By guest blogger Richard Munassi of Positively Celebrity

A few years back Carolina and Gustavo hired us for their incredible wedding. In September they returned to bring a special guest referral for a new shoot: their baby daughter Sofia!

Following their pregnancy shoot in Manhattan Beach, Carolina and Gustavo knew that they wanted a special portrait session for their firstborn. As soon as Sofia was ready for her initial shine in the spotlight, her proud parents gave Jihan a call to set up the shoot and a star was born!

With lots of funny faces to amuse friends and family, as well as precious moments to melt her parents’ heart, Sofia gave all that she could to Jihan, and the amazing results speak for themselves!

By guest blogger Richard Munassi of Positively Celebrity

With the gorgeous Southern California spring season offering unparalleled beauty, Allison and Chris decided they wanted a destination wedding away from Oklahoma. The Midwestern couple, a baseball star and a pageant queen, chose the newly renovated Laguna Cliffs Marriott to tie the knot, and they chose wisely!

Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, a friendly staff catering to their every need, and a picture perfect California day providing the weather, Allison and Chris said their “I do”s and the party quickly got started!

A fun family, a gorgeous couple and an amazing venue all add up to one of the best weddings of the spring!

For more information on one of my favorite wedding venues (so much so for the fact that Jihan is on the preferred venue list!), please feel free to visit the Laguna Cliffs Marriott.

Here are a few backstage photos I took while filming the long anticipated “The Most Ferocious Drummers” a while back at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood, California.

Check out a few of the drummers and other relevant professionals I had the lovely chance to meet and photograph:  Chad Smith, Matt Cameron, Phil Soussan, Carmine Appice, James Kottak, Cole Marcus, Glenn Hughes, Tony Franklin, Rudy Sarzo, JT Hodges, Mario Maglieri, Steven Adler, Andy Johns, and Athena Kottak

Hosted by former Atlantic Records rock drummer and music radio host Billy McCarthy, “The Most Ferocious Drummers“ is a kinetic mix of interviews, rare performance footage, and commentary from legendary drummers along with their esteemed colleagues, family, and friends who know them best, offstage and on.

“I contacted legendary record producer Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones) and the godfather of drummers, Carmine Appice (Rod Stewart, Vanilla Fudge, Ozzy Osbourne,) and shared with them my vision of this show,” said Billy McCarthy, host and producer of “Ferocious Drummers”. ”When two of the industries finest with a combined 250 million albums to their credit immediately and graciously agree to take part — it confirms what I sensed all along — it’s about time a program came along and paid due respect to the drummer — after all, without a great drummer, something terrible happens to a band. Nothing. Every drummer and every drum rep is simply ecstatic about this show. Who doesn’t love a drummer?”

Personally, meeting Chad Smith was a treat- We actually met him at his house in Malibu so the interview was a little more intimate and fun- He told us the story of the founding of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chad definitely has really awesome energy and has us all in stitches more than once

Meanwhile I did briefly see Steven Adler’s buddy Slash back at the Rainbow.  He came with his wife and kids to show their support as Adler at the time had recently been fired.  OK, enough TMZ for one day, enjoy ppl!

A snap from yesterday’s photoshoot- Backstage at a Sport’s Illustrated Interview with Cesar Cielo in São Paulo, Brazil

At 25 years old, César the most successful swimmer in Brazilian History.  He currently sets the record for the fastest butterfly stroke in the world.   here is more info.  

Personally, Flavia Pacheco  Angélico, is one of my best friends and one of the most amazing people on the planet.. My hobbies used to be Photography and Travel.  I now have one favorite thing to do in the world:  Talk to Flavia.  If it was up to me I would open a business “Hang Out with Flavia for a Day.”  I’m taking numbers btw…..

Flavia and I often work together and I frequent São Paulo several times a year! The Brazilian Economy is growing and I am blessed to have tons of opportunities here on a monthly basis.

Here are some images from a lovely Tea Party I photographed in Beverly Hills a few weeks ago.  I loved what the decorators did with the tables!

It’s always an honor to shoot a wedding in my home town of Santa Barbara!  Besides the wonderful memories it brings, I also know all the best spots for portraits.  Speaking of memories, how cool is this venue?  The Santa Barbara Zoo!   I really admired the bride’s input and creativity in all the details.  As a highlight, the couple had timed the lions to roar in approval during the procession, right when the bride walked down the aisle!  The white dance floor was a perfect finishing touch!  Special thanks to the vendors, first of all the lovely coordinator, Ann Johnson, Jeff Murrel one of my favorite DJ’s- he has two links people: ONE,  TWO  and Rock Rose Floral, they just Rock every time!

I took these while working on a feature film last month- Emanuel and the Truth About Fishes.  There was a crane on set this particular night- We needed the machinery to flood a scene with enough light and from such a distance to act as “the moon.”  I got spontaneously lucky, as the crane operator (thanks Danny!) got clearance to take me 180 feet up in the air (the crew generally doesn’t have this privilege, it was random)  and during those same few minutes,  I was not needed on set.   Here are a couple of pics of Los Angeles I took from the side not facing filming!  It’s pretty shaky up there and a little scary too!

Happy Valentine’s Everybody!!!  Wishing you an awesome and lovely day!  

My Valentine might have fish breath. But.. She doesn’t snore, talk back or tell me what to do. She’s always smiling, always happy and warm and fuzzy. She only cheats on me with everyone that walks through my front door, but you know what? She’s an animal, I don’t expect her to be monogamous!

PS. I call her Chickety China The Chinese Chicken

How cute is this family?  I actually met them at an Indian wedding in Chicago.  Drawn to their amazing good looks we discussed a family portrait session here in California as they live in San Diego.  I am currently trying to get the little boy signed for modeling or acting, I mean who could refuse such a face?

It’s Official!!  Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!  From the bottom of my heart Three Thank You’s for  winning both of these goodies three times now.  It feels nice to be appreciated!  I put my clients first, (even before sleep)  Here is my page on The Knot.  I feel like a kid today! 

Naa-Na-Na-Na  Naa-Naaaaa!  xoxoxo