Helloooo, April!

Hello out there! My my, it's been a great transition from spring to... well... late spring here in the Sonoran Desert. The weather's been beautiful, and Easter Sunday was the greatest I've seen in awhile--both weather-wise and with family. The two photos are of me and my wonderful, beautiful, inspirational 94-year-old grandmother, who is a living legend in Mesa and throughout the East Valley. The photos was taken on Easter Sunday at her place, a home of such comfort, respite, clarity and peace. There's a quietness to her home that settles your soul and clears the mind, as if the sacred Om is chanting throughout the ethers. Being in her home and spending time with her is like witnessing the unfolding of a rose blossom--a fragrance so special and naturally occurring only witnessed when away from the worries of the world, where time slows down and the magic beneath your eyes dazzles you. Yes, this is my Grandma Sherry; a safe place from the world where you're wrapped in velvety rose petals, all clean and fresh, naturally whole and perfectly joyous, the way you were created to be. I love her, I love her with all my heart.

I wanted to post up here to let you know that Under the Orange Tree Photography is still breathing! Still chuggin' along! I will have a senior shoot to post up here in the coming two weeks, and then wedding season is starting up!

Many blessings to all. Keep your eyes and ears tuned to the magical blessings which are coming our way.... and keep the gratitude flowin'!

Namaste, Christine

Virginia & Karl

Oh, wow. What words can I put on this blog that would describe this sparkling couple?

Virginia contacted me to have a photo session with her husband, Karl, for their 6th wedding anniversary. Even in her emails, Virginia was so warm and friendly--I couldn't wait to meet this couple!

We met in the late afternoon at the historic Camelback Inn in Paradise Valley. The weather was a beautiful 70 degrees, with full sun and a light breeze. We shot all around the grounds: from near the ballrooms, to the gardens, and even right underneath the cabanas on the patio. This couple was so fun and uninhibited--Virginia and Karl were up for anything!

I especially want to thank these two for such a lovely afternoon at such a beautiful location with such great company! Happy anniversary, V & K! ~Christine

We're in MARCH, folks!

Hey all! It's been a month, officially today, since I've last posted! Wanted to get in touch with the world of bloggers to let you know I'll be posting here shortly! Got a beeee-yoo-tiful couple--Virginia & Karl--who I will have the pleasure to share with you sometime by next week. Until then, enjoy this sunshine if you're in the Phoenix area! Blessings, blessings, blessings to all!

Personal Retreat in Show Low, Arizona

I went up to the White Mountains in Arizona where the city of Show Low is located. I dubbed this my "Personal Retreat," where I got to get some fresh mountain air, walk under the clear, cobalt blue skies and take in a slower pace of life. A much needed break to take time for myself, to breath in and out, relax and reflect.

On Sunday morning, Valentine's Day, I went on a walk with camera in tow around Woodland Lake Park. The wind was biting and frigid for the first quarter mile, but soon the sun came out and the wind died down, leaving me feeling embraced by the sun's warmth. Walking around the lake in the cold and seeing the snow reminded me of where I was just a year ago: packing, soon to leave eastern Washington where I faced and dug myself out of a record winter that had snowfalls of about 4 feet, which would fall at about 2 feet per night on some nights. Wow, it seems so far away, and it's astonishing and also comforting how I find myself in the desert, in the land of eternal sunshine. I am astonished at how I have grown, matured, transformed and healed in one year. And I sense that I, like a flower, am just breaking into blossom.

One last note: the last time I walked around this lake, iced over today, was a few years back when I came up with my my mother. I took glittering pictures of the waves under the sun and the reeds bowing in the breeze. Beautiful and surreal, full of summer magic.

This desert girl is home.

Namaste, Christine

Jenna and Ben Gots Chemistry

Woot! Double Woot! I feel so privileged to be a part of the unfoldment of Jenna and Ben's love story. Jenna and Ben have been together for six years, and they will wed this coming November in front of the historic Old Main on Arizona State's campus. We went over to ASU's campus and did their engagement shoot last week; the fountain and steps are right where the two will exchange vows!

Both of these beautiful people gave me the gift of having a superb chemistry in front of the camera. Ben even let out his happy/goofy side, which is shown above :) Blessings to you both, and congratulations!

The Wilson's

Meet the Wilson's! Shana and I met in elementary school (!!!) when we were each turning twelve. We shared years of sleepovers, birthday parties, bike riding, boy crushing, kick the can games and so much more amidst a great group of girls. Now Shana is married to Stewart, and together they have created a beautiful family: Ginny and Jaxon! The Wilson's were so great considering the attention span of their little ones. I had a fantastic time with them at the Mesa Arts Center, where we held our session. Much love, Wilson's!

Red is the color of LOVE in downtown Scottsdale

It was an early, early morning on a Saturday that I met with Steve and Lani at the Civic Center in Scottsdale. Our shoot started while it was a near 35 degrees outside--looking back, I think it must have been one of the coldest days in December so far. However, quite literally, I think Steve and Lani provided the warmth. These two are such a special couple. Simply put: their chemistry, interactions and the love that they have for one another inspire me. Lani and Steve are naturals in front of the camera--despite what they may say--and their friendship, passion and laughter toward each other is clearly evident in all they do, and I find it awe-inspiring. Truly, a match made in heaven.

After we got past our sniffles and red noses from the biting morning cold, the sun did provide us with a ray of hope that warmer temps were on the way.... and from there we went at it!

A note: I met Lani ten years ago at school in junior high. Her quick whit, intelligence and fantastic personality make her one-of-a-kind woman; she always had me laughing. This time around, it was so neat to see the same qualities reflected in her while I shot. It's no wonder that she met and pulled in such a great guy who compliments and reflects all of these same qualities. Steve and Lani are two lights on their own, but when they're together such as on Saturday, their chemistry makes magic. As I said earlier, they're naturals in front of the camera for this type of work I do. I hardly did any directing for these shoots--it's really all them!

Congrats to you both, Lani and Steve. See you in May!