If you are reading this post, you should already know Ray Soemarsono. Ray and his stunning wife, Mel just celebrated their 11th year anniversary this year and they asked me to shoot their portrait. Ray is a VERY talented photographer (I can proudly say that I could not ask for a better business partner) and Mel, a proud mother of two gorgeous and really smart little girls have been my good friends for quite a long time (especially since we started Apertura back in 2005). I was so flattered that they asked me to do this, especially since we know so many good photographers in our business.

I remembered during one of our conversations a few years ago, that they had a very simple wedding. They don’t even have any professional wedding photos done (back then Ray was still an Engineer, and had no interest in photography at all). I remembered also that they mentioned that they regretted not having any photos other than the disposable cameras that they placed on the tables of their reception that their friends use to document the day. So naturally the pressure is on. Shooting a really good photographer is one, but also I wanted to capture the essence of who they are as a couple. Luckily, the second part is a lot easier since I know them pretty well. When we are talking about the shoot, brainstorming things, Ray and Mel pretty much gave me full reign of what I wanted to do (awesome!). So we ended up shooting at the Parker Palm Springs, which is one of our favorite place ever.

The day was cold, and the night was even colder. However, that didn’t get in the way of them connecting off and on camera. I admire these friends of mine. 11 years and counting. Still going on strong. Congratulations, Mel + Ray! Thanks for letting me shoot your Anniversary portraits! :) Enough talking, let’s see their hotness.

Makeup & hair: Kelly Zhang

Here’s a quick post about Michelle + Rudy’s engagement session.  I normally ask my clients to pick the locations for their engagement session, either based on the location that they really liked, or something that is close to their hearts.  The reason I do this is to get the engagement images to mean something more than just beautiful images by infusing things that are true to them.

When I asked this question to Michelle, she answered that whenever they are together they go shopping and hang out at 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica – which is a thumbs up for me, since when I needed some exercise I would actually drive up and just walk around there as well :).  We shot in front of stores, in the back alley ways, in front of a construction, top of a cliff, parking garage, etc.  Bottom line is, we had fun and hope you enjoy the images!

Ok, I’m going to save the interesting details for their wedding post!  2012.  Can’t wait!

Erin + Harry were rockstars. They made shooting with a bad cold bearable. Driving around in LA, Harry’s hood, was a breeze and we covered lots of cool places in such a short amount of time.

It is so nice to shoot wedding for people that you already know, especially if you have shot two other weddings in their families.  This is the case for this wedding.  I met Katherine when I shot Kelli + Dave’s wedding (Katherine is Dave’s sister), then I shot Kelli’s sister, Shannon when she got married to Jerome.  So when I got an email from Katherine, we already know each other, and the process so simple and smooth.  We talked about the wedding, and decided that they are going to have me shoot their wedding by myself.  This is definitely not the norm, but with 28 total guests and half of them I already know pretty well, I’m up for the challenge.

It was definitely a close-knit family & friends gathering, every single person was there to support them. Their friend, James got himself ordained to marry Katherine + Darrin, and another friend sang a couple of songs for the ceremony and reception (first dance). To me, the highlight of the ceremony was when Katherine + Darrin recited a poem that they love in both English and Spanish.

Katherine + Darrin are made for each other and they share so much love towards each other.  I know it sounded corny, but I can see how well they fit when they are together.  It’s true.  I would find them having an intimate dance by themselves while people are eating and talking, to the background music.  They seem to be able to appreciate the time that they spend together, no matter where they are.  This post is all about the moments and the things that define Katherine + Darrin.

Congratulations again Katherine + Darrin, and for the Johnson & Carlson (and Goss) families, thank you so much for your kindness and hospitality!   Always great to see you all.

I love this moment during the first look.  I knew Darrin was nervous about meeting Katherine for the first time that day in her wedding dress, and he couldn’t contain himself.  It is apparently true that you look your best at your wedding day :)

That weekend was an especially hectic weekend in San Diego, with the Airshow going on, and everything else.  On the way to the ceremony site, we were diverted to a small winding road and I managed to squeeze this shot of their car through my car’s interior mirror (I don’t condone this action for anyone.. ) :)

Katherine’s dad giving her a big hug after walking her down the aisle.

Both moms giving hugs in unison

Love this moment between Katherine + Darrin after they were officially married…

Katherine + Darrin’s dads getting down on some Led Zeppelin tunes

It was a perfect day by the shore for Rachel + Dan to get married. Rachel, a former Miss Chinese International who represented Malaysia in 2003, met Dan in Hong Kong on a church gathering trip and romance sparked. Dan, who worked for WB, proposed 7 months into the relationship and they were set to have two weddings. One in LA where they both live and another in Malaysia where Rachel is from. With both Rachel + Dan being devout Christian, they started the ceremony with worship and it was incredibly emotional. Rachel and the girls also had been practicing a group dance performance to surprise the guests during the reception. The energy on the dance floor was phenomenal and it was really a perfect day for a wedding. :)

Thanks to my friend Brandon Wong to help me second shoot this wedding.

Venue: Bel Air Bay Club
Coordinator: Fresh Events Company
Florist: Ixora Florist
Bakery: Magnolia Bakery
Dress: Jeff Mui
MUA: Deric Lim
Hair: Summer Star

Group prayer for the boys

Dan’s mom reaction is so cute!

First look!

Gorgeous, thoughtful details with romantic movie theme. Love the projection of “Roman Holiday” in the courtyard!

Rachel + Dan did a dance-off break in the middle of their first dance

And the rousing performance