Love shack “Eleven” party!

Photographer Alison Bernier | Design and Planning Kristen Dimond | Florals MV Florals | Crafts and Perfume Bar Create and Celebrate Kids | Sleepover experience Wondertent Parties | Rentals MTB Event Rentals | Balloons Cynthia Romo | Invitation and paper details Chelcea Creative | Acrylic Details Creative Amme | Graze Table Elysian Eats | Cake and desserts Sugar Crush Sweets | Cookies Danielle Keen | Milkshakes Gourmeletas | Candy Cubes Candy Angeles LA

There are birthday parties, and then there are birthday celebrations that feel like they've stepped straight out of the pages of a fairytale. This unforgettable "Love Shack Eleven" birthday party was exactly that—a dreamy, sun-soaked celebration inspired by the romantic world of LoveShackFancy, designed for one very special birthday girl and her closest friends.

Designed by mama of the birthday girl Kristen Dimond and hosted in their beautiful backyard, every detail was thoughtfully curated to create a magical afternoon that transitioned into the ultimate sleepover experience. I love documenting the Dimond family parties so much! There are always so many thoughtful tiny details and actives which create unforgettable moments and genuine laughter between friends and family.

Guests were welcomed into the backyard transformed with soft florals by MV Florals, vintage-inspired décor by MTB Event Rentals, and endless sunshine. Every corner offered something special to discover including a tower of sweet treats including flower cookies and cake pops decorated with bows by Sugar Crush Sweets and Danielle Keene . A cute photo booth by Create and Celebrate Kids became the backdrop for countless giggles and group photos, while a custom charm bracelet station invited each girl to design a keepsake.

One of the biggest hits of the afternoon was the DIY perfume bar brought to life also by Create and Celebrate Kids , where guests blended their own signature scents in sweet little bottles to take home. Nearby, a nostalgic milkshake cart by Gourmeletas served sweet treats that perfectly complemented the girly, garden-party aesthetic. Perhaps the most exciting surprise of all was the mock LoveShackFancy boutique, beautifully styled so each guest could "shop" for her own carefully selected party favor—a thoughtful experience that made every girl feel extra special.

Inside the home, an abundant grazing table by Elysian Eats awaited the girls, overflowing with artisan cheeses, fresh fruit, gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie, crackers, sweets, and all the delicious bites needed to fuel more fun. The beautiful display was as much a centerpiece as it was a feast.

One special detail not to be overlooked was that each guest had her own beautifully styled sleepover tent by Wondertent Parties complete with soft floral pillows, custom name tags and acrylic details by Chelcea Creative and Creative Amme, plush bedding, and thoughtfully assembled self-care goodies for facials and pampering. The rows of matching tents created a picture-perfect scene —a dream setup for any eleven-year-old celebrating with her best friends.

Throughout the afternoon, the focus wasn't simply on beautiful décor, but on creating experiences the girls would remember for years to come. From shopping their own party favors to crafting bracelets, mixing perfumes, posing for photos, sipping milkshakes, and ending the night in their own cozy floral retreat, every detail bringing more bubbles of excitement!

Photographing celebrations like this is one of my favorite parts of being a photographer. My goal is always to preserve not only the carefully designed details but also the authentic moments—the excitement as friends discover each activity, the spontaneous laughter, the heartfelt hugs, and the memories that become part of a family's story.

Happy birthday Piper! Thank you for inviting me back to capture yet another incredible day filled with so much fun!

If you're dreaming of documenting your own luxury birthday celebration, sleepover party, or milestone event in Orange County or Los Angeles, I'd love to help tell your family's story through timeless, heartfelt photography.

Newborn session with big brother and sister.

This in-home newborn portrait session was full of spirited joy! When you’re the youngest of three kids your newborn session is bound to include plenty of happy chaos. As the photographer of this happy chaos I always try to just go with the flow, grab the quiet moments when they land and keep shooting when the big kids start bouncing! That’s where the authentic smiles and love comes through. This gallery of lifestyle images was brimming with sweet moments and interactions between children and parents and baby and siblings.

Evie's Bat Mitzvah

Evie and her friends and family celebrated her Bat Mitzvah with pure joy, fun and style! The day started with an intimate service at the family’s temple which was followed later in the day with an epic party on a boat with all of Evie’s friends.

This stunning event blended timeless Jewish traditions with lots of fun activities for the teens, featuring citrus-infused décor, vibrant coastal colors, fresh florals, al fresco-inspired dining and plenty of dancing! From breathtaking waterfront views to personalized details reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, this Bat Mitzvah on a boat created a one-of-a-kind experience for family and friends

The party was beautifully planned and styled by Beijos Events along with the dream team with photography by me (Alison Bernier), florals by Golden Sol Floral Co, balloons by The Pop Shop, furniture rentals by Sweet Salvage Rentals and signage by Chelsea Cupples Creative. Yacht hosted by City Cruises.

Kids Barbie Party!

There’s something extra magical about turning six—and this Barbie-themed birthday party for Harwell in Orange County, captured every bit of that joy. From the first pop of pink to the final slice of cake, the entire celebration designed and planned by Beijos Events and photographed by me ( Alison Bernier ! ) felt like stepping into a real-life Barbie dream.

Lush floral arrangements by Earth and Grace Co in soft pinks and pastels were paired with lots of fun balloon installations by Balloon Works that framed the space perfectly. Every corner felt thoughtfully styled, creating the ultimate backdrop for both play and picture-perfect moments. With rentals by Sweet Salvage, back drops by Goldie Crew Creative, signage by Chelcea Creative and Creative Amme .

The pool party vibe brought the energy. Bright, colorful floats filled the water, inviting kids to jump in, splash around, and soak up the sunshine. Between swims, little guests bounced their way through the bounce house and tumbled into the ball pit by Play Play Zone.

One of the standout features of the day was the glam squad station by The Tangled Braid Bar. Here, Harwell’s friends and family were treated to Barbie-worthy makeovers with colorful braided extensions and sparkles!

For a quieter creative moment, the craft and bracelet station by Create and Celebrate gave everyone a chance to design their own accessories. Bright beads, playful charms, and lots of imagination turned into sweet keepsakes to take home.

Of course, no party is complete without a little hands-on fun—and the slime-making station delivered just that. With vibrant colors and stretchy textures, it added the perfect mix of sensory play and excitement.

When it was time to sing happy birthday, Harwell’s giant pink birthday cake ( made by Sugar From the Heart Bake Shop ) got all the kids out of the pool looking for a slice.

Every detail of this party—from the flowers and balloons to the laughter and tiny glitter-covered hands—came together to create a day full of lots of giggles, creativity, and unforgettable memories. It was the kind of celebration that will be cherished for years to come big little and big kids alike!

Bella's First Fairytale Birthday Party

A first birthday is less about the little one remembering it and more about creating something meaningful for the family—and this celebration did exactly that, without going over the top.

This small intimate first birthday felt like stepping into a soft, modern fairytale. Designed by Dolce Picnics for the client’s close family only, the gathering focused on connection, beauty, and thoughtful details rather than a large guest list.

The birthday girl, dressed in her adorable fluffy outfit, fit seamlessly into the setting—like she belonged right in the middle of the fairytale! There was no rush to the day. Moments unfolded slowly: quiet cuddles with parents, laughter between grandparents, and that sweet in-between stage of curiosity and wonder that only a one-year-old brings.

A petite cake added a charming focal point, decorated to match the overall aesthetic—simple, elegant, and just the right amount of whimsy. The cake smash was gentle and unhurried, more about exploration than mess, and perfectly in line with the calm, intimate tone of the celebration.

What made this day stand out wasn’t just the design—it was the intention behind it. By keeping the guest list small, every moment felt personal. Every detail, from the florals to the setting, reflected a desire to create something timeless rather than trendy.

This Newport Beach first birthday was a reminder that celebrations don’t need to be large to feel special. With thoughtful styling, meaningful details, and the people who matter most, even the smallest gathering can feel like something straight out of a fairytale.

Examples on what to wear for Family Portraits

I always recommend to wear clothing you’re comfortable in. Clothing that you can move and play in! That goes for the parents as much as the kiddos. The idea of having a Mama not be able to play with her kids because her dress is too restrictive or precious makes me sad! If your little girl is in a dress make sure you have cutie bloomers or shorts underneath so she can twirl and spin and jump without the worry of underwear or diapers showing.

One good rule to follow is to have Mama in something flowy and patterned ( fabric and clothing styles with movement can add a fun element to photos ) then kids in either solid colors or simple patterns like stripes and spots and Dad in solid neutrals.

Make note of the different patterns in your outfits and make sure they compliment each other rather than create visual chaos! Of course if you prefer to have your partner or kids in patterns that works too! Often Mother’s have the hardest time finding something they like for themselves so start there and build everyone else around that.

In regard to color palette generally lighter more pastel colors work in most locations. Light colored snuggly cozy fabrics are always great for newborn sessions and black sometimes doesn’t photograph well when indoors.

I'm also a big believer in the idea that rules are meant to be broken. If you want to wear a bright pink fluffy dress to your beach session do it!

Lastly try to avoid shirts with graphic logos or text as it can become distracting and can pull focus away from faces.

Feel free to email me with your ideas if you are looking for a second opinion when it comes to putting outfits together.

Tulip Color Crafts branding shoot

This recent branding photoshoot for Tulip Color Crafts perfectly captured the magical spirit of childhood, blending branding and lifestyle photography into a vibrant, joy-filled story.

As an Orange County photographer, my goal is always to create imagery that feels authentic, elevated, and full of life for any brand I work with. This session brought all of that and more.

Set against a backdrop of soft florals and natural textures designed by Beijos Events, the children were invited to create, and express themselves freely and be generally be as silly as they wanted! With hands busy crafting and imaginations running wild, every moment unfolded organically. No stiff poses, no forced smiles—just genuine laughter, quiet concentration, and those fleeting in-between moments that tell the most beautiful stories.

The natural light played a huge role in bringing this session to life. Soft, glowing sunshine filtered through the outdoor setting, illuminating every detail—from the gorgeous florals by Earth and Grace Co. and colorful set by Sweet Salvage Rentals, to the little hands at work painting and glueing anything they could get their hands on! The result? Bright and joyous images that feel both timeless and full of energy.

This is what I love most about being a branding and lifestyle photographer: creating space for real moments to happen. Whether you’re building a brand or simply wanting to capture your family in an authentic way, these sessions are designed to feel fun, relaxed, and meaningful.

Branding sessions like this go beyond traditional portraits. They tell a story—your story. They showcase personality, connection, and emotion in a way that resonates deeply and visually. For creative brands, especially those centered around children, family, or education, this kind of imagery creates an inviting, relatable presence.

If you’re looking for a professional, fun, and candid approach to photography—one that embraces natural light, movement, and real connection—you’re in the right place. As a Costa Mesa photographer serving all of Orange County, I’m here to help you create something beautiful, bright, and full of life.

Let’s tell your story in a way that feels as joyful as it truly is.

Friendsgiving with Sur La Table and Beijos Events

This Friendsgiving styled photoshoot was for the brand Sur La Table which they used for their seasonal holiday campaign promoting their product via web ads, email mailers, and social media. I’ve been working with Sur La Table for a few years now and their photoshoots are always a fun time!

This shoot which was styled and designed by Beijos Events highlighted everything needed for hosting a beautiful Friendsgiving dinner — from cookware and serving dishes to elegant entertaining essentials.

Thyme Well Spent Catering cooked the gorgeous and delicious food to pair with the products, Not Just in Novels designed the stunning florals and Sweet Salvage Rentals provided the beautiful setting and furniture.

Newborn session with a sweet big brother!

This is a fun filled newborn baby portrait session that included an adoring big brother who was all about the kisses and cuddles… until he wasn’t!

An in-home newborn and family lifestyle session is all about preserving those fleeting, beautifully ordinary moments—just as they are. Unlike posed studio portraits, lifestyle sessions unfold naturally in the spaces where your family feels most comfortable.

For this session we focused on the more classic family portraits at the start of the session while big brother was still warming up to me. When he needed a little break I focused on pictures of baby brother by himself , then moved on to more candid lifestyle family portraits.

I find letting toddlers guide the way during a family portrait session is the best. Toddlers don’t have to sit still. In fact, the magic often happens in between—big sibling giggles, a gentle forehead kiss, the puppy dog style flop to the ground.

The newborn stage passes in the blink of an eye. An at-home lifestyle session allows you to slow down, soak it in, and hold onto the feeling of these first days—long after the sleepless nights have faded into memory.

Newborn session on the sand at Newport Beach, Orange County

I’ll never get over how lucky we are in Orange County to be able to shoot on the beach all year round! This was a nice change to the usual newborn session at home. Not every Mama is ready for this adventure but I'm so glad this family was!

Unlike traditional posed studio sessions, lifestyle newborn photography focuses on connection and storytelling leaving room for the silly moments that inevitably comes along with working with young kids. Whether we’re at your home or at a beautiful Orange County beach at sunset, I try my hardest to make your session relaxed and baby-led. If baby needs to be fed we can pause or I can focus on older siblings running around and being their usual energetic selves!

I understand how to use the environment to create soft, flattering images without harsh flash or heavy props. These sessions are ideal for families who want their photos to feel natural, warm, and timeless.