My Sister's Prom

 

My kid sister just went to her first prom! I was delighted to take a few pictures of her and her boyfriend. I saw so many beautiful dresses. What a fun time in their lives!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is exactly as you would imagine it, magical. Hidden behind a secret entrance lies Diagon Alley, a place where you instantly embrace your inner child. As you enter, you will find the dragon that escapes on top of Gringotts Bank. There is a very fun ride at the end of Diagon Alley called Escape from Gringotts Bank. Along the way you can stop in Olivander's Wand Shop and get a special wand, visit shops like the The Owlery, get your writing supplies at Scribbulus, and more dark items at Borgin and Burkes. You can also exchange money at Gringotts Money Exchange, have a beer at the local pub, and so much more. I did try Butter Beer, it's a tad bit sweet for me, but it's worth a try. The best part is spells! You can make things move, make water spit out of a fountain, turn on lights, make it rain, all with your handy dandy wand and map to conduct the secret spells.

Board a train and head on over to Hogsmeade, located in Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. There you can travel through Hogwarts Castle and ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The restaurant and pub, Three Broomsticks has plenty of choices of beer and yummy treats to go with it. I can't wait to go back! The roller coaster was a lot of fun and both major rides were so entertaining, thrilling and unexpected. Lines can be long, so definitely head there first and get in line. I found myself wanting to spend the whole afternoon there, it is such a wondrous place.

Best Friends

 

I recently photographed a lifestyle shoot with my sister and her best friend at the local reservoir. I just love the light at the end of the day, it made for some really beautiful portraits. Enjoy! Model: Sydney Larsen and Paige Zilinskas

Sydney's 1st Outfit: Jeans, Hudson | Jacket, Burberry | Boots, Steve Madden | Beanie, American Eagle | Studs, Cost Plus | Ring, Icing | White Shirt, Nordstroms | Cardigan, Elodie

Paige's 1st Outfit: Shirt, American Eagle | Jacket, Tillys | Jeans, Luckys | Boots, Madden Girl | Beanie, Bula | Scarf, BP | Necklace, Photographers

Sydney's 2nd Outfit: Shirt, Elodie | Jeans, Hudson | Boots, Carlos by Carlos Santana | Jacket, Roxy | Gloves, Etsy | Necklace, Etsy

Paige's 2nd Outfit: Shirt, BP | Cardigan, Sun and Shadow | Jeans, Luckys | Boots, Madden Girl | Headband, BP