Shooting stars shot down from the sky above as signs that they were to be husband and wife. Gabriel shared their story with the entire reception party. They never dated. They were only friends. Something was telling him that she was his wife. Several instances brought them together and pushed them toward a life together. They both felt a confirmation from God that their role in each other’s life would be sealed with marriage. I teared up as he got to the ending of the story when he described the moment he knew he loved her. They were late for an occasion, and instead of being upset, Jimena brushed it off and suggested that maybe they were late for a reason. Maybe God had saved them from something…an accident…something that otherwise would’ve happened if everything had gone on schedule the way it was supposed to. Gabriel was amazed, and knew that this glorious, beautiful woman was going to be his wife… and in that moment discovered his love for her. They truly were a most gracious, big hearted, lovely couple! I had the pleasure to photograph their special day, and it was beautiful! Made me forget that it was my birthday! And I even got some awesome birthday wishes from the wedding party! 
They chose a gorgeous venue, The Ambassador’s Campus, in Pasadena…and I instantly fell in love with the place as soon as my tiny feet hit the ground. It was an extremely hot day, but I could hardly notice because I was busy as a bee capturing all the pivotal moments. Ducking in and out like a ninja [my size does have some advantages 
]
There’s always a moment… when after all the chaos of a wedding…after everything winds down (usually at the reception)…I find a calm, quiet silence of my own as the music plays and people dance merrily…there is always a song that keeps me in that moment and makes me cry (ok…ok…I’m a cry baby…so what!). And I imagine how awesome it must feel to be in their shoes, celebrating their day. Being with the one person you want to share everything with…in good times…when the joy is through the roof…the blessings, the laughter, the pleasant surprises…but also in bad times…the tears, the heartache, the disappointments, the arguments (you may not always agree with the snoring…having the dog sleep in the bed…washing the dishes). Through it all…you’re in it together. Unconditionally. That’s love <3 …and it’s only their beginning!
As we were taking their couple portraits, I chit chatted with them and asked them how they met, and that’s when they told me, “Just wait, you’ll see…I’m going to tell our story at the reception.” And in those minutes of storytelling, I was reminded of why I love photographing weddings. The love. The beginning of the journey that will be the rest of their lives together…I was there. Not only was I there, but I get to give them the gift of reliving that day with the images I provided for them. I love my brides and my grooms!
I photograph with love, I edit with love, I share with love (and hugs too!)
Here are the most recent products of that love Enjoy!
isn't that just precious!
This one has to be one of my ABSOLUTE favorites of the bunch!
Doesn't this photo make you feel like he's an older man trapped in a little boy's body? Maybe he's just an old soul... a very CUTE one
There were SO many gorgeous places to choose from to take their portraits...it was hard to choose just ONE...as you can tell by the following
Aren't they just a handsome couple! I mean really...come on... Those smiles are gorgeous!
Another STUNNING bride! On the the reception!
Making their entrance into the reception
I always know which child is gonna give me my money shots...
Now, tell me this venue doesn't TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
little boys always trying to get into mischief That speaker was on FULL BLAST by the way...
I'm pretty sure they got caught eventually...but I wasn't about to be the tattle tail
And they lived happily ever after… NOT the end…just the BEGINNING <3
Feel free to leave a comment! I would LOVE to hear from you!
I have come to the realization that I have a fascination with men and babies. I find it to be a wonderful subject for a picture because I always seem to capture one of the tallest men…with a baby. Complete opposites right? Somehow the massive stature of these men juxtaposed (whoa…big word territory here) with the tiny (usually newborn) adorable babies…it’s just a wonderful image to me. It gives these men some softness and leaves a warm, fuzzy, mushy spot in my heart. Men with babies…men with children…it’s all good to me. At weddings, I like to sneak photos of people and their children…so cute! I will leave you with these images from Gabriel and Jimena’s wedding…sort of another sneak-a-peak before THE blog post of their wedding. Getting excited? The next post will be the wedding photos…and I can’t wait to share!
I found this picture and the one above to be extremely humorous. It's like you could replace the baby with a football and the image wouldn't look strange at all. haha
At every wedding there is one child that is extremely photo-worthy...the kind of child you know is going to do things that will make an amazing image. I'm always on the look out for this child...and this one was it. He's such a cutie. More photos to come. You'll see what I mean. He's definitely gonna be a ladiesman when he grows up
Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!
September 1, 2009
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Personal
A little celebration child-style.
A group of 20+ year olds having a blast the old school way. Elementary school to be exact.
Another reason I love these people so much
Games, water guns, water balloons, water ambushes, awesome people, duck duck goose, a piñata, and great food. Who could ask for anything more?
Vanessa and I decided to get the big water guns and challenge the other 6-7 guys. We did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself. She was the power house, and I was the speed. We’re a good duo haha. Unfortunately, among the chaos of that whole episode, no pictures were taken. I was shooting a water gun, instead of with my camera. It was just too risky…and on one of the hottest days of the year, I had no problem with the water fights. Holy MOLY.
How do you make a piñata last when you have a bunch of 20+ guys?? I don’t know. The thing broke after the 2nd person and would no longer stay up on the rope. So…we improvised. It was afterall a soccer ball right? After Adrian did his kung fu on it and nearly lost his arm in it, everyone else got ONE kick at it. I don’t remember, but somewhere down the line the thing got completely busted and everyone ran in for the goodies.
Averee, the lovely little girl, was adorable as always
Happy Birthday Omar!
The most amazing light was hitting her as I stealthily observed her. She was looking off in the distance and I was like YES awesome shot! Then...a split second later, the finger goes for the nose. I though to myself YES even awesomER shot! haha
This is Adrian. This is Storm.
the bottom pic is funny… haha