Esther + Sam’s Wedding – I don’t know if my couples know this, but I vicariously live through their happiness on their big day. When someone asks me if it was a great wedding or if I had a fun time photographing it, the #1 criteria I have is if I felt the love. That couldn’t have been more true than at Esther and Sam‘s big day at the beautiful Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey.

Everything from the ceremony conducted by Esther’s dad and brother and the flower girls/ring bearer being super duper adorable to the Korean culture present throughout the day and the parents/grandmas/bridesmaids full of life made every moment so memorable. You also couldn’t have asked for a more AWESOME couple to work with than Esther and Sam. It’s so great when you just connect with them, and they’re not afraid to laugh, cry, and just be downright silly in front of the camera :).

Also, having a professional coordinator or not on your big day is pretty much day and night when it comes to things running smoothly. And when someone like Yingka Chou of Master Plans – Events and Designs is there to ensure that, you know you can focus on just taking photos. Thanks to Yingka, not only did I get to meet and work with Esther and Sam, but had a wonderful time documenting their day without having to rush anything or being a bit stressed out :).

But the biggest thank you goes to Esther and Sam. They’re full of so much life and love, not just for each other, but their family and friends. The way Sam hugged his parents and went around to show respect to the elders…the way Esther helped her mom with her hair and gave those ooberly cool gifts to her bridesmaids…these things show just how truly wonderful Esther and Sam are, and how blessed I feel to have capture their wedding.

Ceremony and reception locations: The Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey Hotel in Marina Del Rey, CA

Planner and coordinator: Master Plans – Events and Designs

On the eve of going to Machu Picchu, we had one day to check out the small town of Cusco…

Catherine + Eric’s Wedding – The rain stopped, clouds parted, and the sun came out for a beautiful wedding on the hills of Burbank this past Saturday at The Castaway Restaurant. Catherine and Eric invited their closest family and friends to celebrate the next chapter in their life together. After being with each other for quite some time now and sharing so much of life with one another, it was finally time for Catherine and Eric to tie the knot.

There was so much love in the air, as everyone from Catherine’s sisters and Eric’s guy friends and uncle shared how much this wonderful couple meant to them. It’s been nothing but a pleasure getting to know and work with Catherine and Eric. Seems like it was just yesterday when we exchanged our first e-mail. Thanks you two for inviting and sharing with me your story.

Ceremony and reception locations: The Castaway Restaurant in Burbank, CA

Mariel + Oscar’s Engagement Session – After a few e-mails and one phone call, we were all set to work with one another. Mariel and Oscar came down from the Bay area to do their e-session last Friday. Along with Mariel’s sister Tiffany, whom I have to thank for referring me to this wonderful couple, I had a great time hanging out with them around Downtown LA.

It’s one thing to chat over the phone, but totally another to be face-to-face and really get to know each other. Mariel and Oscar have been dating for several years, and have places from LA and SF to Seattle and Vegas as special places in their hearts. They’re super nice, easy-going, and genuinely wonderful individuals full of love and life. Thank you both for choosing me to document your big day this July!