This past evening marked the beginning of my 22nd season as a diehard Clipper fan and the 3rd season shooting the games at Staples Center. I simply love this game and team too much!

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

Was it their award winning first dance? Maybe it was Christine’s brother putting together a video interview of how awesome she is. Perhaps it was the gorgeous church where Christine and Ryan got married. Or how hiliarious (and I seriously mean HILARIOUS) the groomsmen and guests were – you’ve got to see some of the dance competition photos headed by Hans R. Monod de Froideville of Steppin’ Out in Style Entertainment. Wow…so many memorable moments from Saturday’s wedding. I do think Christine putting a piece of the cake on her lips for Ryan to eat off of well, takes the take…literally :).

Christine and Ryan are the type of people you just want to not only know, but be best friends with. They are so kind, humble, sincere, and down to earth. Although I didn’t shoot an e-session with them, I knew we would be very comfortable working with each other from our initial meeting. I could tell how much their family and friends loved Christine and Ryan based on the numerous special things they did for them throughout the whole day, many of which nearly brought tears to my eyes. One special moment that really hit a soft spot in my heart was when Christine’s brother was videotaping her family and friends and asking them to say how much Christine means to them. When it got to her parents, although I didn’t understand the language they were speaking, I felt like I knew what they were saying and meant. It was the look in her dad and mom’s eyes that made it clear how much they love Christine.

Earlier during the ceremony, a group of sponsors and elders went up to the alter and gave their blessings to the couple. During the reception, some of Ryan’s closest friends got together with him and sang some incredible songs. This wedding went “all out”, but in a totally different context than just the details and locations; the family and friends went all out showing how much Christine and Ryan meant to them. I’m truly honored to not only experience, but document, all of these special moments. Special thanks to Hans the MC; he took the time during the reception to publicly thank the photographers and videographers (TK and VK you guys were amazing!) in front of the guests! Now that’s a first. Very classy of Mr. Hans. You are the man and my #1 recommendation for a MC.

Ceremony and reception location: First Methodist United Church in Glendale, CA

Make-up artist: Beauty by Solana

MC/DJ: Steppin’ Out in Style Entertainment

Videographer: JTeam Production

Just over a week ago, I got a call from my good friend and engineering co-worker Vince, whose currently working in the UK. He gave me an offer that I couldn’t refuse; Vince offered to fly me out to Europe and photograph his second engagement session with his lovely fiance Ann. I thought he was pulling my leg at first but shortly found out during our phone conversation that he was dead serious! Seeing how I never do anything exciting during the Winter holidays, what better way to change that than to fly out to Europe, do some sight seeing, take a ton of tourist-ish photos, and photograph a wonderful couple at some amazing places?

So I’ll be in Europe from 12/22 until 1/1, touring the UK (London), Italy (Rome and Naples), and France (Paris). It’s going to be quite a 10-day trip, so I better be ready :). I’ve booked my flight to leave Los Angeles and arrive in London with a quick stop in Houston. Return flight will be from Paris back to LA with a stop in New York. I wished I could stay in NYC for a bit longer but I need to be back for a wedding on 1/3. But I’ll be back there in late January for another e-session! This is all very, very exciting and I have Vince and Ann to thank for (their first e-session I did for them almost a year ago was also my first one). But I want to make sure I have everything taken care of before I leave the US and am prepared for who knows what while traveling for a few days over there :).

I hope to bring back a lot of ideas, inspiration, and just a different yet familiar vibe to my photography heading into my 2009 weddings. Perhaps more so, I think this will be a good opportunity to continue finding who I am as not just a photographer but also as a person. So…if you happen to be reading this from one of the European countries I’m visiting and want to shoot along with me or just kind enough to show me around, I would gladly appreciate your company :). Lunch, dinner, and a ton of photography knowledge are all I can offer. Also, any tips and advice that you can share are greatly appreciated!

Here’s my schedule for now:

12/20: Elizabeth and Dat‘s wedding

12/21: make sure I have everything ready

12/22: Los Angeles to London

12/23-26: London

12/26: London to Rome

12/27: Rome to Naples and back to Rome

12/28-29: Rome

12/29-31: Rome to Paris

1/1: Paris to Los Angeles

1/2: catch up on all the NBA-related news I missed over the holidays haha j/k. To my Clipper family: I’m not going to be able to throw my camera at you know who on 12/31, boo!

1/3: Anna and Lonngren‘s wedding

I’m totally digging how 2008 is going to end and how 2009 is going to start. Thanks again to Ann and Vince for giving me this amazing opportunity. You guys won’t be disappointed in the photos, I promise you :). Cheers!

I got a little special something in the mail from my good wedding photography friends last week, Mae and Michael of Mae Photography. I met them for the first time at Jessie‘s studio a few months ago. Mae, Michael, and I also saw each other while showcasing our work at The Wedding Salon Bridal Show. They are two of the nicest people I know.

Not only do I admire Mae and Michael’s work but also how sincere and genuine they are. They make a great husband and wife team. (or is it the other way around? :P). Thanks guys for sending me the brownie treats. There was quite a bit of sweets so I shared some with my co-workers. Now I know who to put on the top of my referral photographer list lol :P.

Michael took this photo of me at the bridal show; and what a lovely letter by M&M!

Mmmm brownies….