Japan

Have you ever begun to miss a place you’re visiting before you’ve even left it? Japan, with all its charm and beauty and serenity, had me feeling just that.

”Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures.” - Lewis Carroll

From the fashionable streets of Tokyo to the quiet corners of Kyoto, each city has its own voice that speaks to you through its sights and sounds and storied history. With stops in both, as well as Osaka and the coastal region of Iwate, it felt as if we got a glimpse, albeit a quick one, into why Japan is so special.

While we also searched for (and found!) the best gyoza, humored ourselves by singing karaoke and playing arcade games late into the night, and enjoyed our last drink of the trip at Aman Tokyo, the following snapshots were the peaceful moments that have stayed with me the longest. Where tradition and nature were one, and the respect of both was palpable.

It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.

The Kelley Family - Santa Ynez, California

What better way to celebrate your growing family than with a maternity session at the place where your story began? Michelle and Brian spent a beautiful evening at their wedding venue in the Santa Ynez countryside capturing priceless memories as they await the arrival of their Baby Girl.

It’s been the most wonderful journey over the last few years: from their engagement session at Sunstone Villa to their wedding weekend at Kestrel Park, and now to today. I am truly honored to have been there for these sweet milestones, and I’m already looking forward to the amazing celebrations to come.

Congratulations, Kelleys!

Location: Kestrel Park