Notting Hill Mother & Daughter Photo Session - London Family Photographer
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Notting Hill Mother & Daughter Photo Session - London Family Photographer

I met Anna and her daughter for the first time during our photoshoot.  I remember that it was raining that afternoon, in that special London way, just a bit.  I remember that I immediately liked Anna's easygoing warm manner and how readily she smiled.  I remember us chatting a lot while we explored colourful streets of Notting Hill, walked through the vibrant Portobello Market, popped into Gail's Bakery, peeked into local mews and sat on colourful tiles and porches of charming Notting Hill streets.  But mostly, I remember that it felt like I was hanging out with a fun friend, super laid-back and not annoyed at the constant presence of my camera and that I laughed at my own jokes or maybe talked too much. 

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Chiswick House & Gardens Family Session - London Family Photographer
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Chiswick House & Gardens Family Session - London Family Photographer

Light and laughter, daddy's arms, chasing the cat around sunny living room, a bit of tears when being dressed for a walk, mom's touch, excitement of seeing a dog in the park, little snacks as bribes.  Childhood.  This little angel turned one the day we went for a walk in Chiswick Park to take these photos.  

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Big Family Session at Home in Hampstead Heath, London - Hampstead Heath Family Photographer
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Big Family Session at Home in Hampstead Heath, London - Hampstead Heath Family Photographer

I work in the love business and I wish for the world to feel the kind of connection and care I felt in my brief time within the walls of this family’s home. So much warmth and caring, being perfectly imperfect with each other, laughter, silly happy giggles, tight hugs, grandma’s gentle hands, dancing and laughing on the lawn and being goofy. As it all unfolds in front of my camera, it hits me how easy it could all be because the deepest connections and happiness is so simple, always inside of us, just waiting to be drawn out by those who really see us - our family.

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London Engagement Session in Holland Park - London Wedding and Engagement Photographer
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London Engagement Session in Holland Park - London Wedding and Engagement Photographer

"They say love knows no bounds—and for Nathalie & Paul love, it seems, knows no borders. When mutual friends introduced them as Nathalie visited from San Fransisco, a positively global romance began to take shape! A tremendous leap and international move was soon in order, and they found themselves united in the splendid streets of London. Now, with their wedding on the horizon they’ve expanded their worldwide footprint by planning their nuptials in South Africa—from where they both hail!" - so writes Morgane, editor of the White Wren Wedding Inspiration Blog that recently featured this session on their pages.  

It was wonderful to celebrate Nathalie & Paul's engagement while strolling through the beautiful Holland Park - a neighbourhood that became their adopted and beloved home.   Warm pre-sunset September light, Nathalie's radiant smile and sweet scent of flowers in the Park created an atmosphere of quiet joy that I feel every time I look at these images. 

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Celia Munoz of La Coqueta for Spanish Vogue Niños - Hampstead Heath Family Photographer
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Celia Munoz of La Coqueta for Spanish Vogue Niños - Hampstead Heath Family Photographer

In August I had a chance to spend time with inspiring Celia Munoz, designer and founder of La Coqueta, and her five wonderful children.   Celia was being interviewed for Spanish Vogue's supplement Vogue Niños and the editors wanted to see the environment where Celia lives and the way she dresses her kids and herself.  We photographed at Celia's spacious Hampstead Heath house,  threw together a picnic in the vegetable garden and went for a walk to play in the tall grasses of the Heath.  

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Pearl Of Palm Court - London Wedding Inspiration at Waldorf Hilton Astoria - London Wedding Photographer
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Pearl Of Palm Court - London Wedding Inspiration at Waldorf Hilton Astoria - London Wedding Photographer

I am very happy to be featured on one of the most beautiful UK Wedding Blogs this week, RockMyWedding.  It is always an honor to be included along with the most inspiring industry professionals.

I was inspired to create this editorial by the beauty of the Art Deco architecture.  A search for a modern angle on classic elegance brought my team and me to the Palm Court – opulent marble ballroom, a jewel inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in London.  While the fashion we chose is very much contemporary, stepping into the Waldorf Astoria is like stepping back in time.  The tapestries, marble floor, and glass ceiling details take us back in time to the prosperity of the late 1920s in London.  

Our shoot brought together exceptional vendors. It features accessories and gowns from designers represented by one of London’s top bridal boutiques – Mirror & Mirror Couture.  It was an absolute pleasure to capture the hair and beauty created by makeup artist Vicky Ellis, bouquets and centerpieces by Natalia at TheFlowerFashion and Emmy London shoes.  The whole look is incredibly romantic and feminine, lovingly styled by Alessia Bernasconi.  If you are a bride who wants to embrace tradition but with a modern angle, I hope you enjoy the images.  

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West Dean Estate Gardens, Chichester, West Sussex Elopement - London Wedding Photographer
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West Dean Estate Gardens, Chichester, West Sussex Elopement - London Wedding Photographer

I completely fell in love with the historic charm of the West Dean Estate the moment I came here with my beautiful newlyweds, Nadia and Laurence.  West Dean Estate near Chichester in West Sussex is a picturesque setting and an idyllic location for a wedding photo shoot.  Built in the XVII century, it is now home to West Dean College and Gardens.

We started photographing at the stunning main hall and then walked (or more like skipped or waltzed) along the tranquil paths to the walled Kitchen Garden and Victorian Glasshouses, the Sunken Garden and Edwardian Pergola, completely in awe of the beauty around us.  

But above else, it was my beautiful couple that made my heart happy.  I realize it sounds cheesy (but cliches are true for a reason) but I fell for these guys right away.  Married for less than 24 hours, their bright smiles, sparkly eyes, and their open-armed love made me recognize the feeling that comes from being in love and together - the feeling of brave, boundless optimism.  This is why I love photographing weddings and families: for all the emotions and for the responsibility to translate that true connection and love to images.  I wish you guys heaps of happiness!  

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Mother - Daughter Session in Notting Hill - West London Family Photographer
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Mother - Daughter Session in Notting Hill - West London Family Photographer

So glad to share this session today!  This family has a home that is connected to one of the beautiful gardens of Notting Hill.  The garden is basically an extension of their house and their playground.  I always love to photograph my families in places that hold special memories and feel like their home.   

There are three in these photos and their love is about to grow even bigger with the arrival of the baby brother this summer.  I don't know how this is even possible but I can feel it.  We wanted to document all the tenderness and playfulness of the relationship between the mother and the daughter before the arrival of the little one. 

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Little Max - London Newborn and Family Photographer

Little Max - London Newborn and Family Photographer

This Newborn & Family session in Wimbledon was a gift for a new mother from her best friend. Capturing memories for the the new family is a responsibility that I take seriously and that brings me so much joy.   

Photographing newborns requires a bit of extra patience.  But little Max stole my heart the moment I’ve met him. With him, my patience was rewarded with the most precious magical moments.  

Only few weeks old, Max’s personality comes through in every sweet smile and funny gesture, in the way his chubby tiny fingers reach out, the soft roundness of his adorable cheeks, the pouts that change into smiles, the way this hair is all disheveled.  There is nothing quite like this moment and I love capturing this emotional new time for the family.

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Celia Munoz of LaCoqueta for Mini Magazine - Hampstead Heath Family Photography
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Celia Munoz of LaCoqueta for Mini Magazine - Hampstead Heath Family Photography

A few months ago I had a chance to photograph Celia Munoz, founder of London based children’s clothing boutique La Coqueta.  Mother of five and creative director behind her label, Celia opened up the doors of her spacious Hampstead Heath home for LA-based Mini Magazine's feature shoot.  

Celia’s house is full of character and is completely her own - every object, book and piece of furniture has a story.  Children’s rooms are filled with handmade toys, vintage decorations and the most beautiful English designer wallpaper I have seen.  It is impossible to not admire how every object is cherished and part of the family’s memory.  

My favourite room in the house was the living room, full of light, complete with built-in bookshelves, an antique french sofa, unique objects collected through travels and a large moroccan rug where the kids play on the weekends.

Celia’s style is influenced by her Spanish upbringing and the evolution of her fashion sense after having kids, and this informs the way she designs for La Coqueta.   I am a big fan of the brand and the way Celia manages to be the modern woman capable of managing it all - raising five beautiful kids, running her own business and growing a loving nurturing relationship with her husband.   

Read Celia's full interview HERE.  Special thanks to Liz Matthews PR for the help on the day of the shoot.

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Gem & Matt - London Mini Family Session
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Gem & Matt - London Mini Family Session

What have you asked Santa to give you for Christmas?  How about a European adventure tour?  This is what Gem, Matt and their adorable little Addy did.  They flew to London from their native Canada few days before Christmas and planned a packed tour around England.   They started in London, where we took some time for photos and to admire historic architecture, chase seagulls by the iconic Westminster bridge and take a walk to the London Eye.  Little Addy seemed to enjoy every moment, jet lag forgotten, eyes bright and sparkling. 

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Family Photo Session in Notting Hill - London Family Photographer
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Family Photo Session in Notting Hill - London Family Photographer

The moment I walked into this adorable family's Notting Hill Home, I knew it was going to be a great photo shoot.

There is nothing I love more than photographing families at the place where they are most comfortable - their Home.  I feel especially lucky when their space is as unique as the one Taraneh and Laurens have. 

But much more than the apartment has provided me with the inspiration galore... Just look at these three!  Bright eyed, so beautiful, full of love and big hugs for each other, their affection comes through in every frame!  Little Kasper has so much personality already and he has behaved amazingly all through the session.  

And then there is their space - apartment with modern and Nordic vibe, the interior that smoothly marries natural elements like wood tones with large glass windows, white walls and bright pops of colour. Airy open plan living room, flooded with natural light.  What more can a photographer ask for? 

And Kasper's little nursery made me swoon.  Taraneh is great at combining quirky playful accents and details that add warmth and lived-in feel.  The combination of clean crisp whites and cheery colours makes for a cozy atmosphere. 

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Whitney Bromberg Hawkings - London Family Photographer
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Whitney Bromberg Hawkings - London Family Photographer

2016 ended on a high note. I worked on several interesting projects in London and today I want to share a story I photographed for Los Angeles - based MINI Magazine.  For their Holiday Issue, I was commissioned to photograph Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, her husband Peter and their three adorable kids at their stylish house in West London.  

Whitney has very interesting story.  After over a decade-long career in fashion working with TOM FORD, she left to pursue her dream - the opening of TheFlowerbx - online flower delivery service that sources the freshest blooms and sends them straight to your door.    

Whitney, Peter, their two boys Barron, Snowden and little Wallis were a pleasure to work with!  Their house reflects their exquisite taste, their love for travel and art.  While I was with them, I could not help but admire how well Whitney has taught her boys to care and appreciate special and precious objects.  Their living room is elegant, warm and full of charming pieces that also tell their story.  They hand picked most of their furniture in France and styled it with contemporary pieces.  

Whitney and Peter have met while working for TOM FORD, where Whitney was the SVP of Communications and Peter works as the head of Menswear.  Whitney's career decisions resonate with me and I love that in the interview she says: "Everyone assumes I resigned from TOM FORD after I had my third child to "take things easy."  On the contrary, I have never worked so hard in my life!" 

Whitney's story is an inspiration.  To read about Whitney's favorite London spots, beauty routine, how she balances it all, who her three kids are named after, plus much more, head over to MINI Magazine.

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Family Session in Regents Park - London Family Photographer
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Family Session in Regents Park - London Family Photographer

I have learned few things while photographing this beautiful family.  One thing I have learned is that photo sessions make great Birthday gifts.  I was contacted by the lucky's father sweet sister, who lives in Boston.  Unable to join us, she hired me to photograph her family as a gift for her cousin's first birthday and while her parents were visiting London.  Second thing I have learned is that you should consider inviting grandparents to come along. I wish I could hire these grandparents and bring them along to all my sessions - the way they played with the kid, making him roll with laughter and coaxed hours of toothy giggles and smiles out of him was a delight to observe.  And they looked genuinely in love with each other after a lifetime together.  This family was so sweet and loving, I had the best time with them

Would you like to photograph your family's story? Drop me a line to set up a session here

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Nonsuch Mansion Countryside Elopement - England wedding Photographer
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Nonsuch Mansion Countryside Elopement - England wedding Photographer

If you grew up on Jane Austen's novels or at the mention of the 18th century England your imagination conjures up images of sprawling elegant Mansions and long dinner tables set in candle-lit rooms, this styled shoot will be up your alley. 

The shoot was part of a two-day worksop held at the Nonsuch Mansion and filled with inspiration and beauty.  The Ladies of the Wedding Blues Agency partnered up with WedHead Decor, gathered gorgeous flowers from Okishima Simmonds , dresses from Cathytelle and planned two wonderful days of learning and shooting under the direction of inimitably talented, inspiring and skilful Megan Sadler.  Sara Russell, founder of my favourite wedding inspiration blog Wedding Sparrow, shared her knowledge of the industry, talked about details that make winning submission and her curation process.  We learned from Megan about directing, composition, colour and editing.  Megan seemed  completely open about her workflow, gave us in-depth answers, revealing her shooting and editing  tricks. I left feeling energised by her positive outlook, her creative spirit and commitment to our beloved medium.  

Take a look at the amazing blog ONCEWED to see more of the images

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Family Shoot in Hyde Park - London Family Photographer
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Family Shoot in Hyde Park - London Family Photographer

Summertime in London offers many gorgeous location options for photography.  Sun soaked meadows of Hyde Park are always on the top of my list.  And, as if the sunshine is not enough, I had this sweet family and their adorable newborn to photograph.  Meet Milou, Jean-Batiste, little Gaspard and their dog Elvis.  

Ten minutes into a session,  I sat them up for a shot, then stepped back and waited.  I live for that perfect moment when my families forget I am there and just focus on each other.  When the connection is genuine and true emotion comes out, magical images happen. 

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Spring Morning Bridal Inspiration
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Spring Morning Bridal Inspiration

Today I am happy to share images from a shoot I have done back in April with beautiful Lauren, make-up and hair artist Vickie Ellis and stylist Aisha.   I did this shoot because I needed some inspiration ahead of the wedding season. I wanted to bring interesting ideas to my clients and explore natural and simple elements that can be incorporated into a portrait session or a bridal shoot.  I believe that the most beautiful ideas come from nature and I have reached deep into my portfolio for images that incorporate warm floral hues and natural tones.  Paired with the portraits, they highlight Lauren's beauty and make for simple, natural and minimal aesthetic.  I hope you like them and would love to know what you think.  

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Baby Jacob - West London Family Photography
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Baby Jacob - West London Family Photography

There is so much to say about this family but I feel that if I gush about them, you will surely think I am exaggerating and there is no way they are for real!  Esther and Brandon are such beautiful, caring, strong, amazing family and I am grateful they let me in to photograph their new baby Jacob.

I have yet to meet a two-week old with more personality – his little sleep smiles, the way his deep blue eyes open up to the world, or the way he extends one of his tiny hands up over his head and gives a little fist bump.  All perfect.  We tried few styling poses but at the end my favourite images are the most natural.  They capture the little things and expressions that are unique to him.  Perhaps when he grows up, the parents will look at these portraits and say something like... look, you still make that expression sometimes!  And this is what I love about portraiture – finding best ways to capture unique little things about a subject in front of me, no matter what their age it.  

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