southern california – Paper Ban Photography

Greg and Katie

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

I have never been to Santa Barbara before Greg and Katie’s wedding, and I am embarrassed to say that. The city is gorgeous! On the day of their wedding, the sky was the perfect shade of blue, the breeze was nice and relaxing, and my bride and groom just made the city that much better.

Greg and Katie held their wedding ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Mural Room, which is a beautiful painted room within an already beautiful courthouse full of arches, mosaics, and colors. With a guest list of only immediate relatives and close friends, the lovely couple was wedded.

The reception was taken a couple of blocks down, in a cozy pizzaria called Olio. I felt like I was seriously in Italy in that restaurant! And just like the old saying, ‘a family that eats together, stays together,’ all the guests sat together in one big table, enjoying each other’s company in celebration of the new family that has been formed.

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Disneyland – Travel Photo Diary

THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH, CALIFORNIA

Disneyland is a place I can appreciate… when taken in slowly. I’ve been here during Christmas twice and it was not the best experience. Long long lines, overcrowding, and cold weather. Yikes. The best thing about going during the holidays is the holiday decorations, though.

But anyway, what I’ve learned when going to Disneyland is to take my time and not stress about how many rides I can fit in one trip. In previous trips, I am nearly always in a line, waiting to get on rides that are too short for what they’re worth, that I don’t get the chance to take those quintessential Disneyland photos that I’ve always wanted.

On a previous Disneyland trips, I brought all my lenses and my best camera. What resulted was a very tired shoulder from lugging everything around all day, and a lost lens (ironically while we were trying to find Nemo in a submarine ride). So this time, I wanted to only bring one lens. But not just any lens. I wanted to try a lens that I’ve been drooling over for the longest time – Lensbaby Edge 80, a tilt shift lens that is just too much of a novelty lens for me to really consider a full purchase. But a rental, I can do.

Continue reading to view more photos from Disneyland!

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Kaveer’s Malibu Birthday Party

MALIBU, CALIFORNIA

On a beach in Malibu, tucked away in an area known as ‘Paradise Cove’, lies Kaveer’s one year birthday party. It was held in a cabana, surrounded by a white picket fence with gorgeous green plants on one side, and the crashing waves on the other. The sun was just calming down as I arrived on the scene, and Kaveer’s guests, who had previously all been wearing sunhats, began to feel the freedom of having their hair be blown by the sweet breeze of the ocean.

Like many of us when we step foot onto the beach, Kaveer had a fascination with the sand. Whenever he wasn’t being carried off by a family member sporting a yellow outfit, he liked to spend his time on the sandy ground, exploring the wonders of the little gray particles. He also wondered constantly why so many eyes were upon him, smiling with contentment, as he studied the sand.

The yellow bow tie that Kaveer wore loosened as the party progressed. In that time frame, the sun was just setting, birthday candle flames had been blown out, and everyone had eaten either milk or burger. Needless to say, it was a smashing party.

Happy first birthday to Kaveer, who looked just ravishing in his yellow bow tie, fedora hat, and nautical striped shirt!

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