Christine + Dan: 8/20/2011 – It’s pretty safe to say Christine and Dan had one of the craziest weddings ever, so much that I don’t think I can post some of the reception photos! They and their friends definitely knew how to throw a party and bring the roof down, so to speak. I had a blast driving up to Santa Barbara this past weekend with my good friend/colleague Vince and documenting Christine and Dan’s super intimate yet really grand wedding!

Words can’t begin to describe how wonderful Christine, Dan, and their loved ones were to me. So much they insisted at least a dozen (not exaggerating) times that I drink and dance with them. I already felt honored being their photographer, but more so after they Christine and Dan treated like like a friend from the moment I saw them (Christine asked if I wanted a drink 15 minutes after I started shooting!). It just shows how caring and fun this amazing couple is.

Only a beautiful courthouse for the ceremony and gorgeous Santa Barbara scenery on the roof of the Canary Hotel for the reception could’ve been the perfect backdrop for Christine and Dan’s magical day. Their family and friends poured endless love for them; from the heartfelt toasts to “memorable” :P dancing that took place…thank you Christine and Dan for trusting me to photograph your wedding! Enjoy your African safari honeymoon…WOW!

Ceremony location: The Historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Barbara, CA

Reception location: Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara, CA

Planner, coordinator, and designer: Percy Sales Events

Jenny + Albert’s Wedding: 8/14/2011 – Some of my loved ones asked me if I ever get tired from shooting weddings, wished I had my weekends free, or even lose the passion for my own. The truth is it is tiring and most times also stressful, but when you work with wonderful individuals like Jenny and Albert, you’ve no problem giving your all to them. It’s really the least I can do for how much confidence and faith they’ve put into me; and I certainly wouldn’t want to be anywhere else this past Sunday than documenting Jenny and Albert’s wedding.

What I loved so much about Jenny and Albert’s wedding, besides getting to work with them (as they truly are one of the kindest, sweetest, and easy-going couples I’ve ever met), is how intimate, heartfelt, and memorable their day was. Everyone from the wedding party and parents to the guests and officiant played such a huge part in creating a magical day for this awesome couple!

I still can’t believe Jenny and Albert had an A-MA-ZING first dance, where he picked her up and spun her around a few times. But not to be outdone was the father-daughter dance, most definitely one of the best ones ever, as Jenny and her dad had a choreographed hip-hop type routine planned for all the guests. Plus, some of Jenny and Albert’s friends were a riot during the end of the evening, as I couldn’t stop laughing and shooting them!

The day couldn’t have been more smooth and fun for me. The 8+ hours Jared and I were there flew by like minutes! From the time I had for portraits to the lighting of the ceremony and reception, I enjoyed every moment of Jenny and Albert’s big day. Thank you both so much for trusting me to be your photographer, and have a blast in…SWITZERLAND, the #1 place I want to go to right now. Super jealous! :). Safe travel you two!

Ceremony and reception locations: Hartley Botanica in Somis, CA

Make-up artist and hair stylist: Kelly Zhang

Tara + Kevin’s Wedding: 8/13/2011 – They say everything happens for a reason, like how Tara and Kevin met one another, but also how I met them. Thanks to Tara’s sister Erin, who entered this wonderful couple into my Japan relief wedding photography contest earlier this year, I was able to meet Tara and Kevin and photograph their big day.

After meeting them, photographing their engagement session, and documenting their wedding, it’s no surprise how truly wonderful Tara and Kevin are. The outpouring of love from their family and friends was contagious, especially from their parents, siblings, and even the most adorable nieces and nephews. And it was a blessing to be treated like a guest from the second I got to the venue. Speaking of the venue, Tara and Kevin couldn’t have made the day anymore fun and easy for Vince, my second shooter, and I.

Everything from the getting ready and ceremony to the portraits and reception was at Hotel Seven4one in Laguna Beach. It was super convenient how I could just go from one room to another and capture the guys and girls getting ready, go downstairs to where the ceremony was going to be at, and hop on outside to capture some portraits. Also, for the reception, this was the first time ever where there was no regular sit-down tables/chairs set up. Instead, the 100+ guests ate appetizers, had cupcakes, and tacos later at night, but spent the majority of time mingling and dancing!

I can’t thank Tara and Kevin enough for inspiring me in so many ways. They’ve, along with their family and friends, filled the hotel with so much love that I couldn’t stop shooting all day long! I drove home from Laguna Beach hoping that more weddings will be like Tara and Kevin’s – the happiness, laughter, tears, and most definitely love! And lastly, I gotta give Kevin major, major thumbs up for saying (something like) the following, “‎I waited my entire life for you. So waiting another 10 minutes won’t be a problem at all.” during his vows to Tara. Love it, congrats you two!

Ceremony and reception locations: Hotel Seven4one in Laguna Beach, CA

Planner, coordinator, and stationery: NOZZA Studio

Florist: Bella Fiore

Patricia + Mark’s Wedding: 7/30/2011 – Wow! Patricia and Mark definitely know how to throw a wedding! From 450+ guests and a rockin’ live band to beautiful details/decorations and amazing toasts by the dads and MOH/BM, my associate Jaemi and I had a blast capturing every moment of it.

I started the day with Patricia and the girls at her parents’ house capturing the getting ready while Jaemi hung out with Mark and the guys at the Westin Hotel in Long Beach. Afterward, we had the Catholic ceremony at St. Cornelius, followed by the spectacular reception (also at the Westin). We couldn’t have asked more a more awesome bridal party and bride/groom.

The day was filled with non-stop excitement, tears, joy, and laughter. At times, things seemed a bit hectic, but the amazing planning/coordinating team of Simply Sweet Weddings, led by Holly, did a fantastic job making sure everything ran smoothly (great working with you Holly!). As with many weddings, what I loved most about Patricia and Mark’s were the heartfelt toasts by their dads, Matrons of Honor, and Best Man. Each one was written and spoken perfectly, and had many in tears.

Plus the dancing with a live band, crepe table (yes a crepe table!), wedding + groom cake, a huge piece of steak for dinner, and an out-of-the world backdrop photo-shoot type photo booth made Patricia and Mark’s wedding that much more fun and memorable! Thank you both for choosing me to photograph your day, enjoy Hawaii…party hard!

Ceremony location: St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Long Beach, CA

Reception location: Westin Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach, CA

Coordinator: Simply Sweet Weddings

Florist: Parasol of Design

Videographer: American Cinema

DJ: DJ Funk

Entertainment: West Coast Music

Lighting: Platinum Peaks Entertainment

Linens: BBJ Linens

Transportation: Platinum Limousine