Wedding Photography

Meet Mary and Dan.  I fell in love with this couple when they first came to meet with me and knew we would make a great team once they booked with me.  These two have style, grace, and a whole lot of personality!  They had been together for five years when Dan decided to propose.  How did he propose?  (well this is my favorite part) over a nice dinner with a group of their friends, he arranged for fortune cookies to be brought to the table with sayings like “I see a diamond in your future.”  And because Mary is Egyptian, he studied diligently on how to say “Will you Marry me” in Arabic . . . it just doesn’t get sweeter then that.

For their engagement shoot they wanted something with a city scape feel to it so we headed downtown to explore the streets as well as a few hotels.  As far as the hotels go, we started with the brand spanking new and very modern LA Live Marriott then headed to The Figueroa for a bit of class and culture.  Both of these hotels are gorgeous and provided us with a wide  spectrum of texture, light, and color.

This is my favorite shot of the night.  I saw these taxis, lined up, in the corner of my eye and quickly moved them over that way.  The cab drivers were very generous and allowed us a good five minutes on their hood- Thanks guys!

As you can see, we all had a good time.  They were so natural during this shoot, they really were the perfect models.  It wasn’t hard for them to open up and be themselves in front of my lens, partially  because we all get along so well which is why I always advise people to not only go with a photographer who’s style you love but to also make sure you get along well and have similar personalities because that is the key to you (the subject) finding comfort, confidence, and ease in front of the camera.

Thank you Mary and Dan for a fantastic time on the town.  My team and I anxiously await the wedding!  Cheers to you both.

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!