Weddings in Santa Barbara are some of my favorite. Whether destination or not, the combination of history, aesthetic and individuality bring a unique style to every event.

Janelle and Brett were no exception.

Color and light… and love were what marked this day.

Brett was just a little excited.

I loved how all these two wanted to do was go find each other.

They just love being together.

Epic space.

Epic people.

Epic style.

Bless you guys.

-Dane

Since we moved to Orange County from Santa Barbara a few years back, we’ve had the privilege of getting to know a lot of wonderful families.

The Root’s in particular have been close to my heart for a number of reasons.

First, they are one of the pioneer families at our church who sacrificed much for the sake of being part of a movement that is changing the world.

Second, Lauri’s husband Doug died a few years before I joined in at the church and I have been hearing the stories and pictures and lore of a leader bent on making a difference. As many of you know and can relate with, I also grew up without a dad. To witness the ways Lauri (and all the other single mom’s like her) is leading her boys into adulthood is a true gift (yes, this is a total shout out to my own mom… love you!).

Needless to say, when Lauri asked me to shoot their family portraits this year, I was stoked. We decided their home at One Ford Road in Newport Beach would be perfect. They actually live just a few streets over from our good friends Julie and Mike Colón. I think I should feel honored she chose me or maybe she just needs to get to know her neighbors better.

JD and Timmy are such great guys. They are also all male. To be candid, I think they were far more interested in wrestling with each other than in getting their pictures taken. So, I think my stock went up when I told them they could do both.

We all live under the reality of our mortality. Especially in seasons like these where circumstances seem so fragile, can I encourage you to pause for a second and go love on those you love most right now? I hope you’re blessed for it.

Thanks Root family for living life the way you do. You inspire!

- Dane

Truth #1: Family pictures are the best when they reflect reality and tell a story.

Truth #2: Not everyone in Orange County has a 949 area code (… some, like the Scott’s, are 714).

Truth #3: I wish everyone lived their lives out loud like the Scott’s do.

Shooting the Scott Family is a tradition I look forward to every year. Why? Because they are a family bent on not settling for the status quo. They are committed to pushing the limits on living life in all the right ways… not just for themselves but for those they are blessed to do life with.

For them, this year was marked by community. Not just those they chose to be around, but those that were around them whether they liked it or not. As we were brainstorming the traditional (and gorgeous) beach and beauty shots that Southern California is known for, it became apparent pretty quickly that we needed to do something a little different with their picture.

It turns out that a big chunk of their Fall revolved around them building a skate ramp and opening their home to the neighborhood. Despite the (self-confessed) stretch from what they were comfortable with, they decided to drop in on real life and love their neighbors even when it wasn’t cozy. From all accounts, the reward for that kind of “life for their neighbor” was nothing short of adventure. Kids with absent parents started dropping by. Pizza night for overwhelmed parents showing up late was common. Life (and love) happened because of a skate ramp and a family who cared enough to disrupt ordinary and do the extraordinary. So, they wanted their Christmas card to reflect that reality. And so, we lit up the night and kept it real.

How will your year be remembered?
- Dane

PS… It’s hard to believe that wedding season is largely complete and holiday picture taking is in full swing. If you’re interested in having me come shoot you and yours (with a camera), send me an email asap so we can get you dialed in before it’s too late! Thanks!!

From the moment I met Helen and Doug, the thing I loved about them was their clarity of purpose. They seem to know exactly what they wanted or at least knew how to find out very quickly. They are both activators and achievers in real sense of those words.

The day began with Helen was getting ready at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa.

Karey Michelle and Micah Gilmore were fantastic second shooters. Of course, both are Fast Track Founders, which is no surprise!

She seemed to really her Engagement album which she received that day. Special thanks to Amy at Albumesque and everyone at KISS for making that happen on such short notice.

Doug was clearly excited too as he was getting ready. Before we knew it, the ceremony was on…

The weather was perfect, but it was the relationships that really made the day.

Helen’s 90 year old Mom (also named Helen!) was so proud of her daughter!

After the ceremony, Doug and Helen had a chance to go to the beach for a fun session.

A quick stop along the way..

As we were on our way across the bridge, Helen looked down and screamed, “Look Doug, a Flex!” Turned out she and Doug were about to buy one. Funny thing was, she was pointing at my new car so we had to get a foreshadowing picture.

Doug grew up surfing the break right in front of the hotel so the whole day felt surreal to him.

As the sun was setting, the couple seemed to be lost in the dream of life together. It was an absolute privilege to document such an amazing day.

Congratulations my friends.
-Dane

PS… Special thanks to Eric and Melissa‘s family for connecting me to Helen and Doug. Referrals are the greatest compliment I could ever receive.