A fairytale wedding in a forest setting

Quite possibly my favorite forest wedding thus far...I photographed these two lovebirds in beautiful Saratoga Springs, California, in a setting with lofty redwoods and incredible light streaming in between the branches. Most of my brides know that I keep it looking natural, and one of the techniques I use is to have them look away from the camera for just a second, close their eyes, and take a deep breath. While they're taking a breath, I know my brides are thinking about how blessed they are to be surrounded by so many loved ones on their wedding day. And then they give me the sweetest smile. Enjoy these few favorites while I finish up editing the rest!

Bride wearing one of my favorite wedding gowns from BHLDN (by Watters wtoo).

Portraits | Theresa Huang & Company

“It’s one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, it’s another thing to make a portrait of who they are.”  -Paul Caponigro

I had the best time photographing the talented artists of Theresa Huang's Makeup & Hair Design team. They truly are beautiful inside and out. I love Theresa's work and have always been an admirer, so it was an honor to be asked to photograph her company portraits. One of Theresa's artists actually did the hair and makeup for my own wedding last June. Thanks for making me look so beautiful, Tina! :) 

One of my favorite things in the whole world is taking portraits. The art of taking portraits involves not only the photographer, but also the subject. The person whom you're aiming the camera at is very much a part of the creative process. During this time I get to know the person I'm photographing on a more intimate level, and I take a few moments to just observe them before composing the final shot. Best of all, I am tasked with communicating everything I want to say about a person in one single portrait - equivalent to a thousand words. Not much more to be said here right?

The first few photos are of the ever-talented and ever-lovely Theresa Huang. 

Los Angeles Central Library | Cafe Pinot Wedding

Here's a special preview of my gorgeous bride and groom who have the most beautiful smiles. Their smiling didn't stop, not even once. More to come, so stay tuned!

Venue: Cafe Pinot Wedding Venue at the Central Library, Los Angeles
Florals: Jessica De Corse of www.ellamah.com
Coordinator: Kelly of Demaray Events

Melody & Chung | Engagement

I love photographing toward sunset because of the way the sun is lower in the sky, while it bounces off the earth, reflecting back into a softly diffused, warm light. Engagement sessions are such a unique time between the photographer and their couple, too. We get to know each other a little better, and it also helps my clients ease into being in front of the camera. Even when my couples are very outgoing and extroverted, sometimes they freeze up when it comes to getting their picture taken, because it's probably their first experience with professional photography. So from the engagement session, I guide them through a process where I help them relax in front of the camera, and give them an idea of how I will be shooting on their wedding day. That way, my couples know exactly what to expect and by the time wedding day rolls around, they'll be entirely comfortable smiling and kissing for me! 

Chung and I go way back, back to the days when I first moved to LA and attended Evergreen Church in San Gabriel. He has always been supportive of my photography endeavors, so it was so special when he asked if I would do his engagement session. Of course! It was a pleasure meeting his fiancee (and now wife - congrats guys!), Melody, whom I adore because she's not only sweet and funny, but also an architect! My dream job! Haha. Thanks for letting me document this lovely time in your life!