
Bianca Jo
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I just love this time of year with all of the lights, cozy pajamas, coats and sweaters and, of course, Creme Brulée Lattes at Starbucks! It's also about the real reason for the season, Christ, and being able to share love, joy and peace with my family and friends.
I always look to see what’s new in my area so I can enjoy time and the season together with family and friends. So I thought I'd share a list of these events with you! I hope you can find some time to enjoy with your loved ones!
Deck the Cove - Crystal Cove Tree Lighting – Dec. 7th 10am - 5:30pm
This tree lighting will be like stepping back in time with a vintage look and feel to the decor. There will also be a holiday activities for handcrafted holiday gifts and fine art plus hot cocoa from The Beachcomber. Free event.
Irvine Winter Wonderland - Irvine Civic Center – Dec. 7th 4pm - 6:30pm
Activities include visits with Santa Claus, live holiday music, games, crafts, and winter-themed train route and snow fall!
Everyone who attends is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift for infants or children up to age 12. Donations will help the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee Holiday Drive, which benefits the families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion.
Laguna Niguel Christmas Tree Lighting - Laguna Niguel City Hall – Dec. 7th 5pm - 7pm
Everything a Christmas tree lighting should be, but with a Hawaiian twist!
Capistrano Lights - San Juan Capistrano Mission – Dec. 8th to Jan. 6th 5:30pm - 9pm
There is so much to do at this event from the tree lighting, to a nativity scene, crafts, mariachi and tamales. Special activities will happen on weekends. You can find ticket prices and more details here
Opening night is Dec. 7th.
Pines Park Tree Lighting - Dana Point – Dec. 9th at 6:30pm
This event will have carolers, carnival games, free hot chocolate and cookies with the tree lighting at 5 pm. But the main reason this got my attention was the dog costume parade!
Balboa Island Tree Lighting - Balboa Island – Dec. 18th at 4pm
Tree lighting and caroling will happen in front of the fire station with cider, cookies and snow on Marine Avenue.
Holiday Movie Night - Huntington Beach – Dec. 11th & 18th at 6pm
Movies are held at Pacific City on the second level every Wednesday. They will also have a meet and greet with a character from the movie.
Dec 11 - Elf and Dec 18 - The New Grinch Cartoon
Heritage Hill Annual Candlelight Walk – Dec. 13th to 15th 5:30pm - 8:30pm
More than 1,000 luminarias will light the park’s pathways as strolling carolers and musicians fill the air with music. Admission is $5 per person and free if 3yo and under. The event tickets are while supplies last and cash only at the event.
Winter Fest OC - OC Fair – Dec. 19th to Jan. 5th
There is so much to do at this event like ice tubing, snow areas, ice skating, light mazes and fireworks. There is so much more! Find out more details and buy tickets here.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade - Newport Beach - Dec 18th to 22nd 5:30pm - 9pm
See homes, yachts and docks decorated with thousands of lights and 200 plus boats pass by fully decked out in holiday lights! You can even get a chance to take a cruise around the bay. Check out this site to get the best viewing spots here.
Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights - Huntington Beach – Dec. 17th to 23rd 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Similar to the Newport Beach parade but you can do it from the yacht! See more details and purchase tickets here.
Nights of 1,000 Lights - Sherman Library and Gardens - First 3 weekends in Dec. from 6pm - 9pm
Light tunnels, disco and Elvis themes plus sweets in Gingerbread Land. You can make your very own Christmas ornament and enjoy photos, coffee, hot chocolate and even make s'mores! Check out their site for more information and ticket pricing here.
"Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" – Fullerton - Maverick Theater – Dec. weekends.
I'd want to see it just for how weird and outrageous it sounds! Santa is kidnapped by Martians and you can join him on his outer space adventure! Buy tickets here.
"A Christmas Carol" - Camino Real Play House - San Juan Capistrano – Dec. 6th to 21st
See the beloved classic with a new twist as Charles Dickens presents his famed story to you, his guests. There are multiple shows each weekend and you can purchase you tickets here.
Christmas at the Cathedral - Christ Cathedral - Garden Grove – Dec. 13th, 7:30pm - 9pm
Hear different choirs sing in English, Vietnamese and Spanish new and old Christmas carols. You can purchase tickets here.
19th Annual Live Nativity & International Celebration - Old World Huntington Beach-
Dec 15th, 6pm - 8pm
Old World Village hosts the International Celebration of Christmas, this celebrations main theme in bringing together a different group of churches, singers and dancers that highlights meaning of the holiday season. There will also be a benefit held for the Huntington Beach Police and Community Foundation. Find out more about this event here.
There are so many things to do this time of year that there is something for everyone. I hope you enjoy this list of family fun outings this season. Let me know in the comments if I missed some and if you plan on going to any of them!
It seems that the more life goes on, the busier and busier you get. Choosing to have a portrait session can add not only scheduling issues, but can be a bit stressful. That is why I have created the Top 10 Mini Session Essential Tips to help take some of that stress away so you can feel ready to have an enjoyable time with your family during your session.
01- Best Time
The perfect time for you to schedule your session is, of course, when it is best for your family. If you have little ones who nap at 10 am, then scheduling the session at 10 am might not be a good idea as it could add stress and make the little ones unhappy. If that isn't something you need to worry about, then the next thing to think about is the light you'll get at the time you have your session. The best times for golden warm light is within an hour or 2 before sunset or morning light before 10 am.
02 - Pack Water & Snacks
I always suggest eating before a session so no one is hungry, but sometimes it can be a good idea to bring a snack in case little ones can't wait for the next mealtime. Water is always a great idea especially on hot days and living in Southern California means that even during the fall and winter you can have some pretty warm days!
03- Comfort Is Key
Mini sessions might have a little bit of walking (not too much, but some) to get to some ideal spots. Locations can have dirt paths so if someone is planning to wear high heels, bring walking shoes and put the high heels on when you get to each spot. You want to be comfortable in your clothes so wear clothing that you feel good in, because if you don't, it will show on your face and in your body language.
04 - Complementary Outfits
When choosing your outfits for your session you want to make sure that everyone's outfits complement each other. You don't need to match, but choosing a color theme (3-4 colors) keeps everyone looking cohesive.
05- Accessorize
Accessories are a great way to show everyone's personality whether it is with shoes, scarves, hats, and jewelry. This is also a great way to add the pop of color and texture to each outfit that fits with the color theme you chose. Layers are always a great way to bring in those fun accessories.
06 - Plan Ahead
The day before your photoshoot, you want to make sure that everyone has their outfits picked out. Once you have the clothes chosen, lay them all out together. This will help you see if you need to change something or get them cleaned first and ready for session day.
07 - Hair And Makeup
Plan hair cuts or hair do's at least a week before the session. Having a fresh hair cut the day of the photoshoot can show redness on men's hairlines or other irritations you weren't anticipating. Maybe the hairdresser cut it too short and you don't like your hairstyle. Having a week to sort that out is always a good idea. Don't forget your makeup too. Make sure you bring items that are able to be touched up and/or put on right before the session.
08 - Bringing Your Pet?
I love when families bring their fur babies, but they can be a handful. Bring a person who will not be photographed and have them on pet duty. They can watch the animal while your family gets some images without your fur baby. Also, bring a toy and snacks to help get their attention.
09 - Just Be You
Everyone has their own unique style and it is OK to choose an outfit that expresses who you are! With tips 4 and 5, you should be able to put together an outfit that expresses who you are and that goes with being a smiley person or not. My job as a photographer is to bring out you and the unique people in your family!
10 - Relax And Have Fun!
I know that relaxing and having fun should be a no brainer, but sometimes preparing for a photoshoot can get stressful. This stress can cause different emotions to rage before the session, but that's natural and normal. I won't lie, there may be meltdowns, unhappy teens or run away littles, but that is ok. Your photographer should know how to handle it kindly and professionally to help ease tension and make it fun for everyone. Embrace every moment in every stage of your family's lives before those moments disappear.