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.

I had such a great time hanging out with Jennifer and Sang today!

I first met Sang about a year ago at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (in Beverly Hills); where we both worked  in the pharmacy department!  At the time, I was on wait-list for pharmacy school and was interested in learning about various pain killers and their mechanisms.  I recall my first conversation with Sang (pharmacist) was him trying to explain the differences between Morphine IR and Morphine SR to me.  After chatting for a while, we somehow went from medicine to camera (waaaaay more interesting subject!!) I found out that Sang is interested in photography and has a Canon 40D with a 24-70 f/2.8 lens.  That’s one of my favorite lens to use during a wedding!

I was super excited when Sang call us up to tell us he and Jen decided to go with us as their wedding photographers!  I am sooooooo looking forward to photographing their wedding in November at Rancho Los Lomas in Silverado Canyon (next to Rancho Santa Margarita or RSM).

For their engagement session, Jen was looking for a location with lots of trees and very wood-like!  The first location that popped into my mind was Rancho Capistrano!!  It is quite common for couples to be a little stiff and uncomfortable, but nothing my corny little jokes and a little alcohol can’t fix! =)  For their engagement session, Gavin and I brought along a flask of Vodka infused Strawberries and Pineapples for about 4 days.  Gavin had learned to make this combo when we were at a bar at the Huntington Hyatt for another engagement session.

Here are some of my favorites from the beginning of the shoot

I love the lighting in the next two pictures!  I love shooting into the sun to create highlights and really cool solar flares!

I love the dreamy look in this picture!!

It’s really cool hanging out with a co-work outside of work!  I learned so much about Jen and Sang as a couple.  BTW – these two have been together for about 14 years!!!

We all thought it was pretty interesting (weird to be exact) that there was a dry-looking flower plant growing in the middle of nowhere!  No really… there was a flower plant sitting in the middle of all the dry tall grass at Rancho Capistrano!

This is one of my favorite pictures…

After Rancho Capistrano, we headed over to Table Rock in Laguna Beach for a beautiful sunset!

This is just sooooo romantic!!

As the sun was beginning to set, I was super stoked to capture the following…

Was the water really that cold guys?!?!?  LOL … sorry!!

Check out this last image taken by Gavin (while I was holding the light and acting as a human light stand). AWESOME!!!

Of course… we had to do it too!!!  I handed Jen the flash and Gavin prep the camera settings for Sang.  I LOVE it!!!  LOL…

Thank you Jen and Sang for a wonderful time!  I had so much fun hanging out with you both!  I can’t wait to shoot your big day!!!

Takako and John got in contact with me literally two weeks prior their wedding.  Their special request was that they only wanted details and candid pictures!  With a photo journalistic background, that request was right down my alley!

Their wedding was spread over two days.  The first one was a small and intimate backyard ceremony in Huntington Beach (next to Trinidad Island).  Their house is right on the water and has an awesome view of the marina.  Check out their family boats!!

Takako and John had a unique wedding indeed!!!  The officiant was Takako’s sister.  Now, you may wonder… what’s so unique about that?  Well… she was dressed up as a LOBSTER.

And here’s her adorable side-kick!

Their wedding ceremony was literally about 5 minutes long.  It was comprised of an “I do”… a ring exchange… and the first kiss!  Simple and romantic!

After the formal session, we stepped down to the dock for a few quick pics.

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BTW – Takako’s mom made her dress!

For dinner, Tacos and Sushi…

I had a few bites and I swear… the Toro was to die for! My mouth waters just thinking about it…

Their Reception took place on Saturday, Sept 26th at the Union Station in Los Angeles.  Again, they specifically requested to have only candids and details.

I want to thank Danny (of Danny N Photography) for coming as my second.

For dinner, Lawry’s!!!  So for the word pun… Lawry’s and Lobster… hehehe… get it??!?!   ok ok… I’ll have to admit, that was a pretty lame joke!

The caterer was Lawry’s Prime Rib.  They brought out the whole sha-bang…  The cart was going from table to table serving each guests!

Bone in Prime Rib… yummy!!!  Oh… and for those who don’t know me; I am a total carnivore! =)

Takako and John did not just have one cake, but instead they had 12 cakes!  I’ve always been a BIG fan of cheese cakes, but the coconut flavored one really swept me away!