Weddings | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer | Orange County Wedding Photographer

Category Archives: Weddings

Allison + Nathan :: Hawthorne Ayres Hotel Wedding Photos

10/14/2010 | Weddings

hawthorne ayres hotel wedding photography

Allison + Nathan’s Wedding: 10/10/2010 – This past Sunday’s wedding was the first of many for me. Not only was the date 10/10/10, but I had the distinct honor of photographing one of my best wedding photographer friends’ wedding. Nathan and his beautiful now-wife Allison tied the knot at Ayres Hotel in Manhattan Beach/Hawthone.

Now only was it a pleasure photographing the wedding of two good friends in Allison and Nathan, but I had the chance to work with some of my favorite industry-vendors in Trini Randazzo of NOZZA Studio, who planned and coordinated the big day, and Deanne Ragusa of Bella Fiore, who did all the beautiful floral arrangements. It was simply wonderful to work with a few familiar faces at Allison and Nathan’s wedding.

Speaking of Allison and Nathan, I couldn’t be happier for two people. I’ve been working with Nathan for a few years now, so when he told me earlier this year that he proposed to Allison, I was so happy for him. Nathan is a true class-act, professional, whose always put his clients and his loved ones first. And Allison is such as sweetheart. You couldn’t have asked for a more awesome bride, as she laughed, cried, and danced her heart out.

It’s always humbling to photograph people you know, but more so someone that does the same thing that you do for a living. I was shocked, excited, and a bit nervous when Nathan asked me to be his wedding photographer. I could only imagine how Nathan was feeling being on the other side of the camera and how happy he must have been marrying his one true love.

The day was filled with so many amazing moments, with lots of smiles and tears. I loved how Allison and Nathan exchanged gifts via their MOH/BM during the getting ready part, how they paid tribute to Allison’s late-father during the ceremony and reception (holding back tears!), and how Taiko drummers and lion dancers led the entertainment part of the evening. But what made the entire day so special was having a front row seat to all of this. Thanks again Allison and Nathan for giving me such a wonderful opportunity. As happy as you guys are to start the next part of your life together, I’m just as thrilled to be the one to document it.

Ceremony and reception locations: Ayres Hotel in Hawthorne, CA

Planner, coordinator, and stationery: NOZZA Studio

Make-up artist and hair stylist: Susie Chhuor Professional Hair and Makeup Team

Florist: Bella Fiore

Videographer: Visual Masterpiece

hawthorne ayres hotel wedding photography

Jeanette + Mario :: Beatitudes Of Our Lord Catholic Church And Rio Hondo Event Center Wedding Photos

10/12/2010 | Weddings

beatitudes of our lord catholic church and rio hondo event center wedding photography

Jeanette + Mario’s Wedding: 10/9/2010 – What an unbelievable celebration we had on Saturday for Jeanette and Mario‘s big day. It was so wonderful seeing a few familiar faces in the crowd and even behind the cameras, as one of my most awesome couples, whose getting married next month!, Yolanda and Hanson were guests and my favorite cinematographers Alumiq did their amazing work alongside me.

I started the day with the girls getting ready, as Jeanette’s younger sisters, closest friends, and mom helped her put the finishing touches on her beautiful self. During this time, my awesome second shooter Jaemi Suh hung out with Mario and the guys, and we all met up at the Catholic church afterward.

It was a rather warm day in the Downey/La Mirada area but nothing was hotter than the love between Jeanette and Mario :P. Jaemi and I had a blast working with the bridal party and capturing all the unforgettable moments from J + M’s wedding. Congrats again guys, and have a spectacular honeymoon in Spain!

Ceremony location: Beatitudes of Our Lady Catholic Church in La Mirada, CA

Reception location: Rio Hondo Event Center in Downey, CA

Videographer: Alumiq Productions

beatitudes of our lord catholic church and rio hondo event center wedding photography

Melissa + Stanley :: The Vineyards Wedding Photos

10/05/2010 | Weddings

the vineyards wedding photography

Melissa + Stanley’s Wedding: 10/2/2010 – While out of town, I’ve been told that the weather around Southern California has been a bit crazy and unpredictable. One week it was nice and cool, followed by 100+ scorching heat, then a bit of rain afterward. But this past Saturday, the weather folks were so kind to give us a beautiful day for Melissa and Stanley‘s wedding.

The girls got ready at the amazing Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village while the guys hung out also at a nearby hotel to The Vineyards venue in Simi Valley. Every inch of the ceremony and reception location was not only filled with beautiful details but also guests that came from all over the country to celebrate Melissa and Stanley tying the knot.

It was surprising and funny when we set up the first look, which is normally just with myself, the bride, and groom. But we had a large audience watch Melissa and Stanley see each other for the first time on their wedding day. The girls went “awwwww” while the guys, well, were guys :). Every corner we turned, we saw a loved one congratulate Melissa and Stanley. It just showed how much love everyone had for M + S and how excited they were to be a part of their big day.

There were so many personal touches that Melissa and Stanley added to their wedding. For example, on their cake table was a mini-statue of a boy and girl riding a 2-seat bike, something they like to do together. Also, one of Melissa’s bridesmaids, Susie (I hope I got the names right finally!) sang a beautiful song while Melissa and Stanley, as well as their moms, lit the unity candles. And although it was a bit warm during the ceremony (since it was outside), most of the water on people’s faces weren’t sweat but tears.

And the reception was full of surprises, like Melissa and her dad (who apparently “loves” to dance :P), did a surprise Tango performance for the father-daughter dance. Melissa told me beforehand how much this meant to her as her dad put in a lot of effort and time to get every step right. And then guests had the bride and groom sit on chairs as they were lifted up, which always looks fun and a bit nerve-wrecking ;). Finally, when Stanley announced that there was an open bar, well…let’s just say things got even more exciting :).

Enjoy Hawaii guys, thanks again for treating me like a friend from the very time we met to your wedding, for sharing with me your bike/outdoor knowledge (Stanley) and making sure on Facebook that I’m doing okay and getting enough rest (Melissa). Congrats!

Ceremony and reception locations: The Vineyards in Simi Valley, CA

Officiant: The Wedding Buddha

Make-up artist and hair stylist: Theresa Huang Make-Up & Hair Design

Florist: Linda San

Videographer: Couture Cinema

Cake: Skiff’s Cakes

Music: Johnny Tadeo

the vineyards wedding photography

Jenny + David :: Sausalito, CA Wedding Photos

09/27/2010 | Weddings

sausalito wedding photography

Jenny + David’s Wedding: 9/25/2010 – I’ve been sitting here the last 20 minutes trying to find the best words to describe such a perfect couple and experience. This past weekend was more than what words or even photos could describe. If there is a such thing as the pursuit of happiness, then I found it with Jenny and David at their wedding in Sausalito, CA yesterday.

Thanks to one of my very, very first brides and grooms back in June of 2008 Nadia and Zak, I was able to meet Jenny and David. Nadia and Jenny grew up together in Covina. A few years ago, Jenny moved up to the Bay area; one day while trying to move furniture up the steps of her new apartment, she ran into David, and the rest is, well…history :).

You can’t dream of individuals as warming, caring, and simply wonderful as Jenny and David. They’ve treated me like an old friend from the very first e-mail to the last goodbye and hug. As I arrived Friday evening to the wedding venue (where most of the immediate family and some guests stayed at as well), Jenny and David introduced me to their dear family and showed me to my room.

We had a very casual rehearsal dinner that evening where I got a chance to meet and know Jenny and David’s family members. Everyone was so nice! I wished I could give a shout out to every single person, but definitely to the moms, dads, grandparents, uncles, aunts, bridal party, and even the little ones :). They welcomed me with open arms and for that I’m so grateful. I see where Jenny and David get their amazing personalities from :).

The wedding day itself was just stunning and magical. Jenny and David are so easy-going, laid back, but also so fun and original. For example, David got (I kid you not) Nacho Libre-style wrestling masks for his groomsmen and also got them to wear kick-butt brown Converses and grey slacks. Not to be out done was Jenny, who had the coolest yellow shoes and pinwheels bouquets for her girls.

But what I remembered most about their big day was the raw emotion and unforgettable moments. As Jenny put it so perfectly in her speech to all the guests, everyone that was there meant a whole lot to her and David. And speaking of speeches, Jenny’s dad, bridesmaids, and David’s brother aka the best man gave some amazing toasts. Not a single dry eye or a face without a smile in the room!

I can go on and on…maybe it was seeing the parents and grandparents so happy, or Jenny’s dad having the entire family give her away to David, or once again the wrestling masks (I can’t get enough of those!), or just the love David and Jenny have for one another and how it radiates to everyone they interact with…but I know without a doubt September 24th-25th will always have a special place in my heart.

Also, an extra special thanks to my great friend William Kim for flying up to SF and shooting with me and driving back down to LA right after the wedding. Couldn’t have done this without you buddy, we got back around 6AM after I nearly fell asleep on the wheel and drove off the rode half a dozen times (okay not funny :P). Congrats once again to Jenny and David, enjoy your honeymoon in Italy guys!

Ceremony and reception locations: Headlands Center for the Arts in Sausalito, CA

sausalito wedding photography