Allison + Jason’s Engagement Session – After knowing each other for 20+ years (since junior high), fate would finally cross Allie and Jason’s paths for good a few years ago. What a joy it has been getting to know these two. From our initial meeting to their e-session this past week, everything has been so easy-going, relaxed, and fun with Allie and Jason.

They’re love for each other just jumps right out at me and the camera. The way Allie and Jason look at each other and show their affection…it’s so natural and real in every sense of the word. I’m beyond stoked to photograph their big day next month at The Ebell in LA, especially since I’ll get to work with one of my favorite planners in Uyen Nguyen of Sassy Girl Weddings :).

Thank you Allie and Jason for sharing with me a slice of your beautiful life together. Extra brownie points for being big NBA fans :). Hope you like the preview, it’s going to be tough waiting another 7 weeks until your wedding, but I know every minute will be worth it. And rest up for your honeymoon in Zimbabwe, wow! Congrats you two!

Diana + Allen’s Wedding – What a great time it was documenting Diana and Allen‘s memorable day this past weekend! We started the day with a tea ceremony at Diana’s parents’ house followed by a Catholic church ceremony. Allen, better known as Duke among his family and friends, was all smiles and tears the entire day, especially when looking at Diana and standing right beside her. And the future Mrs. Nguyen looked absolutely stunning from her Ao Dai traditional Vietnamese attire to her classic wedding dress.

The 12+ hour day flew by like minutes, as there were countless memorable moments to document. I just loved the way Diana and Allen looked at each other, but also how they paid tribute to their parents during the ceremony and toasts. In addition, the awesome wedding party had quite a unforgettable grand entrance dance, and all of Diana and Allen’s friends playing games on them made the table rounds at the reception a riot.

A special shout out and thank you to my dear friends + clients Hanh and Don for introducing me to D + A. It was great seeing you guys again! And of course, thank you to Diana and Allen for allowing me to capture your beautiful day. On a related note, I do wonder where on earth Allen and his groomsmen got those boxers from. Best moment of the night was when one of them split his pants during a dance off. Classic! Congrats you two, enjoy your honeymoon in Cabos and hope you like the sneak peek :).

Ceremony location: St. Callistus Catholic Church in Garden Grove, CA

Reception location: Pacific Hills Banquet and Catering in Laguna Hills, CA

- Cusco to Ollantaytambo: 2-hour bus ride.

- Ollantaytambo to Aqua Caliente: 2-hour train ride.

- Aqua Caliente to Machu Picchu: 30-minute bus ride.

- Representing Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers on top of Machu Picchu: priceless.

Esther + Sam’s Wedding – I don’t know if my couples know this, but I vicariously live through their happiness on their big day. When someone asks me if it was a great wedding or if I had a fun time photographing it, the #1 criteria I have is if I felt the love. That couldn’t have been more true than at Esther and Sam‘s big day at the beautiful Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey.

Everything from the ceremony conducted by Esther’s dad and brother and the flower girls/ring bearer being super duper adorable to the Korean culture present throughout the day and the parents/grandmas/bridesmaids full of life made every moment so memorable. You also couldn’t have asked for a more AWESOME couple to work with than Esther and Sam. It’s so great when you just connect with them, and they’re not afraid to laugh, cry, and just be downright silly in front of the camera :).

Also, having a professional coordinator or not on your big day is pretty much day and night when it comes to things running smoothly. And when someone like Yingka Chou of Master Plans – Events and Designs is there to ensure that, you know you can focus on just taking photos. Thanks to Yingka, not only did I get to meet and work with Esther and Sam, but had a wonderful time documenting their day without having to rush anything or being a bit stressed out :).

But the biggest thank you goes to Esther and Sam. They’re full of so much life and love, not just for each other, but their family and friends. The way Sam hugged his parents and went around to show respect to the elders…the way Esther helped her mom with her hair and gave those ooberly cool gifts to her bridesmaids…these things show just how truly wonderful Esther and Sam are, and how blessed I feel to have capture their wedding.

Ceremony and reception locations: The Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey Hotel in Marina Del Rey, CA

Planner and coordinator: Master Plans – Events and Designs