Welcome to my blog! I’m a photographer based in Orange County, California. Wedding photography is what I specialize in but I love capturing ALL the special moments life has to offer! This blog serves as my online journal where I’ll post pictures from my most recent photo shoots, share my favorite “YouTube” videos, post adorable pictures of my dogs (yes, I’m one of “those” people), and talk about anything else I feel like! Take a look around…I hope you enjoy your time here!
So after working 4 weekends in a row, Doug and I thought it would be nice to have a romantic getaway last weekend since it was the only weekend I will have off for the next two months…eeeekkk!!! I’m embarrassed to say that I have NEVER been to Catalina Island prior to our trip. How did I live 30 years and not visit Catalina? I have no idea! I think it’s mainly that I “forget” that it exists..lol! Every now and then, I’d hear about someone going to Catalina and I’d say “I need to go there one of these days”. But, I end up forgetting and then don’t remember it until the next person mentions it.
Anyhoo, I was extremely excited for my very first trip to Catalina. Since Doug is originally from New York, he had never been either so it was a new adventure that I’m glad we both got to experience together :-)
I still remember how I felt when the boat pulled into the the mini-harbor. I was AMAZED at what a quaint and cute little island it was! Well, the island itself is actually large but the tourist area known as Avalon is small enough that everything is within walking distance…aside from the beautiful homes on the top of the hills :-) Doug and I busted out our GPS and entered the address of our hotel in. To our surprise, we got there in 5 minutes! It’s a quaint little hotel called Hotel St. Lauren and it reminded me of the homes you see in San Francisco! (okay, of all the times to forget my Point-and-Shoot camera, I forgot it when I went to Catalina….DDOOOHHH!!! Thank goodness I had my handy iphone to rescue me :-)
Another thing that surprised me was that EVERYONE drove golf carts/mini cars to get around the island!
Some pimped out theirs :-)
and some…not so much…
On our first full day there, Doug and I went on a semi-submarine tour. When we first got on, the announcer said that we would be able to feed the fish with these “food” torpedos that would launch from the submarine when you hit the button under your window. She explained that the fish would come swarming toward you and that you would get to see them up close. However, she then mentioned they charged you for it!!!
Don’t get me all excited about launching food-tornado-thingys with my cool little “launch” button and then tell me that I have to pay $20 to do it!!! So, Doug and I protested because we didn’t like this “trick” they pulled.
Funny enough, we didn’t even have to buy the food because once the fish saw the submarine, they came swarming toward us anyways since they knew this lovely yellow big thing gaves them food several times a day! Overall the submarine ride was cool but I got motion sickness and really couldn’t wait to get off. **note, I got motion sickness on the way there, in the submarine, and on the way back so if you plan on visiting, make sure you take Dramamine!
The next day, we rented a golf cart and drove all around town and then went on the little tour that the golf-cart company mapped out for us. It was my FAVORITE part of the trip (aside from sleeping in) :-)
Here is the view from atop one of the hills. I was afraid the golf cart wouldn’t make it up there but to my surprise, it did!
Our attempt to get a picture of us with the lovely background…lol!
We gave up and decided to each take picture with the scenery…man…I need to get a haircut!
And there you have it! I really did love our trip to Catalina and would highly recommend visiting if you haven’t already done so!!!
Totally and completely off subject, but very worth mentioning!!!
If you have not tried the Magic Eraser from Mr. Clean yet, go out right now and buy yourself one! I’ve had this little sucker underneath my sink forever now (because I forgot I had it) and decided to bust it out the other day and see what it could do.
I was absolutely AMAZED at the results…it REALLY IS MAGIC!!! It removed dirt and grime from the front entry of our apartment tiles that were there BEFORE we moved in! Every time I would try to wipe that area clean, it would never work and I just assumed the stains were permanent. I thought I’d give the Magic Eraser a try not expecting anything to happen BUT with a few quick wipes the stains disappeared! I wish I could have videotaped it because it was truly an amazing site. You have to just trust me on this one and GO GET ONE NOW! You will thank me..I guarantee it :-) And no…Mr. Clean did not pay me to say that :-)
Hope everyone has a fabulous holiday weekend! I’ll be shooting Erin and Chris’ awesome wedding tomorrow and can’t wait to share the images with everyone next week!
Cathy Crawley: How very ´bold and the beautiful´ of you. LOL. Looks gorgeous! September 5, 2008 12:00 am
Blair Van Bussel: Okay I got the hotel (im going to look into it right now) , but you have to fill me in on the other good details behind the trip. I REALLY want to go soon with the hubby, but I don??™t know what there is to do , and I know we will get frustrated if we just show up and don??™t know where to go lol. The trip looked like so much fun! Oh and im totally sold on the erasers now, ive been wanting to try them but was not so sure. September 4, 2008 12:00 am
Charming Events: I love Catalina, the beach club on the end of the island makes the BEST drinks! :) Glad you had some time away! September 2, 2008 12:00 am
Lauren: Beautiful holiday photos Trista, looks like you had a great break!! Terrific spot! August 31, 2008 12:00 am
joyful weddings and events: Oh my goodness- I love the magic erasers! Someone gave them to me at my bridal shower, and I´ve been hooked ever since!
Your trip looks like so much fun! August 31, 2008 12:00 am
serena grace: seriously...aren´t magic erasers great?! and i love that i don´t have to use any cleaner to clean with it. it just cleans...magically! August 31, 2008 12:00 am
hong: Love the seashore pictures. Beautiful sights bring people great happiness and sweet smiles. A good trip! August 30, 2008 12:00 am
sandie: Yes.. you are so right I have 2 kids and that thing really is MAGIC! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Catalina, I am so happy to hear you went and enjoyed your first time :) August 29, 2008 2:00 am
june: Trista, you are so cute. :) I think you should do an infomercial for "Mr. Clean." hehehe... ;) August 29, 2008 12:00 am
LeeAnn: You are too funny! I´ll have to try that Mr. Clean!
The Iphone pics are great! I´m amazed by the hilltop image! So I went to Catalina when I was 3-4 years old and have never been back since. I just remember everyone getting sick on the boat ride there. :) August 29, 2008 12:00 am