Erica Mendenhall Photography's blog

2nd Anniversary Surprise! - Indio, Ca Photographer

2011-11-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

Where does the time go? It seems just like yesterday that we were all gathering at the Corona Yacht Club, where I photographed the Wedding of Delaney and Jerry....and here it is two years later!

Well, who says the celebration party has to end....Jerry planned a perfect surprise anniversary party for his beautiful wife at the fabulous Jackalope Ranch. Their night began with a limo, a blindfold and before she new it she was surrounded with their wonderful family and friends. It was so romantic and such a surprise! Of course, the evening could not have been more complete without the exact cake and embossed napkins that they had on their Wedding day!

Talk about LOVE!

Delaney and Jerry are such a beautiful couple inside and out,

and I was again blessed to be apart of capturing their memories!

Happy 2nd Anniversary!!

The Cruz Family - Beaumont, CA Photographer

2011-10-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

The day began in Beaumont Ca...perfect weather, beautiful lake, and the fabulous Cruz Family!
Our Family Portrait Session was full of laughs, smiles and lots of jokes!

The Cruz family was fantastic! They laughed right along side of me just being me...Occasionally I bust out an old tune or two when I get into "shooting" mode, lol, usually it's after I've said like ten adjectives in a row... "Oh, perfect! Awesome! that's fabulous! you're Amazing!"... and sometimes I can be a bit bossy..."Daniel head!" (amazingly Mr. Cruz new exactly what to do when I said that), lol! It was great! he snapped right into his pose and click went the camera. :)

Here's a preview of our day...

more of the cute little man to come...

Forever Friends...Homecoming Dance - La Quinta Photographer

2011-10-25T23:53:00.000-07:00

How fun it is to be a Senior in High School! These La Quinta Blackhawks looked absolutely beautiful!

My shoot with Rachael and her friends was full of funny faces, laughter and great memories before their Senior Homecoming Dance. These girls were simply radiant!

Here's a sneak peak...

Wedding Love at The Corona Yacht Club

2011-10-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Check out Jerry and Delaney's Wedding website! Home

Maternity Love sneak peak

2011-10-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

I loved the time I was able to spend with the Dilucchi family for their Maternity Love session.

Here is a quick sneak peak of some of the fun shots we took. More to come!

2012 Senior Portrait Collections!

2011-09-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

Now you can have the best! The best Senior Album! Rep Cards! Announcements! and of course

your very own Custom Wall Collages for you to take with you on your college journey!

Bringing you one of the best album design companies...until recently these albums were solely for our

Bride and Groom. But today we have the Awesome privilege of offering these one of a kind, hand-made (straight from ITALY!) Italian albums for our Seniors! The best part is that your totally AWESOME High School Senior album can be duplicated into mini versions. Yea, it Rocks! So your friends will remember your awesomeness, and your family can also brag about you to everyone they know.

It's a win, win for all!

So go ahead, scroll down and check out our 2012 High School Senior Portrait Collections!

Select one of our Collections, or create one of your own. Your options are endless, so let's get rockin' and take some Amazing Senior Portraits together!

Wedding Collections

2011-09-14T15:04:00.001-07:00

Check out the latest page of our Wedding Collections! Wedding Collections

Love at the Riviera Hotel

2011-09-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

Engagement Session at the luxurious Riviera in Palm Springs, CA.

This historic hotel is one of my favorites. A few years back I had the privilege of assisting in the Grand opening of this amazing hotel with renowned photographer Michael Segal. So of course I was thrilled to revisit the Riviera with a couple in love...it was pure heaven!

Not only are Roberta and Mario simply beaming with Love for one another, they have the style, personality and sophistication that completely meshes with the hotel.

It was a perfect match for the fabulous Bride and Groom to be!

Surprise Proposal!

2011-08-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of being "behind the scenes" of a surprise marriage proposal. Matt, had this AMAZING plan in proposing to his girlfriend (now his fiance!) Serene.

It was a beautiful location, complete with her favorite champagne, a bouquet of stunning red roses, and a gorgeous private villa....not to mention her exquisite ring that Matt selected! I think that you would agree with me when I say, that these two make a beautiful couple and are clearly in Love!

Congratulations Matt and Serene!

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day!

Sheri and BJ sneak peak!

2011-07-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

Sheri and BJ...Gorgeous, Fun, and Super in Love with one another! Their wedding was breathtaking from venue, to ceremony, to reception to the couple themselves! Here's a sneak peak...

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

Once again I have the privilege of photographing Forest Lawn's Memorial Day Event today, where I will hear the gun salutes, see flags raised, and honors given to those brave men and woman who have so humbly sacrificed their lives and are still doing so today for our freedom. I am always moved with an overflowing heart of gratitude, it is with great appreciation that I say Thank you. Thank you to all who are and have served our country, and to those families who stand by while their loved ones are abroad. Without your brave sacrifices we would not have the freedoms that we do today, and for that I am grateful to you all. May your day be blessed, may the Lord be a shield about you, may He protect you and watch over you and our country.

Happy Memorial Day!

Model Photoshoot with Michael Childers

2011-03-28T23:46:00.000-07:00

So I had the most fabulous opportunity to be a part of a photo-shoot with Michael Childers during the El Paseo Fashion Week. Yeah....I know, is that like so amazing!! Check out his work if you haven't yet. He is a legend photographer in the industry and the valley.

So, during this fabulous event a very talented, highly sought after, gorgeous SUPERmodel shows up...you should have seen the photographers, it was like paparazzi with her. Take a wild guess at who she is. Some images from the event are below. First one to guess it right gets a free 16x20 with their Portrait Session!

Good luck!

Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing

2011-03-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

"Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" 2 Corinthians 6:10

Ever have a day when your emotions are so entangled. Sorrowful, yet happy, feeling fabulous and not so Cherie....well, today was one of those days for me. This verse found in 2 Corinthians couldn't have summed it up better. "Sorrowful, yet rejoicing".

The last month has been a whirlwind of events, projects, workshops, teaching, learning and everything else in between. It's been a busy time, and God has blessed me in so many ways this last month. Things that I think about doing, He's opened a door and given me favor to do it. Things that I've dreamed about becoming involved in for years....He's provided a way to do it. And every single week, just when I think I can't get any more excited, God does it again and just blesses my socks off. It is true when the Bible says in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God."
It's the last part of the verses where it says, "these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you...why?? "because you obey the voice of the Lord...". I can't reflect upon that enough, I can see God's hand directing everything just in the last month, in a deeper way than He has before. It's so awesome!

It's been a complete time of rejoicing for me. A time of great thankfulness to my God for everything He has and is providing in my life. For my husband, my girls, my family, my brother, my grandparents, friends...the most precious children that I get to teach in Sunday School....everything has carried such a great feeling of gratitude. You'll hear me say it over and over, but it's true...I am blessed beyond measure.

This is not to say that life is perfect, because there are days like today where it was close to perfect, it really was a good day, it just came with a bit of sorrow.
One of my grandfathers has been sick for a while and I learned today that he passed away last night in his sleep. - thus my sorrow.
You know it's odd, when you are aware of the fact that time is getting short for a family member, you know that they may be going home soon, and yet we - or I, sort of shrugged off the idea that it could happen any day now. "I'll call him tomorrow" I thought..."I'll let the girls say hi, tell him I love him and hang up knowing it may very well be the last conversation I have with him on this earth"....but for some reason or another, I didn't take the time to do it. I had this little conversation with myself late last night and I was thinking..."you didn't call grandpa...the girls didn't get to talk to him, and you didn't tell him you loved him, and now he's not around...Erica, you didn't listen, and you missed your opportunity" then I actually started tearing up, like as if grandpa was gone, what was wrong with me, he's fine I thought. It was late, I had had another super busy day and I thought I was just having some funny thoughts, so off to bed I went.

Well, little did I know, that wasn't me having some silly conversation with myself. That was the Holy Spirit, letting me know that I indeed missed the mark. Grandpa passed away, and with the time difference, I would almost bet that it was probably about the time that I was thinking all those silly thoughts, hmmm. Funny how the Lord tries to tell us things, and we just choose not to hear Him. We think it's us creating everything that goes on in our heads, and for me it wasn't. Not in this case, the Lord had told me several times, call grandpa, don't forget, and I didn't.

There again is my sorrow. The realization of not obeying the voice of the Lord. The missed opportunity to tell my grandpa how much I wished I could see him, to hug him, to hold his hand. To tell him I loved him and that Jesus did too. To tell him that I would see him in heaven and that it was ok to go now.

So, today was a day exactly like 2 Corinthians tells it, "Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing". My sorrow is the lose of my grandfather, the realization that I missed a precious moment with him. Yet, God in His amazing love filled my heart with 24 wonderful little children today. This morning I was their Sunday School teacher, we had skits, we laughed, we shared, we learned how much Jesus loves them. They made mini-coloring books, bookmarks, mazes...it was great.
The Palm Springs Photo Festival began today, and I was excited to visit that, another blessing from the Lord.
Yesterday's shoot with Michael Childers was totally fun, and I've been anxious to edit those pics. So my day was already filled with excitement, thankfulness and rejoicing....and then the sorrow. Yet, look at how good God is. As I was flipping around my Bible the Lord gives me 2 Corinthians, to let me know that, it's perfectly fine to feel full of rejoicing - because God is so good to me, and yet have a sorrowful heart. He understands and He alone will be my comforter during my time of mourning.

So to you that may be feeling a bit sorrowful....just remember to keep rejoicing. God is good - all the time. He never gives us more than we can handle, His ways and direction are perfect. But you must listen, and obey Him. His timing for everything good and sad in our lives is best, and He will always use it for our good.

Thanks for letting me rattle off my thoughts and emotions to you :o) Don't let time pass you by, you never know when it will be your last day or someones you love. Keep Jesus in your heart, know him on a personal level, as your Lord and Savior - not as some religion, but as your God. The one who sees and cares for everything that goes on in your life. He loves you and I just thought you should know it.

Natalie & Garrett...Andulasia, La Quinta, CA

2011-03-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Carrillo Ranch Elementary School Father Daughter Dance

2011-03-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

This last week I had the privilege of photographing the first annual Carrillo Ranch Elementary School Father Daughter Dance. The girls and their Father's were so adorable. Little princess flowed through the door, holding their Daddy's hand. Hair, makeup, fancy dresses, jewelry, purses, you name it, they had it.

Many lined up ready for their pictures with Daddy, then they proceeded to the dance floor together. The rest of the evening was filed with fun games, one of which was limbo - for the Daughters and the Fathers! That was a fun sight to see. The girls loved it as they cheered for their dad's, to make it under the limo stick.

Their little excited faces were priceless! And the DJ made the night complete - Chris Henson Productions was awesome as usual! Here are a few shots from the nights event.

WPPI Las Vegas!!

2011-03-01T15:45:00.000-08:00

So last week was the most awesome, inspiring, thought provoking conferences that I've been to in a while. Of course this is the "best of the best". WPPI stands for Wedding & Portrait Photographers International, and it sure was! Over 15,000 professional photographers gathered at the MGM Grand for the annual convention in Las Vegas.

This was our Super cheesy hotel photo-shoot...I kept missing the timer, lol! But it was so hillarious trying to make it and act excited...I think I'll stick to taking the picture :o).

I can't begin to tell you how completely excited I was to be in the presence of such AMAZING photographers. I have recently joined GraphiStudios, an exquisite Italian Album company, everything is handmade to perfection! Well, it so happens that Bob and Dawn Davis were speaking at the GraphiStudio booth and my friend and I of course jumped at the opportunity to sit in and listen to their advice. After their session I in my Awestruckness (if that's a word, lol) gracefully went up to Dawn and chatted a bit and then reverting to a pre-teen fan...I asked for a picture with her, lol! I know, really...?? But I did, I had to have proof right? I mean after all these are the two that photographed Oprah's huge 50th event and the wedding of Eva Longoria....they both are such down to earth people, very open about their techniques and gave me such great ideas and tips that I can't wait to implement!

Among the other great photographers was Mr. Gene Ho, who again is a one of a kind. This man took me back to what I used to do, and some how have strayed away from...not looking into the lens. Yea, it's true, get creative, know your camera and lenses of course - which I do:o) and then go for it.

Photography reflects so much emotion, often times the emotion pours out from our clients or subject that we are photographing, but it is so important that we as photographers, express our emotions and creativity through the lens, but we don't always have to stick out faces to it. We know where to place the camera, we don't always have to look through it, yet many times, I think it for me, it just became something expected...I'm a professional, I need to make sure I see what I'm visualizing, and look through the lens.

Well, that may have been more true back in the film days of shooting, but really....it's the digital era, so for me, I'm going to free up my shooting style, be a bit more relaxed, not so streamlined. Shoot the way I used to in High School, never afraid of anything.

Of course, I will still look through me lens, lol. Don't get me wrong, but there are certain types of settings that are free flowing, and in those cases, it's eyes out of the barrel, and maybe a quick look at the screen shot instead :o).

So, in a nut shell, WPPI rocked the house! Three days of photoawsomeness!! Lots of cool prizes, gifts, new vendor contacts, and enjoyed a fabulous night of worship at the Photogs Unite gathering. Over 300 Christian photographers, totally uniting worshiping the Lord. When I walked into the room, the presence of the Holy Spirit was so present. You could not help but sense it. It was moving, to say the least. For me, this was the highlight of my trip. Meeting Bod and Dawn was great, but praising my Lord and Savior was the best! It was the Lord who opened up the doors for me to go on my trip, taking with me two other fabulous Christian photographers, and I know that God is up to something in my life. Big or small, He is always at work and is pouring out His unmerited favor on me. I am blessed beyond measure!

Sherry and Lauren...

Helping Lauren get ready for the KISS album giveaway!

I can't wait for WPPI 2012!! WhooHooo!!

Beauty after the storm

2011-03-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Feb. 19th...rain, wind and stormy weather was all about us as the day progressed. The wedding of a wonderful Bride and Groom, my new giggly friends Natalie and Garrett was to take place today.

All I can say is that the Lord knows what is best, and even though the dark clouds were looming overhead, just at the right time, the storm ceased. It was beautiful. The sky was filled with gorgeous clouds, hues of purple and blue creating rich colors in their mountainous background. Andulasia was their chosen backdrop, and what a beautiful landscape it was.

Their outdoor ceremony was picturesque, with the Palm Trees, Mountains, and lush golf courses in the background. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect place or a more perfect couple.

Their love radiated within their smiles toward one another, as Garrett read his vows, small tears of love formed, melting the heart of his Bride and those that listened to his words. With close family around them, their intimate sunset ceremony was full of love.

It was such an honor to be a part of their Wedding Day. Thank you Natalie and Garrett!

Much Love and blessings to you both. May the Lord keep you and bless everything you do together. ~ Erica

Erica Mendenhall Photography's blog: Happy Valnetine's Day!

2011-02-14T19:49:00.000-08:00

Erica Mendenhall Photography's blog: Happy Valnetine's Day!

Happy Valnetine's Day!

2011-02-14T19:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all of our past and future Clients, Brides, and Friends! Thank you for making fabulous memories with us! We hope you have a wonderful day filled with LOVE!

Erica & Brock

Loran Loran Color Group & Medical Spa

2011-02-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

So, last night was the Re-Grand Opening for Loran Loran, they announced their new Medical Staff members - who are fantastic! Delicious h'orderves and wine was catered from Pieros Acqua Pazza and the people that filled the room were engaging.

I had a fabulous time mingling with the guests and stylist, as well as those from the Angus Mitchell Salon (yea, that's right...son of Paul Mitchell). There definitely was allot of talent that filled the room. I absolutely loved the event.

Along with the amazing new Medical staff, they announced new lines of product, gave out certificates, raffled off some the best hair products from Kerastase (of which I was a winner!! yea! I'm such a girl :o).

The night ended with some fun group photos and new friends.

If you haven't visited Loran Loran yet, make sure to drop in next time you're at The River in Rancho Mirage...you will love what you see!

Superbowl Sunday 17 years ago

2011-02-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

So, the day has finally arrived where millions of viewers will be tuning into the awesome Superbowl event!
I must say, Superbowl is one of my personal favorite "celebrated" days of the year! Am I a crazy fanatic sports fan...no, I don't have that free much time on my hands, lol. But I would love to be one day, maybe when I retire, or my kids are grown or in college :o).

For me it's a fantastic day! Why?
Well, it's like an anniversary for me... it was this time 17 years ago that my now husband asked me if I wanted to "go out" with him. I was 14 he was 15 and I actually said " I don't know" (which as you can imagine, sent a 15 year old boy into a brief moment of shock). You see Brock was one of those guys that seemed to date everyone I knew, and I really wasn't interested in being another one on the list :o).

We had become good friends, and that was more important to me than being his "girlfriend" although, at that age, I secretly wanted to go screaming to my friends...."Brock just asked me out!" But I didn't, I held my composure, played it cool, and said, "well, it would have to be for more than two weeks, I don't want to be like all the others." Looking back, I crack myself up, two weeks, three weeks, one day...really, what was the difference, lol. He was either going to like me or not. But those were the requirements, and if we were to break up we were to still remain friends.

He said, "OK"...and that was the beginning of our most awesome relationship.

The other fabulous reasons Superbowl rocks...well, it's the family, friends, laughter, food and more fun memories in the making. Besides, growing up watching Superbowl eating chips and dip with my dad, another great memory! It's just allot of "good times" lol.

This super exciting day of fun, love and laughter is almost as great as photographing a wedding. The rush of the Bride and Grooms emotions, the happy tears from their family and friends as they celebrate the joy of the new couple joining together forever in marriage...it's awesome! I love it! And I absolutely can't wait for more "celebrated" days this year with new faces, and new friends!

Have a fabulous Superbowl Sunday!

N & G's Maternity Session

2011-02-01T22:18:00.000-08:00

What a fabulous couple! Our entire session was full of laughter, smiles and definitely LOVE. Love for each other, and their new little one on the way. N & G are so adorable, and it was such an honor to be a part of their baby's first photo-shoot. Thanks Guys! You are going to be such wonderful parents!

New Website LIVE!!

2011-01-26T22:07:00.000-08:00

Today we launched our new look, new feel, and totally AWESOME new website design!
I am so excited to have it up for 2011! This is going to be a great year, full of wonderful blessings.

Currently, our site is waiting on google verification...etc. So you can only access it from the URL (www.ericamendenhallphotography.com). Most people would probably have waited to announce their re-vamped site, but I couldn't help myself :o)

So here you go, check it out, leave a comment here or on our facebook page. I'd love to hear your feedback. Many Thanks!
http://www.ericamendenhallphotography.com/

Happy New Year to all our newly engaged couples!

2011-01-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

$2011 Wedding Collections for a limited time!
Check out our link above for our current New Years offers, or click on WedPlan.net to see more of our images! Don't forget this is a limited promotion, so spread the word, tell your friends and family! The savings is huge, and when your friends book with us, have them mention your name so that you can receive your referral cash as our way of saying Thank You!
We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Erica and the EMP crew

Indian Hills Golf Course, Riverside, CA

2011-01-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

A Paso Robles Wedding

2010-11-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

Custom Leather Flushmount Album

2010-11-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

This beautiful 10x10 custom flush mount album was designed using premium leather in camel, a custom cameo was created on the front cover, it's inner pages are printed on the finest photographic paper, and the spine bound at one of the top binding companies.
I'm sure you will agree that together with it's unique rounded corners and black silk lining, this album makes a stunning ending to any wedding!

Album Design the new Adventure!

2010-03-11T09:07:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a while since I've used this blog. Most of my updates are on the website or Facebook, but today I thought I would pass along some of my recent album design adventures!

I am very excited about the clients that we have had over the last few years and the great clients that we are now booking this year. This begins our adventure. Meeting so many new couples and families is such a great joy to me. Every moment is exciting, from our first meeting, to the detailed timeline of events, the ceremony, and all of the amazing post-production work that leads up to the final piece of art work, the wedding album.

Working in digital format has been so wonderful, compared to the old film days, and 4x6 proof prints. It's so freeing as a photographer to be able to design pages and layouts to fit each clients prefrences. My clients are able to view the layout online, giving me their feedback, together we make any final adjustments and then their beautiful day heads off to the printing and binding company. And within weeks it's in the hands of the ones that will cherish it for years. This album design adventure is the last piece of the puzzle, it completes the ceremony, and goes above and beyond my clients expectations. I love it!

Where will we push this in 2010?

Well, without giving to much away, to soon....I will say that more "package" albums will be available to clients. I have found that after doing the couples album, and perhaps a few companion albums for family/guests. Clients have wanted more. They have fallen in love with the albums and books as much as we have while creating them.

So, what better way to have it all, than in a "package" of sorts. The album package will have anywhere from 3-6 albums and or books. But before I get into anymore details, I will leave the rest for another post, one in which I will include images and size specifications. I am thrilled about our latest in this album process, as I am sure our clients will be as well.

Stay tunned....

PhotoBook Plus! Amazing Album, Amazing Prices

2009-09-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

Get ready to plan your next family portrait session early and save

2009-09-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

Save 20% on your Portrait Package when you

Book your Family Portrait Session with us before the Holiday rush.

We're available to come to your home, favorite park or vacation getaway...

call us today (760)408-2060

Against the Grain

2009-09-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

What can I say, they look great!What a fun shoot with Against the Grain Ministries, in downtown Palm Springs. They will be performing in Iowa on September 19th 2009. Check out their music and become a fan http://www.myspace.com/againstthegrainministries.