Valentine’s Day. The Beverly Hills Courthouse. It was quite the busy day for a courthouse wedding, with a long line of excited walk-ins forming down the hall of the 2nd floor. I met Shannon & Reggie there on this sunny morning, accompanied by his mother as well as their 3 beautiful daughters.

I’ve photographed quite a few weddings here, but it was my first time shooting on this holiday. Usually when I arrive we walk right in for the couple’s appointment, but I was happy to find that this waiting time that morning provided an opportunity to tell a little more of the story. Of them shimmying down slowly in line, the two older girls playing hand clapping games, the littlest one passing out, Shannon fixing her daughter’s bow, of the simple loving interaction between a family. By the time we reached the front of the line and walked into the ceremony room, I felt as if I knew this couple and their family so much better than when I had arrived.

This is a truly beautiful family, and it was an honor to help tell the story of this day :)

One (out of the bajillion) reasons I so love what I do is that it’s reconnected me with so many old friends. Somehow {perhaps mainly through the magic that is facebook} people I haven’t spoken to in months, or years, have figured out that I make pictures, and so wonderfully passed my name along to the happy couples they know who are planning their weddings.

Zena lived in Japan during the same time I did, also teaching on the JET program, but for some reason our paths never crossed. We did however have a mutual friend in Joslyn, who caught wind of my photography and kindly referred me to Zena. Zena & I met over coffee on a sunny morning and immediately jumped into sharing stories of our time in Japan (seriously, I can talk for HOURS UPON HOURS with other people who have lived in Japan, even with total strangers I’ve met 8 seconds ago, it’s bizarre.) I was so excited when she & Dennis chose me as the photographer for their beautiful rooftop wedding at the Kyoto Grand in downtown LA! The day was absolutely gorgeous and I was so happy to be there to capture it.

A cute beta fish was swimming around in each centerpiece as a tribute to Dennis’s love for fish/coral tanks, and their aquarium-themed engagement session…

During the reception, Zena and Dennis shared their gratitude towards their parents and relatives. I especially loved the moment Dennis thanked his grandmother for helping to raise him and being such a large part of his life…

Jenny & Jerry had the loveliest yellow-hued wedding last month! June gloom kindly stepped aside for a sunny day that matched the vibrant color palette they chose for the wedding. The whole occasion had a warm relaxed feel that perfectly ushered in summer!

I looooved working with the team of vendors they put together – the day was beautifully coordinated by Ryann of Hustle and Bustle Events, the lush florals were designed by LV Florals, and stunning video was captured by Joe of Today’s the Day Weddings {I always love working with Joe, he’s a great videographer and his unobtrusive style meshes so well with ours!}

Jenny looked gorgeous in her lace gown, which she had altered to a beautiful custom design of her liking…

Love the sweet sachets of lavender they gave as favors & the lovebird cake topper! The amazing cake was created by Jeseca Creations.

For the reception, Jenny changed into THE most amazing dress – I love the soft green color & whimsical feel!

Near the end of the reception, Jerry surprised Jenny with a sweet rendition of “Wonderful Tonight” that he had been practicing on the guitar. It was such a heartfelt moment: