Archive for September, 2009

{ Fave Finds: Extraordinary Desserts }

A couple weekends ago Scott and I drove down to San Diego for a fun double-wedding weekend. We spent Friday at an intimate backyard wedding in Chula Vista and Sunday at a beautiful wedding at The Prado (stay tuned for epic posts on both!) and were left with Saturday & Monday to run amok around the city.

And although there are tons of places to explore, we managed to visit one place twice. That place was Extraordinary Desserts. After rave reviews from pretty much every person I have ever met, you would have had to drag me kicking and screaming from San Diego without first trying this dessert phenomenon. We had tea and cake there on Saturday and then went back Monday morning for brunch (and, more cake, of course). Aside from the tantalizing eats, I also fell in love with the mod decor, the little shopping nook, and the general eye-candyness of the whole place.

Kokeshi dolls! <3

There were flowers in my salad. And they were DELICIOUS. Scott even thought the water was delicious:

And of course, the cake! A berry-loaded, white chocolate masterpiece:

At first glance the cake seems slightly pricey, but both times Scott and I shared a piece and still had a little bit to take home. (And we’re sort of heifers when it comes to eating.) Can’t wait to load up on more sugary goodness the next time we’re in SD!

On that note, stay tuned for more engagement and wedding posts on the way!

{ Sarah + Brad | Cafe Pinot Wedding Photography }

Sometimes, I think my clients just might be superheroes. Take Sarah & Brad for instance – in the span of 2 months, they finished up law school on the east coast, graduated, flew back to LA, studied for and took the bar, and got married. It was a beautiful Jewish ceremony at what is now one of my most favorite venues ever – Cafe Pinot in downtown LA. I am a true LA girl down to my very core, and I fell immediately in love with the little tree-laden park, nestled in the middle of the cafe and the Los Angeles Central Library. Something about the contrast of the calm, green courtyard against the tall skyscrapers that surround it makes it the perfect city venue. And at night, it becomes a spectacle of city lights and such a fresh and classy spot for an outdoor reception!

We also had the honor of photographing the rehearsal (+ a mini engagement session) the night before and it was great so great to getting to know Sarah & Brad at such an exciting time in their lives. Thank you so much for giving us the honor of documenting your wedding!

After a sweet First Look in the lobby of the Biltmore, we headed to Cafe Pinot for portraits…

I LOVE the blue tones Sarah chose for the wedding! It was such a unique choice and was applied so beautifully!

Everyone gathered for the signing of the marriage contract:

More blue tones were incorporated into the petite varied arrangements at the reception – they were so creative and perfect for the long tables!

{ Jaenee + A | San Diego Engagement Photography }

When we first meet up with our couples for their engagement session, we always start by catching up a bit, chatting about the wedding, and then going over a quick description of how engagement sessions usually flow – that I’ll be giving some direction, but the ultimate goal is to capture you, the two of you, in your natural element being your totally awesome natural selves. And at the end of this recap, almost every time, the super sweet and beyond adorable couple claims that they’re horribly bad with photos. And every time, they go on to totally rock and make my camera fall madly in love with them :)

Jaenee & A were no exception. I met with Jaenee last year over gelato-filled mochi and she was one of the first clients to book me for 2009. Jaenee was so warm and so excited about her wedding, and had such trust in my photography, which meant the world to me, especially at that time when I was still somewhat of a newbie. On a sunny Sunday afternoon last month, I drove down to Seaport Village in San Diego to meet up with Jaenee & A for their engagement session. And as I mentioned before, their inspirational love and fun personalities made them so easy to work with. They’re getting married in just 2 (yes 2!) days in San Diego and we are beyond giddy with excitement to see them again soon!

Jaenee & A have this phenomenal coordinated walk that they do. Love it!

Scott captured the next one – love that juicy light!

After a change of clothes (check out that fabulous dress.. and the shoes, the shoes!), we headed to the San Diego Convention Center for a few more photos:

Loved this aqua wall. And don’t pockets on dresses make them that much more perfect?

I would have loved to take credit for this cute shot, but it was all their idea! :)

We finished up with some shots in the garage & fun with off-camera lighting…