To say that Hong and Joe‘s wedding was filled with emotions, emotions, and more emotions would be an understatement. In their love story, the “characters” of the wedding were so expressive. From the wonderful wedding party (one of my favorites ever!) and the parents of the groom (they were so cute!) to the guy cousins of Hong (Ming and his brother?) and the MC Miles, this was an event FULL of personality. There was definitely not a shortage of laughs and downright hilarious moments.

I believe that it’s truly the couple and their close family and friends that make or break the wedding photos (that and a decent photographer :P). In my books, H + J’s wedding might’ve set a record for the number of times I laughed out loud, or at least tried my best not to while taking the photos :). Perhaps it was all the guys tickling Joe in the limo, or the girls giving a playful grossed out look while Hong and Joe kissed each other while also in the limo. Or maybe it was the absolutely, down-right funny games at the reception. Pictures are worth a thousand words so I’ll let them do the talking/showing how much fun fun this wedding was :).

To Hong, Joe, their family, and friends: thank you a ton for making me feel so welcome; from the instant I arrived at Hong’s house to the final minutes of the reception when I talked to Joe’s parents, you guys all made me feel like I was an old friend showing up to the wedding. It was with great pleasure, honor, and humility (thank you so much for the comments on the e-session photos!) being your wedding photographer.

Ceremony location: Santa Anita Inn in Arcadia, CA

Reception location: Mission 261 in San Gabriel, CA

MC/DJ: Very Chic Wedding

Videographer: Mike

Part of being in the wedding industry is helping each other out; whether that’s between a photographer and another photographer, a planner, florist, DJ/MC, or any other vendor, I truly believe that supporting each other’s business will not only help them and yourself, but also improve the level of quality of service to our clients, and that’s always the most important thing.

A few weeks ago, the amazing Trini of Nozza Studio, a wedding planner and coordinator based in Downtown Long Beach, introduced me to one of her designer colleagues, Gamie K. of Peach Mailbox. We’ve been exchanging e-mails since then but finally got the chance to meet last Thursday at Trini’s studio. Not only does Gamie provide such a unique and attractive line of design work (from invitations and greeting/thank you cards to stationaries and personal items), but she’s such a sweetheart!

I’m providing Gamie a few of my e-session/wedding photos for her new collection of products and will photographing them when they’re available. In return, Gamie is going to help me design a few products that I’m giving to my past clients, which will fit perfectly with the holiday season coming up :). Please check out her website for more info; Peach Mailbox provides its products to various vendors, stores, and boutique shops; if you’re a vendor, please get in touch with Gamie if you’d like to offer her products to your clients. Gamie, thanks for the personal greetings letter, I’m stoked to work with you and Trini in the upcoming weeks!

To show our love and appreciation to the brides that showed up at our Wedding Salon Bridal Show booth this past Monday, Betty of Type A Planning and I had a raffle giveaway to all that entered. The prize is a combine services package from both Henry Chen Photography and Type A Planning on the bride’s wedding day: 10 hours day of coordination from Type A Planning and 8 hours of photography coverage from Henry Chen Photography (as in Betty and I will show up and not one of our associates!).

We’d like to thank everyone that entered their names into the drawing; there were quite a few but unfortunately we can only select one winner and on a date we’re both available. But to show or gratitude to all the brides that stopped by to talk to us and provide their contact info, I’m offering each of you a special Wedding Salon photography package deal, one of which is a huge discount on those guest books you might’ve seen at our booth. This promotion is valid for all bookings within the next month (until October 25th, 2008). Just a friendly note that most of the popular dates in 2009 between May and September are filling up rather quickly! Please contact me for details on this special deal :).

And now the winner of the Wedding Salon giveaway…it’s Betsie and her fiance Andy! Congratulations guys, on winning the grand prize and also for being engaged and getting married! We’ll be contacting you with all the details. To everyone else, please don’t hesitate to let me know if you’re interested in my special Wedding Salon photography package deal. Thank you and congratulations to you all!

Earlier today, Betty of Type A Planning and I had our Wedding Salon bridal show at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The event was jammed packed with some really awesome guests! We had a great time meeting brides-to-bes and their guests. Betty did an AMAZING job planning this show for both of us and decorating the booth. She had some help from some wonderful vendors: Cards de Luxe, Fleuretica, Lounge Appeal, and Wildflower Linens. Both Betty and I would like to thank them for providing their products for our booth. We look forward to working with you again in the very near future!

First and foremost, I just want to extend an extra special thank you to everyone that helped Betty and me today (my awesome parents, Solana, Betty’s husband Raymond, and Betty’s sister Angela). I also want to thank some of my 2009 brides that showed up with their significant other and/or friends – Alicia/Austin, Sarah, Sonia, Soraya/Viral, Emily, and Ivette. Sorry I wasn’t able to talk to you a bit longer, but it means the world that you were all able to make it! I can’t wait to photograph your wedding/e-session. Also, to all my 2008 couples, none of this would be possible if it weren’t for each and every one of you giving me the privilege and pleasure of doing what I love most. My first year in the wedding photography business has been more than I could’ve ever imagine thanks to you all.

If you’re a bride I met at the show and are checking out this blog for the first time, thank you a ton for stopping by my booth (I know there’s a lot of thank yous going around, but I truly mean every single one). To my new guests from the Wedding Salon bridal show, please enjoy your stay here, and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to inquire about my photography services for your wedding day :). I already heard from a few of you via e-mail earlier tonight and will be responding very, very soon! We’ll also be announcing the winner of the grand prize gift-away in the next day; so please stay tuned to my blog as well as Betty’s. In the mean time, here are photos of our booth setup and the wonderful folks that helped Betty and me out:

Dad, mom, and I:

Betty with her husband Raymond:

Now Betty with her sister Angela:

Lastly, the dynamic duo for the evening; running our own businesses but also working closely together to bring quality planning and photography services!