I had a blast hanging out and photographing Bernadette and Payon’s wedding at Yamashiro in Hollywood!  It was a beautiful wedding filled with lots of love from friends and family!  Bernadette and Payon (along with their group of friends — bridal party) are so much fun to be around.  Everyone was so down to earth and my gosh… they can drink!!!  One thing I really admire about this group is their friendship and love for each other!

Bee and the girls got ready at the Magic Castle (in Hollywood) located just seconds away from Yamashiro.

As usual… my ring shots!

Bee and her girls had a few shots during their preparation to loosen things up a bit!  I don’t know… but for some reason I think I’m gonna card the little girl in the red-plaided shirt! =)  I think she’s under age… and she’s drinking coke… and rum!!!  Just kidding…

I don’t know why or how this happened but the under-aged junior bride’s maid ended up holding the Ketal One Vodka bottle walking around the garage and then into Yamashiro.  Look at the size of the Vodka bottle compared to her face! LOL…

Their ceremony took place in Yamashiro’s beautiful Japanese garden.

In Payon’s culture (Thai culture), the sponsors ties the couple’s hands together to symbolize their union and that the couple will be “tied” together for eternity.

As for entertainment…  a couple of Bee and Payon’s friend who are professional swing dancers put on an awesome show!!!

I started to tear up a bit seeing Bee cry during this slow dance.  I love this moment between the two of them as Payon wiped her tears away.

What was more emotional was when all their friends came up and joined them in a big group hug/dance!!  It was GREAT!!!   Bee and Payon was crying AND laughing from the love all around!

After their wedding, we went around Yamashiro for some couple pictures.  It was pretty dark out and Hollywood was glowing in the background!  I LOVE it!!!  Check out the moon!

Yamashiro… if you like sushi… gotta try it out!  It’s located on top of a hill overseeing the city of Hollywood!  Beautiful restaurant inside and a great lounging area outside (next to a pool with fire pits).

After their wedding Bee and Payon invited Gavin and I to come to their after-party at their hotel suite (at the Magic Castle).  I had a great time hanging out with and taking a few shots with Bee and her girls!  By the end of the night… Bee was done!

Thank you so much Bee and Payon for having us be a part of your day!  Can’t wait to hang out with you guys again…

It was great hanging out with Jan and Kim today; I felt like I’ve known these two for years!!  For their engagement session, Jan and Kim wanted a modern look so they suggested doing a shoot at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood.   This hotel definitely has a luxurious, modern and edgy look and feel.

To start, we hung out by the pool.  We pretty much kept the shoot low key because The Mondrian Hotel did not allow photography without a permit.  I thought we played it off pretty well though.  When anyone would ask, we were just friends meeting up for a drink and the reason they are dressed up is because they had a nice dinner to go to later.  Our waitress kept asking questions like,  “oh… so where are you guys going to dinner tonight?”  Jan and Kim of course didn’t expect that so they kinda hesitated answer.  Then the waitress answer her own question by saying, “oh no… I’m ruining the surprise huh?!”  We laughed and nodded… “yes”.

I LOVE what I do and do not even consider it to be work!  And even if it is work… LOL I get to drink during working hours!!!  =)  Jan and Kim treated me to a awesome Lychee Basil Martini at the Mondrian Hotel.  This drink is not very strong, but the after taste of the lychee is just … WOW!

And here’s Jan and Kim… chilling by the pool side sipping great cocktails!

I saw the way the sun reflected off the mirror and loved the way it casted shadows of the trees on the wall.

Inside the Mondrian Hotel is very simple and classy!

After hanging out at the Mondrian Hotel for a while, we decided to go hotel hopping!!!  Yes… Hotel Hopping!

On our way to the Standard Hotel (also in West Hollywood), we stopped by the back lot of The House of Blues for some quick pictures.

I love texture!  Any structural buildings with rust or other texture is always great for photos!

As we made our way down the strip in West Hollywood, the sun was beginning to set.  I love this dreamy look…

At The Standard Hotel, we found two “bubble” chairs!  It looked really cool, so I asked Jan and Kim to have sit and work the chair! LOL

We then headed to the pool area again… for another drink!  Coffee… that is….

On the way back to the car, we walked passed the House of Blues again.. but now it’s nicely lit!

After hanging out with Jan and Kim, we went to the Stinking Rose for dinner!  These two are super sweet!  I insisted that we go Dutch, but they said they wanted to treat me to a belated dinner!  They even had the crew from the Stinking Rose come out to sing to me!  It was a wonderful day!

Thank you Jan and Kim!! I can’t wait to photography your wedding on 12/12/09!! I know it’ll be lots of fun!

As you may recall, I shot Mae and Pat’s engagement session at Signal Hills a couple months ago…  Mae and Pat are two of the sweetest people; so kind and easy-going!  When I first talked with Mae over the phone, we got along so well that Pat thought that Mae was talking to one of her girls!  In fact, some of the guests at their wedding thought we were long time buddies.  It’s always such a compliment to me when guests think that I’m a close buddy of the bride and groom.

Mae and Pat celebrated their wedding at Coco Palm Restaurant in Pomona (off Fairplex Drive).  They had a fun-filled day wedding surrounded by lots of love from friends and family!

Here are some pictures of Mae getting ready (at the Radisson in West Covina).  Because the wedding ceremony started at 11am, our lovely bride had to start getting ready at 8:00am.  She is such a trooper… she only had a half hour nap the night before!

If you’re into Cuban food… definitely check out Coco Palm Restaurant.  Mae and Pat had a brunch buffet… and oh man was it delicious!!!  My problem with a buffet is … my eyes tend to be bigger than my stomach!  I sat down at our table with a plate piled with delicious Cuban food.  My second photographer sarcastically said, “I don’t think you have enough food Judy!” LOL…

How ’bout this for a grand entrance!?!?!

Mae and Pat decided to have picture frames (nicely boxed and wrapped) as their party favors.  Each box contained a different picture from their engagement session.

The reception was filled with touching toasts and performances.  It was so romantic when Pat surprised Mae by serenading to her!

I think Mae looks a little surprised… don’t you think!?!?!  =)

Their wedding reception ended around 3:30pm.  With the day ending so early, we went around Coco Palm Restaurant for a few couple pictures.

Thank you Mae and Pat for having me be a part of your special day!  You both are so cute together… totally made for each other!  Warm wishes as you both share your life journeys together!

Also, thanks to Steve Hoffmann for coming along as my second photographer.

You can see their engagement pictures here.

Zohreh and Jack asked to have me photography their preparation and couple session (at the LA River Center) only.  Zohreh and Jack are officially married a couple months prior and is now having their wedding reception at the LA River Center.  These two decided not to have a wedding ceremony.  I’ve noticed that it’s quite common now where couples would be married prior and then have a reception a few month (or even a year) later.  In fact, Gavin and I were thinking of doing the same thing.  We were thinking of going to the local court house to sign our papers and legally be married in February or March.  That way,  we get the paper work out of the way and then throw a big party later on!

Zohreh got ready at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel.  We were literally right next to Hollywood and Highland.  Too bad we didn’t have time to go out there for pictures.  I would have LOVED to take her out and do a shoot around Hollywood and Highland.

Zohreh’s sister was her make-up artist.  I wish I had a sister who works for Bobbi Brown and can put make up on me.  My little brother (Steven) thinks otherwise though!  I remember when Steven was little, I would dress him up as a girl and put make-up on him!  I even have pictures to prove it!!  I can’t wait until he gets married and I can use those pictures as black mail!!!  LOL… can’t wait!!

Awesome lashes…

And of course…  the rings!

After Zohreh got into her dress, I snuck in a few quick pictures of Zohreh around the Renaissance Hotel while the valet guy went to get the car.

From the hotel,  we hopped over to the LA River Center where I did their “couple session” before their reception starts.  Jack is a teacher, but also does photography (for fun) and so for their reception, he asked his friend (who is also a wedding photographer) to photograph for them.

I love this picture of them…

I placed a light source behind the gate and when it fired… it casted a beautiful glow!

You can see the full galleries here:

Preparation

Couple

I did Cassie and Ryan’s engagement session in Pasadena back in April… and now… it’s their big day!  My does the time fly by quickly!

This is completely off subject but… is it me or does time go by really really fast once you’re past 21 years old.  I recall being 16 and wishing I would be 18.  Once I was 18, I couldn’t wait to be 21.  Now that I’m past 21… I’m thinking… “Dear Lord, please slow down”!!!

Ok… back to Cassie and Ryan!  They had their wedding at a church out in Rialto.  From there, we drove to the Puddingstone Resort in San Dimas for the reception.

The dress…

The shoes…

and of course… the Ring!

Silly girls… just ask Judy (that would be me) if you want your picture taken! =)

That’s a cute picture though…

And here is their adorable son!  This little boy is like a ninja and doesn’t like his picture taken.  But, what do you know… he pimpin the camera in this one!!  Isn’t he so adorable?!?! Gonna be a lady’s man when he goes up!

Cassie and Ryan’s ceremony was quite touching; I found myself tearing up when they exchanges the vows that they wrote for each other.

From the ceremony, we drove to The PuddingStone Lake for a few group photos.  Cassie and Ryan had 11 bridesmaids and groomsmen (we kinda lost a few during the drive over to the lake).  They’re a fun group to photograph!

These two are so in LOVE!

Dancing…

Dancing…

and more dancing!!!

This cute little fellow was always on the dance floor!  Break-dancing already?

Congratulations Cassie and Ryan!  I’m so excited and happy for you both!  Best wishes as you share your life together…

Also, thanks Doug (of Furious Photographers) for coming along as my second!

You can see their engagement pictures here.