Shirley + Spirit’s Wedding – 5/28/2011: Life sure is full of little and big surprises. Having shot their engagement session just two weeks ago, I knew Shirley and Spirit‘s wedding was going to be extra special. Something about them had me convinced that their big day was going to be one of my all-time favorites. And sure enough, this past Saturday, there were countless moments – the tears, smiles, hugs, and laughter made me wish the day could go on forever.

Nothing gets me more excited (and emotional!) than to see a bride and groom in tears, especially when they see each other for the first time on their wedding day. Add to that the intimate moments between Shirley’s parents and herself – simply priceless. Both Spirit and Shirley were all smiles the entire day…smiles that were brighter than the beautiful sun shining upon Lake Oak Meadows in Temecula, CA.

And I have to admit, I rarely cry at weddings, but it was impossible holding back a few tears during the vows and quick tea ceremony (during the regular ceremony). The way Spirit and Shirley spoke about one another was truly beautiful. Then seeing how much Shirley meant to her parents, and Spirit calling his parents on the phone because they couldn’t make it to the wedding, wow…I just lost it there.

To Shirley and Spirit, thank you and all your loved ones for inviting me to your big day and letting me tell your wedding story with my camera. Special thanks to Jared for second shooting and the amazing folks at Visual Masterpiece, Rebecka and Michael, for spending the day with us. It was a blast working with everyone!

Ceremony and reception locations: Lake Oak Meadows in Temecula, CA

Videographer: Visual Masterpiece

Hanh + Don’s Wedding: 5/14/2011 – I’ve come to accept that I’m not very good with words, especially when it comes to describing two amazing individuals’ big day, like Hanh and Don‘s. So hopefully the photos below will do some justice in sharing with you what a blast it was celebrating their wedding this past weekend!

But one thing that I can tell you is how much I’ve enjoyed getting to know Hanh and Don. From the second I met H + D just over a year ago…hearing about how they met, how much they value photography, and how Don is a huge Clippers fan :P, I knew I just HAD to work with them, call it fate or destiny :).

Their big day started bright and early for everyone. Hanh has a big family and most of them were already at her house when I arrived at 8AM. The amazing husband and wife video team of Kelley and Paul of 618 Studios actually started earlier than me. Along with Jared, who second shot with me, us four had a great time working together the next 15+ hours.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the tea ceremony, with Hanh’s family gathering in the living room waiting for Don and his side of the family to arrive with gifts…there was this super sweet, calm, and beautiful bride Hanh waiting patiently for the love of her life Don. At that moment, I just knew the rest of the day was going to be perfect :).

There’s a reason why over 500 guests attended Hanh and Don’s wedding, and their bridal party was filled with so many individuals that mean the world to them. It’s because Hanh and Don mean so much to every single one of them, and it was wonderful seeing everyone come together all under one roof to celebrate the beginning of the next chapter in their love story.

To Hanh and Don, it’s been nothing but a pleasure getting to know you both and working with you. To Hanh, I hope you continue to pursue your passion for (wedding) photography. To Don, I hope we’ll get to watch the Clippers live next season. And to both of you, don’t forget to do both the big and little things in life together, and to grow your love one memorable moment at a time.

Ceremony location: Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fountain Valley, CA

Reception locations: Mon Cheri Restaurant in Anaheim, CA

Coordinator: Beside The Bride

Videographer: 618 Studios

Susan + DeVere’s Wedding: 5/7/2011 – What a special day it was on Saturday, when Susan and DeVere, along with 100 of their closest family and friends, celebrated their big day right here in Long Beach! Guests from literally all over the world flew into Southern California; from Seattle, where Susan and DeVere live and New Jersey to the Carribbean and Ghana, Africa…it was truly amazing witnessing how much they meant to Susan and Devere and vice versa.

Everyone was so wonderful and kind to Jaemi and me. And the bridal party was pretty darn awesome to work with. I don’t think we went more than 10 seconds without laughing at one another, and at times for no apparent reason. Good times guys, good times! And it was touching to see so many of Susan and DeVere’s guests go up to the mic and express how they felt about them in front of everyone.

Funniest one was I think their little cousin, who said something along the lines of “You guys both use Apple products even though you work for Microsoft.” Clever young fella! Also, DeVere delivered an absolutely AMAAAAAZING speech, definitely the best one out of all the grooms I’ve ever heard. He had the entire crowd in tears (minus the photographer of course, but I was definitely crying inside :P). Thanks again Susan and DeVere for trusting me to document your big day, enjoy Jamaica!

Ceremony location: Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in San Pedro, CA

Reception location: Renaissance Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach, CA

Planner and coordinator: NOZZA Studio

Amy + George’s Wedding: 5/1/2011 – The beautiful Langham Hotel in Pasadena set the stage for Amy and George’s memorable wedding this past Sunday, where over 150 of their closest friends and family attended to celebrate the next chapter in their life together.

There were so many wonderful moments that I took away, especially the ones where Amy and George paid tribute to their parents. They even had a tea ceremony during cocktail hour and had all sorts of amazing games and performances throughout the reception.

From the lion dancers and having the best man do push-ups during his toast, the evening entertainment was nothing less than stellar! I was told beforehand that both Amy and George were a shy couple. But it didn’t take long to see their faces light up and their expressions filed with joy when Amy and George saw each other for the first time during the first look.

Special thanks to the ever-amazing planner Uyen Nguyen of Sassy Girl Weddings for referring me to Amy and George and putting together a gorgeous wedding. I’ll be sharing the details in a later post, but for now, here’s a few of my favorite moments from their day!

Ceremony and reception locations: The Langham Huntington in Pasadena, CA

Planner and coordinator: Sassy Girl Weddings

Make-up artist and hair stylist: Kelly Zhang

DJ, MC, and Lighting: TMMPRO