Portraits with Riva: Elana

I went to Utah for 6 days for work a couple of weeks ago. I'm so grateful to visit this beautiful state again.  Even more thankful that I got to meet this lovely woman. I've known Elana through Instagram (I know, I love how this free app connects us to people, don't you?) and asked her if she was up to meeting up with me. We met over coffee, talked about our passion, photography, life, Utah, San Francisco etc. Even if it was just a short period of time, she already made an impact on my life. Crazy how people can touch our lives no matter how long you've known them. Not only she is beautiful on the outside (I mean, that's obvious. Look! even dressed in tee and jeans) and she is even more stunning in person. She has inspired me to keep doing what I love and to love what I do. Elana, you're a beautiful soul. SO blessed to have met you. Looking forward to seeing you again, hopefully here in San Francisco!

Here's my 32nd portrait, Elana

You're My Sunshine, My Only Sunshine

This girl is graduating from Kindergarten tonight!!! I remember attending her 2nd birthday party like it just happened yesterday, and now she's going to First Grade. Can someone please stop the time?

Dearest Ava Toy,

Congratulations Ava! Wow, you're now a First Grader! Great job, Aves McGaves! Auntie Riva and Uncle Kevin are so proud of you. I'm sure your mommy and daddy are super proud. Do you remember that one afternoon when you wanted to make a fort and I asked you how were we gonna do it? And you said, "use your imagination, Auntie Riva!" That's one of the many conversations I will never forget. I know you love Elsa and Princess Sophia. But I need you to know that you are a true princess because you are smart, witty, caring, thoughtful, selfless, brave, talented and beautiful inside and out. You are a true sunshine, Ava! Auntie Riva and Uncle Kevin love you so much and are always here for you. Please don't grow too fast? 

Love,

Auntie Riva

Portraits with Riva: Katie & Courtney

Hi friends!! So a couple of weeks ago, I posted a photo of these two lovely Texan women on Instagram. I've known Katie 'socially' on Instagram for awhile now. She's from Austin so when she hit me a message on meeting up in San Fran, I was excited. I love meeting new people! More so when you've been following each other for a long time then you get together and you feel like you've known each other for so long! I also met Courtney who's also from Texas but moved to the city few months ago. Katie and Courtney also met through Instagram! That's what I love about community. And I'm blessed to have met so many beautiful people through that app. 

Oh did I mention that these two are also photographers? Just imagine when like-minded people hang out. Ugh seriously so much fun. 

Here's my 30th and 31st portrait: Katie & Courtney