Where are you from?

I'm originally from Orange County, but have lived most of my life in the Bay Area. After spending a couple years in Seattle and Portland, Nick and I moved back to California (couldn't stay away from that sunshine!). We currently live in Truckee, a small mountain town north of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevadas. I wouldn't want to call anywhere else home!

I'M A BRAND AND WANT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT A COLLABORATION.

I'd love to hear more about your ideas and work together. My rates vary depending on the project. Let's talk!

WHAT IS RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA?

I always appreciate people asking me about my eyes. It's far better to be curious and ask questions then worry about saying the right thing! Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a rare degenerative eye disease affecting my retinas. Basically, I'm losing my vision from the outside in, and have very little peripheral vision left. RP can eventually lead to total blindness, although its effects vary person to person. Unfortunately there is no cure or treatment, but I have a lot of hope! For more information, take a gander at one of my favorite organizations: Foundation Fighting Blindness. You can help by purchasing my eBook; all proceeds are donated to the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

HOW ARE YOUR EYES DOING RIGHT NOW?

I’m fortunate enough to have one of the best doctors around, Dr. Jacque Duncan at UCSF. I see her once a year. Although there is currently no treatment or cure available for RP, with her and others like her working so hard to find a cure, I am confident I will not lose my vision entirely. Right now I have approximately 25 degrees of vision remaining (picture a dog with a very narrow cone on its head). I stopped driving a long time ago, which was a super tough decision at the time but I've learned to adapt. For the most part I get around pretty well — people are very surprised when I tell them I'm visually impaired! Focusing on what I do have, rather than what I don’t, has been a saving grace mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Check out this blog post on the amazing news I got the last time I had my eyes checked!

If you have RP I would love to connect further with you. Please send me an email!

WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU USE?

I am a Sony baby! My favorite Sony camera is the A6300.

I JUST GOT ENGAGED AND I'M THINKING ABOUT ELOPING! ANY TIPS?

First of all, congratulations! Marriage is an amazing journey. I loved eloping. I remember every detail from my wedding day — an amazing day that was truly about Nick and I, not anything or anyone else. In an interesting way, eloping really cemented our marriage vows in a deeper way as our wedding day was about our commitment to one another rather than a lot of fancy decor and a schedule. Anyway, if you’re considering eloping, be SURE that's what you want as sacrificing a traditional wedding with friends + family is a big deal. For Nick and I, it was completely worth it. If you do decide to go down an untraditional path, your engagement season can then be about planning your future together and getting to know each other instead of centerpieces and where should Aunt Gretel sit. Another important fact to remember is all the money you’ll save. Or you can take a page from our book and just go on multiple honeymoons! ;) However you do it, I’m sure it will be an incredible day.

HOW DO I GROW MY SOCIAL FOLLOWING?

Be authentic. Pay attention to trends, but more importantly, start your own. Interact frequently and meaningfully. Don't be afraid to meet up with others in your area who are active on Instagram — it really is a fantastic way to make friends and stretch your creative muscles. Most of all, have fun!

DO YOU DO PUBLIC SPEAKING?

Yes! I do public speaking for churches and conferences. I'd love to speak in front of your group! Shoot me a message and let's take it from there.

HOW DID YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND MEET?

It's a good story, I'd love to share it with you over a beer sometime ;) In short, we're from the same town and a mutual friend introduced us six years ago. He is the best, and I thank God everyday for such an amazing adventure partner!