There are a million and one reasons why I so love and endorse engagement sessions, but the top 4 must go something like this: (1) you get to show the world who you are, (2) in your favorite personalized locations, (3) in your unique “you” clothes, (4) with your best friend and most favorite person in the world (usually your fiance, but I don’t mind if you give me that title too :). And what Nina and Erick showed, lovingly and wholeheartedly, is that they’re Laughers. They laughed from the second I pulled out my camera, as we were chatting in between shots, whenever they caught one another making a silly face - and I would be telling a bold-faced lie if I didn’t say that I LOVED every minute of it (and that it was horribly infectious).

I really adore all the kinds of expressions that seem to come up in a shoot - the serene shots, the sweet smiles, even a more serious moment or two, but my favorites are always the ones with the big, honest laughs. The kinds that remind you of why you’re doing this whole marriage thing in the first place… because who doesn’t want to spend the rest of their life with the one who makes you giggle until your sides hurt & milk comes out of your nose? (The latter didn’t happen on the shoot, but it’s totally happened to me umpteen times, usually with painful things like juice and maybe soup.)

We met up with Nina & Erick in downtown LA, starting off at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, making a detour through the tall fountains of the music center, and ending by MOCA. Thank you Nina & Erick for an afternoon filled with laughter and love!

I love this sculpture in front of MOCA. Totally reminds me of something out of a Studio Ghibli movie.

A bride walking down the aisle is a beautiful thing. As the doors to the church swing open and the light fills up the hall, it’s as if everyone’s breath stops, and the only thing in the room is the beaming, glowing bride. But, in that same moment, it’s wise to take a look at the groom. Because the joy reflected back in a groom’s face is another level of captivating. To see the expression in his eyes, to watch the story of their relationship flash across his face, to see the usually silly, strong, manly men we all know in a state of absolute adoration - to me that look embodies so much of the very reason for the day.

These are the moments that filled up Sojin and Larry’s wedding. I had just met Sojin and Larry that day, but Sojin’s smile as she walked down the aisle and Larry’s face when he first caught sight of her immediately indicated to me what their love was like - deep, palpable, and made to last. They are both so sweet, warm, and real, and it was an honor to accompany Serena Grace in documenting their wedding day!

After the ceremony, we visited a nearby park for some additional portraits…

Then on to the reception. Loved their choreographed first dance!

This was quite possibly the most adorable baby I have ever seen. Look at those cheeks!

I’ll finish with a quick shot of Serena and I at the end of the night. I absolutely love shooting with her!

From the moment I heard the name of the event, I knew it was going to be something to go gaga for. And as I learned more about the details - luxurious spas providing their treatments, decadent desserts and hors d’oeuvres, samples of great products, all rolled up into a chic downtown loft - I began envisioning a pampering paradise, with bright colors, sweet smells, and massages and facials around every corner.

But my mind’s images paled in comparison to what Ada and her team at Fresh Events actually created! The ambiance was that much more soothing, the services that much more luxurious, the sweets melted in your mouth that much more. Every detail was meticulously planned to create a feast for the senses and a haven for the guests, right smack in downtown LA. I was so honored to be there to capture the event and I know if they put on another pampering extravaganza I would definitely love to attend again… maybe next time as a guest?? :)

The space! Inside…

And out…

Amazing fruit baskets provided by Couture Baskets, set under relaxing cabanas:

The treats!

Ciudad Grill…

Moonpillows - mochi filled with chocolate truffle centers!

The Sugar Spot - the green tea was my fave!

They rounded up some hottie male models to serve the guests…

Checking in:

Each guest received a gorgeous pink wristlet complete with a program for the day:

And once you enter - spas and salons galore!

And in between treatments there was relaxing under the cabanas…

… hanging out in the Photo Cabina…

… and a raffle! Ada and Amanda start it off -

One of the many cool prizes:

To mix it up they had the model from CWE come up to choose a few lucky winners:

I leave you with just a couple shots of the gorgeous ladies of Fresh Events!

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Thank you so much Ada for giving me the opportunity to photograph the amazing day and a big thank you to Dave for the referral!