Melissa + Stanley’s Engagement Session – From Yucca plants and a miniature bicycle statue to fire sticks and totem poles, I had an amazing time hanging out with M + S yesterday afternoon. Along with Melissa’s brother Matthew, who was a trooper for providing a helping hand, we spent four hours yesterday acting like kids without a care in the world again. We stopped by UCLA for a few architectural/modern shots before heading out to the mountains and beaches of Malibu.
As Stanley was driving (we carpooled), I asked Melissa a bit more of how they met and when the l-o-v-e connection really started to take place. She’s from Chicago and came out to LA after her parents move here, while Stanley grew up in So Cal. After a few “suggestions” :P by family members to Melissa on how she might want to consider hanging out with new people, one of which being Stanley, they hit it off and got to know each other quite well.
Over the last three years, Melissa and Stanley have done things most couples never even think about (Stanley is very much into the outdoors and is one of the main reason why I got a bike the other day; also thanks to him :P). From hiking and watching movies to traveling and para-gliding (as well as a bunch of other activities most of us would freak out over), M + S are now ready to tackle the next big step in life together. See you guys again very soon and thank you so much for a wonderful time yesterday!
Angela + Michael’s Engagement Session – They both live in the valley of Southern California and met at a small pub a few years ago. Rumors has it that it was actually Angela that initiated things with Michael, but I could be wrong :P. Then shortly afterward, they had their first date at a Calabasas Starbucks. Fast forward to last September, Michael proposed to Angela at the happiest place on earth, Disneyland!
And this past Sunday for the e-session, we took a trip down memory lane. Angela and Michael took me to the pub they met at, the Starbucks they had their first date at, and although we skipped Disneyland, we had a chance to explore a local shopping center, Malibu Creek State Park, and El Matador Beach.
We saw some rather interesting people/things along the way, like Big Boy from Power 106 heading into a Rite Aid, supposedly a rattlesnake in the bushes of the park, and whales/dolphins/high-tides at the beach. That along with Angela and Michael’s wonderful personality made the shoot and the car ride in between (we carpooled) a super fun experience (minus the rattlesnake rumor).
I distinctly remember getting an e-mail from Angela last Fall, not too long after she got engaged. And I was so thrilled that she was already set on having me document her wedding this October well before we spoke on the phone or met in person. Here’s some of my favorites from this past Sunday, see you guys again very soon!
On Saturday evening, I had the pleasure and honor of documenting Maggie and Cowboy’s very intimate engagement dinner at Bouchon Bistro in Beverly Hills. Fourteen of their closest family and friends gathered with Maggie and Cowboy around the long, rectangular table for laughs, drinks conversations, and amazing food.
About a month or two ago, I got an e-mail out of the blue from Maggie, inquiring about my photography services for her engagement dinner. A few weeks later, I met her and Cowboy at my studio, where they shared with me their relationship story and wedding plans.
Although I’m bummed I won’t get to photograph their destination wedding next March in the South part of Florida, I felt so privileged to be a part of their engagement dinner. The service was top notch at Bouchon. They even had a little surprise for Maggie, Cowboy, and all the guests – a tour of Thomas Keller’s kitchen (where all the magic happens!). And what a kitchen it was!
Thank you Maggie, Cowboy, and all your wonderful guests for inviting me to such a memorable event. Here are some of my favorite candids and details from the dinner, enjoy!
Tali + Moshe’s Wedding: 6/1/2010 – Who needs weekend weddings when you can have a blast on a Tuesday? And what better way to start the month of June than partying with Tali and Moshe’s Jewish wedding? I met these crazy kids through two other crazy kids Julie and Ken. And if you look closely at J + K’s wedding pics, you might see T + M dancing their heart out in one of them ;).
So if you’re ever looking to have a seriously good time at a party, then Tali and Moshe are the friends you definitely want to take. Their wedding at the Malibu West Beach Club was super casual, stress-free, and downright FUN. Tali joked with me the entire day on if I really needed to take photos of her wedding :P. While I think Moshe wanted to spend a few more minutes on the beach and possibly even jump in the water for a shot or two (TTD anyone?).
I absolutely loved Tali and Moshe’s wedding. The Jewish tradition of signing the Ketubah, getting married underneath the Chuppah, and having the Hora dance, coupled with T + M’s awesome personalities made this past Tuesday night beyond memorable. Thank you guys for trusting me to document all the love, laughter, and tears. And never say never to photographing your second wedding in Israel this July 21st ;).
Cermony and reception locations: Malibu West Beach Club in Malibu, CA
Music: DJ Eyal
