July 4th Celebrations Around LA and Orange County

The fourth of July is almost here and we are on the hunt for family friendly events! We love celebrating our great country's independence with our family and friends, as I'm sure you do too. On our search, it was important to us to find fun events in the area that are welcoming of families, have something for everyone, and affordable for all! Take a look at what Is going on around town on the 4th!

Photo: Grand Park LA

4TH OF JULY BLOCK PARTY

When: July 4, 2017 @ 2:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Where: Grand Park + The Music Center
200 N Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
USA

Cost: FREE

There will be two stages with with music for entertainment. There will be games for kids 4-14 will on the Grand Park Event Lawn. Outside picnic food is permitted, but no outside drinks allowed in. There will be plenty of vendors for food and drink available at the event.

More info: Grandparkla.org

Photo: Great American 4k & Bike Parade Facebook Page

The Great American 4K & Bike Parade

When: July 4, 2017 @ 8am

Where: 1 S. Grenada Ave. at Ocean BLVD, Long Beach

Cost: Free to Spectators

Participate in this classic 4K and get some exercise in before the day begins! Enjoy watching a fun filled parade filled with patriotic people of all ages, dressed up with their bikes decorated for the occasion! The 4K begins at 8 a.m. and the rest of the festivities start up at 9:15 a.m.

More info: Great American 4K & Bike Parade FB Page

Photo: HB4thofjuly.org

Huntington Beach 4th of July Celebration

When: July 2-4th

Where: Huntington Beach Pier

Cost: Free Entry and firework show(any activities through vendors may charge fees)

Huntington Beach is notorious for their 3 day long celebration leading up to the 4th of July! They will have music entertainment from July 2nd-4th. On July 4th, have a pancake breakfast from 7-10am, a 4k run/walk for all ages at 8am and their annual bike parade at 10am. All of these festivities leads up to the big firework celebration at 9pm by the pier. It's free to watch from the beach!

More info: Entertainment, Bike Parade, & Firework Show

Photo: City of Los Alamitos Rec Page

Los Alamitos 30th Annual 4th of July Spectacular

When: July 4th, 4pm (Fireworks begin at 9pm)

Where: Joint Force Training Base in Los Alamitos

Cost: Free to attend

Los Alamitos 3oth Annual 4th of July Spectacular is guaranteed fun for the family! There will be food court, kids fun zone, vendor booths, musical entertainment and a grand firework display, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets!

More info: City of Alamitos Web Page

Fullerton 4th of July Celebration

When: Tuesday, July 4, 2017, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Where: Fullerton High School Softball Field (located on Lemon between Chapman and Berkeley)

Admission: Free

Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and last for approximately 20 minutes. There will be live musicby Soundbytes and additional entertainment. Fees may apply for activities (Approximately $2 to $5). Food is available for purchase in the festival area. All food is reasonably priced, and is being offered by local charity organizations as a fundraising activity (funnel cakes, popcorn, beef jerky, Mexican food, Thai food, ice cream, pizza and more).

 More info: City of Fullerton Web Page

Dana Point 4th of July Extravaganza

When: Fireworks begin at 8:45

Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629

Cost: free to view from the beach

Have you ever seen Fireworks set to music before? Here's your chance! Head down to Doheny State Beach and bring a radio set to 88.5 FM KSBR to experience fireworks in a whole new way!

We are looking forward to spending the day celebrating our nation's independence with some good food, fireworks, and quality family time. We wish all of you a happy and safe Independence Day! Let us know what you have planned for the 4th of July!

Ava's 1 Year Cake Smash in Long Beach // Claremont Family Photography

Ava was SO excited to be turning ONE.  Ava’s beautiful smile says it all. 

She totally loved her cake smash and we absolutely loved being part of it all.  We are so grateful to have been back to the F family house to celebrate another milestone in their family.  

Jason, Heather, Austin and Ava – we can not find the words to thank you and tell you how grateful we are to be part of your celebrations.  We love your family and can’t wait to see you again real soon.

Xoxo, Gina

Book your family session today!

December Events around Orange County and LA

December is only days away! Can you believe 2016 is nearing its end? It feels like the fastest year yet. This is the season of family, friends, Jesus, and love. I just love all of the fun family traditions that come out during the holidays. Do you have any fun traditions that your family and friends carry out each year? I am always looking for fun things to get us all out of the house and in the holiday spirit! So whether you have age old traditions or you're looking for new ones, I have put together a great list of December activities around the Orange County and LA area. There is a little something for everybody!

Photo By: Newport Christmas Boat Parade Website

1. 108th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

FREE- when viewed anywhere on the shore

Join over a million viewers as you watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor in the 108th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Visit website for more info

Photo By: Irvine Spectrum Website

2. Irvine Spectrum Center Ice Rink

Through Jan 16(Closed Christmas Day)

Check their website for their scheduled times.

ADULTS/CHILDREN: $20, includes skate rental / $16, bring your own skates

TODDLERS: $16, includes double-blade ice skate rental (sizes 8T - 12T only)

Enjoy a nice night out ice skating with friends and family! It may not get too cold here in southern California but the Irvine Spectrum doesn't let that stop you from having a dreamy chilly time on the ice!

Visit website for more info

Photo By: Garden Grove City Events Website

3. Garden Grove Winterfest
 

Dec. 3, 2016

4-7:30 p.m.

$10-per person(Pre-purchase of tickets required)

The Garden Grove Community Services Department presents the annual Winterfest holiday event at Atlantis Play Center. There is a limited amount of pre-sale tickets, and children 2-years-old and under are free. Only cash or credit cards are accepted. There will be no ticket sales at the door.

Visit website for more info

Photo By: Discovery Cube Website

4. Science of Gingerbread: Discovery Cube OC

Adults: $17.50

Children: $12.95

2 yrs old & under: FREE

Get into the holiday spirit during the annual Science of Gingerbread! A holiday festival filled with great hands-on activities designed to bring families together this holiday season. Plus, check out award-winning Gingerbread Competition entries displayed throughout the Cube!

Visit website for more info

Photo By: City of Irvine Website

5. Winter Wonderland: Irvine Civic Center

Sunday, Dec. 4, from 3-8 p.m.

The event will feature a 25-foot-tall, live tree adorned with ornaments and holiday lights; a Joyful Jingles holiday program; children’s activities; and train rides. Guests can enjoy refreshments from the mobile food trucks and a festive tree-lighting as “snow” gently falls over the piazza. Children are in for a special treat when Santa stops by for a visit.

Visit website for more info

Photo By: Irvine Railroad Park Website

6. Christmas Train at Irvine Railroad Park

December 1-23, 2016

Entry is free and SOME activities are free
Parking: $3 weekdays / $5weekend / FREE after 5pm

Train Rides: $12 per person
24mos and younger FREE

‘Tis the season for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the brightly-lit train station and drop passengers off at the North Pole. Children can share their wish list with Santa and have their photo taken with him too. You may take pictures with your personal camera or you may purchase a photo taken by Irvine Park Railroad.
After visiting with Santa, hop back aboard the train and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights”, on the ride back to Santa’s Village.

FREE ACTIVITIES:
Story time with Mrs. Claus
Coloring Corner
Frosty’s Maze
Picture Stands

Visit website for more info

Photo By: OC Winter Fest Website

7. OC Winter Fest

Dec 16- Jan 1, 2016

$10: Online Child Admission

(3 – 12 years) Child under 3 are Free

$15: Online Adult Admission

$8: Parking

Spectacular family fun and date night charm.

Featuring ice tubing, a two million light walk-through show, ice skating, snow play with real snow blown in daily, nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony, carnival rides, festive entertainment, seasonal eateries, visits with Santa and so much more.

Visit website for more info

Photo By: Queen Mary Website

8. CHILL at Queen Mary

Adult General Admission Pricing:
$39.99 - Dec 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 ($44.99 day of and at the door)
$44.99 - Nov 27-29; Dec 3-4, 10-11, 19-22, 29; Jan 5-6  ($49.99 day of and at the door)
$49.99 - Dec 17-18, 23-28, 30-31; Jan 1, 7-8 ($54.99 day of and at the door)

Child (4-11) Admission Pricing:
$29.99 - Dec 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 ($34.99 day of and at the door)
$34.99 - Nov 27-29; Dec 3-4, 10-11, 19-22, 29; Jan 5-6  ($39.99 day of and at the door)
$39.99 - Dec 17-18, 23-28, 30-31; Jan 1, 7-8 ($44.99 day of and at the door)

Light up the holidays this winter at the Queen Mary's CHILL as they proudly present Alice in Winterland, Ice Tubing on the Glacier Glide, Ice Skating, Live Entertainment , North Pole Village, Prancer's Paintball, Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Claus Cottage and more!

Visit website for more info

Photo By: Aquarium of the Pacific Website

9. Shark Lagoon Nights at Aquarium of the Pacific

When: Every Friday Night in December 6pm-9pm

FREE

The public is invited to get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific for FREE during Shark Lagoon Nights. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sand-tigers as well as rays in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon.

Visit website for more info

Photo By: Griffith Park Train Rides Facebook Page

10. Griffith Park 2016 Holiday Light Festival Train Ride

$4 Per Person(18 mos and under are free)

Nov. 25- Dec. 23

Dec. 26- Dec. 30

The Rides begin on Friday Nov 25 And continues every night until December 23 and then again from December 26 to December 30 - weather permitting. The first train will leave at 5 pm every day. The last train leaves at 8 pm Monday through Thursday and 9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, join in for an evening train ride around the festively decorated, one mile of track. Magical scenes and tens of thousands of lights will captivate you and your family and set the mood for a wonderful Holiday season.

This event requires separate tickets that can be bought at the ticket booth in advance or the day of the ride, if available.

Visit website for more info

I hope you have a wonderful month full of all the excitement and joys that winter brings! What activities are your family and friends up to this December?

4th of July Celebration - Events around LA and Orange County

Photo by: Tasja

Summer is here, school is out, and the 4th of July is right around the corner! We can't wait to get some good family time at the beach and pool to cool off on these hot summer days. There are a lot of inexpensive or free Independence Day celebrations going on all around us! If you are looking for somewhere to celebrate the 4th with your family and friends this year, check out some of the celebrations going on around Los Angeles County and Orange County area. Maybe we'll see you there!

Photo By: Grand Park Facebook Page

1. Grand Park Block Party

When: July 4 at 2pm-9:30pm

Where: Downtown, Grand Park, Grand Ave. and Hill St., Los Angeles, Ca

Cost: Free

Visit website for more info

Photo by: Huntington Beach 4th of July Celebration Facebook Page

2. Huntington Beach 4th of July Celebration

When: July 4 at Various times

Where: 325 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, Ca

Cost: Free-$20

Visit website for more info

3. Marina Del Rey Fireworks

When: July 4 at 9 p.m.

Where: Marina Del Rey, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, Ca

Cost: Free

Visit website for more info

4. Old Glory Boat Parade

When: July 4 at 1-3:30 p.m.

Where: American Legion Yacht Club, 215 East 15th St., Newport Beach, Ca

Cost: Free

Visit website for more info

Photo by: Great American 4th of July Kids Bike Parade Facebook Page

5. Kids’ Bike Parade

When: July 4 at 10 a.m.

Where: Belmont Shores, 1 S. Granada Ave., Long Beach, Ca

Cost: Free

There will also be a 5k run/walk($20 entry fee) at 8:30 and a kids 1/2-mile run($10 entry fee) at 9:15 a.m. before the Bike Parade.

Visit website for more info

Photo by: Redondo Beach 4th of July Fireworks Facebook Page

6. Seaside Lagoon-Redondo Beach 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks

When: July 4 at 2pm-9:30pm

Where: Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, Ca

Cost: $12-$20

Visit website for more info

Photo by: Valley Cultural Center's website

7. July 4th Extravaganza Concert(Beach Boy David Marks with the Surf City Allstars) & Fireworks

When: July 4 at 6pm-9:30pm

Where: Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, Ca

Cost: Free

Visit website for more info

Whatever your plans may be for Independence Day, we wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July. Enjoy your family and celebrating the independence of our nation.

Father's Day

     Father's Day is coming up and we know how hard he works for his family. Our dear friend Faith shared her story of how much her kids love their dad and what he means to them.

     "When my husband comes home from work he is exhausted. He spends his whole day working to provide for his family. One thing about him that amazes me, are all days when he comes home after a long day at work and wrestles with our son, sits down and patiently colors pictures with our young daughter, or comes and helps me cook dinner or do dishes in the kitchen. He is teaching our children so well by example. He shows them that he loves them constantly, even if he is completely worn out. He is an incredible spiritual leader for our family, and guides our children lovingly through learning right from wrong. He always know how to make any of us laugh and is always making everything so much more fun!

     Having a father is such a precious thing, and my husband does it so well. I learn so much from him. I am thankful for him each day, but I look forward to celebrating him extra on Father’s Day, and making a point to show him he is loved and appreciated for all that he does to love, support, and guide our family. Finding a special gift to show our love can be hard. We love him so much, what object could possibly express a token of that."

    Today, we have a great offer for you to give the gift of memories! If you reserve a session by Father’s Day, June 19, 2016, you will receive 35% off any Framed Canvas order from that session! Book your session today and relax and know that you have got Father’s Day covered. Now go show those dads some love!

Let’s get Dad in the picture this Father’s Day!

Book a session by Father’s Day and save 35% on any Framed Canvas order with the coupon code FATHERSDAY16

Luke & Alison's Baptism and Celebration Part I // Holy Family Catholic Church, South Pasadena, California

We can't thank GOD enough for all the grace he has given us.  We had the opportunity to document one of the most beautiful ceremony's in the Catholic Religion, Luke and Alison's Baptism.  There are so many special things that came for this beautiful day for Andrea & Paul and their gorgeous children.  Not only were their children baptized, they celebrated Luke's 1st Birthday!

We began our day at the beautiful Holy Family Catholic Church in South Pasadena, Ca. for Alison & Luke's baptism. 

Skylanders Themed Birthday Celebration // Playland Cafe in Irvine

A little while back we had the pleasure of celebrating Matthew's 5th Birthday with him and his awesome family.  Matthew's party was held at Playland Cafe in Irvine.  It's a indoor cafe fun for the kids AND adults!  Chris and I had a blast running inside their mazes, capturing the essence of fun only a kid or kid-at-heart can have.  

They wow'd their guest with a delicious array of desserts, all themed Skylander.  Some of the highlights of the table included the cupcakes topped with the Skylander elements, as well as the talents of Milkstashe with their super amazing looking and tasting macarons.  They delicately make masterpieces out of macarons.  

Patricia, Billy, Mattie and Megan thanks SO much for inviting us to celebrate such a special moment in your lives.  We look forward to many more celebrations in the future.  

Have a celebration coming up?  Use the link below to contact us to see our availability.