Jeanette + Rod’s Wedding: 6/13/2011 – “Follow your heart, love what you do, get to know the people you meet, and life has a way of working around you.” That’s what I’ve been telling myself ever since last Monday when I had the pleasure and privilege of photographing Jeanette and Rod‘s intimate wedding on the beaches of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I wished I could start every Monday with a wedding like this!

Following my heart was pretty easy. When you meet two wonderful people like Jeanette and Rod, who are so caring, loving, and totally easy-going on everything, you’d go anywhere in the world to be a part of their big day. And loving what you do, well, photographing the celebration of a couple and their families coming together…it doesn’t get any better than that! Speaking of families and getting to know the people you meet, Jeanette and Rod’s loved ones were so wonderful to me from the second I met them and said hello.

Getting to know the family and friends of a bride and groom, especially when it’s a destination wedding, is one of the best things ever. Everyone from Jeanette and Rod’s parents, siblings, relatives, and friends were such a joy to meet and photograph. The entire wedding day was a blast! Everything from the intimate feel of the Jewish ceremony to dancing/toasts/flower throwing (yes they had that!) at the reception made each second memorable. Shout out to Randy, Brenda, and Mike for being my honorary assistants and Sam, his wife, and everyone else on the dance floor for putting Jeanette and Rod on the chair and  tossing them in the air ;).

I’ll never forget what Rod said to me during the reception, that he considers me like family and wanted me to enjoy the dinner and evening festivities. People always ask me if I ever sleep, take a breather, or even have a social life. Well, this is my life and when you meet amazing individuals like Jeanette and Rod, you wouldn’t change it one single bit. I really can’t imagine doing anything else in this world. Thank you Jeanette and Rod for filling my heart with so much love and joy. Below are some of my favorite images from their day, but please click here to see a slideshow. I hope you enjoy it!

Ceremony and reception locations: Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort and Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Lisa + Richard’s Wedding: 6/11/2011 – I simply love these two. And there’s no sugar coating or exaggeration needed. Lisa and Richard are very special individuals, not just to me, but to all their family and friends. Around 60 of their loved ones attended Lisa and Richard’s afternoon wedding reception at the gorgeous St. Regis Monard Beach Resort and Spa in Dana Point.

Many tears, laughter, hugs, and kisses filled the eyes and hearts of Lisa, Richard, and their wonderful guests. I absolutely had a BLAST at this wedding. Every single aspect of it made me think how it was so wonderful. Not just because of the beautiful venue and amazing details, but because of the LIFE of the wedding. From the heartfelt speeches and the kids running around to Lisa and Richard getting ready together to 3+ hours of portrait time they gave me…I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.

As I mentioned in their engagement session post, we met one another over a year ago. As fate would have it, the stars aligned and the date worked out where I had the honor of being their wedding photographer. And boy was it an honor, as Lisa and Richard treated me like a guest/family/friend from the second I walked into their hotel room. They gave me 110% freedom to pretty much do whatever I wanted when it came to photography, which I greatly appreciated and am now spoiled by :).

When close friends of Lisa and Richard gave their toasts, they all mentioned how giving and caring they were. I had the pleasure of experiencing that first hand on Saturday, when Lisa and Richard constantly asked if I wanted anything to drink, made sure the waiters served myself and my second shooter (thanks Jove for all your help!) lunch, and trusted me every step of the way when it came to taking photos. To Lisa and Richard, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for coming into my life and reassuring me that what I’m doing is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Your love for each other and others continue to inspire me in many ways. Congrats!

Reception location: St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, CA

Make-up artist and hair stylist: Susie Chhour Professional Hair and Makeup Studio

Karina + Justtini’s Wedding: 6/4/2011 – It was about a year ago when I met Karina and Justtini at my studio. Thanks to Karina’s mom, who works with the mom of one of my June 2008 brides Nadia, I was able to meet this wonderful couple and document their amazing wedding. Karina and Justtini first met one another in Notre Dame during their college years about a decade ago, oh how time flies!

Their slideshow during the reception was filled with so many memorable events, from their childhood all the way up to their engagement. When I arrived at the Westin Hotel to capture Karina and the girls getting ready, it felt like we picked up right at the end of our meeting a year ago. She was all smiles, her bridesmaids were keeping her company, both Justtini’s mom and aunt as well as Karina’s mom were finishing their hair and make-up…I just love how there was so much emotion and life in the room.

Seems like after spending 10+ hours with a bride, groom, their wedding party, and family, you learn so much about them. It feels like going from strangers to long lost friends in just one day. As always, I just loved the interaction between the parents, Karina, and Justtini. It’s always my favorite part of the wedding day, when I get to capture the expressions of mom and dad as they watch their kid start the next chapter of their life. Everything from the toasts by the dads to the dances were so heartfelt.

Compliment that with the sense of humor of the groomsmen, adorable kids running around, and a bride and groom that love to dance (big winner in my books!), and you have a fantastic wedding! To Karina and Justtini, thank you both for making everything, from the very first e-mail to our goodbye hug at the end of the evening, SO MUCH fun and worthwhile! Congratulations!

Ceremony location: St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Pasadena, CA

Reception location: Pasadena Masonic Temple in Pasadena, CA

Coordinator: No Worries Event Planning

Evani + John’s Wedding: 5/29/2011 – What a great day it was capturing Evani and John‘s wedding, congrats guys! Have a blast on your honeymoon :).

Ceremony location: Seventh Day Adventist Church in Corona, CA

Reception location: Huntington Beach Hyatt Regency Hotel in Huntington Beach, CA

Planner and coordinator: NOZZA Studio

Florist: Bella Fiore