Daria + Ryan’s Wedding: 11/6/2011 – Before I went out of town, I had the privilege of photographing two very special individuals’ big day. Daria and Ryan held a beautiful, intimate ceremony and reception at Tivoli Terrace in Laguna Beach. What started out as a gloomy, rainy day quickly turned into a gorgeous, clear sky afternoon and evening when I arrived at The Balboa Bay Club and Resort for the getting ready part of the day (the streak of non-rainy weddings for me continues!).

You won’t find a couple that’s more dear and simply nice than Daria and Ryan. It was so much fun documenting Daria get ready with her two bridesmaids and meeting her mom, aunts, and uncle from across the Atlantic in Germany and Poland. She told me about what a salt and bread ceremony is, their honeymoon plans, and just a bit more about herself and Ryan. And speaking of Ryan, he was all smiles during the first look, and even got a bit emotional during the ceremony.

The entire day was filled with so much love and emotion. And when you have an intimate wedding, you know every guest at the wedding is extra special to Daria and Ryan. Huey of Platinum Peaks helped get the party started, as both Ryan and Daria had a surprise song + dance performance for one another. From folks throwing up their hands like they didn’t care to doing a dance train, I had a blast photographing everyone having a good time :).

Thank you Daria and Ryan, you’re one of the most caring and fun couples I’ve ever worked with, and certainly the only bride and groom that actually asked me to take a photo with DURING the family formals, what an honor! Hope you two enjoy Costa Rica, make every day of your life, just like your honeymoon, really, really count! Congrats and please enjoy the sneak peek!

Ceremony and reception locations: Tivoli Terrace in Laguna Beach, CA

Music: Platinum Peaks Entertainment

Christine + Richard’s Wedding: 11/5/2011 – Love was certainly in the air as well as in the hearts of those who attended Christine and Richard‘s memorable big day this past weekend. They were the first couple to book me last year. Fast forward 18 months later, we finally have Christine and Richard tying the knot at the ever-so-beautiful St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Pasadena, and having an amazing reception down the block at the historic Castle Green venue. Along with my partner in crime Brian Fletcher, we had a blast documenting this special occasion.

There were so many unforgettable moments, some of my favorites were witnessing Christine and Richard paying tribute to Christine’s dad and showing lots of love/respect for their moms during the ceremony. Both come from a very small family, but the room was filled with so many friends that have all played a special part in Christine and Richard’s life. From the Godparents and sponsors to old friends and co-workers, everyone was there to celebrate the next chapter of these two wonderful individuals. On top of everything, I just love seeing how happy Christine and Richard were. They were super duper easy-going and made the photo-taking part of the day so much fun for me.

Christine was all smiles and joking around as Richard was his a calm, cool self. The bridal party was awesome to work with, as they provided quite a bite of laughs, especially the guys (burritos and um, “hanging out” by the church fountain :P). Also, special shout out to the wedding coordinator Louie Cantal for doing an outstanding job and making sure the day was running smoothly. It felt like I was working with an old friend and sharing some laughs the entire day. And of course, biggest thank to Christine and Richard for choosing me to document everything!

Ceremony location: St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Pasadena, CA

Reception location: Castle Green in Pasadena, CA

Coordinator: Louie Cantal

Joyce + Dennis’ Wedding: 10/29/2011 – It’s been nothing but a pleasure working with Joyce and Dennis. Not only are they super duper nice and easy going, but they know how to throw an amazing party! The 13+ hour day felt like minutes as we went from the getting ready and tea ceremony to the catholic ceremony, portraits, and reception. I really couldn’t have asked for a more care free couple. Despite the long day, Joyce and Dennis were all smiles to all their guests, the cameras, and most importantly, to each other. The church that Joyce and Dennis got married at was one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen. It felt like we weren’t in Southern California but instead somewhere in Italy!

And I love how the bridesmaids definitely gave Dennis and his groomsmen a run for their money with the tea ceremony games. From having Dennis put on lipstick and kiss his guys to wearing a purple wig and doing some crazy dance moves, let’s just say the morning activities were certainly memorable :). Thanks again Joyce and Dennis for being so wonderful from the moment we started chatting. I had an amazing time documenting the many memorable moments of your wedding. Enjoy your honeymoon and this sneak peek of photos :).

Ceremony location: St. Denis Catholic Church in Diamond Bar, CA

Reception location: NBC Seafood Restaurant in Monterey Park, CA

Make-up artist and hair stylist: Chiali Meng Wedding Makeup

Melissa + Sam’s Wedding: 10/22/2011 – It’s one thing to shoot a beautiful wedding in late October (my favorite time of the year!), it’s another if the bride is one of your favorite planner friends. I’ve had the huge pleasure and privilege of working with Melissa, and her partner in crime Elsa, the past year and a half. When she asked me last October to photograph hers and Sam’s big day, I was beyond excited and honored. And it’s crazy how fast time flies, as this past Saturday, Mel and Sam tied the knot in front of all their loved ones at Bella Collina in San Clemente, CA.

You couldn’t have asked for a more memorable wedding. When the bride is a planner, her matron of honor is also a planner, and they have two of their associates coordinating the big day, you know things will be in good hands :). I loved all the details from Melissa and Sam’s wedding (more on that in another post), but what stood out the most was how every amazing feeling in the emotion spectrum was felt this past weekend.

From Sam and the guys goofing off and Mel and the girls being super sweet to the unforgettable toasts by Elsa, Jessica (who I believe introduced Mel and Sam to one another during their days at Cal Poly SLO), and Sam’s brother Daniel…and not to forget the hilarious dancing moves by everyone…this wedding truly had a bit of everything. Plus it warmed my heart seeing the big smiles on the faces of both Mel and Sam’s parents. Heck, even Mel’s parents showed the newlyweds how to really make out during the reception ;).

I just love the feeling at a wedding when I barely have enough time to take a breather or even put my camera down for a second, as there’s always something interesting going on. Thank you so much Mel and Sam for your hospitality, trust, and friendship. You really made me feel like a friend showing up to your wedding with my camera than a vendor. I’m so grateful to not only get a chance to work with Mel at weddings but also now document her big day.

And Sam is definitely one of the funniest but also classiest grooms I’ve ever met. His humor got the entire crowd laughing and his thank you speech touched the hearts of all (including yours truly as Sam took the time to thank the vendors as well). And let’s not forget his awesome singing skills towards the end of the night :D. Congrats Mel and Sam on a new home, on being Mr. and Mrs., and starting the next chapter of your life. Hope you guys enjoy the sneak peek!

Ceremony and reception locations: Bella Collina in San Clemente, CA

Planner and coordinator: ME Events & Design

Make-up artist and hair stylist: Chiali Meng Wedding Makeup

Videographer: Studio 205 Films