{Coronado Family Photography~Beach Boy}

My recent photo shoot at the beach in Coronado was so much fun with this little guy! We got some wonderful shots of him totally in his element and just having the best time splashing in the water and playing at the beach which is his favorite place;) 

He was full of energy as most 2 1/2 year olds are and he gave me a workout chasing him around but you can see that these shots are going to bring back some really special memories of him when he was small and his love for the beach! Thankfully for this kid he is blessed to live in one of the most lovely locations imaginable in my opinion to enjoy it!! 

~Enjoy~

Someone is excited to be at his favorite spot at the beach!

I had to do this one in black and white... Just loved his little somber look:) 

Love this one

He is seriously pointing to the water because Mommy and I had been promising water for smiles! haha

Such a gorgeous sunset it turned out to be! 

Love the reflection in the glassy sand, the sun, and the movement!  

Pure happiness 

Mommy and Me shot

The sun was setting and we got this with the last little light~ Happy Boy

{20 Year Anniversary at the Hotel Del~ Coronado Island Photography}

~20 Years Together~

Alan and Carrie have been married 20 Years which is a pretty amazing milestone that I had the privilege to capture for them. Alan and Carrie reside in Arizona and every year they vacation at The Hotel Del in Coronado where they originally honeymooned to celebrate! That is where I come in;) Last year I was doing a photo shoot in Coronado and a couple comes by on their beach cruisers and asks if I have a card which unlike usual I did;) Fast forward to this year I get a call and schedule their shoot knowing they are from out of town but it wasn't until after we were done that I asked how they found me to do their session and we connected the dots that they were 'that couple'; and we all had a really good laugh and it made for a great story! 

They also shared that when they were married all those years ago their photographer who shot their wedding took the money bolted and they never received any images of they're wedding day! 

{GASP...Can you even imagine...}

So needless to say this was a very special and meaningful shoot for so many reasons not the least of which is that this couple is so sweet and amazing and have stood by each other for 20 years. 

All the best to you both and here is to 20 more years of love, health, and happiness! 

{Nichole and Jack~Coronado Family Photography}

I have to say that I feel like sometimes our life experiences draw us and connect us to people in a deeper way. Nichole has got to be one of the most selfless, giving, and kind people I have ever met. She is also a single mother raising an amazing little guy which I have no words to say how much I admire her for what a great mother she is. I have a soft spot for Single Mother's because I can relate to how challenging and at times overwhelming it can be to raise children on your own. My time as a single mother was very complex in so many ways and keeping the balance of everything while facing stressors and providing for your child not only financially but being strong for them mentally, physically, and emotionally can never be explained unless you have been their. 

All that to say, Nichole has been by far the most amazing examples of strength, grace, and resolve to provide an exceptionally well balanced life for Jack. She is always putting him first and all the while pursuing her degree; taking on a full college course load, and maintaing a stellar GPA to establish an even brighter future. 

I can not express how proud I am to call Nichole a friend. Her southern charm, infectious smile, and joy for life as well as Jack's come through in these photos that we got a chance to do when she came back to San Diego! It was wonderful to capture these moments with you both! 

{San Diego Family Photography~Hotel Del Coronado}

I have been very fortunate my last several sessions to have the pleasure of not only photographing some wonderful families but also the grandparents who make up the extended family. This session was done about a month back at the beautiful and sunny beaches of Coronado in front of the Hotel Del. The session was a gift for the grandparents from their daughter to capture them with their two adorable red headed grandchildren! We did all sorts of combinations and even included the family dog (also adorable) and their eldest grandchild who was visiting CA along with them! Thank you to this lovely family who I just adore, this was a very fun and memorable day! 

Enjoy! xoxo

Grandparents and beautiful Grand babies <3

Really love sweet moments like this so much!

3 Generation Shot 

This little lady was all about the photos! 

Such a cutie!

Elena

Tyson and Elena relaxing 

This was the last shot of the day! Hope these will bring back fond memories for all of you! 

{San Diego Family Photography~ Hotel Del Coronado with the Lutz Family}

 In San Diego the Hotel Del is one of the most iconic features on the island of Coronado.

 This is the Lutz Family on the beaches of Coronado with the Hotel Del in the background for their family portrait session. It is always challenging working with young children but these two little angels were so good and so well behaved I could not believe it! It was a pleasure to work with such an amazing family and capture some really sweet moments with them in such a lovely location while their babies are still small. These are the memories you look back on when they are all grown up and ask where the time went. Thank you so much to the Lutz Family, Enjoy!

{San Diego Family Photography~Coronado Beach Christmas with the Crane's}

This is my last shoot of the year and I have to say it is one of my favorites because I believe it perfectly captures the direction Andrea Gallagher Photography is taking for 2012 with custom styled portrait sessions! This beach inspired shoot was styled to perfection based on the vision of my client and friend Jen who wanted to capture her girls on the beach for her 2011 Christmas cards. We assembled and gathered props and items that would reflect the feel we were going for; mason jars filled with sand and shells, beautiful white starfish, sea glass, custom made quilt, pink flowers, and  a vintage surfer themed suitcase. 

If you are looking to capture your memories in a unique and beautifully styled way please contact me or visit my website to book your 2012 portrait session @ Andrea Gallagher Photography.com {here}!!  

Thank you to the Crane family for letting me capture these amazing moments and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!!