wedding rehearsals

"making memories of us"

We all know how important the day of the wedding is, but we cannot forget about all those fun and crazy events leading up to the momentous occasion. It has become increasingly common for couples to have photography coverage at wedding rehearsals, rehearsal dinners and bridal showers to document the wedding frenzy you endure with family, friends & loved ones. After all, we know the “big day” isn’t really just about that day. If you are married, I think you will agree that you spend way more time planning a wedding than actually participating in it! With family in town and excitement built up, I believe there are some amazing moments waiting to be captured at these events. So for all you couples, this might be something you want to keep in mind when doing your wedding planning. Who knows – you might get that shot of Mom crying because she finally saw Aunt Sue after 5 years. Or you might get that shot of Uncle Ted getting a lil’ too tipsy thanks to the open bar. Whatever the case, these are moments worth looking back on and worth the extra planning for.

Here are examples of a wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner I shot in August 2007. Thanks to Dustin & Wendi and their families for such a great time! As you can tell from the pics, they had a blast as well! Click here to see photographs from their beachfront August wedding!

faisal & heela: wedding

"dancing the night away"

I had the pleasure of shooting Faisal & Heela’s wedding reception on November 9, 2007 at the Royal Palace in Glendale, CA. I was taken aback by the beautiful customs and grand festivities of an Afghan wedding. The wedding had such a colorful energy to it. It was all about getting together with family & friends and just having an infinite good time. There was non-stop food (which was soooo delicious) and non-stop dancing. Everyone and I mean everyone couldn’t stop dancing! The custom behind this is to have a grand celebration to launch the couple into their new life. Sounds to me like a good time in any culture! And you know it must be a good party when people don’t want to leave – even at 2 am! The music and dancing were so infectious that I couldn’t help but move a lil' to the beat as I was snapping away. I’m just glad my assistant shooter Patrick didn’t sneak any pics of me in the act! It’s weddings like these that make me think in my head “wow, I get paid to do this?!” and "wow, I really need to learn some new dance moves."

Thank you Faisal & Heela for letting me capture your special evening. You and your family & friends are amazing and vibrant. Your energy and dance moves are contagious and inspirational!

And special thanks to Patrick for shooting alongside me! He handled the Canon 70-200mm like a pro!

Here are some reminders of all the fun:

Faisal & Heela were so busy having a good time that they didn't want to be bogged down taking posed portraits. I must admit I don't blame them - it was some party! I managed to tie them down and get in a few shots. Introducing the newly-married-gorgeous-couple:

Pre-celebration blessings:


The amazing ambiance:








The bride & groom's decorative seats for the evening:


One of the many traditional gifts given to the bride & groom from family members:


Another wonderful tradition - henna is applied to the palm for good luck and happiness - on the bride:


...and all guests:


Congratulatory hug from the father-of-the bride:


Some more lovely details:


Now it's time for the fun to really begin!

The first of many dances between Faisal & Heela:


Heela looking radiant as always:


The rest of the gorgeous guests join in on the fun. All the ladies wore such beautiful dresses:


There goes Heela looking good again:


Faisal looking just as good and showing he’s got some moves himself:


The night winds down, but the love never ends!


To see more of images a slideshow from the wedding click on the link here: Faisal & Heela SLIDESHOW!

jennifer & ruben: wedding

"a sorta fairytale"

The garden terrace of the Hilton Hotel in San Gabriel, CA had been transformed on October 14, 2007 into exactly how Jennifer always dreamed her wedding day would look. There was a beautiful white gazebo set as the centerpiece for this grand event, with 100 chairs of pink and white lined up and a quiet fountain brought a sweet serenity to the afternoon ceremony. Aside from all the charming details, it had the essence of what makes a traditional Chinese wedding so special: family, family and more family! Family was all present throughout the terrace, grinning ear-to-ear and ringing with sounds of happiness and laughter. Jennifer & Ruben were exactly the same way - they had not stopped smiling since the moment they woke up on this blessed day. (I’m also convinced Jennifer was born with a mega-watt smile on her face =)). It was the day they had both been waiting for – the day their fairytale was brought to life. Jennifer & Ruben - thank you for letting me be a part of such a special day!

Here’s a recap of the magical afternoon:

The enchanting elements:



The father walking his beautiful daughter down the aisle:

The scene:



Some more charming details:


Jennifer and her endless glow:

The tea-ceremony done a lil’ non-traditionally =):

jason & tereza: wedding

"simple twist of fate"

I was more than thrilled when I received the opportunity to shoot with one of Denver’s finest, James Christianson for Jason & Tereza’s wedding in beautiful Manhattan Beach, CA on September 22, 2007. James is a pleasure to work with and displays the utmost in professionalism.

In his heart-moving speech, Jason called his meeting of Tereza during Oktoberfest in Manhattan Beach a few years ago "an act of faith". It would be years later that Jason & Tereza would became and husban-and-wife in front of 150 family and friends, all of which who could not be happier to witness this fateful union. The father-of-the-bride and the father-of-the-groom both spoke such tender words about their children that I nearly cried while working my Canon. Luckily I held it together and was able to capture some of these highlights of this memorable day:

Such as this moment of tenderness between the bride & groom:

The scene:



And the stunning details:



The ring bearer - he's such a cutie!


Jason & Tereza had a great idea of having a photobooth where guests could take pictures of themselves and use the pictures to write a special message to the couple:

At the urge of Jason & Tereza, I took a quick break from shooting and joined in on the fun (yes that's me!):


And the finale:

alfonso & sarah: wedding

"you say it best..."

"...when you say nothing at all..." There was a sweet silence as the officiant announced Alfonso & Sarah as husband & wife on August 19, 2007 in front of 50 guests at Park Prive in Costa Mesa, CA. Family & friends applauded softly as Alfonso walked his new wife across the greenery to the reception area. He gave her a warm smile and gently kissed her hand. Little gestures like these are what made their wedding day exactly what it was: sweet, simple and sophisticated. I have known Sarah for quite some time and I could not have imagined her wedding day any other way.

The sweet day began with the ladies getting ready and pampered at the Westin:


Sarah looked absolutely beauuuuutiful:






Stacey Craven of Savvy Bella helped Sarah look even more beautiful:

In their shoes:

The day followed to Park Prive where the wedding was wonderfully coordinated by Christina Wright of Simply Modern Weddings . All of the details matched the theme so well: sweet, simple and sophisticated. Here are some of my favorites:





The flower girl was my favorite!


Alfonso & Sarah hired a terrific Mariachi band to play at the wedding. All of the guests enjoyed it, especially the kids!



Alfonso & Sarah's first kiss as husband & wife:


The kissing continues:


Taking a break from all the kissing with some cake =)