When did you decide you wanted to be a photographer?
My father passed away before I turned 4 years old. He left behind hundreds of old photos which he took through his life. Growing up and looking at these images, I felt I was able to see through his eyes and understand who he was as a man. Because of this personal relationship I had with him through these images, I felt a close connection with photography, and the power it had to connect people.

It was not until I was 15 years old when I was living in Pakistan, when I began to delve deeper into photography. I found myself ridden with fear and depression, but soon after I began picking up my mother’s point and shoot film camera, I began to become excited about possibilities. What would I see? What can I bring back with me to share with my peers? I saw things that many people would never see in a lifetime and was inspired to explore. Photography saved me and lifted my spirit.

When we came back to the states, my mother gifted me with the biggest honor. She opened an old dusty trunk, filled with sentimental belongings. She showed me my father’s film camera, and offered it to me. It was now mine to use.

After a 5 minute intro to the camera from a high school teacher during my lunch break, I took the rest from there. I learned how to use the camera with a combination of enthusiasm with trial and error. Photography has been a part of my life ever since, and I am still to this day equally captivated by the ability photography has of being able to connect and heal people.

Why weddings?
I never knew that I would fall in love with weddings. I was always very hesitant with them since my primary interest was always in documentary photography. It wasn’t until the Summer of 2008 that I fell in love with weddings when I shot a beautiful couple getting married on the beach at sun rise on Oahu. It was one of the most emotional and spiritual experiences of my life, and it still gives me chills thinking about that morning. Ever since, I have been moved by the human spirit and complexities of emotions that occur on wedding days.

How would you describe your aesthetic?
Organic.

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in the beauty of little details that surround us on a daily basis that are easily overlooked. Small wild flowers, old fences, overgrown grass. I am also inspired by culture like Parisian lifestyle and island lifestyle.

Alternate career fantasy?
Fashion Photographer in Paris.

Favorite childhood memory
I got two puppies for Christmas when I was 4 years old.

Your latest obsession
Fashion, film photography and SX-70 Polaroids.

Something you will likely never change
My love for photography and culture will never change.

Favorite food
I am a Vegan foodie, but sometimes there’s nothing like a beautifully crafted salad.

Describe your ideal day
Photographing/styling/art directing a photo shoot in the morning, relaxing at a cafe for brainstorm sessions, browse a farmers market for fresh fruit and veggies, early evening strolls with my husband and dogs, ending the evening with dinner on the balcony with a glass of wine.

Dog lover or cat lady
Dogs are a man’s best friend!

Favorite musician
I have a very eclectic taste in music. Everything from Amy Seeley, Lady GaGa, John Mayer, Broadcast 2000, Laura Veirs, Shiny Toy Guns, and classical music.

Things that make your heart happy
Paris, fashion, photography, polaroids, flowers, travel, ocean, dogs, modern design, wine, acai bowls, cello, live music, love and friendship.

Most exciting career move or change
Believing in yourself and committing to your vision.

10 things I can’t live without
Camera, Apple Laptop, iPhone, Burt’s Bees chapstick, music, strawberries, Ann Taylor, J Crew, passport and freedom.

What are you reading now?
“Your Best Life Now” by Joel Osteen.