Chaplin. It was so hard to narrow down the pic.s for this post and adding Henry's amazing shots to the mix made it even harder.

I am soo excited to shoot their upcoming wedding!!

Ryan & Tammy - Rancho Santa Fe - Church of Nativity

2010-03-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Tammy and Ryan are the type of people that make you immediately fall in love with them. We love everything about them. These two have so many enduring qualities the way Tammy scrunches her nose when she smiles...the way Ryan gives real hugs...but most of all the way these two love each other. They were married at the Church of Nativity in Rancho Santa Fe on a beautiful warm day. We were thrilled to be a part of their love fest!

Chuck & Becky - Engagement Session - Palos Verdes

2010-03-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Last Sunday we drove up to Palos Verdes to take engagement photo's of Becky and Chuck. We met them at their ceremony site, Wayfarers Chapel, a glass structure overlooking the Pacific Ocean designed by Lloyd Wright. The grounds were amazing and we were so inspired that we started shooting right there. Afterwards, we headed over to Abolone Cove State Park to shoot some more. On the mile hike down to the beach, we learned more about Becky and Chuck. Aside from being a beautiful couple they are warm and genuine and even though we only have known them a short time they already feel like old friends. We could not of agreed with Chuck more, when he said: "We're having a great time."

The day ended with more photos on the electric trolley that runs along the Port of Los Angeles. We're looking forward to more good times at their April wedding!

p.s. Chuck and Becky digging the boot as are my cats!!

My Winona - Portraits - Balboa Park

2010-03-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

Winona Cobb is someone I have known since I was a little girl. I along with everyone else in Melbourne used to take up residence at the Cobb household for weeks at a time. We literally grew up there. I have loved watching Winona grow from a shy awkward girl into a creative and amazing woman. Things have been hard for Dorian and me since the accident having Winona's hugs and love could not of come at a better time. Thank you for listening to me, crying with me and being as you have always been a very important part of my family. I miss you already!!

Here are some shots I took of Winona in Balboa Park during a jewelry shoot for her soon to be sister-in-laws-jewelry line (pictures of the jewelry to come soon).

After we did some of the lifestyle jewelry shots we took a hike through the trail behind Balboa Park. The rain we had the day before made everything so green and misty it was beautiful.

Peggy Pants

2010-02-15T23:00:00.001-08:00

I am a lucky girl not only do I have the best most handsome dog in the world but I get to live a few houses down from this precious girl.

Introducing Peggy Pants...newest addition to the hood!

Je souhaite que j'étais en vacances

2010-01-29T19:31:00.000-08:00

I have been listening almost obsessively to Carla Bruni and was inspired to go back to the ongoing overwhelming project I have had of organizing and editing the photos from our trip to Europe.

Here are some of the memories I found.

In love..with Fuji Instax

2010-01-13T20:12:00.000-08:00

I have always loved instant photography. Instant gratification has always held an allure for me. My dad also loved photography so every time I go to Florida & Georgia I peruse his stacks of photos that have been stashed away in boxes, looking to collect some that he shot. I got my own Polaroid camera when I was about 10. Since Polaroid discontinued their instant film its become increasingly expensive and hard to find so when Fuji released their Instax I was sooo happy. I ordered a bunch of film and have been shooting like its 1974.

Carina helping me scout locations for upcoming shoots.

Jaime and me at her YUMMY Christmas brunch!

Dorian's commemorative first beer after THE accident.

Dorian, Artie and me taking the Vanagon out for its second camping excursion to

San Clemente!

Off camera Dorian entertaining the Christmas Crew with his usual witty banter.

Dorian and Ben jamming in the backyard!

Art Wall

2010-01-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

Dorian and I have slowly been turning some of our favorite photos of family, friends, and trips into canvases. The idea is to have the canvases span the entire wall creating one large art installation. We are almost halfway there!

I like the idea for two reasons

1. its awesome

2. it features some of the people and memories

that mean the most to me:

Bailey The Wonder Pom- Pet Photography

2010-01-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

My love for Pomeranians grew when my mom brought home a fluffy ball named Brandy. Brandy used to let my five year old niece push her around the neighborhood in a baby carriage while she lazily lay on her back. My niece screamed to the neighbors with delight that it was her baby. I will always remember my mom in the driveway clutching Bailey, tears streaming down her face as I left on my 3000 mile cross country trip to my new home.

When I first saw the puffy golden dream that is Bailey running across my studio I was immediately transported back. Bailey is seriously cute and happens to belong to one of my besties, Maggie. She has the sweetest face. Maggie and I swear she smiles when she poses for pictures. These are some of the shots that I took for the family Calendar 2010.

Bojador - 50th Wedding Anniversary

2010-01-06T22:43:00.000-08:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

There is something so regal and graceful about two people who have been committed to one another for 50 years. I was so moved by the love these two shared for one another and their family during their vow renewal ceremony and reception. I share the hope that many of their guests expressed; to have such love so long in my own life!

Here are a few of my favorites from the day!

Estella, Quinn & Lucinda - Balboa Park - Children Portraits

2009-12-28T21:33:00.000-08:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

We have had such a busy holiday with many visits from family and friends. Its been great to see everyone and for them to see how amazing Dorian's recovery is going. We had a yummy lunch with Dorian's uncle and cute cousins in Balboa Park and did a quick impromptu photo shoot behind the Prado. Here are a few of my favorites!

Baby Lincoln - San Diego

2009-12-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

We moved to San Diego about 5 years ago and were pleasantly surprised to find some old friends from Florida had made their way out West too. Since then many of them have headed back East. One of those people was Mike St. Jean who my husband Dorian, (the other half of captured)has known for over 20 years. He and his wife Sara recently married and now live back in Pensacola, Florida. Nearly 5 months ago they became the proud parents of Lincoln. This handsome guy has cheeks that were made for pinching and eyes that look like clouds. We got the opportunity to photograph and catch up with the St. Jean's on their recent visit.

It was so awesome seeing you guys enjoy the pics!

"My moms a vet and dads a helicopter pilot, how can I not be cool?"

I told you cheeks...seriously

Lincoln is so Rock N Roll look at this tuff guy expression!

Baby Neves...again

2009-12-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

I had the privilege of shooting baby Joey at nine days old so when the Neves' invited us over to see their amazing beautiful new deck (that my brother-in-law built) I brought my camera knowing that I could not resist shooting him again. Even though he had been up most of the night this sweet guy woke up smiling.

Thanks Joey I really appreciate it and thanks to Grandma Neves for the great lunch and conversation.

My Man: Dorian Hargrove

2009-11-30T20:51:00.000-08:00

I am so proud and amazed at my husband's strength and progress following the Traumatic Brain Injury he suffered two months ago. He has been asked by the organization, Think First, to speak to children and teens about his story.

I started documenting his experience when he was a patient in the Intensive Care Unit. Even then, in the back of my mind I envisioned one day his writing and my photography could be used to help raise helmet awareness, I didn't think the opportunity would come so soon. Dorian has been amazing in many ways throughout this experience. He has allowed me unfettered access to his journey, even though he says he has not had much of a choice. His openness and strength in sharing his vulnerability is poetic, artistic, and inspiring. Now, more than ever, I am so proud to be his wife and best friend. Yesterday, I staged an impromptu photo session of my man, here are some of my favorites.

A full photo story is in the works!

Family Portrait - Christmas Cards

2009-11-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

Its hard to believe that Christmas is almost here. We love taking creative Christmas family photos and turning them into cards. We found the cutest fairy inspired Christmas cloths for the Hamel clan on my favorite site etsy.com and had a magical afternoon at the park. Here are few of my favorites.

Say Hello to My Little Friend, Joey Neves

2009-11-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

Abby and Gus were one of the first friends we made when we moved to San Diego. They are some of the funniest people we know. In fact, not long ago at an Ethiopian restaurant they had me running to the bathroom from their antics. We were so happy when they told us they were going to have a baby and while they kept the sex a secret we had a feeling it was a boy. Joey Neves entered the world October 23 at 7:47 pm. I had the opportunity to photograph this handsome guy 9 days later. Here are some of my favorites!

I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!

2009-10-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

If someone told me three weeks ago that I would spend my birthday with my husband, Dorian, I would of cried tears of joy. Today, I did just that. The last 6 weeks have been the hardest of my life. On September 22nd, my world came crashing down. I received a phone call that Dorian was in an accident. He had fallen while skateboarding with our dog, Artie, and landed on his head. When I arrived at the hospital he was walking and talking, but the CAT-scan revealed bleeding in his brain. I watched as they evaluated his condition. During the next hour, it worsened. Doctors put him in a coma to allow for his brain to swell. Three days later, they informed me that they needed to remove his skull to make room for additional swelling. Over the next 7 days, the pressure inside Dorian's head kept him in critical condition.

I spent every day next to him, reading, singing, and applying Burt's Bees to his chapped lips. The doctors told us that if Dorian did wake up, he may not be the man we once knew. Eventually, the pressure inside his head went down. He awoke from the coma shortly after with the same personality, but a bit confused. I was so relieved that he was the man I knew, the same man that I met 18 years ago at a house party in Indialantic, Florida. He was the same man I married 16 years later. Of course, a full recovery meant a long, hard period of rehab. He was admitted into a hospital and started rehab the following day. Amazingly, Dorian, being the strong man he is, shocked us when after a week of treatment was granted a discharge. And, even though we still are on the long, arduous road to full recovery, with more surgeries and outpatient rehab along the way, we are able to spend our birthdays together. We celebrated his 33rd on October 30th and mine on November 2nd. On his birthday, I couldn't help but to repeat the same thing I whispered over and over to him when he was in a coma: I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU!

Naomi & Josh Engagement Session - Downtown San Diego

2009-10-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

I met Naomi and Josh over mimosa's at the Bamboo Lounge back in July. We immediately hit it off. They are such a fun loving couple, and they are up for anything, which worked out really well for our recent engagement shoot! We started in Balboa Park and made our way downtown, finding interesting backdrops to use along the way. It was fun afternoon with some awesome photo's and I can't wait to photograph their wedding next October at the Don Room in downtown San Diego. Here are some of my favorites from the shoot!!!

Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful Boy

2009-10-11T14:34:00.001-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

I am not prejudiced because this is my nephew, but I can't help but sing the Beatles "beautiful boy" when I see him. He is quite the looker and I am totally in love with him. He has filled some of my most trying times with happiness. My sis and him came to support me during Dorian's recovery and we shot some photo's around the house. I miss them already!!!

Megan & Evan - Engagement Photos - Balboa Park

2009-09-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

On a late Saturday afternoon I met Megan and Evan at one of my favorite places to shoot in Balboa Park. We had a very limited time to do the shoot and I was shocked to learn what model pros these two were. We were able to get a ton of great stuff in a small amount of time. Here are a few of my favorites.

Tammy & Ryan - Engagement Photos- San Diego

2009-09-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

I immediately clicked with Tammy & Ryan when I met them back in June. They have a great sense of humor and warm spirit - which I put to the test in their backseat when I tried to direct them with my interesting sense of direction.

I had such a fun time photographing them in Balboa Park and at Windansea. They were up for anything which is always nice.

Here are a few of my favorites from the day!!