In my past life I was a legal assistant for an awesome labor and family law attorney. In fact, my old boss whom I loved and respected dearly, often times encouraged me to go to law school so I could eventually take over her practice. And while that would have pretty much set me up for a great career, all the paperwork, mounds of constant research and the world of litigation just wasn’t for me. I spent more than 10 years doing this and it helped put me through college at USC while I was taking care of Cheyenne in her early childhood. So while law wasn’t the path for me, it was an important part of my past and I am grateful for the experience. It has been about 7 years since I’ve visited a courthouse, until last week when I made a trip to the Edelman Children’s Court in Monterey Park to document a really special celebration — the adoption finalization hearing for a beautiful family … meet The Blandfords.

Though I met this family of three and their circle of close family and friends for the first time at the hearing. I knew immediately how special their bond was with the newest addition to their family — their adorable toddler Mason. It warmed my heart to see how much love and joy this little boy has brought to this family — from his parents to grandparents, to aunts and uncles and friends … Mason is loved so completely and he adores each one of them in return. The love everyone shares for this sweet child leaves no doubt, that Mason was meant to be a Blandford all along.

I have honestly never felt so thankful to have been tasked with the responsibility of capturing such a special occasion. Thank you Blandford family for letting me share in such a profoundly beautiful day in your lives. 🙂 I wish your family nothing but incredibly happy moments, a lifetime of wonderful memories and an abundance of love and sunshine to lead the way!!!

Here are some of my favorite moments from this very special day …

Mason had the entire courtroom laughing when he insisted on getting cuddles from Judge Arakaki 😀After the hearing, we stepped outside of the courthouse for several family portraits to commemorate this meaningful day …
This little guy really has the most beautiful eyes … I really love this candid image of father and son …

Mason you are so very loved!!!