Archive for the ‘Weddings’ Category

Terry and Amanda are two of the most loving people you will ever meet. They are so generous and so kind they make you feel at home no matter where you are. My husband Benny and Terry actually grew up together in New Orleans with a few other close friends and I love how even though many of them live far away, they are always able to just pick up where they left off. They feel like family! I feel so honored to be a part of this group of friends now and I’m SO happy that Amanda is too! Yay!

When Terry and Amanda invited us to attend their wedding in Texas I was THRILLED at the opportunity to be their photographer! They were such a fun couple to work with and I really enjoyed meeting all of their family and friends. Everyone was so warm and welcoming! : ) The day after their wedding all their relatives were giving us suggestions on places to visit during our stay in Houston. And even Amanda, who should have been resting, kept texting and emailing me places that were “must sees” in the area, on the way to her honeymoon. See what I mean? They go above and beyond to love on those around them. We are so blessed to know you!

Terry and Amanda had their ceremony at River Oaks Baptist Church in Houston and I fell so in love with the high ceiling, huge windows, and the crisp white walls. It was a beautiful church to get married in! I am SO happy for you two! Congrats again and can’t wait to see you soon! : )

After Benny and I got married in October we didn’t have much time to settle down. Shortly after our honeymoon in Barcelona (will share pics from there another time!) we were off again for two weddings in two different locations!…And this was all within a week! Our first destination was Maui, Hawaii. (Yahoo!) Stephen and Yuli got married at Merriman’s Kapalua and the view was just breathtaking. The ceremony overlooked the ocean with the beach just a few steps away. It was a dream! I couldn’t be happier with my first destination wedding- the whole day went beautifully and there were many tears of joy. We are so happy we got to celebrate with you, Stephen + Yuli! Thank you for having me! : ) Yuli was just so beautiful! If we didn’t have a wedding to get to I could have photographed her all day!

Make-up and Hair: Maui MiRa

I was so blessed to work with some of the most amazing people this year. My 2013 couples will always hold a special place in my heart, because I had the privilege of journeying with them through the whole wedding planning process as I prepared for my own. All of your stories are beautiful and I am so so SO blessed to be a part of it! Thank you for having me!!

Coordinator: East West Event Productions
Make-up and Hair: e2beauty
Ceremony Venue: St. Norbert Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Villa Del Sol

Some of the most beautiful people you will ever meet. Loved celebrating with you Jeff and Michelle! : ) a A Huge shout-out to Herman for 2nd shooting for me! Thank you!

Albert and Emily had one of the most colorful weddings I’ve ever seen! The vibrant MOLAA (Museum of Latin American Art) in Long Beach was the perfect venue for this beautiful couple and I love how it is so much connected to their hearts, passion, and dreams. Albert and Emily first met in 2006 when their churches did a joint missions trip to Mexico. They became friends that summer and while they both thought highly of each other, nothing happened immediately. Over the years the two kept in touch and their friendship grew through their passion for the Latin culture, the Spanish language, and their heart for urban missions. Finally they became official in 2012 and they sure are a dynamic duo! When you see them together it just feels right and there is no doubt that they were made for each other. A + E are such kind people who live such full lives. It doesn’t get any more perfect than that! : )

Emily and Albert also both LOVE to dance!! I was so impressed by their grand entrance and their epic first dance. They even had a dance-off between their friends! It was truly and honor to witness this celebration. Thank you so much for having me. Blessings to the both of you as you begin your new life together in Boston! : )

Ahh, the FIRST LOOK! They had me in tears!

Venue: Museum of Latin American Art
Coordinator: Valerie Sien
Make-up and Hair: E2beauty
Florist: Alison Baughman of New Creation Floral Design
Catering: TGIS (Thank Goodness It’s Sophia)
Videographer: Crescent Bay Films

Have you heard of a “first look?” What is a “first look,” and why do people set time aside to have one on their wedding day? If you’re asking these questions, then read along! : ) I’ve had several brides ask me what a “first look” is and why it might be good for them. Here are some of the details, and hopefully you’ll find it helpful as you plan for your big day! : )

Ok… so what is a “first look?”
Traditionally, the groom is not allowed to see his bride until the ceremony. Some people believe it’s bad luck. Others don’t think it’s a big deal. But I heard the tradition came out of a time when arranged marriages were more common. To ensure the groom didn’t run away after seeing his bride for the first time, they made sure he didn’t get a chance to see what she looked like until the actual ceremony! So interesting huh?! Even though things are a bit different in our time (I hope!), some people still choose to keep that tradition. It is a special moment when the groom sees his bride for the first time, as she walks down the aisle! : )

The “first look” however, is another option. If you choose to have one, this happens before the ceremony. Right after the bride steps into her dress, we set aside 10-15min for the bride and groom to be alone. The groom is placed at a beautiful location and waits until the bride sneaks up from behind. I love capturing the emotions of that moment when the groom turns to see his bride for the very first time in her wedding dress! : ) During that time, some couples also exchange gifts, pray together, or simply remind each other to enjoy the moment.

Now that you know what a “first look” is, why have one?
1) Your wedding day will be a crazy day! Having a “first look” gives you a quiet moment together before the craziness goes into full swing!
2) They make for beautiful photographs! The “first look” is an intimate moment when a couple expresses all the joy and anticipation of the wedding day. Whether it comes in the form of laughter or tears, it’s a wonderful moment to capture.
3) It helps with your wedding day schedule! Instead of rushing bridal party pictures, bride and groom portraits, and family photos all after the ceremony, you can take care of some of it before and not be as rushed after you’re married. This helps especially if you are having a ceremony later in the day.
4) Some brides feel much calmer after seeing their groom and vice versa.

And finally, here are two “first looks” from my latest weddings. They are some of the sweetest moments from the day! : )

Jeff and Lisa-Anne see each other for the first time:
Lots of happy tears for Albert and Emily!

So, will you do a “first look?”

Joe and Sherry’s wedding will forever mark the beginning of a special season in my life. Not only did I shoot this wedding on my 25th birthday, it was also the day Benny proposed! Can you imagine the rush of emotions that came over me as I celebrated with this lovely couple?! There was so much to love about this wedding- I felt like I was entering a dream, a Winter Wonderland. (With Sherry as the Queen of course!). There were such rich and elaborate details to their day, it was the perfect way to end my 2012 wedding season.

Isn’t Sherry just breathtaking in these pictures?! I loved her gown…oh, the details! Congrats again Joe + Sherry! It was such an honor to celebrate with you on your wedding day!

A HUGE shout-out to Jen Fujikawa for helping me shoot this wedding! As always, you are so very helpful Jen! : ) Thank you!!

Venue: The Westin South Coast Plaza
Wedding Coordinator: Alice Chung of Carpe Diem Events
Wedding Designer: Slomique Hawrylo
Bride’s Hair + Make-up: Grace Kim
Bridesmaids’ Hair + Make-up: Rebecca Yang
Florist: Blue Iris
Cake: Simply Sweet Cakery
Videography: Paul Chung
Photobooth: Pink Shutter
DJ + MC: Walter Hong of Big Guy Production

Finally, my third and last post from Caroline Tran’s Propel workshop! If you missed it, here’s part one (afternoon tea at the Langham!) and part two (a maternity session). For the last part of our day we had a beautiful couple to work with and such lovely details to a travel themed wedding banquet. You’re going to love all the rich colors! Enjoy! : )

Hair and Make-up: Chiali Meng