Sandra and Tomas

Highlight film. Great to see my work translating into a moving image. I still can't get over how flawless Sandra's skin was that morning! This was one of my favorite weddings from 2011 as the morning went so smoothly with generous help from good friends and lots of tasty dim sum treats! That's me at 30 seconds!



Sandra + Tomas from simon wong on Vimeo.

Great job by Simon of Blissful Pixel. Thanks for sharing Sandra! And another big thank you to my partner in crime Brittany who assisted with this rather large (11 ladies!) bridal party. More images from Sandra and Tomas coming soon! 

All I need in this life of sin...

is me and my girlfriends! Here's a preview of the fun times that were had over the weekend. If you haven't had a sleepover with your ladies in a while, I highly recommend it! Special thanks to Sylvia's hubby Mike who cooked us dinner after a long glamour filled day. Modeling is so hard!

Super friend Rachel Detra, whose work you can see here, and I collaborated to capture the amazingness that is our group of girls. This week, we are getting together for a gift exchange (because we are all ballers on a budget!) of nail polish and accessories and I could not be more excited. These stylish ladies and I swap fashion tips over dinner almost every week and I am so lucky to have this creative crew as my friends. Everyone was wearing lashes, custom chosen by me, to enhance our pretty peepers. It was Rachel's first time! I'm pretty sure she loved them. Look at her with the red belt! 

That's right. Katie is so gorgeous, we can't even stand to be in the same picture as her. Those eyes! Those lips. Oh my. (I am stealing that necklace next opportunity I get!) 

Stay tuned for even more fun from Rachel Detra Photography! 

Preservation Park

Fall. I had the pleasure of working with Mae, (first seen here) and meeting her mom and mother-in-law on a hot September day. Mae was so sweet and calm, despite having been stressed from her hairstylist showing up almost an hour late! No worries, I quickly changed directions and drove to meet her at the salon instead of her home so that we could speed things along. 

The result was a soft, clean look for an all day outdoor wedding. And what sweet photos taken by the talented Tom Penpark. Tom captured the quiet setting of Preservation Park in Oakland, making it look like Mae and Ben's own private wedding town. The photos below show the party's sense of style with outfits inspired by traditional Thai elements, where Mae's family is from. There's Mae, flanked by mom in soft green and Ben's mom Anna in purple. 

I loved the bright flowers and dresses juxtaposed with the neutrals of Prospect Park. If you want to remember yourself as a star on your wedding day, I highly encourage you work with Tom Penpark. He has a way with color and framing that makes everything look like a movie still. Beautiful work Tom! 


Shout out to Auntie Connie who introduced me to Miss Anna, allowing me to meet this sweet couple. Congrats to Mae and Ben! Still a fan of both of your great cheekbones. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day.

Hark! A Harpist!

It's been a busy couple of months, but I finally had a chance to sit down and reflect on one of my most recent projects. Constance approached me about working together on head shots for her soon to be website. Sculptural harp? Sunset drenched hillsides? Tombs and trees? Yes to all. And the chance to work with the visionary Rachel Detra Photography who believed in the beauty of this haunting cemetery, on Halloween weekend no less! Constance even graced us with some warm-ups which reverberated out of one of the tombs. So amazing. 


See more of Rachel's work at her newly launched blog. Here are some of my favorites- which were hard to choose with such a gorgeous model and amazing photographer! 

So pretty, right? If you are planning a sophisticated soiree, be sure to inquire with Constance about playing some soft mood music at your event... she's really great! Let me know and I'll put you in touch! 

7. 1. 2011

An unfolding.... the wedding story of the "chef and the risk taker". 

                                     


A gorgeous day filled with thoughtful details. Here's to a lifetime of happiness and many more delicious treats!


All images courtesy of Mike Arick Photography. 

Photobooth.

Phew! By now you must think I do nothing but photobooth and that is why I haven't updated in a while. Well, part of that is true. Actually, I would do photobooths all of the time if I could because they are just so darn fun. July was CRAZY busy for me with a wedding every single weekend and this past, two! And, a brand new full time job which I am beyond in love with. I get to buy toys and books all day and make things look good for a museum- pretty much my second dream come true (the first is getting to do makeup for weddings all of the time!).

....which means I will be taking on less weddings this coming year and concentrating on my new career. But don't fret! I am still freelancing, touching faces, doing photo shoots, engagements, weddings and special events as often as I can. That being said, book early for 2012 and I am all yours!

Magnolia Photobooth Co. has some of the best props I've seen at any wedding. The best part? Your photo gets printed out right then and there for you to take home and is also online just a few days later! Here are a few of my favorites from Jason and Tarrin's, the last of my five summer weddings.

Seriously, Kevin's white wig kills me. The above image sits atop the bookshelf in our living room where I laugh at it every morning.

The lady of this sweet couple is one of my favorite friends and I cannot wait to share her tchotchke filled wedding with you, captured by the friendly Tea of Dreambox Photography. I know that Tarrin married her dream guy, maybe even the dream guy of most girls I know. A caring teacher, tech guy, and comedian, Jason took care of all the set up while Tarrin and I sat in the chapel and did her makeup. I have never seen a groom take as much care into the preparation and take on the stress so that his bride could relax and have a moment to herself. So, so sweet.

Best wishes on your new life together in your new home. Stay tuned for more follow up to this fun celebration with tips for the minimal bride!

***Thanks to my sister Taryn who was there to lend a helping hand on one of the busiest wedding days I've ever experienced. Muyzie, you are the best!***

Photowall.

FUN! So much of it in fact. For all of you brides out there, I suggest you get one. It's a cost effective way to ensure that every single person attending your wedding is documented. The cousins and I pooled together to gift this to our cutie bride and it couldn't have been better. Silly props, great lighting, and room to fit in all of your favorite people! (here I am, with one of my favorite people.) The Crew.


Bubbles!

These were the best of the best. Even our 87 year old grandma got in on the fun.


It's a great way to make a fun situation even funner, incorporate your wedding theme, and a super way to create memories that will last well beyond the last dance. Thanks to Mike Arick Photography and crew for setting this up for us. Cheers to Jessica and Jason, our favorite SoCal-ers!
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This is photo of Jess with my mom, who will be turning 60 this week. People, this is what 60 looks like! She doesn't dye her hair, drink, or smoke and stays skinny by snacking and drinking water all day, everyday. I can only hope to look this good when I am eligible for my senior citizen discount. Happy Birthday Mom! Love you!