#weddingphotography

Natalie’s Disneyland Birthday
Natalie’s Disneyland Birthday
April 27, 2018 In Lifestyle No Comment

“Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional”- Walt Disney

 

 

Oh, how I love it when spontaneous shoots turn out better than I could ever imagine!

Natalie called me on the morning of her birthday asking if I was available to capture all the birthday festivities she had planned with her boyfriend. Natalie a TV Host and Journalist, and Brand Ambassador @rw_co  was only going to be in Southern California for a few days visiting from Canada and wanted to celebrate her 29th birthday the best way anyone knows how; with a birthday button and some bubbles. Everyone knows I’m how much I love photographing at Disneyland and I’m always up for the challenge of shooting at the busiest happiest place on Earth. Of course I said yes! 2 hours later, I somehow managed to find Natalie at the front gates of the park. It took me a minute to find her because I didn’t realize I was looking for a princess look-a-like. Seriously, this girl is gorgeous on the inside and out. We had a blast inside the park while trying to dodging tourists, posing in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, and cramming in as many rides as humanly possible in between. I want to wish a very happy (and belated) birthday to Natalie! I hope all your wishes came true this year.

 

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Abner and Jackie “Fated”-Oak Canyon Nature Center
February 16, 2018 In Engagement No Comment

“Because  I could watch you for a single minute and find a thousand things that I love about you.”

 

Everything about this amazing session was fated. These pictures were supposed to be in a flower garden.  For several months we talked about a garden blooming with flowers. Then Jackie was inspired to wear a traditional Korean hanbok.  Jackie found an extraordinary dress at  Leehwa Wedding dresses in Los Angeles, CA . Suddenly our color palette changed,  now more than ever she was going to be my center of the focus. We decided on Oak Canyon, with browns and greens and lush dense trees. When Jackie showed up I was completely floored by how stunning she looked. The hanbok truly made her look like royalty. The dress’s regal colors and beautiful stitching moved with slight whispers of fabric, matching Jackie’s gentle mannerism.

It’s fitting actually. It sounds so corny, I know. But these two draw you into their love when you’re next to them. But, yup it’s totally true. They look at each other with so much love, support, and kindness. Abner looks at Jackie like someone who’s back from a long journey and has found his home in her.  In turn, the way Jackie is drawn to Abner, a touch of an arm while talking, a subtle smile when she hears his voice. There is something so elegant about them as a couple. They draw you into their love story.

So without further delay meet Abner and Jackie.

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Alta Vista Country Club {Robby + Ashley}
February 2, 2018 In Wedding No Comment

“Someday, when I’m awfully low, when the world is cold, I will feel a glow just thinking of you and the way you look tonight”-Sinatra

 

I can’t say enough amazing things about Robby and Ashley, a couple who are truly soul mates and best friends. They have been such a joy to get to know over this past year and a half.

From the start of the day till the last song on the dance floor and every detail in between, Ashley, Robby, and their family made this wedding spectacular! From the amazing sunflower arrangements to a custom-made bar for the popcorn, in an assortment of flavors, to a cigar station, even having a custom-made corn hole boards this wedding was one to remember!!

Robby and Ashley wed at Alta Vista Country Club in Placentia, California. The beautiful outdoor gazebo, a signature element at Alta Vista, was the ceremony site. After an emotional vow ceremony, we headed to the lake and the kissing bridge, and wow they made for the perfect place to show off Ashley’s stunning dress and cathedral veil, seriously you have to see the back of this dress!

The guest enjoyed appetizers and games of cornhole on the outdoor patio til everyone was whisked inside for the reception, held in the ballroom. Family and loved ones from all across the country came to celebrate this beautiful couple. After a wonderful dinner, everyone danced to the best playlist ever. After months and months of planning this stunning wedding was one for the books.

This couple has always seemed destined to be together. From fated beginnings to this beautiful day. Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Ashley and Robby Binder.

 

 

Second Photographer: Jacqueline Smith 

Assitant and  Photographer:  Emma Wahlstrom

Also be sure to check out below all of the amazing vendors who made this day possible!

Venue: Alta Vista Country Club

Flowers: Victoria’s Garden

Hair and makeup: Debra Castellanos ( Salon Technique)

Photobooths- Westside Photo Booths

Popcorn Station- Pop-O-Licious’N More

Dj- Diamond Dj’s Entertainment

Cake- Creative Cake

Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka 

Bridal Dress- Mary Me Bridal 

Robby’s Tux- Men’s Warehouse

Ashley’s Bracelets- The Stacked Collection 

Invitations- Posh Paper  

 

 

 

 

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Andre and Esther “An Ocean and the Kiss” Laguna Beach Pirates Bay
September 2, 2017 In Engagement No Comment

“and then he gave her the ocean; because she didn’t want the moon”

When I met Andre and Esther, there was a gentle manner that drew me in. They are both athletic and tall, strikingly beautiful, in totally contrasting ways. At our first meeting about their wedding day, they would almost finish the other’s thought. Not in a ‘cut each other off’ way, but in a gentle way, one would stop, the other would continue. A beach wedding was the plan and a beach engagement session, for their love of the ocean was a common bond, so Laguna Beach was where we decided upon.

Day of our engagement session was a crazy day for me filled with family events in the morning and a crazy day for them prepping for pictures. Yet our drive to the beach was full of laughter and stories about their family, Andre’s college football playing for the University of Colorado and how they fell in love. The entire drive, both kept stating “please make sure you direct, we haven’t done this before.”

When I started the session, I was prepared for a lot of interaction. But that’s when the comfortable manner with each other just took over. They didn’t need to be prepped or directed. The looks, the nuzzles, all the sweet moments took over. Watching them, you feel a sense of calm; a feeling you get to know when you see love. I saw two people at home in each other’s arms.

People on the beach stopped and stared. At one point we had to wait a minute for the wind to shift slightly and the sun broke through, and this beautiful sky broke through, and a couple behind me said: “Wow they are as stunning, they look so in love, almost peaceful, don’t they?” I couldn’t have worded it better.

This is Andre and Esther

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Faith and Bryce A lady and her Army Gentleman- Cresent Bay Laguna Beach
Faith and Bryce A lady and her Army Gentleman- Cresent Bay Laguna Beach
July 18, 2017 In Engagement No Comment

“I love you, and that’s the beginning and the end of everything.”

 

I’ve met couples that have planned their wedding in months and some that call me a year and a half out. One even has booked me three years in advance. But Faith and Bryce is the first couple that booked me with the idea that “we just don’t know.” Faith is planning a wedding around Bryce’s getting leave for the wedding. The date is really up to the Army. They have a general idea; he’s requested three dates. But the final day won’t be confirmed till… well that’s the question.

Their engagement session was pretty similar. Bryce had put in for some time to come home but just wasn’t sure when that would be. So when Faith called me to tell me that Bryce would be home in a week, and could we fit it in, I made sure we could.

Now don’t misunderstand, Faith is planning her dream wedding. She has her dress, DJ, flowers, me. She just needs the stars to align. Considering her and Bryce, I know it will.

Bryce and Faith met shortly after high school at a game at his alma mater, went on a date. Four years later Bryce went into boot camp, the week of his graduation from basic training he proposed at Fort Lewis, Washington.

Faith knew that Laguna would be her dream wedding destination, so thankfully when Bryce had a very short leave, we planned for a beach shoot. Laguna did not disappoint, and Cresent Bay glimmered in all her glory.

Now we wait.  The calendar’s  narrowed down some. The couple do have venue the stunning Tivoli Too so Faith has her dream venue by the beach. But they will be the first to tell you, it’s not about the beach, not about the venue it’s about anxiously waiting for the day they can finally say ” I do.” So now meet Faith and Bryce, the future Mr. and Mrs. Baskin.

 

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Secret Missions, Sneaky Photography and a Surprise Engagement- A Disneyland Proposal
Secret Missions, Sneaky Photography and a Surprise Engagement- A Disneyland Proposal
April 29, 2017 In Engagement No Comment

“All our dreams can come true, If we have the courage to pursue them”~ Walt Disney \

 

There are some things you just can’t wait to be a part of. A  surprise proposal is one of them. A surprise proposal at Disneyland is a double cherry on top of a very fun cake! So when Sammi called me from Canada to tell me her sisters boyfriend was planning to propose while they were at Disneyland I jumped at the chance.  The plan was Sumeet ( boyfriend) and Rubina (sister) planned on coming to California from Canada, stopping at Disneyland. With a very original plan of a caricature drawing to propose. Well once all the details were made, Sumeet took over.  A very nervous fiancee who loving worried about the ring through customs. If security at Disneyland would ruin the surprise. So after many calls and text, the plan was in place.

The location of the caricature is by Pirates of the Caribbean, a small little patio.  My fellow photographer friend, who offered to video, tried to be as discreet as possible.   Not an easy task. When we saw Sumeet everyone involved from the sketch artist, manager, couple next to them couldn’t help be excited.  From afar we took pictures and video till the artist gave us a wink, it was time. On bended knee, to Rubina’s utter shock Sumeet pulled off the perfect surprise.  It was beautiful, the crowd cheered and everyone cried.

We then were able to reveal our secret, we were there for this moment. Sumeet had planned it all so that Rubina would have pictures to look back on and share with her family.  Shaking and smiling and eyes full of tears you could see the shock had fully set in. After a few moments, we began out brief engagement session.  Rubina admittingly couldn’t stop shaking but more importantly, she couldn’t stop smiling. Sumeet was equally as happy with an extra dose of relieved that it was finally in the books and he could just enjoy the time.

 

So enjoy a few pictures of Sumeet and Rubina’s super secret engagement.

 

 

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Robby and Ashley- Anaheim Packing District
Robby and Ashley- Anaheim Packing District
April 21, 2017 In Engagement No Comment

“You make loving you easy
You make loving you all I wanna do
Every little smile, every single touch
Reminds me just how much it all makes
Loving you easy”- Zac Brown

When you live in California you can pretty much count on the gorgeous weather.  So when the downpour of rain didn’t let up for months it left me and this bride to be a little stuck. Ashely was the most laid back bride I have met.  Her and Robby didn’t care about the surroundings, they were just so excited to be taking engagement pictures. Don’t get me wrong. They wanted pictures that would look beautiful but weren’t stuck with a vision of one place. So when rain rapidly seemed to become an issue we quickly had to go from plan A to plan “outside the box”. So when I suggested a different location, The Anaheim Packing District,  Ashely’s answer was “sure why not”.

 The Anaheim Packing District was perfect for them. Colorful, bright and airy with a relaxed feeling. The wonderful people of the building allowed us to come in before the building opened. When stores were starting to their bake bread or brew their coffee.  So the building smelled amazing.  Having the entire building to ourselves led to some fun moments. From us moving tables and benches they never turned down an idea.

The laughter in these pictures are genuine, most are candid moments.  These college sweethearts at the time discussing a house they really wanted to buy. They would stop and imagine the house and in a quick moment, Robby would whisper something and Ashely would be laughing. That would be the thing they would tell me later what they love the most about each other. The easy way they make each other laugh. I can’t wait for their wedding in September at Alta Vista!

So introducing Robby and Ashley.

 

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Anthony & Courtney- The Orange Circle and Train station
April 5, 2017 In Uncategorized No Comment

“I have found the one whom my soul loves”    – Song of Solomon 3:4

There was something special and different about Anthony and Courtney when we first met, something simple and lovely. The feeling you get when you have been in a room that’s too warm, and you open a window and fresh cool air flutters across your face. The more I talked with them, the more I realized it was more than just the love they had for each other that surrounded you with the feeling. It was the depth of their faith in God.
When we started, we had thought it would be a short shoot. One location the Orange Circle and no outfit changes just her beautiful tulle skirt and those killer red heels. But it turned into a small adventure adding the train station, and more of the Orange Circle than planned. We walked and talked, they told me their love story. How they met. How he proposed at their church, Courtney interjecting jokes or slightly teasing.  I loved listening to them banter and laugh.  The way they held hands or how Anthony would lead the way for Courtney. The light kiss on the forehead, then the eruption of laughter. While I changed lenses, they would stop and play patty cake, or lean in and whisper to each other. Mostly they knew how to be still with each other, quiet and close. They would hold each other when they thought I wasn’t looking and there would be a calmness that enveloped them.  When I finally looked did look down at my watch, I realized time had run over. The walk back to our cars, I thought to myself how grateful I was to have met this couple. To remind me that God has a plan for us all, and I was lucky to have been a part of their plan.

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Bragg Featured Wedding -The Wilcox Manor
March 23, 2017 In Wedding No Comment

“Once in a while in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale.”

Their Story-
It was all because of a random game of Bingo.
A ball rolled down the chute, and a number called, “Bingo” was heard. Thousands of miles away, Meredith and Chris were oblivious to the fact this ball, this one game, would set off a chain of events that would change their lives forever.
Chris’s childhood friend and roommate Eli would be going on a cruise his cousin had won in a bingo game. This trip would change everyone’s lives.
Several weeks later Eli returned from the trip having met someone, Michelle, a beautiful young lady from Texas.
A long distance relationship eventually led to Michelle’s relocation to Southern California, and her relocation prompted sporadic visits by her jet-setting sister, Meredith.
For as what could be described as a mutual crush, they carried on with their lives with each other in their peripheral.
Five Years later, as friends and family from across the world gathered to celebrate the marriage of Eli and Michelle-Meredith and Chris’s paths inevitably converged. Meredith stood as her sister’s maid of honor and as Chris officiated the wedding of his childhood friend.
So what began as a simple game of bingo, evolved into an extraordinary romance, and the rest, as they say, is history. Call it destiny. Call it fate. But they couldn’t be more grateful they found each other.
The Big Day
There are just days and moments that remind you of what love is all about. It’s the mushy, squishy, makes you smile a silly grin.
This wedding was full of these moments
Chris through the whole process has been an emotional soul. During most of the journey leading to the wedding, Chris was mostly quiet and a shadow, letting Meredith lead the way. When he is with Meredith a bright smile emerges, the dapper exterior melts and the thoughtful, artistic, painter guy comes to the surface. When he looks at her, you know every heart that sees them has melted.
Meredith has a silly personality with a laugh that is contagious. Watching her get ready was filled with goofy faces and bursts of laughter. Surrounded by her closest family and friends you could see every bit of the silliness shine. It made you smile; it made you feel the love.

I always try to pick a moment, a “favorite highlight.” Sometimes it’s the vows, the first dance or a secret moment stolen when no one is looking. But for the Braggs true to form it was from the first look.
I set Chris up so he couldn’t see Meredith behind him. He knew she was coming; he could hear the commotion. The tears in his eyes started to flow over. It was the “moment, ” and from then on, nothing would be the same. The emotion was thick and palatable. Meredith with a mischievous grin was unaware that Chris was crying and was so excited for him to finally see her, to finally start the day.
He turned, and I can honestly say everyone that was looking stopped what they were doing. The air was still. There wasn’t a dry eye when they hugged. Strangers that were off in the distance wiped tears away.
Chris and Meredith’s wedding was one of sophistication and elegance. Wrapped up with a bunch of mushy and squishy love.

 

 

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