art & photography
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
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!
I am not originally from California and know quite little about it, even after moving to Los Angeles. Of course I had been to the other big CA cities, such as SF or San Diego, but all that laid in between was a complete mystery to me. What's the Central Valley? Is that where Silicon Valley is? Isn't the entire State of California just a bunch of desert, gold mines, and dead grass? Thankfully my husband is a California native, born and bred, and would eventually correct my ignorance and impart to me his vast knowledge of the Golden State.
He had casually mentioned Carmel-by-the-Sea sometime before. At the sound of the name my interest was already piqued. So it was such a pleasant surprise when he told me on the eve of my birthday, "Honey, pack your bags in the weekender tote I just bought you, 'cause we're heading to Carmel!"
This is actually just part I of our trip...some of other rolls of film are still pending in the lab. I wanted to go ahead and share a few snippets from our excursion to Point Lobos, so in case you were expecting Carmel photos, uhh I apologize. But now I've built up your anticipation...so check back later for more! :)
Point Lobos is easier to explain in photos. I think it's pretty self-explanatory how breathtaking it is. My favorite shot was of the deer prancing in the golden meadow, though by no means a perfect image, it was fun pretending to be a national geographic photographer for a second...hehe.
Here's Carol-by-the-Sea:
Let me tell you that photographing babies and families is not an easy task! Sometimes it may look so effortless, (because my clients are awesome), but you have no idea how much work is behind all the great images. Being patient is tough for me. Getting the kids to laugh and smile is also difficult. And sometimes these are just split-second captures that happen in an instant, and you either get it or you don't. But I also love it when parents let me do my "thing" and give me the freedom to be creative. It's so much fun when families let loose, and be themselves, because that's when the sincerest moments arise. Children are truly God's blessing, and I hope my photos will one day remind the kids that no matter what happens, their parent's love for them is unconditional. Love this family.
The light toward sunset kept getting better and better...can't beat California light!
My heart melts when I see this little one's face. He has such a happy and bright personality, much like his momma. Children are truly a blessing in life.
Jen, my good friend and college roomie, came to visit me in Los Angeles just a few weeks ago. It had been nearly a year since I last saw her - my wedding - and to say it was good seeing her again is an understatement. If only she would move to LA! Our time spent together is always full of eating and laughing. You would not believe how many restaurants we tried to cram into one single day...it was ridiculous. Well, there's never a dull (or hungry) moment when it comes to hanging out with Jen.
I took her to Greystone because it's one of the very very few places in Los Angeles where you don't have to pay to see something beautiful. It still blows my mind that it's a public park and anyone can get married here at an affordable rate. This was also the place where my now-husband hinted how he could see himself getting married here (with me, I think...). We didn't end up having our wedding here, due their crazy 1.5 year waiting list, but for all you engaged couples out there, this would be a gorgeous & romantic venue to celebrate your nuptials.
Let's cut to the chase, though. Doesn't Jen look beautiful?
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