Ilia & David's Torrey Pines engagement shoot

We met Ilia and David at the bridal bazaar in Del Mar a couple months ago. When I got word that they had selected us to photograph their wedding I was thrilled. I immediately remembered the two of them from the show, asking plenty of thorough and analytical questions, all the while relaxed and laughing... my kind of people.

For their engagement session they chose Torrey Pines State Beach in San Diego and I'm so glad they did! Having lived in San Diego for so long, I can't believe I'd never driven up to the pines to explore any of the many hiking trails available up there. As you can see from the photos, this location was perfect and gave us so much variety.

But what I'm sure will be even more obvious than the beautiful setting is what a great connection these two have. So much laughter, so many genuine smiles, so many romantic moments. Ilia and David clearly have a great time together and I can hardly wait to shoot their wedding next weekend!

To see more of Ilia and David's engagement session, click here for a slideshow.

the fabulous J*

I stumbled across Jasmine Star last year while researching options for updating our website.  Website design and hosting service SHOWIT uses the J* site as one of their examples.  I saw her site and started following her blog, which I find to be a great source of inspiration in so many ways.  She has a very successful business, her images are beautiful, and Jasmine herself is such a dynamic, yet warm person.  She is well known in the wedding photography industry for her fresh images and the fearlessly open candor of her posts. 

So why go to a workshop?  Dad and I have been photographing weddings for quite some time now so we certainly aren't rookies when it comes to wedding photography.  But that doesn't mean we're not always looking for ways to improve and grow our business.  So when I learned that Jasmine would be conducting a workshop where she discusses in great detail the things that have made her successful, I jumped at the opportunity.

As part of the workshop, she took the group out on a shoot where she showed us how she poses couples to create images that fit in with her own unique style or brand.  She then encouraged us to do the same. 

Models Carlie and Gabriel were absolutely fantastic.  These former clients of Jasmine's were perfect for the shoot: classically beautiful yet playful.  Photographers themselves, I had seen and admired their website and photography before but didn't make the connection until pulling up the link to write this post.  Their work is uber-fun and so creative.  Here they are, looking stunning as they wait for instruction from the group.

So lovely.

The flowers were gorgeous! Jaclyn of Heavenly Blooms did the bouquet as well as some beautiful center pieces.

J* makes everyone laugh as she demonstrates some fun poses

Love love love how the flowers work with the tie.

And we wrapped up the shoot with a kiss.

JD, Jasmine's mom, the florist, Carlie, Gabriel, and all of the other workshop attendees made this a great way to spend the day!  Jasmine, thank you so very much for your openness and your energy.  I am so pleased I was able to attend the workshop and have renewed excitement about the future of our photography business.

Valerianne is having a baby! (take 2)

A little over two years ago I took some photographs of my beautiful friend Valerianne when she was expecting Baby Cole.  We've since gotten together for some family photos and portraits.  Now it's been about two and a half years since our first maternity photos and Valerianne is expecting baby #2.  I can hardly wait to meet this new little person!  (Valerianne and Craig don't know yet if Cole will be getting a baby brother or sister)

Valerianne suggested "hold the umbrella up, Cole" and here's what he did.  Such a cutie!

And here she is - so beautiful!

Joann and Vinny's traditional wedding tea ceremony

Several years ago Dad and Amy photographed Emily and Ken's traditional Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony and Reception.  Last Saturday Amy and I were honored to be able to do the same for Emily's brother Vinny and his beautiful bride Joann.

We met Joann and Vinny early in the morning at the Lake San Marcos Resort where they were getting dressed for the big day. Joann was stunning in her red dress and (I just have to use the word 'adorable') red Franco Sarto shoes.

After taking a few fun photos at the hotel, we made our way to Vinny's parents' house for the tea ceremony. Here are a few images from the ceremony. Thanks Amy for helping to capture these.

After the tea ceremony, Vinny and Joann were led up to the traditional Nuptial Chamber which had been prepared for them by Vinny's mother.  Here the two of them ceremoniously shared red bean and tea.

Joann then changed into her western style bridal gown for the reception.

The reception was held at Pearl Chinese Cuisine restaurant in Rancho Bernardo.  Here guests are signing a banner as they enter.

The pink floral arrangements were beautiful against the restaurant's gold motif.

Amy got the pretty shot on the left of Joann arranging the serving set.

"Sweet" favors for the guests

And a toast (another image by Amy on the left)

Vinny's long time friend, The Magnificent Chi, entertained the crowd during lunch with his humorous magic routine. Chi was a whole lot of fun and really kept the party going.

Friends toast the happy couple.

What a fun group!

After such a long day of ceremony and celebration, Joann and Vinny hung in there for a few more photographs at Webb Lake Park outside of the restaurant.  I'm so happy we were able to capture these images of Joann in her gown with her flowers.  She is just so classy and elegant, isn't she?

And one final photo of the happy couple. 

Joann and Vinny - Amy and I had a great time with you Saturday.  Thank you for allowing us to help capture the memories of your special day.  Bai Tou Xie Lao