Ceremony and reception locations: Laguna Cliffs Resort And Spa in Dana Point, CA

Planner and coordinator: ME Events & Design

Make-up artist and hair stylist: Chiali Meng Wedding Makeup

Someone once told me that if you make your business about helping others, you’ll always have work. Last week was extra special to me, as it marked my very first international wedding photography workshop. And it was only fitting to have it in London, England, the very first out-of-country place I went to (back in 1998) after immigrating to the states 20+ years ago. The best part of the workshop was meeting new friends and sharing with them my 4-year experience as a wedding photographer. After stopping in VA for a wedding and then in DC for a few portrait sessions, I flew across the Atlantic for the workshop :).

Everyone from the attendees and couples who modeled for us to the make-up artist and staff at The Hoxton Hotel, where the event took place, were wonderful. Like the one back in March, this workshop was also two days. And even then, we barely had enough time to cover all the material and do the shoot. Nevertheless, I had a blast with everyone from 8AM all the way until 10PM+ both nights. In particular, I really liked having a small group of attendees, as it gave me the chance to know each individual and their own business model.

Special thanks to Liesl Cheney who made all of this possible, her dear friends Karin + Geoff and Nikki + Tom for being awesome models, Eloise for doing an amazing job with the make-up, and to Ross Dean of Photo Night Live and Claudia Carter of Photography Events for helping me spread the word to the UK community. Below are some behind-the-scene and “final results” shots. I didn’t take as many photos as I normally would (when at a wedding) as I wanted to do more instructing and have the attendees do the shooting. Thanks again everyone for welcoming me with open arms and giving me the opportunity to share with you what I love so much :). As far as the next workshop? Perhaps in 2012? We shall see :).

Venue: Hoxton Hotel in London, England

Models: Karin + Geoff and Nikki + Tom

Make-up artist: Eloise

Dress: Lisa Redman supplied by Luella’s Boudoir

Life sure is full of surprises, and some of them are last minute, filled with the most precious kind of love – that of family, between husband and wife, and parents and children. I flew out to the VA/DC area last weekend to shoot a wedding (will be blogging that tomorrow!), and long story short, ended up having Sunday morning free before heading out to London for my wedding photography workshop later that evening. One of my closest family friends the Guptas, and new friends the Sethis, asked if I could do a family portrait session that morning.

When it comes to photographing the love of a family, no matter what, you just can’t say no :). This was the third straight year (2009 and 2010) that I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Guptas. It’s been so wonderful seeing Reena and Atul every October and watching young Aashna grow from a baby to a beautiful young girl. And last year, the Guptas added a second child in Arya to the family! We kid that if I’m still able to walk when I’m 50+, I’d love to have the opportunity to photograph Arya and Aashna’s weddings. Hopefully I won’t be too old of a fart and out of style by then ;).

In addition to seeing Reena, Atul, Aashna, and Arya again, I had the opportunity to FINALLY meet Ami, her husband Nitin, and their three adorable kids Aanika (3 years old), Aaruv (1 year old), and recently born Ekta (just 2 months!). We were supposed to do a portrait session back in 2009 and 2010 but sadly it was raining the first time in DC and scheduling was difficult the second time around. But the third time was definitely the charm! Along with the help of Ami’s brother Raj, I had a BLAST hanging out with the Guptas and Sethis and going crazy with the camera last Sunday morning.

Thank you all SO much for taking the time to drive out to the DC area for the morning photo shoot. The Guptas actually drove out 2+ hour that morning from the Richmond, VA area to meet me at a park around 7:30AM. And the Sethis made some last minute changes to their Sunday morning plans to squeeze in some time for the shoot. All the kids were such troopers…it’s already difficult asking adults to stay focused and smile for a few minutes, imagine asking these little ones to do that for nearly 3 straight hours :P. To the Guptas and Sethis, I’m truly grateful for your hospitality, the love you all have for each other is absolutely beautiful. I hope to see you all again next October ;). Four years in a row right?

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!

Ceremony location: Korean United Methodist Church in McLean, VA

Reception location: Maggiano’s Restaurant in McLean, VA