There are some weddings that I can recall everything so crystal clear.  Mostly because of the type of people, their relationship with me and the miscellaneous personal touches that they have in their weddings.  This one is definitely one of those weddings.  Great people, great families, friends, and lots of personalized things ranging from the peepee-face (I have the pictures but would not disclose the person :P), to a surprise Jai-Ho dance (from The Slumdog Millionaire).  Kelli + Dave used to work in the film industry so this really means a lot to them.

The wedding became complete when the Oregon Ducks won the game that night (they are all HUGE ducks fans)

My friend, Ed Atrero shot with me on this one.

Venue: The Calamigos Ranch, Malibu

Dave’s sister in the background trying to hold back tears as Kelli is putting on the dress..

Dave reading a personal letter from his brother..

Don’t try this at home :P

Love this moment between Kelli and her dad.

And the AMAZING surprise Jai-Ho Dance by their friends and family!

Dave’s tearing up watching the dance

Following the same shoot as Ray’s previous shoot with Greg Bumatay but without the waterfall, here are some of mine! :)

Dancers: Rosalba Jasso, Loree Rapp, Nancy Crouch (in that particular order)
Makeup: Paulina Bustos

Thank you Ladies!  You are all awesome!!

Since everyone is shooting them dancing, I thought I’d try a different twist – The yellow riding hood! :)

This post is one day late, but better late than never!  I am very pleased that the following images placed on the recent ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photographer) Quarterly contest.  I just recently joined this society, so this comes as a great surprise – a pleasant one, especially because the votes come from a panel of judges that I truly respect.
Getting Ready – 11th Place (Angela + Angel’s wedding)

Bride and Groom Portrait – 7th

Engagement Portrait – 9th (Nina + Sam’s Engagement)

and last but not least: Reception – 1st Place (Pang + Scott’s Wedding)

And Ray took one spot: First Dance – 16th (Whitney + Alex)

Sherry is a lawyer, Larry is a lawyer.  Both of their occupations and names rhymed.  Two great people with great personalities and kindness.

My friend, Dexter Lo came out to second shoot for me.

Venue: Pelican Hill
Florist: White Lilac
Band: James Gang
Coordinator: About Details Details
Dress: Jenny Lee
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Makeup Artist: Katie B.

Sherry having a great time with the flower girl as everything else is still in battle mode :P

Sherry looking at herself the first time after the whole accessories are on…

Pretty much all smiles during the ceremony..

A little panoramic portrait during sunset

The train!

I had the pleasure of hanging out and shooting Salila + Edgar’s Engagement Session in Las Vegas. They are one of the awesomest and nicest people, and they are united through food, to say the least :) Edgar is an excellent chef and Salila is a foodie, so it’s a match made in heaven. I got my share of food 101 everytime I dine with these two. Not to mention the late night Facebook food photo uploads that always makes me hungry :P Life’s good when you have a chef living with you I guess.

This is the first time I shot at this awesome location, The Neon Museum where they store all the vintage signs from the strip. We had a lot of fun and afterwards, ate, and partied! It’s always awesome to be friends with my clients and to have that connection, it’s simply priceless.

Can’t wait to shoot your wedding next year! You guys are truly rockstars in my book! :)