I am so excited to share this wedding for so many reasons! This was my first wedding of 2015 and the first wedding I have shot since no longer being pregnant! Let me just tell you, even though it is a little challenging shooting while being a nursing mama, shooting while pregnant was way more physically taxing! I am also so excited because this wedding took place at Ranchos Dos Pueblos which is one of my top 3 favorite wedding venues in Santa Barbara (maybe in the world??)!!!Seriously, Dos Pueblos Ranch is a photographer's dream. I have shot there a couple times before and I don't think I could ever tire of it. From the private beach and ocean lawn to the dilapidated green houses to the rustic barn to the orchards to the lush natural landscape... there are SO MANY AWESOME PLACES TO SHOOT! My only wish is that I could have had even more time to just shoot and shoot and shoot! But even with the crazy tight timeline of a wedding day I think I was able to capture so much beauty! Seriously! Amazing!Then of course was my couple. Though I normally do engagement sessions with my couples, I did not have the opportunity to do one with Vanessa & Mark, so really their wedding was the first time we met! That's always a bit of a challenge for all parties too figure each other out on the spot, but luckily Vanessa & Mark are awesome and really rocked it in front of the camera! Vanessa + her bridesmaids are practically models! What a gorgeous and sweet group of gals! And Mark and his groomsmen were really stand up guys! I had a blast photographing them and just love the images that we got! I mean, just look at the length of this post!Special thanks to my ever amazing friend & talented second shooter Kelsey, who definitely helped extra when we got into a pinch with the timeline! This is why I work with strong second shooters, so we can tag team when the day throws curves balls! ;)So... now for a lengthy look at just a FRACTION of the gorgeous images captured at V + M's Ranchos Dos Pueblos wedding!! I hope you enjoy!
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I am soooo excited to share Saturday's gorgeous wedding, which took place in the Westwood neighboorhood of Los Angeles, with y'all! You may remember Renita + Alex as I blogged their stunning engagement about a month ago! They are two of the most lovely, caring, funny, gorgeous and just completely cool couples I have ever met, though I like to think it's because all my clients are super awesome!! ;) Alex and Renita had planned their wedding around the theme of "dreams do come true" which was perfect because that's exactly what this wedding was!Renita and Alex came into each other's lives last October. They actually met at a Halloween Party/Halloween Horror Nights outing! Another sign they are my kind of people as, Halloween is my favorite holiday! But I digress. So these two met not even a year ago and quickly became smitten! But there were a few bumps, as there are in all relationships. A bit into dating, Renita actually decided it was over and wrote Alex a long email, saying she wanted to break up and she just put it all out there. She wrote out everything she was feeling and figured that was it. But Alex wasn't ready to give up. He apologized and told her all he wanted for her to be happy and to find her dream man. And if she would give him a second chance he'd do everything he could do be that dream man for her. ...Ladies, can we pause here for a second for a collective "AWWW!!!"... Renita said that all she had been waiting for her whole life was a man she could be that honest and bold with, and who wouldn't bolt because of it. Alex's reply showed he was that man! And it's been crazy-happy-giddy love ever since!These two got engaged not even that long ago and have planned their wedding in just a couple short months! Lucky for them, they have an amazing community of friends and family who helped make their dream wedding come true! For example, a friend was the officiant for the wedding and gave them a heartfelt ceremony! Renita's BFF helped put together the flowers for the tables at the reception. A family member made the ring bearer box. Another friend lent them her gorgeous Holmby Hills home for the wedding. And ALL the guests provided the sumptuous meal! It was potluck style and everyone was asked to bring a signature dish (could be an appetizer, side dish or dessert). People brought so many amazing treats, it was truly a sight to see! And everyone loved checking out what other guests brought and sampling each other's food. Not only did their community gather around them, but I think the atmosphere of the day helped strengthen a bond between all the guests. By the end of the evening it was no longer Alex's friends and family and Renita's friends and family... it was one big union! It was perfect, and exactly, I think, what Renita + Alex wanted!I am so excited to share the pics! Thank you Ami for assisting me, and to planner Katrina for coordinating this perfect day!... And now let's begin with Renita getting ready at the W Hotel in Westwood.
I think this ring shot perfectly describes how Alex + Renita feel together!
Renita is SO GORGEOUS it's mind boggling!
She had her BFFs help her into her dress! So lovely!
And once in that Reem Acra perfection, she diva'd it up for my camera really good!!
BREATHTAKING!!!
Gorgeous!!!!!!!!
There were so many cute details to this wedding! I especially loved the bouquets and the cute ring box a family member custom made for the wedding!
They had a heart-warming ceremony literally surrounded by their family friends. Everyone was asked to gather in a circle around the couple, and it gave the whole ceremony that much more intimacy.
I think this pic shows just how giddy Renita was to be marrying her dream man!!
Just announced newlyweds! Again they look positively, radiantly, happy!
My FAVORITE shot of the day!! Squee!
How striking is Renita?!! I mean really!!!
Alex's Dart made an appearance as their getaway car! SOOOO cute!!
Their reception was full of handmade, DIY details! Look at these cute signs which hug from their chars!
Loved all the little signs through out! Even on the centerpieces!
Alex and Renita had a potluck wedding! They chose their cake, but the dessert table (and dinner) was made up of goodies brought by guests! There were so many homemade goodies like baklava and pie pops! I loved that the dessert table was truly a labor of love!
I think this picture perfectly sums up the evening!!!
For more images from this charming dream-come-true wedding CLICK HERE or watch the slideshow below:
I am so excited to finally be sharing Whitney and Nate's fabulous wedding which was held at the beautiful Long Beach Museum of Art! This wedding was extra special to me because just a few months earlier I got to photograph Whitney's sister's, Frances, wedding! Because of this, when I showed up to photograph Whitney's big day, I already knew her inner circle! It made photographing everything seem like a big huge family affair! LOVE!Though Whitney and Nate live in Chicago, Whitney grew up in Long Beach so the Long Beach Museum of Art was the perfect venue! And Whitney managed to utilize all the nooks and crannies of the venue-- from setting up croquet on the lawn, to the ceremony overlooking the water, to the dinner held in the historic building and dancing on the outside patio! There was so much fun happening that day and it allowed for everyone to see all the pretty sights the venue had to offer. Whitney is a huge fan of the color green so all the details reflected various shades of green. From adorable Twining Tea Tin escort cards to green bridesmaids dresses to her green bridal shoes! It was very pretty and a unique color palette for a fall wedding! But beyond the pretty setting and shades of emerald details, Whitney + Nate's wedding was so special because it was ALL about love. Serious love. Love of family. Love of friends. Giddy, joyous, snuggly newlywed love. I was so happy to document all the smiles, all the hugs, all the stolen glances and all the happy tears. That is why I love my job. And that is why I LOVE Whitney and Nate. Because they radiate love. :)Special thanks to Ami and Jenny for shooting with me this day... And now without further ado...the photos! Dun dun dun!
Could Whitney be ANY cuter or happier to get into her veil??? Seriously ADORABLE!
Frances fulled her Pippa duties as Maid Of Honor, Sister and BFF when she helped Whitney get into her dress!
Whitney, you are one gorgeous bride!!!!
The First Look. Seriously, I LOVE this! These two were sooooo happy to see each other. The First Look gave them extra time to soak each other in on the big day... and extra time for pics on a November day with an EARLY sunset. I call this WIN-WIN.
FIERCE! Whitney you look like Grace Kelly! So lovely!!!
I seriously LOVE how these two turned it out for my camera! HOT!
The ceremony took place at Sunset overlooking the water! Kinda like my own wedding! LOVE!
Photos of hands during a ceremony always make me smile!
After the ceremony, we were allowed inside the actual Museum Gallery for photos. Since it was dark, I worked out some funky, editorial, avante-garde photos using off camera flash! Gotta thank my homies Brian + Allie for teaching me how to rock this. LOVE!
Whitney knows how to DIVA it up! I love that about her!!! Yes I do!!!
I LOVE THIS! It's so...artsy...which works well for a wedding held at an Art Museum, no?
And then... party time!!! I love a good fun dancing shot!!! :)
To see more from this lovely wedding, please watch the SLIDE SHOW below!
On Sunday I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Frances + Jared's wedding at the Sherman Library and Gardens. I had never done a wedding at Sherman Library before, but let me just say it is a fantastic venue! There is so much charm there with it's Spanish architecture. And they have an absolutely amazing succulent garden! So cute! The venue fit Frances + Jared's style perfectly as well-- charming, stylish, but also casual and comfy!Their wedding day started off so fun and relaxed. Frances got ready at home with her sister/maid-of honor Whitney (who's wedding I will also be photographing in November) and their mother. The three gals laughed as they got all made up, and also found some time to watch the Sex and the City movie! Love it!!! As the Kate Middleton inspired veil was being pinned into Frances' hair, Whitney squealed and helped make everything look perfect. She said she was fulfilling her "Pippa duties!" Also love!The First Look was a sweet moment! Jared was just floored to see Frances, but how could he not be? She looked STUNNING in her beyond fabulous dress! Their ceremony was beautiful with some sweet words by the Rabbi. I especially loved the story he told about their first date... the story that totally explains why these two were meant to be. You see, on their first date Jared accidentally knocked over and spilled the wine on the table. But Frances quickly told him it was all okay because all night she had been fearing that she might knock over and spill the wine. These two have the same cute quirks and it's why these two just get each other. As the Rabbi said it was clearly B'shert (a Jewish term for "meant to be") and I have to agree!Thanks so much to Ami for shooting this with me! And now... onto the photos!
Can we talk about how FIERCE that dress is?! LOVE!!! But that smile on Frances below?? That's even FIERCER!!!
This is Whitney fulfilling her "Pippa duties!" I LOVE it!!!! And doesn't Frances totally remind you of Kate?! Classic elegance indeed!
Frances, you are GORGEOUS!
The First Look was as romantic as ever! Loved that we were able to stage it in a greenhouse!
LOOOOOOVE this!
Frances + Jared, are you sure you aren't super models?! I mean, REALLY!
I just love this candid moment from the Ketubah signing! Their whole families gathered to watch them sign this marriage contract! And the looks on Frances + Jared's faces are priceless!
The ceremony was just lovely!
Officially MR + MRS! Mazel tov!!! These two were on cloud 9!
Seriously, I can't get over how gorgeous you two look together!!!
ADORE!
You two are too cute for words!!!
This is maybe my fave shot of the day! Just fabulous!!!
And a quick shot from the first dance! Soooo lovely!
On Sunday I photographed Becky + Bernadette's fabulous wedding at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens. The day was so beautiful and it was brilliantly planned and coordinated by my lovely Paola of Just Chic Events! I absolutely adored the beautiful late-summer color palette of orange, purple, brown and golds. I loved that Becky and Bernadette chose to have long communal tables, and the long tables were dotted with beautiful stems of flowers arranged by the fabulous Little Branch. It was so nice to see all the guests-- family and friends-- come together as a big community to support these two in marriage. Everyone was so warm, inviting and just happy to be celebrating this big moment that had been a long time coming!There were so many touching moments about this wedding-- The First Look, the smile on Bernadette's face watching Becky walk down the aisle, the way the two laughed and smiled all the way through their first dance, and the amazing toasts by friends and family. There were many many moments that I nearly choked up with happy tears. But to me the most touching thing was seeing all the ways that Becky + Bernadette were already a family. How they were totally there for each other all day. How they can anticipate just what the other needs at any given moment. And how they just feel comfy with each other. I saw this at the engagement session, but I saw it even more on the big day. I saw it in their families too-- their two families already seemed like one big happy unit. It is always such a gift to witness love and commitment like this. I could not be more honored to document it.Also, big thanks to Candice for shooting with me and helping capture all the lovely moments of the day!Without further ado... pictures!!
It was so much fun capturing Becky + Bernadette getting ready! I always love the transformation of watching a woman go from "everyday girl" to BRIDE. Always fun to document that moment!
The first look! These two were so so happy to see each other!
Work it you two!!!!
The picture on my left is my FAVE PIC OF THE DAY! Becky + Berna look FIERCETACULAR (yes I said it again!)!! And Bernadette, you look smokin' in this picture on the right my dear!
La-la-love! Becky you are gorgeous!!!
Bernadette beamed as her brother walked her down the aisle!
Becky looked pretty happy walking down the aisle too!!
The ceremony was beautiful! It was officiated by a friend, and also close friends gave readings. There was not a dry eye in the courtyard!
Pretty reception details!!!
LOVE the long tables and use of chalkboard signage!!
The newlyweds toast each other!!!! I adore this photo sooooo much!!!
To see more from this lovely wedding please watch the SLIDE SHOW:
Back in April, I photographed Carolyn + Prescott's adorable spring/Easter themed engagement session! The shoot was featured on Style Me Pretty's Facebook Page and in a gallery on the main site! Super exciting!I absolutely adore Carolyn + Prescott! They are so super sweet and adorable together. They recently bought a house together in Valencia, CA and the home over looks a beautiful nature preserve! We shot our session in the nature preserve-- Carolyn collected some props and made some baked goods (she is the owner and pastry chef of Half Baked Co) and I also brought a few things! Together we styled an amazing little picnic set up that just screamed springtime love!I just love how the pictures turned out and I am so excited to finally share them with y'all! Hope you enjoy!!!
Seriously how adorable are these sweets Carolyn made?? From cake pops, to chocolate covered oreos to mini cupcakes! ADORABLE! And Deeeelicious!
Carolyn you are STUNNING!!!! And Prescott is so handsome! Loveeee!
The photos below are FIERCE and FUN!!!! Which is why I <3 them!!!!!
Swoon. That is all. Just SWOON!
These are my two faves of the day. And they are sexxxxxy.
How adorable is this marshmallow on a stick topped with a candy engagement ring?????? I die it's so cute!
Gah! You two are just too gorgeous for words!!! For real!!!!
To see more of this adorable engagement session watch the slide show below!What do you think of the images? Please leave your comments below, and help Carolyn + Prescott when a free canvas from their session!!
Last week I posted about being featured on the front page of Wedding Chicks and how completely giddy I was over the feature! Now, finally, I'm sharing more images from the fabulous shoot with you here!! :)I was totally flattered when back in November florist extraordinaire Kate Baker asked if I could come photograph some details of an event she was working on. Though not a wedding, this event had AMAZING details and a unique Kentucky Derby theme! Honestly, there was so much inspiration to be had everywhere! I could totally see a bride getting married on a ranch, equestrian center, or country club taking some of these horse racing motifs and running with it! From the delicate florals, to the pennant escort cards, to the vintage horse racing props...every detail was thought out! I am so thankful to have been a part of this shoot and so thankful to Wedding Chicks for featuring it! I hope it will inspire many brides out there!! ;)The amazing vendors who worked on this event are:* Floral Design and Décor: Kate Baker Floral Design www.KateBakerFlorals.com* Event Production: Kat Napolitano of Entertainment Plus Productions www.eplusproductions.com* Stationary Design, Peilin Chen-Breller Style and Design www.peilinbreller.comAnd without further ado...the pictures!!!
The horse-shoe shaped head table was a true show stopper, decorated with tall and low floral arrangements!
The programs were adorable! Thanks to AJ for hand modeling for me ;)
Bling, silver, delicate flowers...the event was luxe all the way!
LOVE these pennant escort cards!!
I'm so excited that Susannah & Justin's Mr. & Mrs. session was featured on Hot Pink Brides last week! Hot Pink Brides is a guide for modern & glamorous brides and I absolutely love it! They have so much eye candy and great inspiration! It's definitely worth adding to your google reader if you love fabulous & funky wedding ideas! Which, by the way, I totally DO!!It means so much to be featured on this awesome blog! This shoot was definitely an amazing one, and it's so awesome to see it be recognized!! Thank you Tabitha at Hot Pink Brides for the feature!Check out Susannah + Justin on Hot Pink Brides:
Matt and Patricia are such a sweet and caring couple. I knew that when I initially met them, and saw it even more during their engagement session. So their wedding? It was no different! During their Catholic mass they kept giving each other stolen glances and smiles! When they were announced husband and wife, they beamed. And when they danced their first dance, to which I might add was impeccably choreographed, they melted into each other. These two could not have been happier to have just committed their lives to each other, and that made me super giddy to watch!!! :)Matt and Patricia's wedding was also filled with so much laughter! And really, I believe laughter is as essential to a wedding as happy tears. Though the priest had many wise words for the couple, he also threw a lot of jokes in. There were many chuckles infused in the ceremony. And at the reception, the toast from Matt's best man (his brother Chris) was HILARIOUS. It was almost a roast and not a toast. Everybody was laughing together, laughing so hard they had tears in their eyes. It was definitely a wedding full of love and emotion. Tres beautiful indeed!So now onto the pictures! Sarina and I started the day with Matt and his groomsmen. They arrived at the church excited for the wedding!! :)
To see more from Matt and Patricia's Long Beach wedding watch the SLIDE SHOW below!
Last Sunday I had the pleasure of meeting Liz and Robert and shooting their engagement session at the Griffith Observatory! Liz and Robert are good friends of Dani and Tony, so I knew their session would be FAB and they definitely did not disappoint!Liz and Robert define the term whirlwind romance! They met in April, and they are already engaged and will be married next July! But you know what? When you know, you know. To quote my favorite movie ever When Harry Met Sally, "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." I think that line is SO true and totally speaks to Liz and Robert's relationship.And really, these two are perfect for each other! The entire session they were in their own little world. When they look at each other they just beam and get all smiley and giggly. It's so sweet! I barely had to give them any direction because the way they were with each other was just too darn cute. For realz. Liz and Robert, you make my job easy peasy! Thank you both so much for letting me document your love! I thoroughly enjoyed every single second of it!!! ;)And now onto the photos!
Jeanette and Pete are such a fantastic couple. They are truly beautiful inside and out and I have loved working with them so much! I remember when I first began talking to Jeanette about her wedding, she told how her and Pete had been together forever. They had two beautiful baby girls. They were already a family. And really, that was all they needed. But they had decided they were finally were ready to make it official. And I am so very honored that they trusted me to capture this very special day!Jeanette was such a giddy bride! When I arrived to the bridal suite she was glowing and excitedly told about all the little details she wanted me to capture! It was really exciting seeing all of Jeanette's plans come together and it was even better watching her and her lovely bridesmaids giggle and ooh and ahhh as they got ready! One thing that was so sweet was Jeanette's "something borrowed" was a necklace and matching earrings that her friend Erika wore on her wedding day. Jeanette asked me if they looked familiar and I knew exactly that they were indeed from Erika! Seriously girl, I remember wedding details! Especially JEWELRY, mmm kay! ;)
For more beautiful pictures from Jeanette and Pete's wedding watch the SLIDE SHOW below:
Last weekend I had the pleasure of meeting Dani and Tony and photographing their Mr. and Mrs. session at The Griffith Observatory! Dani and Tony recently had a very small wedding in Las Vegas, baby! But there wasn't much time for pictures, so when Dani got back home she realized she wanted a few more pics to celebrate her marriage! And really, I can't blame her. When you look THAT cute in your wedding outfit you pretty much need all the pics you can get!! ;)Dani and Tony have a dynamic to their relationship which reminds me of me and AJ. Dani is such a fun girl! She has an amazing sense of style and knows how to rock the camera. I love how confident and outgoing she is. Tony is more the quiet, shy type. But he is so caring and strong and always watching out for Dani. He gives his hand when she needs it, he has a strong shoulder for her to lean on, and gives her tender kisses on the cheek just to show his love. It is so very sweet and I was so giddy to get to document this exciting phase in their relationship! I am so happy I got to meet such a stylish, sweet and fun couple and I cannot wait to see where the future takes them! I know there is a lot of excitement ahead!!! ;)And now, photos!!!Dani brought cute little props which I LOVE LOVE LOVE! It's the little things that can really add some extra fun flavor to a session!
You two are STUNNING!!!
Dani, you are GORGEOUS girl!!!
Mmmmhmmm. These two are steamy! Yep it's true!
Tony you are not so bad on the eyes yourself! ;)
To view more of this fun Griffith Observatory Mr. and Mrs. session, check out the slide show below!!
Christine and Tyler got married at the beautiful Temescal Gateway Park in the Palisades last Saturday. The venue was such a perfect fit for them as it was completely set in nature. Trees and brush and leaves and grass everywhere you look. And I thought it was perfect because when I think about these two I think about nature. Maybe it's because of our engagement session where we hiked through the bluffs by UCSB (and apparently they still laugh about how I feared I might trip and fall to my death on the hike). Or maybe it's because Tyler is getting his Masters in Environmental Studies and hopes to work in public policy (which I think is so totally AWESOME). Or maybe it's just because they two just keep it raw and real. They are two of the most genuine people I have ever met-- never putting on a show or striving to be the center of attention. They just care deeply about those around them, and the world, and each other...and that is what makes these two so very special!Tyler and Christine met at UCSB and have been together ever since. Tyler and Christine are definitely the type of people who do everything with their full hearts and take commitments seriously. So when they found each other, I think it became clear to everyone around them that this relationship was something special. During the toasts, every one who got mentioned how they knew from the get-go that Tyler and Christine would eventually become husband and wife. Tyler's friends and family knew it was different with Christine. And Christine's friends and family? Well, they knew it was different with Tyler too. It really had been a long time coming for these two, so everyone was so very excited and filled with joy as they watched these two tie the knot. And they celebrated accordingly!I loved seeing Tyler & Christine's families come together and unite as one. Tyler and Christine both have such loving families and you can just see why Christine and Tyler turned out so darn good! ;) I was really touched by the love everyone had for each other. And I was also really touched by how welcoming they were to me and AJ. And apparently we scored brownie points for liking kimchi and other Korean delicacies. Christine's aunt Judy said I was 50% Korean! SCORE! But she told me AJ was actually 100% Korean, because he knew about k-pop bands High Five Of Teenager and Super Junior. That AJ, always showin' me up! ;)So without further ado, please enjoy these photos from Tyler and Christine's beautiful, emotional day! And be sure to also watch the slide show below!I loved the deep purple color of Christine's shoes! So lovely!
Zoe + Nima are a super sweet couple, and, ever since their RAD engagement session at the Pier, I have been so stoked for their BIG wedding! The day did not disappoint one bit!When AJ, Cindee, and I arrived at the bridal suite at Pickwick Gardens, Zoe was getting all dolled up. She was very calm but definitely giddy with excitement too! She had the cutest accessories picked out-- a lovely chiffon rosette to adorn her hair, and purple flats which also had rosettes on them! So adorable! Zoe has incredible style and her whole look came together wonderfully! Meanwhile Nima was getting ready with his groomsmen and they were all laughing as they tried to figure out how in the world to pin on their boutinierres. Thank goodness for their fabulous coordinator, Shana Fu of East West Events, for saving the day!Zoe and Nima are an amazing couple! They are so sweet together and always taking care of each other. They enjoy being silly and making each other laugh! And they enjoy just holding hands and having quiet moments together just as much! Another thing is that they are very caring and generous. They made sure that we were filled with yummy Indian food through out the entire day, and that we had a place to sit with the guests! Very lovely!The reception was very festive and filled with customs from Nima's Indian heritage! There was, as I mentioned, NUMMY Indian food, Indian music, and two special performances. Then things got really romantical when Nima took to the microphone himself and serenaded Zoe with his rendition of Jason Mraz's "Im Yours." Everyone was in awe. It was pretty much the SWEETEST THING EVER. Later on in the evening, Zoe and Nima changed into traditional Indian Wedding outfits and we took some fun night shots outside! It was a prefect end to a great day!Thank you to Zoe and Nima for trusting me with your special memories and for being so generous and sweet! Thanks to my hubby AJ and friend Cindee for shooting with me! Thanks to Shana for coordinating, Floral Elements for the pretty florals, White Night Designs for the elegant draping and linens, Jaqki's Cakes for the yummy cakey goodness, DJ Sandeep for rocking the dancefloor and Sarah Young Make Up for making Zoe and her girls so very glam! I loved how this day came together thanks to everyone's hard work! So now....onto PICTURES!!!!!! Woooohooo!!!!Zoe and her friends were so excited as they got ready!
If I could use one word to describe Roy & Kristine it would be: rockin'!! These two have got it goin' on! They have such a killer sense of style, and are so fun to be around!! I knew their wedding was going to rock when I saw the bridesmaids & groomsman gathering around the back of the Los Angeles Temple. The bridesmaids wore casual-chic black dresses and flip flops. The groomsmen wore these sweet gray ties that matched their gray plaid Vans. It was awesome! Roy & Kristine didn't fail to impress me! They came out of the temple looking like rock stars, effortlessly cool & stylish and the crowd of their family & friends cheered them on! Yep, I knew right then that the day was gonna be rad!And it was! It was hot too! Probably one of the hottest days West LA has seen all summer. And there were like literally 20 other weddings going on, and we were all fighting for the good light to take pics in. But we worked out! ;) We managed to beat the heat, and the crowds, and create some super fun images worthy of a rockin' couple like Roy & Kristine! I really love the way the pictures capture Roy & Kristine's unique since of style, super fun personalities, and how in love they are. Roy & Kristine are the type of couple that can be fierce one second and laughing so hard the next. They joke with each other and get lost in their own world. They smile genuinely. And they smile big. :) It is truly a joy to be around them! Their super cool style totally inspires me but their love inspires me even more!Thanks Roy & Kristine for trusting me to capture your memories! I had such a great time with you! :) I am so glad we got to know each other! And thanks to my buddy Cindee Bae for second shooting with me! You rock too my friend! :)And now...pictures!!!Just announced as the new Mr. & Mrs, Roy & Kristine exit the temple!! Such a happy moment!
Kristine chose super cool bridesmaid outfits! And they rocked it so well!
Stylin' bridal party!
This is kinda Reservoir Dogs. Awesome.
Thanks to Cindee for capturing these lovely bouquets while I was photographing the bridal party! I like how we tag team it ;)
Birdcage veils! Swoon!
Ah! Kristine!!! You are GORGEOUS!
Work it girl.
I love everything about this.
Bride & Groom rockin' Vans. I like!
I'll leave you with the bling!
Can't get enough of the super rad Roy & Kristine?! Check out the SLIDESHOW below, which is set to the tune of one their favorite songs of all time--"Close To Me" by The Cure!!
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I loved Ryan & Kristina since the moment I met them. Our meeting was easy, fun, and just awesome. We chatted like old friends, we laughed and before the night was through they booked me on the spot. From that day forward I have been waiting for their wedding. And let me tell you the day did not disappoint at all! Ryan & Kristina had a beautiful vibrant, Hawaiian inspired wedding held at The Castaway Gardens in Burbank. The day was filled with so much laughter, tears of joy and even a little rain. What? Rain in LA in July?!!! Yep!!! About 2 minutes before the ceremony was set to start the sky opened up and gave us a little Hawaii-esque tropical shower. We all jumped up and huddled to the ONLY covered area on the Luau Garden grounds! But as soon as the sun came back everyone went back to their seats and the day just moved right along. It was quirky but perfect. It definitely added a funny little story to the day-- one I'm sure Ryan & Kristina will tell to their grandkids!So Ryan & Kristina. These two are perfect for each other. They make each other laugh. They take care of each other. They are already a family, and their kids are so super amazing. I can't even imagine a more perfect pairing. And during their vows I learned even more about these two and just how good they are for each other. How they have survived some trying times together. And how they have always grown closer and stronger through it all. Together these two have found the fairytale love they had always hoped for, but weren't sure really existed. And that is amazing. It's inspiring and it proves to me that fairytales DO exist in real life. Sigh...So Ryan & Kristina, thank you for trusting to me to document your big day. I loved the day so much and I have had a blast reliving it as I edited these images for you! You two have something special, and it inspires me! :) Also thank you to Jenn for second shooting with me-- shooting with you is always a blast!!!And now onto the photos.....Kristina's shoes were fabulous!!!! If my feet weren't totally child-size I would so ask to borrow them!
For more from Ryan & Kristina's happy, vibrant, fun wedding...and to see why the song she chose to walk down the aisle to made me bawl my eyes out... please check out the SLIDESHOW below:
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I was super flattered when Ala asked me to second shoot this wedding with her! I had admired her work for such a long time, and getting to know her and, better yet, work with her was totally awesome! I learned so much that day and also captured some great shots of Courtney & Tomojii's beautiful Los Angeles wedding!Courtney & Tomojii grew up together. They were in the same circle of friends, they went to the church, their families knew each other. But it wasn't until they were adults that things changed. That they saw each other as more than friends. But once they got together, they realized it was fate. Everything clicked and a short time later they were engaged! I can see why, these two are truly great together! I so enjoyed watching them commit their lives to each other and also getting to know their love story.
Awhile back I had the great opportunity to second shoot Jenessa & Joel's wedding with my homegirl Jenn King. You see Jenn was doing double duty on two of the most important wedding-related jobs a girl could have-- Jenessa had asked Jenn to be her Maid of Honor and The Photographer! My oh my! That's some pressure! So Jenn needed help, and I was more than happy to oblige!Growing up in West Los Angeles, I would drive by the Los Angeles California Temple all the time. Almost every day actually. As a kid, I didn't know what it was, I thought it was a castle! Hehe! Its just an amazingly huge structure with beautiful architecture! So it was really fun to get to shoot at this location! And I actually learned that the grounds are open to the public, and they are soooo beautiful! I totally recommend just going to the Temple to check out the grounds. Especially at Christmas time, because they put up the most beautiful lights! So for anyone interested here is the info: 10777 Santa Monica Boulevard,Los Angeles, CaliforniaSo back to Jenessa & Joel! Jenessa & Joel are such a sweet couple. He is from Australia. She is from Orange County. They met here in the USA and when he had to go home she went to Australia to be with him. But she got homesick and came back. And then she realized, she was lovesick. She missed her man too much. And he missed her. So they got engaged, and a short while later they made it official at The Temple! That's a strong love. A love that can conquer miles, and countries, and different cultures. I have no doubt that they will make it! When you are with them, you just feel a spark! They are very good for each other! And I can already say, Jenessa is happily living as an Australian resident and even more happily married! Woohooo! So without further ado, here are my favorite shots of the day! You can view more images on Jenn King's blog!
Everyone gathered outside to watch the newlyweds exit the temple!
The newlyweds!!!
Look at that fierce bridal party!!! Jenn is rocking it as Maid-of-Honor on the right!
The dudes.
This is one of my favorite shots of the day!!! I love everything about it!
Jenessa, you are gorgeous!!!!!
My favorite shot!!!!
So here is part two of the Romeo + Juliet Wedding themed shootout!This post is more centered around the portraits...and you know the flowers too! Cause I couldn't get enough! Really I'm still drooling over them!!Again I want to thank the following vendors who made this all possible!!Coordinator: Amanda Auer of In the Now Weddings www.inthenowweddings.comVenue: Ron at the Romanesque Room www.castlecaterers.comFlorist: Megan Gray of Honey and Poppies www.honeyandpoppies.comDJ: Marcel Gonzalez FirstChoice Entertainment http://www.firstchoicedjs.comVideographer: TBARentals: Town & Country www.townandcountryeventrentals.comCatering: Jay’s Catering www.jayscatering.comVenue Concierge: Mary Lallande www.venueconcierge.comBakery: Colette at Fancy That! Cupcakes 909.524.1864Linens: Wildflower www.wildflowerlinens.comStyling: Michelle Cunningham www.milaphotography.comHair/Makeup: Kacee Geoffroy & Becca www.kaceegeoffroy.comHair/Makeup: Alisha Baijournas www.vanitykillstudio.comSpecialty: Classic Party Rentals www.classicpartyrentals.comAnd now for the photos:So my friend and fellow photog who often second shoots for me, Jenn King, modeled for this shoot! Isn't she gorgeous?!?
There's those flowers again by Megan of Honey and Poppies!! Seriously, is that not just stunning?! Brides run don't walk to Megan!
Work it Jenn!
The Romanesque Room has a beautiful garden out back, a perfect setting for photos! This pond is stunning!! What a fun backdrop for a bride!
Fierceness.
Meet Ashley + Sean aka the sexiest couple I have ever seen! They really worked it for us!!! This is most definitely a favorite image for me! Most definitely an Ashleigh Taylor signature ;)
Seriously, Ashley? You are STUNNING!
So as you know February for me was all about putting myself out there, going out of my comfort zone, and learning as much as possible! I wanted to kick off 2010 with a bang! And it was really important for me to stay active considering this is "the slow season" for wedding photographers. I figured I should do everything I can now before I get too busy. Plus I know all these workshops and shootouts will only make me a better photographer for all my 2010 clients ;)When I heard the SoCal Photog Shootout group was staging a mock wedding and that some successful local photogs would be there teaching us how they shoot weddings, I thought "hrmmm that sounds like a good thing to attend." But when I heard Amanda Auer of In The Now Events was designing/coordinating the event and it would be Romeo + Juliet themed I was STOKED. I was like, sign me up! And I signed up the second tix went on sale. Good thing I did, the tickets sold out in TWO MINUTES. Two minutes people!! I am so glad I got into the shootout because it was amazing!!!!You see Amanda Auer is someone who's blog I have stalked for like 2 years. She amazes me with her creativity. And getting to photograph the details she had set up was kinda a dream for me. I LOVE details. I LOVE weddings that are detailed, thought through, and personal! And I know all the weddings Amanda coordinates are just that. So imagine if she had free reign? Imagine what she could come up with! The lady did not disappoint! And then there were these flowers on this shoot. Flowers that looked so delicious I wanted to eat them. I couldn't take my eyes of them. They were dripping with romance. And they had so much texture. That's a biggie for me. Floral arrangements with a lot of great texture! I found out the florist was Megan Gray of Honey and Poppies, and when I met her I wanted to bow down. Obviously the woman is a floral goddess!I also have to give major shout outs to Ron at the Romanesque Room for letting us use the venue. FYI Brides, the Romanesque Room is a TOTAL hidden gem for a wedding venue! It would be great for brides with vintage or glam style! The Romanesque Room is in the heart of Old Pasadena. The ballroom has these amazing roman vaulted ceilings with gorgeous molding and gold trim! And there is a beautiful garden and outdoor space for a ceremony! Its really something special and I totally never it knew existed! So if you need a venue check it out!
I LOVE all these details! The paper goods that Amanda designed were so unique and so so beautiful!
A closer look at the invitation Amanda designed! I love the lace wrap, and I love the antiqued paper!
Oh my gosh! Megan are you kidding me with that bridesmaid's bouquet?! Sooooo delicate! Soooo romantic!! Soooo unique!! Swoonie swoon swoon! I am in love! I also love the styling of the bridesmaids! Such a romantic and unique dress! Very chic and unexpected!
The ceremony details! I love every part!!! Soooo gorgeous!! Amanda and Megan truly joined forces and outdid themselves!
The married couple! Work it! Look at the great light too! Sigh...
And finally the tablescape details!!
