Slideshows

It was Saturday the 19th and the perfect day for a wedding.  Not a cloud in the sky, warm weather with light breezes, and all upon a gorgeous location- The Angeles National Golf Club.  Our couple? . . . Jennifer and Marcus.  They met through mutual friends and have been dating for eight years.  They’re amazing and my team and I had a blast documenting their day.  My favorite part of the day was the color- vibrant blues, greens and oranges at every turn.

I am in love with her ring, so original and so delicate (great taste Marcus)

The day was very bright but a bright day can also bring rich color.  I think this is my favorite from the portraits.  I love the way the light is striking her eyes and . . . (of course) the color!

They’re adorable aren’t they?  Congratulations Jennifer and Marcus.  Here’s to a bright and (colorful) future!

To see more from their day, click on the slideshow below; a montage of  moments set to their song- “Just The Way You Are,” by Billy Joel.

Amy and Ryan had been dating for five years when he decided to propose.  The proposal took place in Hermosa Beach, under a setting sun, on Christmas Day and they’ve been planning the wedding ever since.  I instantly took a liking to Amy when she came to visit me three months ago and couldn’t wait to document her wedding at the Descanso gardens.  I had shot at the gardens before but this was my first wedding.  Although before we hit the gardens, the girls had decided to get ready at the Langham in Pasadena (one of my favorite hotels).

Anyone who knows my style knows that I am all about the story.  Who is the couple I am shooting today, what do they enjoy, what is around the room that exemplifies that, and what traditions or  rituals are they carrying with them.  The day can go by in a flash but that is always my main goal; to capture who they are as well as the events.  The shot below was one of those moments for me.  There was so much going on in the hotel room while the bride was getting ready so I was happy when I caught this moment between Maid of Honor and the crossing bride.  She has such a look of love and confidence as she gazes up at her best friend . . .these are the moments I love.

Another favorite moment for me is the first time the bride puts her dress on, the first time her girls see her in it,

and the first time the couple sees one another.  Amy and Ryan decided on doing their “first looks” privately, before the ceremony.  There was nobody around but them and the cameras of my crew.  I always get a little teary at this point.  It’s such a great moment to be a part of and is always emotional.  For more photography documenting their “first looks,” please see the slideshow below.

It was a gorgeous day at the Descanso gardens, everything was in bloom and delicately placed amongst a lush green backdrop.

The reception was directly adjacent to their rose garden ceremony, making it real easy for my crew and I.  We were set up and ready to go in no time.  Below is another favorite of mine: the first dance.

And before we knew it, the day had ended.  It goes by so fast.  This was my final shot.  I wanted one more, just the two of them, taking the day in beneath this lamppost that I had newly fallen in love with (it was more the light then the lamppost but you get the idea).

For more photography from their day, please play the slide show below.  Congratulations again Amy and Ryan!

While it is true that Daniela and Brian’s wedding was indeed my last for 2009, I can’t imagine a better way to end the year. Held at one of my favorite locations, Calamigos Equestrian Ranch, this wedding had it all- a gorgeous bride, handsome groom, beautiful landscape, and vibrant details. And their family? . . oh so charming. In fact, it was Daniela’s mother who came to me first, asking me to please document their daughter’s wedding.? We instantly connected and I reserved their date for them immediately. They were my first booked and I had been looking forward to documenting them ever since.

So what’s their story? After dating for about three years, Brian decided to ask Daniela to marry him. He proposed to her at the tip top of La Jolla Canyon, after a long hike, overlooking the ocean. Romantic right . . . just wait till you see their wedding.

Once these two made their entrance, they danced to “Try Me” by James Brown . . . (nice choice guys). I decided to use it, for their slide show as well.