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.
A family portrait session at the beach bursting with joy!
These girls bounce up to me each time ready to go at every session! For people watching us I’m sure it looks like chaos but we always get the most genuine smiles and sweetest moments captured!
I specialize in natural light, lifestyle photography that highlights authentic connection — especially during beautiful beach sessions. Families with young children, especially energetic little girls, thrive in outdoor sessions. The beach provides space to explore while I gently guide you into flattering, natural poses that feel effortless and sometimes unstructured and completely hilarious.
We’re so lucky to have so many beautiful beaches to choose from in Orange County and it’s definitely one of my favorite places to photograph families.
20 minute mini session in the studio!
Sometimes all you need is 20 minutes and a simple white studio and you let the kids do their thing and shine!
Fairy Princess Party
So many gorgeous colors and details at this little girl’s birthday party! Lia was turning 5 and her Mama decided this was the time to go all out with a party that was as fun for the kiddos as it was for the adults!
Step into this magical 5th birthday fairy party featuring lavish balloon installations, enchanting backdrops, floral details, custom cookies, a stunning tiered cake, and real-life fairies bringing the celebration to life.
Designed by Armene Events and photographed by Alison Bernier . The three dimensional back drop complete with fairy wing was made by Nize Printing , soft pastel floral installations by Design by Christine. The gorgeous color palette continued with the furniture rentals done by Platinum Prop House . Sweet treats including that giant cake were made by Shirin Bakery and Cookies by Nat LA . Fairies flew in from My Party Zebra !
Wheeler Neverland Party!
This was one incredibly special party for 3 lucky siblings all celebrating their birthdays together with one big bash which was definitely as fun for the adults as it was for the kids!
No detail was left behind by Beijos Events and their talented group of vendors who all brought the magic. Everything from bounce houses, craft stations, reptiles, mermaid make overs, a visit from Tinker Bell and Captain Hook as well as multiple bars serving specialty cocktails for the big kids.
This magical Neverland-themed birthday party unlike any other, celebrated the three siblings ages 1, 3, and 5 at the stunning Newport Beach Country Club. This lavish Peter Pan-inspired celebration transformed the venue into an enchanted world filled with lush floral and balloon installations, whimsical décor, and immersive entertainment. Young guests met Captain Hook, Tinker Bell and multiple friendly reptiles and enjoyed face painting, bounce houses and craft stations while parents sipped on craft cocktails. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to create an unforgettable luxury children's birthday experience filled with adventure, imagination, and nonstop fun. Browse the full gallery for endless inspiration for an elevated Neverland birthday party.
Vendors: Design & Planning Beijos Events / Mama & Host @shanelwheeler_ / Photographer Alison Bernier / Venue Newport Beach Country Club / Videographer Atlas Rose Studios / Rentals Sweet Salvage Rentals / Florals Not Just In Novels / Backdrops Goldie Crew Creative / Balloons The Pop Shop and Balloon Works / Arts & Crafts Create and Celebrate Kids / Signage & Details Design Chelcea Creative / Laser Cut Items Creative Amme / DJ @adm_entertainment / Desserts Danielle Keene / Black Bounce House & Ball Pit Tots of Fun / Pink Bounce House & Bubble House What’s Bouncing / Soft Play Oh Baby Co Soft Play / Indian Camp Tent Wonder Tent Parties / Cotton Candy & Churro Carts The Cloud Cart Co / Characters The Entertainment ContractorSheroes Entertainment / Reptile Show Kids Reptile Parties / Mermaids Once Upon an Island
A very special session at a very magical beach!
So much twirling, running, giggling, jumping and flying… it was almost impossible to edit this one down to 32 pictures! The joy just beams out of the photos!
An in home session with a leaf blower and a pup!
We packed a lot into this hour long session! The beauty of being at home for your photos is that you can let the kids take the lead. When these kiddos started getting antsy we headed out for a walk with the dog and then came back in for a little musical concert in the kitchen!
A mini portrait session at the park.
I’ve been photographing the Moy family since big brother was a squishy little bub barely able to sit on his own. After years of photo sessions including a maternity, newborn, parties and an extended family session including grandparents, I look forward to their sessions the same way I look forward to catching up with old friends. I say it all the time but one of my favorite things about this job is watching kids grow up!
Family Portraits at the beach!
Another sweet session with two wriggly cutie pies at my favorite beach!
