Jean + Jeffrin’s Wedding: 4/10/11 – As we packed up our gear and put it in my car’s trunk, I told my good photographer friend Jaemi Suh, who second shot with me on the back-to-back weddings, how I wished I had the entire day to hang out and photograph Jean and Jeffrin. This past Sunday was the first of a few things for me, as we only covered two hours of the wedding, from the first look to the end of the ceremony with some formals/portraits.

But within that two hours, I felt enough happiness, love, and emotion from Jean and Jeffrin to last a lifetime. Jeffrin is a true gentleman in every sense of the word. When we all pulled up to the Father Serra Cross Park on top of the Ventura County hills, he greeted me with a huge smile and hand shake, followed by the introduction of his beautiful mom and sister’s family.

We then drove down to Ventura’s city hall, where the absolutely gorgeous Jean awaited her future husband for the first look. To try and explain the look on their faces when they saw each other and how truly happy Jean and Jeffrin were would be impossible. As I stood a few feet from them photographing the first look, I couldn’t help but pause for a second and just enjoy that moment with them. It was simply surreal and classic.

I can’t thank Jean and Jeffrin enough for inviting me into their lives and allowing me to document their intimate wedding ceremony. It’s something I’ll never take for granted, but going from complete strangers to being there on the biggest day of their lives is a feeling that can’t ever be replaced. Whether it’s a 15+ hour day or 2-hour coverage, I feel truly blessed to do what I do. Much love and luck on your new life together Jean and Jeffrin, congrats!

Ceremony and reception locations: Father Serra Cross Park in Ventura, CA

Joanne + Rob’s Wedding: 4/9/2011 – Has it already been over 9 months since I first met Joanne and Rob? Time sure flies! But that was the last thing I wanted this past Saturday, when it seemed like every second of Joanne and Rob’s big day was filled with laughter, tears, and timeless moments. It was truly 8+ hours of non-stop, adrenaline rush FUN.

Everything from the getting ready to the reception was at the beautiful Doubletree Hotel in Santa Barbara. You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day, as the sunny yet cool weather of Santa Barbara set the scene for Joanne and Rob’s wedding. Everyone from the bridal party to the parents (and even grandma!) were such a pleasure to meet and photograph.

How can you top a wedding where the wedding party wore some “accessories” and made their way into the ballroom on choreographed dances, a slideshow that looked like an epic Oscar movie from Hollywood, a Power 106 DJ that totally rocked the evening, toasts where the best man actually hid behind the groom and the maid of honor rapped to a Drake song, and grandma going all out on the dance floor while sporting a pair of Converses?

And as if it couldn’t have gotten any better, you have one of the most awesome couples to work with in Joanne and Rob. Seriously, I couldn’t have asked for a more chilled, easy-going, and FUN FUN FUN bride and groom than these two. Perfect example was when Joanne actually asked if I wanted to drink during the getting ready and Rob always making sure I was having a good time. Thank you both so much for having me as your photographer, I hope you enjoy your honeymoon to Maui and this sneak peek :).

Ceremony and reception locations: Santa Barbara Doubletree Hotel in Santa Barbara, CA

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

Florist: Bella Fiore

Cake and pastries: Jay’s Catering

Churro stand: Victor Sanchez

DJ: P-Jay

Audrey + Mark’s Wedding: 4/2/2011 – A wedding is supposed to be fill with lots of joy, laughter, tears, and all sorts of timeless moments. Well, take that, multiply it by about a million, and you just might start to get a glimpse of how truly spectacular Audrey and Mark‘s big day was.

So much that the first thing I did when I got home last night was download all the images and started going through them (well, after I had a late dinner, watched the replay of the Clippers’ win over the Thunder, and an episode or two of Entourage, so more like sometime around 3AM :P). I just knew I didn’t want to wait an extra second to blog this amazing wedding, as it was one of my all-time favorites!

As beautiful as the Oneonta church ceremony and reception at Athenaeum were, it was the individuals of Audrey and Mark’s wedding and the myriad of raw, true, and simply heartfelt emotions they showed that I absolutely LOVED. As I sit at my computer and write this entry 24 hours later, I can’t help but get excited thinking about all the wonderful moments I had a chance to witness and capture…

From Audrey’s mom shedding tears of joy and holding onto Audrey’s hands during the getting ready, to one of the groomsmen Ching making all the girls laugh during the portraits, to the beautiful voices of bridesmaid Jasmine and MOH Jodie (who also delivered an amazing toast) echoing the walls of the church, to Audrey and Mark giving flowers and hugs to their parents (my absolute favorite moment of the day and always a tearjerker), to their rockin’ choreographed first dance and the wildest dance moves by all the guests…it was like being in a photography playground for me. There was something interesting to capture every second of the wedding day.

I just want to give a shout out to a few folks, who made the day even that much more memorable for me. To Amanda and her team at Fresh Events Company for coordinating a flawless day and making sure all the details looked beautiful; to Jasmine Lee (bridesmaid) for introducing me to Audrey and Mark (thank you!); to probably my favorite groomsman Ching (you were so awesome to Brian and me the entire day and we really, really appreciate that); to all the guests that let loose on the dance floor, yay to crazy dance shots!

And of course, the biggest shout out/thank you goes to Audrey and Mark. You guys have been my dear friends from the second I met you, thank you for always treating me like one as well, and for being patient with me as I bugged you a few too many times yesterday for portraits ;). I hope you enjoy going through your wedding photos as much as me. Here’s a sneak peek for now!

Ceremony location: Oneonta Congregational Church in South Pasadena, CA

Reception location: The Athenaeum in Pasadena, CA

Coordinator: Fresh Events Company

Make-up artist and hair stylist: Kelly Zhang

Florist: Le Petit Gardenia

DJ and MC: 11H Entertainment

Cotton candy machine: Tasty Clouds

Suzanne + Joseph’s Wedding: 3/19/2011 – It’s remarkable individuals and their big day like Suzanne and Joseph‘s that make you all giddy to go through their wedding photos and blog it 24 hours later at 3AM :). After all, how can one sleep when you’re mind is still fresh from all the big and small moments from yesterday?

It was Joe’s soft spoken voice and kind-hearted personality…it was Suzanne’s beautiful smile and sense of humor, that brought the entire day to life. From the hustle and bustle of the getting ready to the church ceremony, and from the awesome wedding party that gave me so much time to take photos to the many activities during the reception, I had a great time capturing everything.

Special shout out to Yolanda and Hanson for introducing me to Suzanne and Joe (you guys are simply way too wonderful!). Plus it was so much fun working with a star-studded line-up of vendor friends! Congratulations to Suzanne and Joe, I hope you guys enjoy your honey in Europe (super jealous :P). Enjoy the sneak peek!

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

Reception location: Universal City Hilton Hotel in Universal City, CA

Coordinator and stationery: NOZZA Studio

Make-up artist and hair stylist: Kelly Zhang

Florist: Bella Fiore

DJ and MC: The Dance Syndicate

Entertainment: Lion Dancers

Photo booth: Shutter Box Photo Booth