Lynae + Rex’s Wedding: 7/23/2011 – Literally fresh off the camera memory cards is Lynae and Rex‘s wedding from yesterday. I was a bit too anxious to go through the photos last night around 4AM. And with the help of a free Sunday, before you know it, some of my favorite memories from their big day are here on the blog :). In a way, their wedding has a been a long time coming for me, as I met Lynae and Rex during my Clipper days and before I got into weddings back in ’06.

I was so thrilled and honored when they actually asked me to be their photographer, as I thought Lynae and Rex were half kidding when we joked about “back in the day”! And time sure flies, as what started out as a simple hello at UCI, and from what I found out yesterday during the ceremony from Lynae’s brother, Rex trying to be be Mr. Hawaiian surfer ;), led to two individuals finding their perfect partner in each other and tying the knot in front of all their family and friends.

It was also wonderful to see some of the Clipper Spirit dancers again yesterday. And speaking of yesterday, feels that way when they were dancing on the Staples Center floor while I fumbling around with my Rebel XT camera, good times :). Harmony did an amazing job with Lynae’s hair and the rest of the girls danced their heart out on the reception floor. To Lynae and Rex, thank you both so much for staying true to your words and choosing me to document your amazing day. I look forward to hearing where you’ll be going to for your honeymoon and wishing you a lifetime of never-ending adventure and happiness!

Ceremony and reception locations: Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, CA

Coordinator, make-up artist, and florist: Parasol of Design

Nancy + Mirou’s Wedding: 7/16/2011 – In all the weddings I’ve shot the past 4 years, I don’t think I met a bride who was literally all smiles from the moment I saw her at 9AM until the time I left at 11PM. And I’m pretty darn sure there hasn’t been a groom with so much sincerity and class. That’s Nancy and Mirou for you, who lit up their ceremony and reception rooms as well as the hearts of all 300 of their guests with their love and personality.

As I sat here looking through the thousands and thousands of photos Brian and I took, I simply lost count on the number of times Nancy was either smiling, laughing, crying, or simply had that “look” in her eyes; that this was HER day and she was going to marry the man of her dreams. And speaking of the man of her dreams, I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing groom to work with. It’s no surprise his siblings and friends look up to Mirou and his mom is beyond proud of him. When I grow up, I want to be a groom just like Mirou :).

Mirou delivered a speech at the reception that had many in tears, including yours truly. I told him this was only the third time in about 150 weddings that I’ve cried. The way he spoke of his dad, his family and friends, and of Nancy, it was impossible to hold back the tears. And speaking of speeches, I also loved Nancy’s parents’ as well as the MOH Kimberly and Best Man Steve’s toasts. Everyone could feel how much this wonderful couple meant to them.

Nancy and Mirou’s wedding had a bit of everything that made it truly perfect. But what made it extra memorable was how they lived like there was no tomorrow. From the walk down the aisle as they were pronounced husband and wife to how they looked at one another all day long, Nancy and Mirou were true rockstars in my books. Enjoy France (super jealous!)…and enjoy the sneak peek :).

Ceremony and reception locations: Double Tree Hotel in Santa Ana, CA

Mary Ann + Tan’s Wedding: 7/9/2011 – No day is too long when you spend it with wonderful individuals like Mary Ann, Tan, and all their lovely guests. We started things with a tea ceremony in the morning, followed by a Catholic mass ceremony, a quick stop at Sonics (yes the burger place!) for lunch, portraits around Costa Mesa, and ended the fabulous wedding day with a cruise reception along the OC marina.

I had a great time working with Mary Ann and Tan.  They’re one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever met. And both were all smiles the entire day. What I remember most about Mary Ann and Tan’s wedding was how much their guests, all 200+ of them, really cared and loved this amazing couple. From the parents and siblings to friends and colleagues, Mary Ann and Tan meant a lot to every single one of them.

Thank you Mary Ann and Tan for making everything so much fun for me, and giving me the honor of documenting your wedding story. The 13+ hours we spent together felt like minutes, and I cherished every second of it. Enjoy your AMAZING 2-week honeymoon in…Fiji, WOW! Safe travels, have a spectacular time, and continue to create countless memories!

Ceremony location: St. Callistus Catholic Church in Garden Grove, CA

Reception location: Electra Cruises in Newport Beach, CA

Kaye + Chris’ Wedding: 7/3/2011 – Oh why oh why did I only get 8 hours, wait 7 hours, with Kaye and Chris? Not only are they beautiful and handsome inside and out, but Kaye and Chris have a chemistry with one another that is hotter than the Summer weather here in So Cal. To say I had a blast shooting their wedding this past Sunday on a boat would be an understatement!

I have to admit though, I was pretty beat up from traveling and shooting Saturday’s wedding out on the East Coast. Special thanks to my partner in crime Brian Fletcher for shooting with me and making sure I still had a pulse all day long :). But I just knew being tired was the last thing I would be when I saw Kaye and later Chris. Their warm smile (still a debate on who has the bigger smile!) truly makes everyone around them that much happier. And just seeing how happy Kaye and Chris were, along with all their loved ones, made me super excited and honored to capture their big day.

They say great things don’t last long. And although I selfishly wished the yacht would’ve cruised around the Orange County marina throughout the entire evening and night, and that I had much more time to photograph Kaye and Chris (because they truly are one of my most favorite couples), I feel so blessed and thankful for the time that was given to me, as I cherished every second I got to know and work with K + C. Seriously, I’ve never met a bride and groom that were literally, yes LITERALLY, all smiles from beginning to end. Congrats guys, and I hope this isn’t the last time we all get to hang out together :).

Ceremony and reception locations: Charter Yachts Newport Beach in Newport Beach, CA