Meet Jacob: a very smart and super adorable little cousin of mine from San Francisco. He LOVES being a superstar in front of the camera; and I love the way he calls my name: Henwee! One of Jacob’s favorite characters is Thomas The Tank Engine, who has a friend named Henry. I bet jacob thinks I’m a life-size walking, talking, super dorky train :). Seriously, look how cute he is!

Lisa and Aldous had an intimate wedding on a yacht in Marina Del Rey this past Saturday. They both had their family and closest friends close by on this important day. Some of Lisa’s family members flew in from England a few days before, like her mom, sister Sharon, and Sharon’s fiancee Phil (you’re the man!). Aldous grew up in Los Angeles and had several of his high school friends attend the wedding, including his best man Juan. The speeches were memorable, the food was good, and the boat ride didn’t make me light-headed :).

I’m a big fan of small weddings because it gives me the chance to get to know the wonderful people in attendance. From Lisa’s co-workers like Yyvonne (whose dogs I’m going to get the pleasure of photographing later this month) and Michael (co-owner of Schoos) to the make-up artist Solana and her mom Patty…the list goes on and on.

I found myself being more of a friend and guest than a photographer at Lisa and Aldous’ wedding, which really is a reflection of how sincere and kind these two are. Special thanks to the amazing folks at FantaSea Yachts, who did an outstanding job putting together this wedding. To Lisa and Aldous: congratulations, and thank you so much for letting me document your special day.

All photos are the property of Hoopsworld. Please look but don’t steal them.

I’m currently in San Francisco for the Next Level Workshop taught by the super talented and awesome wedding/portraits photographer Scott Robert. It’s a two-day event that actually doesn’t start until Thursday, but I’m here a few days early to hang out with my favorite cousins (and crash their place – thanks Lily and Karen!).

I’ve never really gotten a chance to check out SF while growing up, but from what Lily showed me this past evening, this city is absolutely gorgeous, especially at night! No wonder so many photographers, especially ones that focus on weddings, love to work and live here. Okay, I better get some things ready for this week. I’ll try to blog here and there and include some photos from the workshop and various photo shoots. I’ll be back in Los Angeles this Friday night for Lisa and Aldous‘ wedding on Saturday and a Clippers/Rockets game on Sunday at Staples Center, where Elton Brand makes his home debut of the season, yay!

To potential and current clients: my apologies in advance if it takes me a little longer than usual to get back to your e-mails and phone calls. I still get both instantaneously via my iPhone and will do my best to respond as soon as possible. If it’s an emergency and you need to reach me right away, please do say so in your voice message or e-mail. Thank you!