Hey folks, I’m really excited to let you know that video will not be a regular on this blog :). Every couple of weeks, I’ll be posting a video from an engagement session, wedding, or a mini FAQ session that will answer some of the most (and least!) common questions from brides and grooms right here on this blog. I’d like to start off this crazy thing called video by sharing with you my super fun engagement session with Anna and Lonngren from last Saturday, August 16th. We started the e-session in Downtown Los Angeles at Central Library, then went over to Pershing Square, and concluded at Union Station.

Special thanks to my good friend and talented videographer/photographer Nick Amrhein of 3byOne Media for videotaping me doing what I love. Also, I want to thank Anna and Lonngren for giving me the privilege of being their wedding photographer and allowing Nick to videotape their e-session. Enjoy the clip!

Anna + Lonngren’s E-Session from Henry Chen Photography on Vimeo.

When I spoke to Emily about a week ago on the details of her engagement session, I was very excited to hear that Philip and her were going to REALLY dress up at both the Greystone Mansion and Via Rodeo in Beverly Hills. Working in the graphics design industry and planning her own wedding, Emily was all about the details: the outfit; the shoes; the earrings; even getting the proper documents to shoot at these places!

Emily wanted to make sure we had Greystone Mansion all to ourselves to photograph without random people getting in the way or watching us, so big kudos to her and Philip for getting a permit (that’s when you know they mean business hehe). Check out the amazing outfits these two lovebirds chose for both the Greystone Mansion and Via Rodeo. I’m not a fashion expert, but I totally loved Philip’s white shirt with all those textures and Emily’s top with the patterns and various colors. They gave a very elegant yet casual feel to their photos, which fits Emily and Philip’s personality so well. They definitely know how to wine and dine but also kick back and chill out :).

Then at Via Rodeo, Emily and Philip wore the most kick-butt outfits I’ve ever shot. Check out the purple and black, hotness! It was really fun shooting right smack in the middle of Los Angeles’ most lucrative and famous shopping area, where everyone and their mother checked out Emily and Philip’s good looks. For one day, I was able to call myself a celebrity photographer ;). Emily and Philip = stylish, classy, sexy, and smooth. I plan on taking classes from them on how to be cool.

I was beyond thrilled when Anna and Lonngrenn wanted their engagement session in Downtown LA, particularly at the places mentioned above. I enjoyed watching the way Anna and Lonngren laughed, hugged, and smiled at each other; the way they raced up and down the escalators, looked at one another across the library table, and held hands while walking through the train station tunnels. It was truly magical capturing and experiencing Anna and Lonngren’s love for each other. I can’t wait to start off 2009 with their wedding! Also, I want to thank Anna’s brother for finding my blog and referring me to Anna, and also to her mom for helping me work out the details of the wedding photography package all the way from Texas. I look forward to meeting you both on 1/3/09 :).

I was referred to Ann and Chad via my wedding photographer colleague/buddy Tuan Nguyen several months ago. I want to thank Tuan for not just the referral, but for introducing me to two wonderful individuals and their lovely daughter Katie. Ann and Chad’s wedding ceremony and reception were held at the beautiful Woodranch Golf Course in Simi Valley this past Saturday. Everyone on staff was a joy to work with, especially the coordinator Nicole.

There were so many things that stood out about this wedding. For one, Ann and Chad were just a complete joy to work with. From the way they hugged and thanked their family and friends, I can see how much Ann and Chad mean to everyone that showed up at their wedding. We had a variety of cultural traditions as well; from smashing of the glass and raising the bride and groom on the chairs to some water festivities and signing of a document that binds their love together during the ceremony, there were so many memorable moments and details to document.

As some of you might know, Ann and Chad’s wedding was the second of a back-to-back last weekend for me, but not once did my mind and heart feel tired; and the last thing I wanted to do last Saturday was go home and rest. I was just drawn into the way I saw Ann and Chad’s love story unfold through my lens. I loved the way they looked at each other throughout the entire day, especially during their first dance. Also, I really admire Chad for not only being a caring and loving husband to Ann, but father to Katie. I smiled everytime I saw him hold and talk to her.

As we were walking back to the car after a long day, my second shooter Miguel told me how he really revered Chad for making Ann and Katie happy. I couldn’t agree more. I give him lots of kudos and high fives for being a great role model to me that day :). To Ann and Chad, I’m truly blessed to have gotten to know you and your family. Congratulations, and thank you so much for trusting me to document the beginning of your new life together.

Ceremony and reception location: Woodranch Golf Club in Simi Valley, CA

Event sales coordinator: Nicole

Event sales director: Andrea

Make-up artist: Elena Marquez

Hair stylist: Jenn Morrow

MC/DJ: Good Time Entertainment

Florist: Flowers by Susan

Videographer: Moonlight Video