Dina + Michael’s Wedding: 7/24/2010 – The ingredients to happiness and love include: USC, family, Coptic Orthodox religion, friends, Lakers, kick-butt wedding party, a beautiful ballroom for nearly 300 guests, memorable toasts, a ton of dancing, live music, and two unforgettable individuals in Dina and Michael. Also, let’s not forget Cal State Fullerton!!!

As some of you might know, my birthday was last Wednesday. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift than to have Dina and Michael’s wedding be the first one I photograph at the age of 27. The day was just filled with so many moments! From the get-go at the getting ready, where literally nearly twenty girls got ready, to the Coptic Orthodox ceremony (my very first and boy was it fun!), where even the priests take photos and I’m allowed to walk up right to Dina and Michael for pics :), to the portraits, where the bridal party was great to work with, to finally the reception, where everyone brought the house down.

It’s wonderful couples like Dina and Michael that keep inspiring me to do what I do. I have to pinch myself everyday making sure all of this isn’t too good to be true; not because of what I do, but because of who I get to do it for. Dina is one of the sweetest girls ever, whom I met through Allison and Josh (SO GOOD to see you guys again and congrats on the baby girl!).

And I clicked with Mike the second I met him. He’s a great guy that not only takes care of Dina, his family, and friends, but also me, making sure I’m fed, offering to take me out to dinner countless times, and not rubbing in the fact that the Lakers won the title jk ;). Both Dina and Michael have always treated me like a friend and not just a photographer. So it gave me so much more meaning to capture their day this past Saturday.

I know this isn’t goodbye and we’ll be talking to each other very soon, but I’m definitely going to miss you guys! Thank you both from the bottom of my heart. And just for “old time” sakes, I’d like to say, “RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!” Congrats Dina and Michael!

Ceremony location: Archangel Michael Church in Santa Ana, CA

Reception location: Irvine Hyatt Regency Hotel in Irvine, CA

Florist: Bella Fiore

Pastries: Chocolate Delights

Music: Platinum Peaks Entertainment

Transportation: White Knight International