When I first moved to LA three and a half years ago (!), I fantasized about getting to a place in my career where I could travel home to New England for work on a regular basis. While I've had the opportunity of doing this a bit, my dreams of becoming bi-coastal seem to be more within reach than ever. I'm so excited have a long trip planned for the coming months, with frequent visits also planned for 2014.

I thrive on being busy and on doing as much as possible in a short time frame. That being said, I thought it might be helpful to publish my current calendar for the upcoming months, in case anyone wants to book a session, get an ice cream cone, go on an adventure, or join me for a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee! My home base will be with my family in Southern NH, close to Nashua/Manchester.

August 7: Arrive in Boston August 11: Cape Cod wedding August 16 - 18: Bridesmaid on the Cape for Molly and Mike's Wedding!! August 19: Arrive in Los Angeles August 24: Los Angeles wedding August 29: Arrive in Boston September 1: Amherst, NH wedding September 8: Boston engagement session September 14: Sanbornton, NH wedding September 21: Danvers, MA wedding September 29: Amherst, NH engagement session October 11: Boston, MA wedding October 16: Return to Los Angeles October 19: Los Angeles wedding October 20: Los Angeles engagement session

(I'm also planning on visiting Maine and New York City, but those dates haven't been booked yet.)

I'm so lucky to be doing what I love, and to have the opportunity of visiting my loved ones at the same time. While I'm truly thrilled with life in Los Angeles, I'm looking forward to spending time at home with my family and to breathing in that beautiful New Hampshire air. Autumn in New England? Bliss. There are also no words for how excited I am to see this view of Suzy on a regular basis.

A few weeks ago, Ellen and I were picnicking by Echo Park lake with friends, and I mentioned my newfound love of DryBar. As soon as she showed the slightest bit of interest in going with me, I booked appointments for the afternoon of her birthday party. E - "We'll take photos afterwards?" M - "Like you have to ask!"

It's not unusual for my friends and I to dash out to a random location, tripod in tow, to document a special event. Ellen and I had such fun running around by my apartment and taking a few portraits before heading out to her party! That's something I love about Ellen. She's always positive, and is always happy to collaborate on something creative. She even made an amazing ribbon sweater for the occasion!

Ellen is also extremely focused. She recently ran a half marathon in 90+ degree heat, and she writes about her paleo lifestyle over on Garlic My Soul. Today is her real birthday, and I'm so happy to have her as a friend - to do everything from hiking trails to going on girly salon trips together. Here are some portraits from our quick adventure this past weekend! Took a cue from Kelly on this pink wall! Ellen could also be a portrait photographer! She happily turned the camera around on me.