I’ll admit: when the sky gets lively, I get a bit giddy. That evening had it all—puffy clouds, a colorful sunset, and a dazzling full rainbow arching over the waves. As if that wasn’t magical enough, the kids found a big, perfectly intact seashell on the shore during our shoot. There was an almost supernatural energy in the air, and we were all basking in it.
I asked Wendy to share a few reflections about their session at The Del—why they chose this spot, what made the day special, and the stories behind their favorite photos. Here’s a peek behind the scenes of their Judy’s milestone birthday celebration.
Q: What inspired you to book this photo session?
A: We booked the session to celebrate the 80th birthday of Judy, my husband’s mother and our children’s Grammy.
Q: What were you hoping to capture?
A: We wanted to capture how truly happy and tight-knit our family is. We’re a very loving family and hoped that our natural beauty, inside and out, would shine through in the photos—especially in a location as beautiful as The Del.
Q: Do you have a favorite photo from the session? What does it mean to you?
A: There are so many favorites! We love the family group shots and the sunset pictures. The images of the kids authentically capture their spark, energy, and fun-loving nature at this age. The shots of Grammy with the kids mean so much—they show their special bond. I personally love the photo with us sitting in front of The Del; it captures both the location and our unforgettable stay at the hotel.
Q: Any sweet or funny stories from the shoot?
A: Our kids found a big, perfectly intact seashell on the beach during the shoot, which was only the beginning of our good fortune. We were also graced with picturesque skies, a generous sunset, and a gorgeous full rainbow that stretched across the entire sky. There was something magical about that day, and I think we were all basking in it.
Q: Tell us a little about your kids.
A: Levi is 11—he’s smart, sensitive, and silly, with beautiful freckles and striking blue eyes. Gemma is 8—she’s so funny and full of energy, always lighting up the room with her personality and beautiful curly hair.
Q: What made you decide this was the year for photos?
A: We wanted to gift Judy with these photos, both to celebrate her milestone birthday and commemorate this magical family trip we shared together.
Q: Describe your family in three words.
A: Tight-knit, funny, and affectionate.
Q: Any traditions or milestones being celebrated?
A: Grammy Judy’s 80th birthday!
Q: What brought you to San Diego?
A: Traveling from Los Angeles, we wanted to stay at a beautiful, memorable place to celebrate Judy’s milestone birthday, and The Del is such a special hotel in a terrific location. We just knew we’d have the best time—and we truly did!
Wendy’s gift to Grammy Judy was these photos, capturing a magical family trip that would become part of their legacy. It’s always such an honor to photograph families who are intentional about preserving their happiest moments. And when a rainbow joins us in the process, the blessing feels even greater.








































