Langham Huntington Descanso Gardens Wedding : Yvonne & Robert
Sunday, 6 Apr 2014 | Wedding
Glendale, California
Getty Ready: Langham Huntington
Wedding and Reception: Descanso Gardens
Yvonne prepared for her wedding at the elegant Langham Huntington hotel in Pasadena. Yvonne and Robert chose a beautiful day at Descanso Gardens for their wedding ceremony and reception. Descanso Gardens is the perfect setting to hold a wedding. The foliage and flowers are simply gorgeous! Robert is the brother of my friend Michael, so this was an extra special wedding. I love having the privilege to create memories for families and friends to cherish for years to come. Thank you to Kristen Burtch for her great support as my associate photographer. I wish Yvonne and Robert many years of wedded bliss.
San Diego Balboa Park Japanese Friendship Garden Wedding : Taylor & Todd
Monday, 11 Feb 2013 | Wedding
San Diego, California
Wedding and Reception: Balboa Park, Japanese Friendship Garden
Taylor and Todd reserved the gorgeous Japanese Friendship Garden at San Diego's Balboa Park for their wedding ceremony and reception. This was the perfect setting for their wedding because whenever I see Taylor and Todd together I can see the friendship and love they share; it's so genuine. I can't help but feel uplifted and joyful whenever I'm in their presence. I am grateful for their friendship. It was truly an honor to photograph your wedding. I wish you two a lifetime of happiness!
San Diego Hotel del Coronado Wedding : Mirna & Gary
Friday, 25 Jan 2013 | Wedding
Coronado, California
Wedding: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church
Reception: Hotel del Coronado
Mirna & Gary chose Mirna's Catholic church for their wedding ceremony in her home town of San Ysidro, California. After their nuptuals, they were driven in style to their reception at the world famous Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, California.
San Diego is one of my favorite wedding locations because of its year round pleasant weather and panoramic views. Mirna was a vision in her beautiful wedding dress. Mirna was brave enough to take photos on the beach at sunset. And was it worth it! The photos of Mirna and Gary on the beach are among the most romantic and stunning couple shots I've taken as a wedding photographer. By the end of the session, her dress was covered with mud at the base of the skirt, but the staff at the Hotel del Coronado cleaned it up for the reception. I don't know how they did it, but you would never have known we were on the beach earlier that day.
The guests enjoyed the view, food and festivities. I have no doubt Mirna and Gary will share their love for each other for time and eternity. It was a joy to photograph their wedding. I wish you both the best!
Riverside Harvest Christian Fellowship Wedding : Leticia & Kory
Tuesday, 13 Mar 2012 | Wedding
Riverside, California
Wedding: Harvest Christian Fellowship
Reception: The Old Spaghetti Factory
I was thrilled to photograph Leticia and Kory's wedding at Harvest Christian Fellowship for two reasons. First, Toni and I were married at Harvest, our home church, almost 18 years ago. Second, this was the first wedding I photographed at Harvest. I love how Leticia and Kory have a passion for Christ. You can tell they are dedicated to their faith and to each other. They truly made me feel like family on their wedding day. I wish you both the best of love and happiness as you share your lives together.
Laguna Beach Hotel Laguna Wedding: Meagan & Adam
Sunday, 12 Feb 2012 | Wedding
Laguna Beach, California
Wedding and Reception : Hotel Laguna
Meagan and Adam chose the historic Hotel Laguna for their wedding and reception because they wanted to say their vows on the beach. I fell in love with Meagan's Maggie Sottero wedding dress when she showed me a picture of it before their engagement session. I anxiously awaited the day I could photograph her in it on the beautiful sand of Laguna Beach. Well, as you can see in these images, the dress and Meagan were absolutely stunning.
Indian Wells Miramonte Resort Wedding : Erin & Chris
Monday, 23 Jan 2012 | Wedding
Indian Wells, California
Wedding and Reception : Miramonte Resort & Spa
Erin and Chris represent a couple firsts for me as a photographer. First, they requested a studio engagement session. I had never had a couple request that, but I was happy to pack my backdrop and Profoto studio lighting gear and photograph them at their place. It proved to be a lot of fun. We all had a great time. Second, their wedding was scheduled for New Year's Eve. They figured why not celebrate the arrival of 2012 with their closest family and friends. That proved to be a success as well.
I love how fun Erin and Chris are to be around. They exude a joy that's infectious. What a pleasure to document their wedding on a gloriously beautiful day in the California desert. As you can see from the photographs, you could swear they were taken in the middle of Spring.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Erin and Chili (Chris' nickname) for making me feel so welcome on your wedding day. Although I was there to do a job, you made me feel like one of your guests. It's a day, night and morning I'll never forget. I wish you both much happiness.
San Diego El Cortez Wedding : Deborah & Mark
Tuesday, 10 Jan 2012 | Wedding
San Diego, California
Hair & Makeup : Happenstans Salon
First Look : Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Wedding and Reception : El Cortez
The El Cortez in San Diego, California was the beautiful venue for Deborah and Mark's wedding. Deborah was a vision in her flowing wedding dress. I'm so pleased Deborah and Mark found me on Google and subsequently booked me to photograph their wedding. Knowing how discerning Mark is about photography, I was honored they selected me as their wedding photographer.
I can tell from the way Mark looks at Deborah, he is totally smitten with her; not surprising based on her beauty. And Deborah's face lights up when she sees Mark. This is truly a wonderful match. I'm sure their love will continue to grow as they share their lives together. It was abundantly evident family is important to this couple. The sense of pride and joy was palpable on their wedding day.
Kellogg House Cal Poly Pomona Wedding : Andrea & Sergio
Wednesday, 31 Aug 2011 | Wedding
Pomona, California
Wedding and Reception : Kellogg House, Cal Poly Pomona
Andrea and Sergio are the cutest couple together. See that first picture where they are forehead to forehead and nose to nose? That's something they just automatically do in real life! There's a special connection that's evident when they are together. Maybe it's because they have been together since high school. Whatever it is, I would love to see more couples interact in this manner.
Andrea and Sergio's wedding and reception was held at the Kellogg House on the campus of Cal Poly Pomona where Andrea is finishing up her degree so she can work with animals in the veterinary field. It was my first visit to the campus. I was impressed by the agriculture and livestock. They have horses and fields and even their own farm store which happed to sell the largest, most beautiful onions. Andrea says I need to try their fresh squeezed orange juice. I'll have to do that soon. I loved the market since I am an avid foodie who loves to cook.
They are dear to my heart because they honeymooned at Disneyland. In fact, my wife and I were there on one of their honeymoon days to celebrate my birthday. Anyone who knows me knows I love Disneyland. I even go by disneymike online. Thank you, Andrea and Sergio, for the privilege of getting to know you and get a glimpse into your wonderful life together.
Sequoia Wuksachi Lodge Wedding : Heidi & Dillon
Wednesday, 29 Jun 2011 | Wedding
Sequoia National Park, California
Wedding and Reception : Wuksachi Lodge
I met Dillon at a Griffith Observatory Flickr meet several years ago. When he contacted me about his engagement to Heidi and their desire for me to photograph their wedding in Sequoia National Park, I was thrilled. What a beautiful place to celebrate a wedding the Wuksachi Lodge proved to be. It was the perfect venue for Heidi and Dillon because of their love of the outdoors. They had perviously visited the Wuksachi Lodge and knew it would be the place they would exchange their vows.
Heidi's family traveled to Sequoia from Kentucky. In fact, her dad brought along a bottle of Labrot & Graham Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon to add to the festivities. After spending a couple days with Heidi and Dillon's family, I felt as if I had known them forever. Their warmth and love permeated the union of two beautiful people. Their celebration was truly a blessing to me and everyone involved.
Redlands Mitten Building Wedding : Annette & Ryan
Tuesday, 5 Apr 2011 | Wedding
Redlands, California
Wedding and Reception : The Mitten Building
I was overjoyed when Annette and Ryan asked me to photograph their wedding. I've known Annette for several years. I met her while doing volunteer photography at the annual Ballet Folklorico competition at UC Riverside. Annette was one of the student volunteers for the event. I noticed her beauty and asked if she would pose for studio portraits in exchange for photographs. She accepted and our friendship began. I never anticipated I would one day photograph her wedding!
Annette, a school teacher met and fell in love with Ryan, a Fire Engineer. I can see the love they have for each other whenever I see them together. They chose the Mitten Building in Redlands, Californa for their wedding ceremony and reception. They exchanged nuptuals in the presence of some 400 friends and relatives. It was a joyous affair, filling the Mitten Building with laughter and conversation. Annette was so lovely on her wedding day. I was overcome with emotion and pride, not unlike a father because I feel so close to Annette. Ryan is truly blessed to have a woman like Annette.
We took advantage of the late afternoon light in picturesque Redlands for their couples session. The AK Smiley Public Library created a beautiful backdrop for images of this lovely bride and groom. Thank you, Annette and Ryan for being wonderful clients and good friends. I wish you both happiness forever.
I want to send a special thanks to Cary Pennington and Soupy B. for shooting and assisting. You both helped the day to go smoothly and efficiently.
Pacific Palisades Riviera Country Club Wedding : Suzanne & Adam
Thursday, 28 Oct 2010 | Wedding
Pacific Palisades, California
Wedding and Reception : Riviera Country Club
Suzanne and Adam chose the beautiful Los Angeles Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades as the venue for their wedding and reception. Suzanne was a vision of beauty on her wedding day. Her loveliness shone from inside and out. Her joy was palpable in person and in the photographs I captured. She proclaimed that day as the best day in her life. I believed her. And I feel so privileged to share that best day with her. I want to thank Wind Productions for the opportunity to photograph Suzanne and Adam's special day.
Indian Wells Hyatt Regency Grand Champions Wedding : Kellee & Jeremy
Tuesday, 19 Oct 2010 | Wedding
Indian Wells, California
Wedding and Reception : Indian Wells Country Club
Kellee and Jeremy traveled to Indian Wells, California for their wedding. Indian Wells is a beautiful community near Palm Springs, filled with golf courses and palm trees. Kellee chose the Hyatt Regency Grand Champions as the location to get ready for her big day. It was a warm, but gorgous day. Although I had just met Kellee and Jeremy that very day, I could feel the love they shared for each other. Both families made me feel so welcome. Thank you, Kelle and Jeremy for your warmth and hospitality. It was an honor to photograph your day and prepare the slideshow for your reception. I want to send a big thank you to Denise Neufeld for the opportunity to second shoot with Denise Neufeld Photography.
Silverado Rancho Las Lomas Wedding : Kaitlyn & Eric
Wednesday, 14 Jul 2010 | Wedding
Silverado, California
Wedding & Reception : Rancho Las LomasKaitlyn and Eric exchanged vows at Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado, California. Rancho Las Lomas is a secluded wedding venue located amongst the Orange County hills. The venue is lovely for an outdoor wedding, complete with tigers and parrots, it looks like a wildlife sanctuary.
I was amazed by Kaitlyn's beautifully adorned wedding dress. She was a vision of beauty. As you can see, Eric was quite taken with how breathtaking she looked that day. I love the emotion displayed by the father of the bride. He was so handsome walking her down the aisle. I sensed he was focused on making Kaitlyn's wedding day the best day of her life.
When I photograph a wedding, I love to capture the emotions: the joy, the tears and the laughter. I am so blessed to photograph the special moments in people's lives. I consider it an honor and a privilege. I definitely don't take it for granted.
I loved photographing Kaitlyn and Eric's wedding with Hal Jurcik of Weddings of Distinction Photography.
Norco Village Banquet Hall Wedding : Crystal & Jay
Wednesday, 5 May 2010 | Wedding
Norco, California
Ceremony and Reception: Norco Village Banquet Hall
Crystal and Jay's wedding ceremony and reception were held at the Norco Village Banquet Hall. Relatives traveled from north of Monterey and from Mexico to celebrate their marriage. I started at Crystal's house to take getting ready pictures. Her family was so warm and welcoming. It was truly a joy to work with them.
The wedding was very touching and Crystal's parents were noticeably moved. After the ceremony, the guests were served a delicious traditional Mexican meal; so comforting. Once everyone had their share of dinner, it was time to dance the night away. And they did just that.
It was a great experience photographing Crystal and Jay's wedding with Shane Thompson Photography.
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San Luis Obispo Baileyana Winery Madonna Inn Wedding : Katherine & Travis
Tuesday, 4 May 2010 | Wedding
San Luis Obispo, California
Wedding : Baileyana Winery
Reception : Madonna Inn
Katherine and Travis chose the Baileyana Winery as the venue for their wedding ceremony. The vineyards are just a stone's throw from their home in San Luis Obispo, California. It was a beautiful Central California day, a bit warm, but lovely nonetheless. I love the youthful innocence of this couple. I absolulely loved the wide open country surroundings of the vineyard. It was a refreshing change to be out in countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
After their wedding, they were whisked off to the world famous Madonna Inn for their reception. It was the perfect venue because Katherine has a Victorian look in her beautiful wedding dress; a perfect match for the old world style of the Madonna Inn. The couple ended their day with a stay in the famous Caveman Room at the Inn.
It was truly a pleasure photographing Katherine and Travis' wedding with Elisa of Ahlin Photography. It was especially enjoyable since San Luis Obispo is one of my favorite places to visit!
Redlands River Christian Reformed Church Wedding : Sheila & Bob
Monday, 3 May 2010 | Wedding
Redlands, California
The River Christian Reformed Church
Sheila and Bob selected the church they both attend for their ceremony and reception. They are both very sweet individuals and wonderful to work with. We started out by going to the University of Redlands to take some pictures of the couple, the bridal party and family. It's nice to get a head start on formals before the ceremony when couples choose to have a first look before their ceremonty. One of the highlights of their day was the classic Bentley they rented for the day. We took advantage of the beautiful vehicle by incorporating it into many of the images captured of their wedding day. A big thanks to Mark Leonard Imaging for allowing me to shoot with them at Sheila and Bob's wedding.
Cerritos Prince Seafood Wedding : Debbie & Kingston
Tuesday, 27 Apr 2010 | Wedding
Cerritos, California
Prince Seafood
Debbie and Kingston chose Prince Seafood in Cerritos as their Los Angeles wedding ceremony and reception venue, which made perfect sense since based on their Chinese heritage. When I think of Debbie and Kingston, I think of joy. I absolutely love how they both don't hold back when expressing their happiness. Although this couple looks sweet and friendly, which they definitely are, don't be fooled. They are both students of the Chinese martial art of Kung Fu. In fact, I am told Kingston has attained the level of black belt and instructs martial arts.
One of my favorite parts of this Chinese wedding was the Lion Dance. Skilled acrobatic artists don colorful lion outfits and perform for the bride, groom and their guests. Drummers beat out rhythmically as the lions dance more and more frantically. There is one part where the lions eats a head of lettuce dangled from a pole by the couple. It was a wonderful treat for me to witness this exciting ritual.
Based on the images I captured at their wedding, I feel confident Debbie and Kinston have many years of joy and happiness in store for them.
These bride and groom key chains were absolutely adorable.
Kingston may be a tough martial arts instructor, but he has a soft side as well.
See how delightful Debbie and Kingston were to work with?
Did I mention how Debbie and Kingston are so expressive? Debbie was so tickled with the lion dancers.
They sure know how to have fun. I love their free spirited attitude toward life.
Debbie is definitely not shy about showing her affection for Kingston.
The Chinese dresses worn by Debbie were so beautiful and ornate in their design. This dress had sentimental value as it was the wedding dress worn by Debbie's late mother.
San Diego The Prado at Balboa Park Wedding : Tricia & Ben
Sunday, 28 Feb 2010 | Wedding
San Diego, California
Preparation : Manchester Grand Hyatt
Wedding : Our Lady of the Rosary
Reception : The Prado at Balboa Park
Tricia and Ben were married at Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church in San Diego. They had a traditional Catholic mass wedding with traditional elements performed by a Jewish Rabbi. Tricia was a vision of loveliness and Ben looked so handsome in his Navy dress uniform. After their nuptuals, they were whisked off to their reception at Balboa Park in no less than a white vintage Rolls Royce limousine. As usual, it was a pleasure to second shoot with San Diego wedding photographer Cary Pennington.
Los Angeles Bridal Shoot : Joan Shum
Thursday, 4 Feb 2010 | Wedding
Saturday, I had the distinct pleasure to participate in a bridal shoot planned and coordinated by Chris of White Haute Photography in downtown Los Angeles. Kensy, with her tall, slender frame was a perfect fit for the two gowns provided by wedding designer Joan Shum.
Joan Shum is a Los Angeles wedding dress designer who designs and hand makes each and every one of her corset and skirt dresses creating vintage masterpieces; she was recently featured at The Wedding Chicks.
It was great fun working with Chris Austin, Kensy Reissig and Joan Shum. Oh, and we got some pretty nice images too.
San Diego US Grant Wedding : Megan & Justin
Monday, 18 Jan 2010 | Wedding
San Diego, California
Wedding and Reception : US Grant Hotel
Megan and Justin were married at the beautiful and historic US Grant Hotel in San Diego, California. The elegant decor of the US Grant was the perfect backdrop for this couple to celebrate their love. The wedding took place in the Crystal Ballroom with romantic candlelit ambiance. It was a pleasure to second shoot with San Diego wedding photographer Cary Pennington. As always, I love documenting the bride and groom's most important day. I always feel connected with the families I photograph. They become like family in my heart.
Palm Springs Ace Hotel Wedding : Sarah & Andrew
Tuesday, 3 Nov 2009 | Wedding
Palm Springs, California
Wedding and Reception : Ace Hotel
Sarah and Andrew are such a fun couple. They picked a retro theme for their Palm Springs, California wedding. The venue for their outdoor wedding was the uber cool Ace Hotel. Sarah's dress was so lovely. The beautiful lace was stunning. Shooting with Abi from Abi Q Photography was great. Sarah and Andrew are a wedding photographer's dream come true. I couldn't have chosen models for a wedding shoot with more chemistry and style as these two. The reception was held in the Commune, a jazzy venue with glass walls which open up to the pool area and stunning San Jacinto Mountain views. The sunset was picture perfect that magical evening in Palm Springs.
Dana Point Blue Lantern Inn Cannons Restaurant Wedding : Laurie & John
Sunday, 18 Oct 2009 | Wedding
Dana Point, California
Wedding and Reception : Cannons Restaurant
Preparation : Blue Lantern Inn
Laurie and John chose the Blue Lantern Inn, a cozy and beautiful bed and breakfast in Dana Point for their wedding preparation location. I've stayed there with Toni and we just love it. The inn is so comfortable, the views are lovery and the breakfast is so tasty! I had a wonderful time shooting with Hal of Weddings of Distinction. Their wedding ceremony and reception took place at Cannons restaurant adjacent to the hotel. Laurie was a beautiful bride. I could really sense the love between her and John. Sometimes the love is so strong, it overflows in the couple's expressions and manner.
San Diego DiamondView Tower Wedding : Leigh & Will
Saturday, 17 Oct 2009 | Wedding
Coronado and San Diego, California
Wedding : Christ Episcopal Church
Reception : DiamondView Tower
Preparation : Hotel Solamar
I had a great time shooting with Cary of Cary Pennington Photography. Leigh and Will's wedding was held at the beautiful Christ Episcopal Church in Coronado. It's a wonderfully old fashioned church with a rock block exterior and stained glass windows. After exchanging vows, the couple arrived at the Diamond View Tower with panoramic views of the Padre's Petco Park and the San Diego Skyline for their reception. The decor included their names projected in light, hanging flowers, a photo booth for guests to share images with the couple and a wall adorned with canvas images of the couple. A wonderful time was had by everyone attending Leigh and Will's wedding, cocktail hour and reception. Leigh is from San Diego. Many of Will's family and friends flew down from Seattle for the wedding.
Anaheim Dad Miller Golf Course Greenside Cafe Wedding : Jennifer & Terrance
Thursday, 15 Oct 2009 | Wedding
Anaheim, California
Wedding : Dad Miller Golf Course
Reception : Greenside Cafe
Preparation : Hotel Pepper Tree
Jennifer and Terrence had their wedding at the Dad Miller Golf Course and reception at the Greenside Cafe. It was a lovely summer day in Ahaheim for a wedding. The groomsmen were fun to work with. I really love their Michael Jackson Thriller pose! The children were so adorable. I'm sure Jennifer and Terrance will have beautiful children someday based on their genes! It was so nice shooting again with Lucy of Lucia Photography.
Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa Wedding : Paris & Jeff
Wednesday, 2 Sep 2009 | Wedding
Lake Arrowhead, California
Wedding and Reception : Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
Paris and Jeff opted to have their wedding at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. It's a beautifully appointed resort overlooking scenic Lake Arrowhead in the mountains on the way to Big Bear. It was a sunny, clear mountain day. The air was clean and fresh. It was enjoyable shooting with Lucy of Lucia Photography.
When I saw Paris in her wedding gown, all I could think was she was a living princess. She looked so gorgeous, the way brides look on their special day. Paris was so happy and beaming.
Jeff and his groomsmen were so much fun to photograph. They clearly know how to have a great time. I thought their personalized drinking flasks looked so cool. Oh, and the ringbearer was the cutest kid ever. He absolutely loved posing for the camera.
Temecula Pechanga Resort & Casino Wedding : Katie & Andrew
Wednesday, 24 Jun 2009 | Wedding
Temecula, California
Wedding and Reception : Pechanga Resort and Casino
I had the pleasure of photographing Katie and Andrew's wedding at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California. This was a special wedding for me because I personally know Katie and her family. I love to capture the joy at weddings. It's always a thrill for me!
It was a clear, sunny Southern California afternoon for their intimate courtyard wedding. Katie looked absolutely radiant in her laced back wedding dress. That dress was made for her. The reception was held in the Eagle's View Ballroom at the top of the hotel at Pechanga, with beautiful views of the Temecula Valley.
It was a pleasure to meet Katie and Andrew's extended family. Katie's 101 year old great grandmother was in attendance. Grace, also known as Amazing Grace was a joy and was amazingly healthy and alert for her age. Katie's mother, grandmother and great grandmother repesented 4 family generations.
After the wedding, Katie and Andrew honeymooned in San Diego, California. Andrew is on active duty with the United States Navy. Katie is relocating to Charleston, South Carolina to begin life with her husband.
