​I don't think I could ever explain how thankful I am that you were born. Not only because of how you make me feel, but because of who you are. I may be biased when I say that you're hilarious, handsome, smart, and charismatic, but what amazes me the most about you is how selflessly you give. 

That time you bought and installed a water filter for my mom without anyone asking you to; that time you made sure the Easter egg hunt was the best it could be for my nieces; that time you were the friend Mitchell needed; that time I brought Charlie home and you took her in as your own; the times you help Brian with homework and text him to make sure he's okay. These moments and SO many others are the ones that make me sigh. You have a heart that helps build up others, the kind of heart that makes this place a better one. It's what caught my eye about you, and it's what I admire the most.

The world gained so much when you were born. Happy birthday, Scott. 

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Sierra chewed through some cables, so I didn't have a computer for a little while. Now that I have one again, I decided to look through some old photos and I came across these.

The neat thing about family is that you can bug them, especially if you're one of the youngest. When I first became interested in photography, my family were the first I turned to for practice. I took portraits of Mari and Phil at the neighborhood park when they were engaged, and years later, they still let me practice on them, which I'm grateful for. Last March we met in Salton City and we walked all over the pulverized bones of dead fish as I took photos, but my sister and brother-in-law didn't complain.

Truth be told, I was a little nervous. The light wasn't what I expected it to be, and I didn't know how to work with it, but they were supportive and waited until I fiddled with my camera and figured it out. Thanks, Mari and Phil for helping me grow and get better!

I met Fernando 10 years ago, which is CRAZY, because I met him online via a music review forum. I was 15 and I seriously would have never imagined that we'd stay friends this long, and much less that one day I'd have the privilege of photographing him and his fiancée. Even crazier: it turns out Mai and I both went to UC Irvine at the same time. I didn't meet her until we went to Laguna, but we probably walked past each other at least once. Or not. But Maybe. 

After the shoot we had dinner at Guppy's and I got to chat with Mai and get to know her a little better, and I have to say, Fernando couldn't have chosen a better girl to spend his life with. I'm happy for you both, and it warms my heart that you found each other. 

Joyce is one of the busiest people I know. She somehow manages to juggle multiple jobs and a ton of projects, with plenty of confidence and grace. She's heavily involved in the performing arts: she's been a production coordinator, choreographer, instructor, performer, and she's even participated in pageants. 

Thanks for taking time out of your crazy schedule to join me on this shoot. I know you swear you're a klutz, but I seriously didn't see it while you were in front of the camera. Don't stop dancing, Joyce!

Three years ago, I was scrambling to finish my computer science homework, and to say I was stressed is an understatement.  I called you for help on a few problems, and after we got through them you asked me if I wanted to take a break. I readily jumped at the opportunity for one, so you picked me up and we drove to Mick's Karma Bar. After devouring my habanero burger, you drove me to my apartment and you went home. I didn't think I'd see you until the next day, but then you called a little while later and asked me to meet you outside. I wasn't sure why you came back, but I went outside and walked toward your car. You stepped out, with a bright pink bouquet in hand and a huge smile on your face. It was seriously THE sweetest surprise. You gave me the flowers, but I thought it was just a Valentine's Day gift; I had no idea what was about to happen. 

I noticed you were struggling to get some words out, but you kept smiling, and then... the words came out: will you be my girlfriend? 

Ever since THAT ONE night at Newport Beach, I knew you were the one, and all my heart wanted was to be with you, so the answer was, "yes". It was always "yes". And it will always be "yes". 

Saying "yes" to you opened the door to so much more than I dreamed of. Thank you for sharing your smile with me every day, for loving me, and for being a good man. You've helped me become a better person in every way and have helped create some of the best adventures ever. Happy anniversary, Scott. 

Rosa and I started at our current company as interns. Through our internships we became great friends (and also became permanent employees, which I guess means we're awesome). She has a heart of gold, always willing to help others, and I'm so grateful for her. She knew I'm trying to start a photo business, and she jumped right in to help me, so here she is in all her beauty. Rosa Rivera: electrical engineer Monday through Friday, gorgeous model on Saturdays. 

Hair and makeup by Fiona Tang of The Viewtiful. 

We were just about to drive back to Orange County, when I noticed the look on Scott's face as he played with Sierra. I thought, "there is NO WAY we can handle TWO dogs."

I had seen Sierra every time I visited my mom, but I never thought I'd take her home with me. In fact, when she was old enough, I took photos of her to post online, and I spent a few weeks trying to find a home for her.

Scott continued to play with her and I knew he was debating with himself, until finally, the words came out: what if we take her? I wasn't completely shocked. All the inquiries had fallen through, and Scott just has a huge, squishy, warm heart. As reluctant as I was, I couldn't help but give into their puppy eyes, and before I knew it, we were driving home with another dog!  

I'll admit that at first I wasn't too thrilled about the new addition. I was used to my routine with Charlie, and Sierra just wasn't falling into sync with it. But, after a little while, that was it: she was family. She's a rebel, but with her quirky, energetic personality, she manages to fit so perfectly in our pack, and I'm thankful she was born. She's become Charlie's best friend, and she's opened up my heart even more. Now I just want to take in all the homeless dogs. All of them.  

Happy birthday, my sweet girl. 

And boys, try not to be jealous of her beard. 

I was indoors all day today. I stayed home sick, and the only time I stepped foot outside was to drive to my doctor's office. Golden light flooded through the trees and its warmth spilled onto my face. It made me miss our backpacking trips. Our last backpacking trip was last October. We normally don't go camping during the winter because I'm a chicken and can't brave the cold, but I really miss the tranquility, the air, the sunlight. It's different in the mountains than it is here.  I'm still learning how to balance everything, but I hope I always make time to greet the wilderness and kiss her beauty.

Scott just left to hang out with the guys. I decided to stay home and research tax law and figure out how to start a business. It's a little daunting. 

I've been overwhelmed, working full-time, coming home to work some more, and still make dinner and take Charlie and Sierra out for a walk. I've been forgetting to relax. In fact, Scott and I went out for the first time last week since OCTOBER. The only going out we did before then was going to Costco to pick up some groceries and toilet paper. 

I don't know what I'd do without him, honestly. He has a way of making me laugh when I'm most stressed. And a way of making Costco runs feel like real dates. 

Thank you for all your encouragement and support, Scott. And for all the combo slices.