Chanda + Johnny’s Wedding – It doesn’t get any better than documenting two super sweet individuals’ wedding on your birthday. It’s funny when folks ask me why I’m working on my bday and that I should take the day off, but getting to hang out with Chanda and Johnny is everything but work and 100% fun. When you have a couple that treat you like a friend and are just so much fun to be around, the 14+ hours we spent on Saturday felt like a few minutes.

It was such an honor not only documenting their western ceremony and reception in the evening, but also starting out bright and early for their Cambodian one out at Chanda’s parents’ house in Rialto. Several dozen of their family and friends filled up the streets and the parents’ home performing some amazing cultural rituals. It was such a treat witnessing and capturing the Cambodian ceremony (a first for me!).

Chanda and Johnny told me that normally, Cambodian weddings would be several days long with many ceremonies. But they had a “short” version with “only” three outfits/ceremonies. Each one was so unique from the others and it felt like we had three different weddings. After the morning festivities, we headed on over to San Gabriel and later Downtown LA for the getting ready and portraits.

I really couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful to work with. Every time I looked over at Chanda and Johnny, they were so calm, happy, and very accommodating. I felt like I was capturing two friends getting married than just a bride and groom. Chanda was her super sweet self, even asking Charlene and me how our wedding plans were going along. And Johnny, being a photographer himself, made everything easier for me. The small bridal party was also a pleasure to work with, especially the guys Ronald and Sam (shout out to you guys)!

Thanks again Chanda and Johnny for choosing me to capture your magical day, and giving me so much inspiration to do what I love! You guys are serious troopers, especially being up all day Saturday after only two hours of sleep the night before :P. Have a BLAST in Fiji, best of luck and joy to the next chapter of your life together!

Ceremony and reception locations: San Gabriel Hilton Hotel in San Gabriel, CA