Diana & Ario. Maternity. Malibu.

Have you ever noticed that whenever  you’re around a happy person, they seem to infect your world with so much joy, that you just can’t help but to be happy too? Well this is exactly how Diana makes others around her feel. From her bright smile, all the way down to her sunny colored perfectly pedicured toes, she exudes happiness. I first met Diana when I created a custom-made photo booth for her sister Emily’s wedding. Shortly after that, she announced that she was pregnant and asked me to take maternity photos of her and her husband, Ario. Yes, please! I knew she was going to make a beautiful mother-to-be!

Ario and Diana planned  this perfect-like maternity shoot. We traveled to Malibu and basically had a private beach to ourselves. How did we get so lucky? Ario’s childhood family friend lives on a secluded private beach in a “famous” Malibu community. How famous? Let’s just say one neighbor was pretty much Mickey Mouse’s manager while another is a model that has a very distinguished mole. I’m just sayin’. This beach was Ah-mae-zing!

After drooling over the beach, I finally got to really meet and hang out with Ario. I had first met Ario at Emily’s wedding. He seemed like a super chill and easy going kinda guy. It wasn’t until the day of this photo shoot where I found out that Ario IS super chill, a total sweet heart who is truly in love with Diana, and kind of a goofball when interacting with Diana’s siblings.  Diana had a small entourage there for her make-up, wardrobe changes, and moral support. And every now and then, Diana’s brother snuck an instagram update from the session. During the afternoon, I got to know more about Diana and Ario’s relationship, their baby boy’s name and their plans for parenthood. This super sweet couple fell in love a little over nine years ago at church. It was love at first sight for Ario, while Diana felt more of a yin and yang connection. She claims to be an introvert and he an extrovert. So an opposite attraction created a real chemistry for these love birds. Two years after they met, they married and decided it was time to create a family. As most planned pregnancies go, getting pregnant is harder than it seems. Doctors, prayers and even lifestyle changes sometimes don’t seem to help after a year of trying. But, just like love hits you smack in the face when you least expect it, BAM! Ario and Diana were expecting. I guess the body just knows when it’s ready.

Diana, Ario, and I had a blast hanging out. I felt as if I was one of their entourage members. I can’t wait until their “Owl” themed baby shower! Congratulations on your son, Noah! I can’t wait to meet him.

A contagious smile I tell ya!

My favorite!

Diana told me she got this fabric idea from me…aww. I love love love it when I can inspire my clients to craft for their own props!
Just hanging out.
Gilligan’s Island? Ya, this boat seemed to be perfectly ship-wreked here.N is for Noah and Diana’s expression is too cute!
Diana claimed she wasn’t “good” at taking pictures…right.
Come on…you are one photogenic mama!

Okay this one is my ultimate favorite! 
Mothers-to-be look absolutely gorgeous in this light! Diana you rocked this light and that red necklace!