Los Angeles and the Grove

I had the chance to hang out in Los Angeles last week ~ see...I was born and raised in lala land and I miss everything but the traffic!

It's crazy how I took L.A. for granted...now when I drive up from SD I make sure I go visit one of my favorite locations and take in a great meal! Don't get me wrong...I love San Diego and I love that I pretty much only wear flip flops nowadays...but I miss knowing where I am at all times ~ I'm constantly getting lost in SD!! In L.A. I know what freeway exit I need ten miles before I get to it...whereas now I'm pretty much glued to a Thomas Guide or my Google map!

I made my way over to The Grove for lunch and a little photo action ~ I just love the Farmer's Market. It's a great place to just hang out and enjoy life! So many people, tons of great food, plus all the window shopping makes me happy!!

While dining on my yummy chicken salad sandwich, I popped off a shot of my favorite ice cream sign...just because it's ice cream! After lunch, I followed my heart into the french market...how I love cheese!!! Ohh!!! As I walked through the mall I passed J. Crew and noticed that their window display had a wedding dress in it! So exciting ~ they do brides now!!! Now, one of my favorite things to do is rest my weary feet on the trolley and people watch ~ but I was so busy looking around and enjoying that I didn't take any pictures...so I grabbed a shot of the trolley sign in front of the Cheesecake Factory for you! Can't wait to head back up!

San Juan Capistrano

I had the opportunity to visit the Mission at San Juan Capistrano on my way back from Los Angeles last week! Gorgeous ~ absolutely stunning! I wandered around the old mission with it's colorful gardens and fountains, the ruins from the original mission standing proudly in the midday sun. I can't wait to shoot there ~ it has everything from archways to beautiful paths, trees and old doorways ~ all the fun stuff that a photographer loves! I love scouting locations! I'm in the second courtyard at the fountain for this photo: Here is a great old Church sign that I really love! I love the old doorway in the ruins of the mission! Here is one of the five bells I had a really great time and even stopped across the street for a taco. What a relaxing day! The Mission at San Juan Capistrano is available as a location with reservations and like I said, can't wait to take one of my brides there! ~back to camera