Carly Daniel Photography

NEW BLOG (finally)!

2009-11-20T15:50:00.000-08:00

I'm very happy to announce my new & WAY improved blog: http://carlydaniel.com/blog. Way bigger images & easier navigation for your viewing pleasure :) I'm slowly moving the content from this blog to the new one. There won't be any new posts on this blog, so start checking out the new one. Please feel free to leave your comments (on the new blog). Peace!

Me on Halloween: homemade flamingo costume :)

Downtown Laguna Beach Engagement Portraits

2009-11-02T18:13:00.000-08:00

For those of you who aren't sure you want purely beach engagement photos, check out the cool combination of spots we used for Lori and Hugh's Laguna Beach engagement session. We started at Peppertree Lane in downtown Laguna Beach, and got an awesome variety of backgrounds while strolling around other parts of downtown Laguna. After a quick wardrobe change, we were ready to get wet and wild at the beach below Heisler Park, also in Laguna Beach. This combo of locations was Lori's idea, and I've been offering it to my clients for family portraits and engagement sessions ever since, thanks Lori! If you're gonna go through the effort of getting all cute and made up for engagement photos, you might as well make the most of it! Lori and Hugh will become Mr. & Mrs. Alexander in the summer of 2010 at Occasions at Laguna Village in Laguna Beach.

Laguna Beach Engagement Session

2009-10-21T15:01:00.000-07:00

I vividly remember the first time I met Anni: my sophomore year at a Delta Gamma rush party. I was so drawn to her personality and wit; I just knew we would end up being friends. Any girl who has the guts to sport a hot pink cast on her injured leg is cool in my book.

Anni met Chris almost immediately after moving from Minnesota to Newport Beach to attend Chapman University. Six years later she accepted his proposal for marriage, and they will be tying the knot in April 2010 at Pacific Edge in Laguna Beach.

Pacific Edge is an awesome Laguna Beach wedding venue that’s perfect for weddings of 130 guests or less. Check out this Pacific Edge wedding I photographed in May 2009. Anni and Chris’ ceremony and reception will take place on the deck, and they’ve even hired an 80’s band for the reception! Their Laguna Beach engagement photos were taken at the beach below Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. Enjoy the engagement portraits of this good looking couple!

Anni & Chris' fur baby: Tyler

Seven Degrees Wedding Photography Laguna Beach

2009-10-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

Seven Degrees combines ultra-dramatic lighting and unique pieces of art to create a chic, modern wedding venue in Laguna Beach. What I love most about Seven Degrees is that it's somewhat of a "blank canvas" in that you can bring your vision of your wedding to life. You can see in the images below that Seven Degrees' custom lighting gives so much emotion to the overall feel of the reception room. My #1 favorite photo spot has to be the bride's dressing room, which offers giant glass doors and sleek, modern furniture in place of the typical flowers and frills. Closely following in second place is the cool, blue mosaic wall that perfectly reflects the artsy Laguna Beach lifestyle. I actually looked into holding my wedding here, because I love how different it is than any other Laguna Beach wedding venue. Enjoy the pics of Raazi & Shaunna's wedding!

Baby Photography Orange County

2009-09-29T08:36:00.001-07:00

I don't like to play favorites, but I must admit that baby D is my favorite little person to photograph. Her parents hired me to do her newborn photo session, and I have photographed her at least 5 more times since then. Just a couple weeks ago I met baby D's new baby brother at his first photo session! The Macey Special package I offer includes 4 photo sessions and a free album. Most of my clients use the first session on maternity portraits or newborn portraits, then decide to purchase the Macey Special so their baby's first year of life can be professionally documented through my lens :) A very heartfelt thank you to baby D's parents for being such loyal clients and friends, and allowing me the opportunity to photograph your beautiful children.

Baby D's daddy surprised his wife with a canvas gallery wrap and album with images from our most recent photo session. He kidnapped baby D from daycare for the secret photo session at the Fun Zone on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach.

An image from baby D's second photo session at about 6 months old.

From the surprise Mother's Day photo session at the Fun Zone. I spoiled baby D with her first taste of candy.

Baby D hanging out on a bench at the Fun Zone at our Mother's Day photo session 2009.

Baby D's daddy also called upon me for a surprise Mother's Day photo session in 2008. The image above is from that session, taken at the Montage in Laguna Beach.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Wedding

2009-09-15T16:17:00.001-07:00

Melissa & Hamid tied the knot in a beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa in Dana Point. DeNeitra Vincent and her wonderful staff from Savvy Events once again did a flawless job of making sure the day ran smoothly. Melissa's bright blue eyes were so striking paired with her dark hair and her deep red rose bouquet, which made for some dramatic images. My favorite image is Melissa lounging on the couch in the hallway of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott looking very model-esque and glamorous. The night was complete with a delicious monogrammed wedding cake, created by It's All About the Cake and towering red rose centerpieces by Victoria's Garden. To honor Hamid's Persian culture, Melissa arranged for a surprise belly dance performance by Laura Diaz (HOT!). Check out the same day video created by the awesome videographers at Elysium Productions.

Beach Theme Wedding

2009-08-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks in part to the fab florals created by Designs by Tricia, under the sea theme has never looked as classy as it did at Khris & Dana's wedding. Being avid scuba divers, they chose to bring that aspect of their lives into their big celebration. The outdoor gazebo ceremony & indoor reception took place at La Canada Flintridge Country Club on an unsually wet summer day. Luckily, the rain dissipated shortly before the ceremony began & gave way to perfect photo weather- overcast yet still bright. We took most of the bridal party photos on the edge of a cliff with an amazing view as the background. After that, some romantic bride & groom shots, & of course a few silly ones too.

Rancho Las Lomas Wedding and Reception

2009-07-31T17:15:00.001-07:00

"Finally!" and "It's about time!" were popular comments at Giannette & Ahmad's Rancho Las Lomas wedding. The couple has been dating for 9 years, since they were about 15 years old, so it was a treat to see them finally take the plunge! The zoological gardens of Rancho Las Lomas are nestled back in Silverado Canyon, and are home to animals such as zebras, white Bengal Tigers, alpaca, and wild cats, just to name a few. If you're looking for an outdoor wedding venue in Orange County, this is a must see. There are also indoor accommodations.

This telephone booth is nestled on a small piece of grass next to a small fountain and koi pond.

The gorgeous fountain at Rancho Las Lomas. Cocktail hour is usually held here.

It's such a treat to photograph at an outdoor wedding location with no shortage of amazing props, like this sweet yellow swing.

Rancho Las Lomas boasts this beautiful bridge perched above a creek.

Giannette's blinged out, ivory wedding gown. It was so heavy; I don't know how she stood up straight!

Flower Allie in Fullerton provided the flowers: colorful bouquets, unique centerpieces, and a gigantic mass of roses above the altar. Several of my brides have used the incredibly talented Flower Allie.

Can you believe that the building behind Giannette is a bathroom?! Sure beats a Porta-Potty!

A very emotional Dr. Bolivar preparing to give away his daughter at the altar.

Hoffmann Photographer accompanied me as second photographer, and took this awesome shot of the ceremony.

24 carrots catering and events provided this eclectic array of Mediterranean appetizers. The hummus is to die for!

Diving into the wedding cake!

Huntington Beach and Irvine Outdoor Wedding

2009-07-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

Brooke & Mike's outdoor ceremony & reception was held at the beautiful & private Woodbury Community Gardens in Irvine. Locations such as this are great for couples who want to bring in their own catering & decorations, unlike more commercialized wedding venues with stricter rules. Brooke followed in my wedding planning footsteps and hired the AMAZING Dalise Lindsay of Dalise Lindsay Events to ensure everything ran smoothly on the wedding day. Since photography was a huge priority to this couple, we arranged a pre-ceremony photo session at the Hyatt Huntington Beach and took advantage of all their sweet photo spots. I 100% recommend a bride & groom pre-ceremony photo session because it provides you with a greater variety of images, while also shortening the length of the after-ceremony photo session.

Though Brooke's bridesmaids wore black dresses of their choice, they had sexy, matching red shoes.
Elements from 3 different gowns were combined to create Brooke's custom wedding gown. If you can't find "the one," just have it made!

At the last minute, Brooke opted for a super colorful floral palette instead of the original all white theme. LaRaine Wilson from This Old Garden Gallery went above & beyond Brooke's expectations (as she always does) using a plethora of cheery bright blooms.

The centerpieces were held in cute black buckets, which LaRaine spray painted herself just for Brooke's wedding! Linens provided by Fusion Linens.

Brooke with lil sis Kaitlin & mom at the Hyatt. Such a "mom" moment!

Second photographer Steve Hoffmann took this awesome pic with the sun & palm trees.

With fisheye lens in hand, Hoffmann captured this image of the newlyweds departing the altar.

Check out my previous blog entry of Brooke & Mike's Sneak Peak to see Brooke's killer red heels. After the ceremony she changed into her dancing shoes- red Vans.

Can you tell she's happy to be married!? The best advice I can give is to live in the present on your wedding day, and don't worry if an unflattering image of you is captured. We delete those!

The bridal party! Though it was tempting, I won't post any of the incriminating bridal party reception pics. Yes GUYS, I'm talking about YOU! Haha!

Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village Wedding

2009-06-21T09:58:00.001-07:00

It's the best compliment when one of my friends hires me to photograph their big day. Steve & I met my freshman year at Chapman University, and became great friends. How time flies! Steve & his beautiful bride Nikki exchanged vows inside the awesome pagoda at the Four Seasons Westlake Village. I think you'll agree after looking at the images, these two are a match made in heaven! Special thanks to Hoffmann Photographer for shooting with me, and to videographer Brian Starkman from BGS Productions.

Me getting caught spying on Nikki as she gets ready.So soft & pretty, very "bridal" looking.Clearly, Mr. & Mrs. Grossi are very proud of their son :) Great pic Hoffmann!I couldn't part with any of these 3 images of Nikki & her dad walking down the aisle. You can see where the smiles turn to tears of joy. Not gonna lie, I was hiding a few of my own tears behind my camera!Nikki approaching her soon-to-be husband.At last, Mr. & Mrs. Grossi!!

Love the waterfalls.Lovey dovey moment + perfect lighting = sweet pic

One of their engagement pics in front of Chapman University's Memorial Hall.

Brooke & Michael's Wedding: Sneak Peek

2009-06-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Couldn't wait to blog Brooke & Michael's wedding, so I'm giving you a sneak peek at their big day! Much more to come...

Soooo belongs on the cover of The Knot magazine!Can't take full credit for this one...it was Brooke's idea!

After the ceremony, Brooke changed into red Vans and we got down to business...

Pacific Edge Laguna Beach Wedding

2009-06-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

Courtney & Jason held their beautiful, laid back ceremony and reception at the Pacific Edge in Laguna Beach. Courtney is the co-owner of Little Black Desk interior design company in Laguna Beach, so naturally she has a great eye (unlike myself who spent countless hours on TheKnot.com searching for wedding style ideas!) With the help of Krista Levandofsky at Downtown Flowers in San Clemente, her vision of a fresh yellow and green floral design was brought to life. I was a little obsessed with the flowers, hence the large amount of flower pics in this blog entry :) The chill vibe of this beach side ceremony and reception was enhanced with fun elements such as sparklers, a bud vase for each guest, s'mores (provided by the awesome Beachfire Extreme Catering), and even a trolley to cart us around the city for a photo session! Enjoy the images, and please feel free to leave a comment!

Ponte Family Winery Temecula- Wedding

2009-05-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Crystal & Robert held their Friday evening wedding at Ponte Family Winery in Temecula. Everything photographed beautifully: the bright blue sky, plethora of green flowers, and most importantly Crystal's turquoise shoes :) The unique floral design was created by Bethany Falefitu of Splendid Sentiments Flowers & Gifts in San Diego. I've never seen so many pomanders in one wedding! To top it off, Crystal loved the camera as much as it loved her! So many great pics from this day, enjoy...

My Best Friend's Wedding...Literally!

2009-04-02T19:21:00.001-07:00

Roni has been my best friend since 8th grade, when we met in Mr. Nichols' history class. On Friday March 20th she called me & said "Nathan & I want to get married on Monday!" Long story, but basically her fiance's parents were in town, & they decided to go ahead & finally seal the deal. A million thoughts rushed through my head upon hanging up the phone. I wanted to make the day as special as I could for Roni & Nathan...with only 2 days to plan.

First on the list: Call Tricia Barr (www.designsbytricia.com) and beg her for a last minute bouquet. I just can't imagine a bouquet-less bride. Second: Find a location for a small, intimate ceremony (beach below Heisler Park in Laguna Beach) & dinner for about 25 people (Las Brisas). Well...everything turned out perfect, & with how radiant & gorgeous Roni looked, you never would have guessed she bought the dress the night before & sewed on the sash herself!

A HUGE THANK YOU to Tricia for not only providing a killer bouquet, but also corsages & boutonnieres for the parents, a big bag of rose petals, AND about 3 dozen roses to decorate the dinner table! Tricia: you are amazing!

Mid air kiss...why not?Roni & I circa sophmore year of high school

Strolling down the beach with their oldest daughter, Macey

Doesn't she belong in a wedding magazine?!

One of my personal favs

This random brick house is my favorite place to shoot at the Fun Zone, very urban

I love the contrast created by their white clothing on the black background

Believe it or not, this was not posed. Purely candid moment

The dress had a black satin sash sewed onto it (not very bridal looking). We found cream shantung silk at the fabric store right after buying the dress, & Roni created her own sash.

My daddy, the newlyweds, me, & my husband :)

The girl knows how to pose...

The AWESOME bouquet created by Designs by Tricia. She used floral spray paint to make the hydrangea greenish/purpleish antique-looking.

In front of the candy store at the Fun Zone

In the arcade

Roni's little bro Jake walking her down the aisle...Nathan waiting for his bride

Engagement Session - Balboa Fun Zone Newport Beach

2009-03-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

My memories of the Balboa Fun Zone date back to my elementary school days, when the thrill of The Dark Scary Ride (no joke, that's what it was called), arcade ski-ball, and feasting on Balboa Bars were the highlight of my weekend. Last August, I photographed a bride and groom there before their reception at the Harborside Restaurant and the crowds of tourists created a challenge. Before Jenn & Chad's engagement session, I did not envision this area as one with spectacular photographic potential. Now, thanks to these two lovebirds, I can't wait to shoot here again! We had a blast exploring all the cool photo spots, and deciding whose dock, porch, or store we could utilize for photos without getting in trouble. For couples looking for something with more variety than just the beach, this is the spot. Thank you Jenn and Chad for giving me a fresh prospective on the Fun Zone, and being a pleasure to photograph! Check out Platinum Weddings by Kerrie, for details of this cute couple's nuptials happening this summer.

A small section of this mural serves as a simple, vibrant backdrop...
And the wide view creates a more dramatic image

Venturing down dirty alleys does have its benefits!
Jenn getting warm & fuzzy with the candy store wall :) I crouched down behind a bush to get the little pop of green in the foreground.
Side of a store selling taffy, sea shells, cold drinks, and hot wheels

I can't take all the credit for this one, the pose was Jenn's idea. Thanks Jenn!Too cute to pass up...A good laugh after Chad's first attempt to pick up his fiancee and spin her around
Second attempt- perfection!
On a random dock overlooking Newport Harbor

Last image of the day, with a cool filter applied post-production

Newborn Baby Photography Orange County

2009-02-12T11:28:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this precious little bundle of joy! Thanks to an incredibly stylish mother, this baby girl has the poshest wardrobe (and nursery) I've ever seen. Her bright blue eyes photographed so beautifully too :)

I love how the little bit of color really pops in this image

Just as charming during nap time

All those funny faces Mom and Dad want to remember forever

Just hangin' out in her pink silk dress :)

Mid-session feeding

Don't be shy!

Gotta get the cutesy little fingers

Engagement Session- Old Towne Orange/Chapman University

2009-02-01T13:06:00.000-08:00

Misty & Tony met each other in a quite unique location- on a fire engine! Being a non-traditional couple, they opted for something different than the typical beach engagement photos, so we shot their session in Old Towne Orange & the campus at Chapman University. These areas offer so much variety- from greenery & fountains, to gorgeous antique storefronts, and even a cute cupcake shop! The kids came along for some family photos too. I had a blast getting to know Misty & Tony & the kids more, and I can't wait for their wedding in May at The Desert Willow in Palm Desert! In a driveway, looking through flowers & windchimes in front of a boutique.

Don't have to be a genius to figure out where this one is!

Peeking through the new fountain at Chapman University.

In front of Memorial Hall at Chapman University.

The Cupcakery in Old Towne Orange. The most adorable cupcake store I've ever seen!

Walking down the sidewalk in Old Towne.

Gorgeous wood carvings in front of an antique store.

Tony showin' some love to the kids :) I love this one...

Um, can anyone say "Picture Perfect Family"?

Precious Newborn "N"

2008-12-28T21:59:00.000-08:00

There is nothing more precious, and challenging, to photograph than a newborn baby. The whole session was shot with natural window light (translation: no flashes or studio lights) in Baby N's nursery. Baby N was the most mellow newborn I've ever photographed, which resulted in a great variety of shots. This is a situation in which my clients really appriciate that I give them the copyrights to all their high resolution images!

Kisses from Mommy

Naptime on the changing table (LOVE the lamp in the background!)

I guess Daddy's arm was really comfy...

Baby N wakes up to show me her pretty eyes while resting on Daddy's knee

One of my favorites

I love capturing newborns' fingers, toes, and lips while they're teeny tiny!

Being a baby model can be tough work. Naptime again!

Baby N obviously has a keen sense of fashion

Mommy & Daddy giving Baby N some love

So peaceful...

Cute little toesies!

Oh How Time Flies!

2008-12-28T17:15:00.000-08:00

Seems like just yesterday that I would pass by Allison in the halls of Newport Harbor High, headed to class, books in hand. Now Allison is a stunningly beautiful young woman, those books have been replaced with a bridal bouquet, and Allison has been united in marriage with her best friend and soul mate. She threw this wedding together in something like 5 weeks, and I think you'll agree that it definitely didn't show!

A Vibrant Laguna Beach Wedding

2008-08-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

This was definitely one of those weddings that reminded me how sweet my job is! All the colorful decorative touches were created by Courtenay, the bride, and looked almost as fabulous as her and John. Their ceremony was held at Vacation Village in Laguna Beach, followed by a beach/middle of PCH photo session, and a candlelight dinner reception at Mozambique Restaurant. Look for more images from this wedding on my website, coming soon...

Corona del Mar & Balboa Peninsula Wedding

2008-08-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

Melanie & Justin chose to hold their wedding ceremony at one of my favorite chapels- Community Congregational Church in Corona del Mar. We had enough time between the ceremony and reception to get carted around by the limo (one of the perks of my job) to some fun spots for photos. Melanie's florist, Tricia Barr (www.DesignsByTricia.com) is also the florist for my wedding in October. The thing I love about her most is that she can re-create lots of those expensive arrangements in magazines for waaay less, and it looks almost identical!

Corona del Mar Beach Wedding

2008-06-13T02:13:00.000-07:00

It was by accident that I ended up as the photographer for Shannon and Jason's wedding, and I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to document their wedding day. I was so impressed with Shannon's vision for her ceremony site; she made Corona del Mar look like Maui! And ps, no airbrushing here, they are naturally that gorgeous...

Erin & Dave's Chic LA Nuptials

2008-05-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

Talk about a feast for the eyes! Erin looked absolutely stunning in a sexy lace gown and gold Prada heels (cutest shoes I've EVER seen on a bride!) Their whole wedding was held at the Oviatt Penthouse in downtown LA, and we had plenty of time to shoot preformals at the Biltmore Hotel and on the streets of downtown. The green tile shower at the Oviatt, though unconventional, was my favorite spot. Take a look at the pics, and please leave your feedback :)

MISSION: Surprise Mother's Day Session

2008-05-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

The mission began when Bob called me up and explained his idea of surprising his wife with photos of their adorable baby girl for Mother's Day. After a morning photo session at The Montage in Laguna Beach, we ended up with hundreds of incredible images of Delaney. Since it was way too difficult to choose just one to enlarge as a gift, I collaged 4 images and had a canvas gallery wrap made (along with 47 5x7 prints of other favorites). This is the third time I have photographed Delaney in her 7 month life, and every time she grows up a little more and has a little more personality. Below are a few images from Delaney's 1st session as a newborn, 2nd session- 3 months old, and 3rd session- 7 months.
Canvas gallery wrap collage- upper left is my favorite! What a face!
Daddy holding Delaney's tiny newborn feet

Delaney's special blankey

Dad and baby girl moment...Three months old She loved staring at the studio lights...
It's nice to have a professional to capture all the funny faces your baby makes :)
Peaceful & natural family portrait
Seven months old, and sitting up on her own!
Babies don't require much posing. Their natural disposition and actions are interesting enough.
This silk flower was meant to be a prop, but Delaney took matters into her own hands...

My Engagement! 11-23-07

2008-05-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

I didn't have my blog set up at the time, so here it is now- images from the evening Chriss proposed to me! Only a few people have seen these, until now I guess :) Chriss is such an amazing man, and I can't believe that I have the priviledge of spending the rest of my life with him and his wonderful family. He picked me up from the airport after I spent Thankgiving with my family in Florida, and brought me back to my house. About 20 minutes later while sifting through a mound of emails, I noticed my pretty, suede, pink bible (a gift from Chriss) open on the coffee table, with pink highlighter inside! I walked over to see what that was all about, and when I turned around there Chriss was standing with a huge bouquet of flowers, with a beautiful ring inside one of the flowers! I screamed/cried/shook all over for a few minutes, then called my Daddy to give him the good news. To make the night even more perfect, Chriss had reservations at 930 Sushi, the restaurant we had our first date at :)

Chriss' family pet, Rocky, practicing his ring bearer duties (if only dogs were allowed in the church...)

My spunky Miniature Pinscher, Foxie, was the sole witness to our engagement. She donned her pink and green argyle sweater for the occasion.

Dinner at 930 Sushi afterwards

Amanda & John's Wedding

2008-04-25T00:08:00.000-07:00

John and Amanda tied the knot at the picturesque Rancho Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. I've known John since I started photographing at age 10, and I'm thankful he decided to hire me 13 years later! Amanda chose Dalise Lindsay Events to create a vibrant, yet elegant ambiance using a green, orange, and red palatte. Enjoy the images of this ridiculously photogenic couple!

It's so important to have enough photography time before the ceremony to capture the bride while her makeup is fresh and the gown is in perfect condition.

Can't ignore the animals, they're important too!

This candid image of Amanda was shot by my second photographer, Hannah.

Getting ready to walk down the aisle...

John and the guys caught peeking outside...
One of my favorites. Flower girls don't always make it to the end of the aisle!

Dalise Lindsay Events created an amazing ambiance with the orange/green color scheme. She really amazed me with how organized and personable she was. She dealt with the stress of the day with such poise, which is not always the case with wedding planners; I was impressed!I brought Amanda and John over to this arch right before I left and captured this awesome image. I love how lighting can totally change the mood of a photograph.

Amy's Maternity Session

2008-04-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

Almost 5 years ago, I photographed Amy and Mike's wedding at a gorgeous estate in the hills of Orange. Now they are expecting their first child- a baby girl! Amy's belly was nice and round, and she was the calmest pregant woman I've ever worked with. This shoot was especially fun because Amy was really involved in choosing props (love that red boa!) and coordinating her outfits. I still have a few red feathers in my studio :) Thank you Amy and Mike for being such loyal clients, and congratulations on your new bundle of love.

Erin & Dave's Engagement Session

2008-04-23T18:20:00.001-07:00

When I first met Erin and Dave, I had a feeling they were looking for something a little different than the typical beach engagement session. Erin suggested the Los Angeles Central Library, which turned out to be an incredible location for photos. This location in downtown LA definitely reflects the couples' young, fashionable vibe.

Ellie & Martin's Wedding

2008-03-14T02:09:00.000-07:00

I find myself immersed in the emotional aspects of a wedding even more when it is small and intimate. The bride and groom just seem more free to be themselves, and Ellie and Martin were no exception. This couple is so in love it is unbelievable!! It was so hard to narrow down my favorite images because there were so many spectacular ones. Enjoy! And thank you very much to my soon-to-be bride Kristine Balagot for referring Ellie to me. Referrals are the best compliment :)