As a child growing up in southern California, Disneyland was as much a part of my childhood as... ice cream (that was the first example I thought of because it is so ridiculously hot here in Pasadena today).  So when I met up with Nadia and Jeff (just about the sweetest couple ever), it felt vaguely like I was revisiting a tiny bit of my past.

We wandered over to the Mark Twain riverboat, where the captain asked us if we wanted to help drive the boat (um, yes please).  So we got to go to the very top, past the "employees only" sign, to what was perhaps one of the nicest views of Disneyland (you could see a few Disneyland peaks - Mattahorn, Big Thunder mountain, Splash mountain).

Loved their message in the guestbook

Did they spin the teacup at my request?  Yes they did.  And I learned that looking through a viewfinder while the world is spinning is definitely not an experience I plan on repeating anytime soon.

 

When we met up again for a few last shots, they had a surprise for me.  Can you guess what it is?

 

Yes, we made excellent use of those rather adorable mouse ears (and whatever random things we could find, including a big ball of balloons that cute little Nadia had to mug a Disneyland employee to get... I'm totally kidding).  After a full day in Disneyland it was hard not to want some mouse ears myself.

The quintessential Disneyland shot to mark the end of a fun day.  Looking forward to capturing your wedding day, Nadia & Jeff! 

I shoot a lot, but I take surprisingly few personal photos.  Perhaps it's because the idea of schlepping around a much loved (but rather heavy) camera, or just that I shoot so much for work that a little break is in order.  Regardless, I was recently inspired by Karleen (and ultimately Susannah) about sharing one image every day for the rest of the month of August.  

The theme of the day was love - from their engagement photos at the JFK park in Philadelphia to the candy filled LOVE letters at their reception.  But it was more than just about two people, but rather two families coming together.  It was a very joyous occasion that I was privileged to witness.