Getting to photograph Carina and Alan’s family session was such a treat—especially meeting baby Nolan for the very first time. His curiosity, tiny expressions, and all-around cuteness made the afternoon feel light and playful as we wandered through Lovers Lane in the Presidio, surrounded by tall trees and soft, filtered light. Carina and I have been friends since elementary, middle, and high school, so being there to photograph their City Hall wedding and now their growing family feels incredibly full-circle. Watching them step into this new season together, with Nolan exploring leaves at their feet, was one of those quietly meaningful sessions that reminds me why I love documenting families over time.

There's something magical about watching children discover a garden's wonders. At the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden in Palo Alto, two young sisters in matching floral dresses danced through the vegetable patches and flower beds, their white hair bows catching the golden afternoon light. Between the towering tomato cages and blooming perennials, their parents shared precious moments of laughter and play, creating a scene that felt both candid and ethereal. The garden's natural beauty provided the perfect backdrop for this family's joy, as they chased, giggled, and made memories among the flourishing greenery.