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Manalo Empire Photography bio picture

Welcome to my Blog!

 I'm the first to admit...."I'm in love with love".  I love seeing two people happy together.  I enjoy seeing the way a couple looks into one another's eyes and seeing the spark between them...that magic.  It makes me smile. I love seeing families and friends bond. I adore children smiling and laughing...that's why I photograph people.
     These things keep me happy and motivated.  They fuel my passion to always be the best photographer I can be for myself and for my clients.  I consider all of my family, friends, peers and clients a part of "Manalo Empire".  A group of people who I keep close to my heart...
     I love what I do, and I pour myself into my work wholeheartedly. It is a part of me. How do I "define" my work?  It's hard to put me into a box.  But a few words that come to mind are romantic, fun and spontaneous.  It's a mixture of so many things. It's me....Manalo Empire.

A Few Tid-bits on Me

I'm a California girl at heart

I'm married to a wonderful man and I have 3 beautiful children

I'm a veteran of the United States Air Force

I can weld, use a lathe and mill, and shoot an M-16 (strange fact, I know) LOL!!!

I <3 coffee and boba!

I dig my boots

I love accessories (but I don't have enough)

I'm friendly and I like to have fun

I like pretty girly things

I love spending time with family and friends

I'm pretty easy-going and not too hard to please

I like the little things in life, like children's smiles, the smell after a good rain, and listening to the waves crashing on the beach

Mexican, Italian and Asian foods are my favorites!

I'm not too big on chocolate, but I LOVE Red Vines Licorice!

It's hard for me to put down my camera I love using it too much! (Just ask my kids...LOL!)








Adrian and Karina

Here is just a sneak peek from the engagement session with Adrian and Karina.  Now, I must say…I have to give Adrian a high five on creating what looks like a cover of a romance novel.

Way to go Adrian!  Can’t wait til the wedding!!!

Alexa

Here is just a sneak peek from my recent shoot with Alexa.  She is such a sweetheart!  I love this photo.  It’s just so sweet and innocent looking….

Sweet Innocence.....

More to come soon!

Natalie

Here are just a few images from my shoot with Natalie and her friends.  It was so fun!  It was a very windy day…but we had a great time.

Friends

Fun colors for a fun girl...

Isn't she a total natural beauty? Love this!

Congrats on your upcoming party!  I can’t wait to photograph your special day!!!

Sheer Delights Lingerie Photo Shoot

Recently I was commissioned by Deana of Sheer Delights to do a lingerie shoot.  It was held at the White House Event Center in Anaheim.  Here are just a few images from that shoot.  Lovely pieces!

Thank you Bee Rae for being such a wonderful model.  You rocked it!  If you would like more information on the beautiful lingerie, make-up or hair, the contact information is listed below.

Deana Villegas-Sheer Delights Lingerie and Accessories:   APerfectDelight@att.net

Melissa Eastwick-Hairstylist:  melissae.makeupprodigy@yahoo.com

Danya Hawes-Make-up:   danyaalphie@yahoo.com

Kim Kimpel-White House Event Center:  kim_kimpel@yahoo.com

Featured

I’m very excited and incredibly grateful!  One of my images has been featured: http://digital.watkinsprinting.com/publication/?i=41249 On page 9 is the image I took of Tony Sciarra of Tesla Motors.  A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, for his fraternity’s national magazine.  Alexa and Tony…thanks so much!

Reasons to Hire a Wedding Coordinator

I love weddings.  I’m a romantic at heart.  It always brings me great joy when I am chosen as a couple’s photographer.  I know choosing vendors for their special day is usually a difficult choice.  But I also know that I am just one of the many choices they will have to make on their journey to that special day.  That is why I recommend hiring a wedding coordinator.

Wedding coordinators can help you take the stress of planning away.  They can help you find vendors, work on contracts, and take care of all of the details. They can help you with your budget, and keep you on track.  And on the day of your wedding, they help to make sure things run smoothly, so you can just sit back and enjoy your day.  A lot of times, couples can not forsee things that may happen on their wedding day.  A wedding coordinator is there to make sure the details are all taken care of.

Here is a little article on why it would be in your best interest to hire a wedding coordinator:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-5-Reasons-To-Hire-a-Wedding-Planner&id=573507

One of my favorite wedding coordinators is Wenda Evans from More Than Just Weddings.  She is very nice, personable, and a total sweetheart.  From the moment you meet her, you can already feel like she is someone you want working on your side.  She can help to make the wedding of your dreams a reality, without breaking your bank.  She is sincere in her desire to help her brides.

For more information on how Wenda can help you see your vision come to life, please visit her website at: http://www.morethanjustweddings.com/