Crystal + Salvatore’s Engagement Session – Awesome time working with these two lovebirds last week. We got to shoot at one of my favorite hotels Viceroy Santa Monica Beach Hotel and also the Venice Canals afterward. It’s been nothing but a joy getting to know Crystal and Sal. They’ve been super easy-going and just down right fun to hang out with. I believe it was Crystal’s sister that walked by my studio, gave my info to Crystal, she gave me a call and told me they’d like to have me as their photographer, we met up, and the rest was history :).
It was through chance (and a bit of help from their friends) that Crystal and Sal met nearly half a decade ago. This beautiful couple will be tying the knot later in the Fall on the historic Queen Mary (just down the block from me!). Crystal and Sal are celebrating Sal’s birthday this weekend in Cabos. Hope you guys are having a blast, here’s a sneak peek with some of my favorite pics from your shoot, enjoy!
Sayuli + Anthony’s Wedding – From the moment I met Sayuli at my studio while Anthony joined us over Skype last Summer, everything was so easy-going, relaxed, and personal. And what a great way to spend this past Sunday! As soon as Charlene and I arrived at the hotel to capture the getting ready photos, we were greeted with lots of laughs, smiles, and love from Sayuli, Anthony, as well as Sayuli’s daughter and mom. It was wonderful having an intimate wedding as around 70 of Sayuli and Anthony’s closest family and friends attended the celebration at Muckenthaler Mansion in Fullerton, CA.
What I loved most about this super sweet couple is how in love they’re with each other and weren’t hesitant to show it in front of the camera! There’s no doubt Sayuli and Anthony are young at heart; and I had a blast photographing them from the first look to even after the reception ended, when we got some night shots. Congrats you two, have a great time on your honeymoon in Hawaii, and best of luck to you both as Sayuli is moving up north to join Anthony. Thanks again for trusting me to document your beautiful day!
Ceremony and reception locations: Muckenthaler Mansion in Fullerton, CA
Make-up artist and hair stylist: Joyce Luck Style
Rachel + Kevin’s Wedding – They say the crazy people that think they can change the world are the ones that actually do. They also say it’s not possible to find true love while partying it up in Vegas, and more so following that person across the world to new heights and adventures. I say those doubters have never met amazing individuals like Rachel and Kevin (aka Cuda). From our first Skype chat last year (LA to South Africa connection!) to our numerous e-mails corresponding the details of the wedding, it’s been such a fun ride getting to know these two (all thanks to my dear friend from college Alyssa and her fiance Kevin).
What started out as a hello in Sin City turned into something much more serious. And this past weekend, Rachel and Cuda’s story turned a new chapter in Sedona, Arizona, where around 70 of their closest family and friends attended their wedding day. Why Sedona, when none of their loved ones live there and neither Rachel or Cuda grew up anywhere close to it? Well, why not? Picking a “random” location for their big day pretty much sums up their personalities.
Rachael and Cuda love to live life on the edge and try new things everyday. From currently living in South Africa to moving to England in a few months, these two are always on the go and wanted their family and friends to experience a new place during their wedding week. With the majestic mountains of Sedona setting the backdrop for their big day, I had the utmost pleasure and privilege documenting all the big and little moments that unfolded in front of me this past Saturday.
The beauty of photographing a destination wedding isn’t just traveling to another location and documenting its beauty, but going from (nearly) complete strangers with the bride, groom, their family and friends to dear friends. As I was boarded the flight from LA to Flagstaff with a stop in Phoenix, I realized I knew almost nothing about Rachel and Cuda’s family and friends, plus it’s been several months since the first and last time I chatted with the couple. That mystery…it’s like going from 0 to 60mph in 3 seconds at the rehearsal and wedding.
Just getting to meet the parents, siblings, relatives, and friends…and witnessing the interactions among everyone…that’s where the magic unfolds. A wedding day to me is snippets of incredible moments that take place one after another. It may last an entire minute or just a split second, but being ready and even anticipating them is what makes my job so much fun and rewarding. And Rachel and Cuda provided unlimited numbers of those moments. Thank you guys so much for trusting me to document your day well before we met, and treating me like one of the guests. Hope you made it back safely to SA, congrats, and best of luck on your next adventure!
Ceremony location: Sedona Heritage Museum in Sedona, AZ
Reception location: Tlaquapaque in Sedona, AZ
It’s been quite a week to say the least! Heading out to Sedona, AZ for a few days to shoot Rachel and Kevin’s wedding (really looking forward to meeting them for the first time!). Be back Sunday morning for Sayuli and Anthony’s wedding in Orange County. E-mails and such will be answered on Monday :).
