Category: Weddings

mclean virginia wedding photography

Michelle + Jonathan’s Wedding: 10/15/2011 – About two weeks ago, I flew out to Virginia, to a small town called McLean, and photographed Michelle and Jonathan‘s wedding. They’re two of the nicest and most easy-going individuals I’ve ever met. From the getting ready to the reception, the whole day felt like I was a guest with a camera more so than the official photographer. And it felt bitter sweet being the only photographer (no second shooter, assistant, or even videographers!).

We started the morning with a super quick getting ready at the Ritz Carlton in Tyson’s Corner, then had a first look, followed by the ceremony at a local church, along with an intimate reception at Maggiano’s down the block. We wrapped up the day with a few more portraits back at the Ritz! Michelle was all smiles the entire day and Jonathan was relaxed and chilled right alongside her. Although everyone, including the wedding party, were super duper tired by the end of the day, they were so patient with me as we all finished up the portraits. Thanks guys for being such troopers!

The amazing Fall weather filled the sky and the love between Michelle and Jonathan filled the hearts of everyone in attendance. There’s always something magical about shooting a wedding on the East Coast. Maybe it’s the scenery, the weather, or just getting a chance to get away from CA. Or maybe it’s the wonderful bride and groom, like Michelle and Jonathan, that made every mile I traveled worthwhile. Thank you both so much for trusting me well before we met. Congrats you two!

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mclean virginia wedding photography

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mclean virginia wedding photography

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mclean virginia wedding photography

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mclean virginia wedding photography

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mclean virginia wedding photography

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mclean virginia wedding photography

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mclean virginia wedding photography

Ceremony location: Korean United Methodist Church in McLean, VA

Reception location: Maggiano’s Restaurant in McLean, VA

 

casa del mar wedding photography

Elaine + Adrian’s Wedding: 10/9/2011 – A few weekends ago, I had the pleasure and honor of documenting two very special individuals’ wedding. Elaine and Adrian tie the knot at the beautiful Case del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica in front of their closest family and friends. Thank you both so much for trusting me to photograph your big day, congrats!

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

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casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

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casa del mar wedding photography

casa del mar wedding photography

Ceremony and reception locations: Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica, CA

Coordinator: Terri Castillo

Make-up artist and hair stylist: Kelly Zhang

 

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

Jessica + James’ Wedding: 10/8/2011 – After shooting a wedding, a special someone always asks me if I felt the love. To me, nothing is more important than feeling and documenting that special thing on a bride and groom’s big day. The dress can be beautiful, the food can taste delicious, the flowers can look gorgeous, and the venue can be epic, but none of that matters if there’s not enough love present at the wedding. It’s more than safe to say that Jessica and James‘ unforgettable day not only had those amazing elements, but the amount of love given and expressed was off the charts!

From the second I stepped into the girls’ getting ready room until the minute I said goodbye to Jessica and James at the end of the reception, I was overwhelmed with capturing one amazing moment after another. The only time I put my camera down the entire day was when I was driving from one location to another (and using the restroom :P), as there was always someone laughing, crying, smiling, kissing, hugging, and just expressing that silly thing called love.

I can seriously go on and on and on and on about the countless memories I had the pleasure and privilege of documenting. Some of my favorites were just how Jessica and Jim looked at one another all day long. How Jessica’s dad was THE funniest person I’ve ever met at a wedding, hands down. I would not be surprised if he has down a few comedy skits ;). Then you have the adorable flower girls and the awesome wedding party. Special shout out to Coco and her husband Lysander, who are dear past clients of mine and were the reason I met Jessica and Jim, thanks guys!

Also, those intimate moments right before the ceremony, when Jessica was spending a few minutes with her dad in the classic car and later putting on her veil, those were some of my favorites. Not to be outdone were Jim and his mom walking down the aisle together; tears of joy filled her eyes every minute of the ceremony. Then you had some of the funniest and downright legendary dancing acts conducted by Jessica, Jim, and all their guests at the reception. Nearly 40% of all the photos I took were between the hours of 8:30-11:30PM, when everyone totally brought the room of the Nixon Library down.

I really can’t thank Jessica and Jim enough for not only trusting me to document their wedding, but just being themselves. The only thing I ask out of my couples on their big day is for them to truly have the time of their lives and not hold back any emotions. I think Jessica and Jim most definitely granted me my wish ;). Thanks again you two, enjoy your honeymoon in Europe!

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pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

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pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

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pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

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pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

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pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

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pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

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pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

pilgrim congregational church and richard nixon library wedding photography

Ceremony location: Pilgrim Congregational Church in Pomona, CA

Reception location: Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, CA

Coordinator: Agape Planning

Make-up artist and hair stylist: Kelly Zhang

 

renaissance long beach hotel wedding photography

Sharon + Jaemi’s Wedding: 10/1/2011 – There’s no better way to start my favorite month of the year than to photograph not just a wedding photographer‘s big day, but someone I consider a great friend of mine. It’s been a long time coming since I first met Jaemi and heard about his plans to propose to Sharon. Amazing how Twitter connected us and photography + NBA brought Jaemi and I closer together. Feels like it was just yesterday when I first met Jaemi at the WPPI trade show; a few months later, he was assisting me, and while hanging out, Jaemi told me about his then-gf Sharon but how he was going to make her his fiance.

This past Saturday, Sharon and Jaemi invited 150+ of their closest family and friends to celebrate the next chapter in their life, but now as husband and wife. The wedding truly was filled with working with close friends. From Sharon and Jaemi themselves to the wedding coordinator Trini Randazzo, florist Deanne Ragusa, DJ/MC Johnny Mancilla, make-up artist Susie Chhuor, and assistant Vince Ngo…I don’t think I’ve ever worked for/with so many amazing vendor friends! The whole day flew by so quickly, but every minute was filled with memorable moments.

In 4+ years of being in the wedding industry, I’ve only attended one wedding as a guest. Yet, it’s rare for me to shoot a friend’s wedding, especially one that I met not too long ago. It’s with great honor and pleasure that I got to document Sharon and Jaemi’s wedding. They couldn’t have made things more fun for me, as I felt more like a guest with a camera than the official photographer. In addition, their wedding party and parents were such a joy to meet and work with. I joked with Jaemis’ mom, whom I met at this year’s WPPI in Vegas, that I’ll bring my mom next year and all of us can hang out :).

Plus Jaemi’s brother David, along with his cousin Josh and friends from the Bay area, were a riot. From goofing off during the portraits to the after-party madness, it was really great meeting Jaemi’s friends and seeing a different side of him :). Not to be outdone were Sharon and her girls, who were all beautiful and super sweet. Thank you Sharon and Jaemi for not only choosing me to be your photographer, but treating me like a friend from the very beginning. Enjoy your honeymoon, new house, and most importantly, new life together. And Jaemi, I couldn’t be more proud of you!

renaissance long beach hotel wedding photography

renaissance long beach hotel wedding photography

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Ceremony and reception locations: Renaissance Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach, CA

Planner and coordinator: NOZZA Studio

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

Florist: Bella Fiore

DJ and MC: Aftershock Entertainment

 

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