Archive for June, 2009

{ L + S | Bel Air Bay Club Wedding Photography }

Beautiful details, an elegant backdrop, and the most joyous collection of family and friends made L & S’s wedding an absolutely dreamy occasion! They were married at the stunning St. Monica Church in Santa Monica, with a reception following at the Bel Air Bay Club and the day could not have been more beautiful. The occasion was adorned with the most lush and inspired details, from candlelit reception areas, to decadent floral arrangements (with a kumquat or two nestled in!), to a dessert bar brought in by none other than Vanilla Bake Shop. (Their macaroons have to be some of the best in town!)

With family and friends flying in all the way from Australia, it was so heartwarming to witness the closeness and warmth shared with both families and all their friends. A thank you to Dave Richards for having me along and Paola of Just Chic Events for coordinating a beautiful event!

Starting off with a first look, followed by portraits around the beautiful grounds of the Bay Club…

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Loved the wispy powder blue bridesmaid dresses!

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bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding photo

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding

bel air bay club wedding photo

bel air bay club wedding photo

{ M + P | Seven Degrees Wedding Photography }

I love how every aspect of a wedding serves as a reflection of a couple’s personalities. The color palettes that adorn the day, the choice of food to be served, the selection of dance music at the end of the night. And one of the biggest expressions is undoubtedly the choice of venue – the backdrop against which all the evening’s memories will be created. I LOVE both seeing new venues and revisiting ones I’ve photographed at before, since every couple puts their own spin on the location!

If M & P’s venue choice were to speak for them, it would describe them as modern, fashion-forward, considerate and conscientious. The Seven Degrees in Laguna Beach perfectly mirrored their style and personalities and it was a joy to share in their wedding day! A big thank you to the lovely and talented Bonnie Tsang, who invited me to come along. I adore working with my clients as the main photographer, but love second-shooting as well – it’s such a great opportunity to take chances and flex my creative muscles sans the usual responsibilities of being the main photographer!

We started off at one of the bridesmaid’s homes, which was absolutely stunning. The fresh and clutter-free location made for some great photos!

We then headed to Seven Degrees for a sweet first look and some relaxed portraits inspired by the venue and the surrounding architecture:

Laughing photos are my absolute favorite!!

Sparkly-sweet lighting? Coming right up!

Some peeks at the artistically modern decor of Seven Degrees. How utterly fabulous are the hanging mobiles?

The beautiful & touching ceremony. Like always (it never fails, never!) I found myself blinking through tears a few times:

I love how the quintessential Southern California hills frame the venue on all sides. They really play up the contrasting sharp and modern vibe of the venue!

Now before we go on please take a deep breath, hold onto your seats, and prepare yourself for these details. The purpley-pink goodness was just breathtaking!!

Dancing the night away…

{ Nancy & Garrett | Los Angeles Maternity Photography }

It’s hard for me to imagine what it must be like to become a parent. The combination of joy, accountability, and pure love that I conjure up can only pale in comparison to the real collection of emotions that a new parent must feel. I got just a small glimpse at such a reality when I photographed Nancy & Garrett a couple weekends ago. I was overjoyed when Nancy contacted me to photograph the two of them & the soon-to-be newest addition to their family! (A big thank you to Hana for sending them my way!) It was my first time doing a maternity session and I loved seeing the way Nancy and Garrett interacted with each other, as well as with baby Lucas. They’re going to be such wonderful parents!

UCLA’s Botanical Gardens provided the perfect secluded and scenic location for the shoot. Even though all three of us are UCLA alums, we had each only visited the gardens once or twice. And after visiting it this last time, I must say it is way WAY bigger than I remember. Who knew there was a jungle in the middle of campus?