Royal Vista Golf Club Wedding ~ Jason & Marie

I always adore photographing weddings, especially when the Bride & Groom opt for a first look!  Renowned photographer, Melissa Jill, discusses "To First Look or Not to First Look."  After reading this article, Jason & Marie decided to go for it!  And, they were happy they did, as you can see from the really great candid moments!

I also love when the bride and groom spend time carefully planning all the details. Marie painted/illustrated their own wedding invitations!  They even had a little cake topper that included their beloved dog, Piper!

The wedding and reception took place at the Royal Vista Golf Club in Rowland Heights, which was also catered by the venue.  They had a very special treat when Marie's sister and a close family friend sang Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie.

It was a beautiful wedding, and special thanks goes to a few people that helped their wedding day go so smoothly.

Makeup:  Jackie Su Makeup & Hair Artistry
Hair:  Nency Sandoval and Tish from Shear Vanity Inc.
Wedding Dress:  Designer: Enzoani / Bridal Salon:  La Soie 
Bridesmaid Dresses:  Alfred Angelo
Bride's Ring:  Jewelry Sales and Design
Groom's Ring:  Northwood Rings
Wedding coordinator- Marc Deco Design
DJ:  Adam Paz
Cake:  Patty's Cakes and Desserts
Florist:  C&L
Videographer: Valenzuela Video
Wedding Invitation by Kandice Milloy

Metropol Banquet Glendale Wedding - Jonathan & Madison

After meeting Jonathan and Madison for their engagement session (see pics here), we instantly connected on so many levels.  We were greeted with kindness, genuineness and love.  I knew from that moment that their wedding was going to be very special - and it was.  Love abounded, and their friends and family displayed so much kindness.  It's always hard to select pics that relay the feeling of the wedding, but here are a few of my favorites.  Enjoy!!

Hair & Makeup:  The Vanity Belle
Ceremony:  Brand Park
eception & Catering: Metropol Banquet

Irvine Wedding ~ Michael & Jennifer

Michael and Jennifer met as teenagers, hanging out with the same group of friends, who also were heavy metal fanatics, and would frequently attend metal concerts together. They fed off of the aggression, fast guitars, and pure energy! Entirely unknown to Michael at that time, Jennifer had a secret crush on him. They remained friends for a number of years, always enjoying each other’s company. As time went on, they lost touch.  But after a couple of years, they began hanging out again, and more frequently.  They became inseparable, enjoying each other's company, listening to music, and going to concerts as often as they could.  Needless to say, there was never a shortage of laughter.  Before you know it, they fell for each other.  Jennifer fell in love with Michael's cynical sarcasm and macabre sense of humor. Michael fell in love with Jennifer's her pure heart and kind, genuine personality.

True to form, Michael & Jennifer made their grand entrance with Limbs by Agalloch, followed by their First Dance with Is This Love by White Snake.  It truly was a blast!

San Juan Capistrano Wedding ~ Justin and Hailey

Jitters, excitement, anxiousness, happiness ..... these are just a few of the many emotions a couple feels or experiences on the morning of their wedding, and Hailey & Justin were no exception.  Despite the worries that most every bride & groom go through, the day turned out wonderfully!  My morning started out with driving to meet up with Hailey and her mom at the very trendy Eli Alexander Salon (Marbella) in San Juan Capistrano.  Her mother has been getting her hair done with Eli for the past 20 years!  It was an extra treat for me because I got to visit my beautiful and wonderful friend, Loret (co-owner of the salon).

Our next stop was Hailey's home, where she proceeded to get ready and share gifts with her bridesmaids.  Meanwhile, my hubby and second shooter, Bryon, was hanging out with Justin and the guys as they got ready for the big day.

The ceremony was beautiful and touching as they exchanged vows among family and their closest friends at their local congregation.  Afterward, we snapped some photos in the quaint Los Dios District in San Juan Capistrano, which is always a great place for pics.  Finally, Hailey & Justin celebrated the evening at the new venue, also in San Juan Capistrano, Plaza de Magdalena, and danced the night away.  It was a great time and we were so thankful to have been a part of something very special.  Here are few images from their day.  Enjoy!

Venue:  Plaza de Magdalena
Caterer:  Sun Dried Tomato Bistro
Cake:  Creative Cakes
Wedding Dress:  Mon Amie
Flowers:  Le Petite Jardin
Bridesmaid Dresses:  BHLDN
Menswear:  J. Crew Wedding Collection
Makeup:  Lauren Winn, Las Vegas, NV
Wedding Ring (Groom): David Yurman
Wedding Ring (Bride): Ilan Jewelry, Los Angeles, CA
Bridal Jewelry:  Tiffany & Co.
Videographer:  
DJ: