I have never even heard of Santa Ynez before.  Well it’s right next to Solvang. I got to Solvang the night before the wedding to enjoy the beautiful quaint town.  I was so pump up to shoot this gorgeous couple, Brittanie and Mike.  They met at a wedding as they were both in the wedding party.  5 years later, it was now their turn.

This wedding was held at Sunstone Winery and I highly recommend this venue to any bride and groom.  The architecture of this winery is breathtaking at all angles.  The way the light shines down from the trees is any photographers dream. Besides the venue, the details, my goodness.

Brittanie and Mike were such pleasure to work with.  They have so much respect and love for each other.  I’m so in love with this wedding.

She has a background in interior design so she has a plant wholesale card.  She took me to Kobata Growers, right next to my house and we got really cool stuff for really cheap.  A little bit of live green plants can add a ton to a place.  We also did a a little impromptu shoot at the plant store, love the color.  I interviewed Nicole about how to add style to your wedding. This is what she had to say.

·         Be inspired by the trends, but don’t be trendy.  When you look back at your wedding pictures, you will want them to feel timeless.  Infuse your bridal style with looks that are current, but keep the overall feel classic.

·         Don’t take the theme literally.  Instead, use it as an overall muse & mood.

·         The venue – location, location , location!  Choosing a venue with character or beautiful grounds will instantly create an ambiance and flair that will add style.  In addition, it will lay the foundation for your design scheme.

·         Incorporate the location or season.  It will lend a feeling of authenticity and give your guests an opportunity to experience what the local surroundings have to offer.  For example, if you are getting married in Santa Barbara, think about using local wines, olive oil, produce and/or wildflowers.

·          Layer & Texture.  This applies to all facets of the décor; think about layering table linens, varying the heights of the flowers and/or candles.  Also, don’t forget about the ceiling.  Drape tulle or fabric, add chandeliers or paper lanterns at different levels.  This will add interest and dimension to the décor.

·          Mix new and old.  Buy the Louboutins that you have been dreaming about, but borrow a vintage pair of earrings from your Mom or Grandmother.

·          Last, but not least, Stay true to who you are!  This is your day and it should be a reflection of who are.  Happy Planning!  xo

If you would like to book a consultation with Nicole go to this link.

The plants I bought for my place

Andrea was one of the bridesmaids at Rika and Lennon’s wedding 2 years ago.  She has been following my work this whole time and booked me without a meeting.  It was great to see her and her fianc’e Scott so in love. They said they are very similar. Both of them are very driven/responsible individuals and they never have to worry about each other.  That is what marriage is about, trusting one another on all levels.

The shoot couldn’t have been more perfect. Can’t wait for the wedding at Stone Brewing Company.

Happy Woo Wednesdays!

I haven’t written for a couple weeks. I’ve been so busy moving and plus it’s the start of wedding season.

I moved in on February 26th so it’s been 3 weeks.  I’m officially a homeowner.  It has been a long process leading up to the move, probably around 8 or 9 months.

How it all started: I got in a heated argument with my grandma about me not being married yet.  The argument turned from yelling and tears to her wanting to help me buy a place of my own.

My mind started racing and I became very excited.  The idea was actually very scary as well. It meant commitment.  Buying a place is a huge commitment and I didn’t know if I was ready for it mentally and financially.  I passed by this new development in Gardena, right off the 91 freeway many times so I thought I take a look.  I instantly fell in love.  It was PERFECT in every way.  The high ceilings, a loft, the nice light, the asian restaurants surrounding the complex, and the biggest thing was that I could have my photography studio on the bottom floor.  There was nothing like this out in the Southbay. My grandma liked the fact that it is 3 minutes from her place.  Me being an impulsive buyer, I had to have it and I would do anything to make it possible.  This is the only place I looked at, crazy right. The process began. Luckily I had the support of my family and best friend real estate agent Lauren Weber by my side the whole time.

I picked out everything in this home, from the floors, wall paint, staircase…I even hand pick out the granite slap in my kitchen. That was the fun part.

There were also many challenges with getting this home.  Getting the loan was a tedious ongoing process.  The paperwork, questions and meetings were endless.  Being a business owner makes it much harder to own a home because your income is not certain.  I was suppose to move in my place 2 months earlier but I had trouble getting a document from the IRS saying I did my taxes. After the economy crashed, the banks are not cutting any corners.  I literally waited a total of 10 hours at the IRS trying to get this darn form, no luck.  I almost got into a fight at the IRS office.  Eek!  The hardest part was the uncertain feeling that the deal was going to fall through.  My poor roommate was homeless for 2 months and patiently waited. It was a lot of pressure on me.  At least 5 people each day asked me when I was going to move it. =(

Everything finally came together and All of the challenges made it THAT much better and more satisfying when I received my keys.  It was an amazing feeling and I literally jumped up and down by myself when I walked up the stairs for the time.  I feel so blessed that I bought at the right time, right before the wave of buyers flooded the market. I would have never gotten the loan if I waited a month longer. I’m very lucky and I can’t wait to set up my actual studio where I will shoot families and babies.

Here is an inside peek into the new crib, decorating is so much fun, seriously the best part. Check out my pinterest decor page.

See you all next week!

Antlers and painted CW and Let’s Run Away poster : Urban Outfitters => Picture frames : IKEA => Yellow carpet : RugUSA => Coffee table : Plummers => Couch : Z Gallery Outlet => Pink throw blanket and plant: Homegoods => Happiness is not a destination wall hang : Francescas => Confetti Garland : Confetti System

I got my couch from Z Gallery Outlet for $200. I’m so proud of the myself. The rest of the furniture is from Plummers in Gardena. They are going out of business so everything is 30-50 % off.

Sriracha cookbook from one of my past clients Angela and Aaron => Blue rug : Rugs USA

Grey Chair : Urban Oufitters

My first DIY home project : Tiffani from Sun and Sparrow brought over these wine boxes in different sizes.  The ideas are endless of what I can do with them. See below.

These photos below are all from Pinterest.

Melissa and Jesse are THE SWEETEST couple EVER.  I knew since the moment I met them over a year ago.  They were guests of a wedding I shot in 2012, Joy and Michael.  Every speech at this wedding had the phrase “bundle of love” in it.  Yes, Love oozes out of Melissa and Jesse, not just toward each other but to everyone around them.  They make everyone feel so very much loved.

I was very impressed by the details at this wedding.  The vintage tables were setup to perfection.  And the venue, wow!  Cordillera Ranch has so much color and character.  I was loving that hugh teepee.  Melissa told me I was going to love the venue and she was right.

At the end of the night when all the guest were dancing away, my second shooter said to me “wow, this wedding was solid”. I totally agree. Every aspect all it really reflected Melissa and Jesse and the list of awesome things about this wedding never ended.

Also at the end of the night when I was leaving, Melissa told me that we will be friends forever. She is too sweet.  Can you tell how much in love I am with this couple. Congrats you two!!!

When I first started my wedding photography business 4 years ago, it my was dream to shoot at St. Regis in Dana Point.  This venue screams High End.  The day finally came and it was incredible, especially since it was planned and designed by my favorite wedding planners Carpe Diem Events.

I have become close to Janice and Jeff, the stunning couple.  During our engagement session they really tried to get to know me and I love them for that.  I was single at the time so Janice wanted to set me up with one of her wedding guest. She was bummed that I’m taken now. =) I try to get to know all of my couples during the engagement shoot. It makes me feel like a guest at their wedding and I feel very emotionally invested which allows me to create real images.  Yes, I get teary-eyed at most of my weddings.

This was an amazing daytime wedding that had many unique element about it including a opera singer and dance teacher.  Me and Slomique from Carpe Diem stopped working for 5 minutes and learned The Wobble Dance.  You just got to let loose sometimes. =)

You may remember Ashley and Ryan’s adorable engagement session not too long ago.  Their love is undeniable.  I was so excited to shoot this adorable couple at the newly renovated Redondo Beach Crowne Plaza. We started the day off at the Crowne Plaza and then took a 3 minute shuttle ride to The Chart house where their ceremony took place on the beach. It was a little cold but still a beautiful day. This wedding was very simple and focussed on the love between the two.

Before the reception the Ryan’s dad took all boys and Ashley to the room to drink a shot of a very hard to find bourbon called Pappy Van Winkle, the best bourbon you will ever taste (aged up to 23 years and $400 a bottle).  He told a very special story about this bourbon and gave us all a shot full including me, it was the best bourbon I ever tasted.  I love the unconventional things that come along with being a wedding photographer.  You just never know what is going to happen next.

Another surprising thing that happened was at the end of Ryan’s sister’s speech she busted out into song, Gansta’s Paradise by Coolio. Ryan sang along with her into the mic. The night just kept getting better and better.

We started the day off at UCLA, where Jenny and Brian met 5 years ago.  They brought their bikes. =) It was cute when they made comments such as “we must have walked along this path 300 times”.  You can tell how smitten they are about each other, makes my job very easy.

After we headed to the Art District and I found a cool new spot, the Southern California Institute of Architecture.  I didn’t think the guard was going to let us in but I usually get lucky.  I always have a big smile and say in a sweet voice “do you think we can get a couple shots inside”. =)  It was pretty awesome, there was every color imaginable, cool lines and unique decor. We ended the day getting sushi and sake. Jenny and Brian are so lovely to shoot and I feel so blessed that couples like them want to work with me.

Can’t wait for their wedding at the History Museum.

Once again, shout outs to the talented vendors that made this shoot possible.

Location: Redondo Beach Crowne Plaza / Wedding Planners: First Pick Planning / Florals: The Events Boutique / Dress: The Ankary / Ceremony set up:  Party Posies / Makeup: Always Madeup Artistry / DJ and Lighting: Social Chemistry Events / Cake: Torrance Bakery / Hair: Le Room Salon / Specialty Linen & equipment Rental: Fusion Linens / Tuxedos: Manninos / Stationary: First Impressions

Love the first shot.  What a unique idea.  Sherree’s dad was so kind to let us use his old school car.  What a treat. The reception and candy table are modern, hip and vibrant with color. I’ve never seen florals like that before.  So simple yet stunning.

I want to thank all of the amazing vendors that were apart of this shoot. Can’t wait to work with you again.

Location: Redondo Beach Crowne Plaza / Wedding Planners: The Events Boutique and First Pick Planning / Florals: The Events Boutique / Dress: The Ankary / Ceremony set up:  Party Posies / Makeup and Hair: Always Madeup Artistry / DJ and Lighting: Social Chemistry Events / Cake: Torrance Bakery / Hair: Le Room Salon / Specialty Linen & equipment Rental: Fusion Linens / Tuxedos: Manninos / Stationary: First Impressions