Monday, April 14, 2008

Get Yer Engagement Session on!














Hurray for engagement sessions!

Fun, goofy, silly, serious, romantic. So much emotion, so little time. hehehe

No, really, on a serious note, I can't tell you how vital it is for you two to get an engagement session.

If you've decided your wedding photographer will be me or Kelvin, you know already that you get one, on us, because we know how vital it is. But if it's not included with your wedding photography package, add one on please! It's sooooo worth it.

Here's why:

1. Get comfy with each other.

The one comment I hear quite a bit is, "Wow, this is the most kissing we've done in months" or "we've been together so long we don't get snuggly." What a perfect excuse to get a little snuggle in, eh?

2. Get comfy with me.
Yes, that's right, my lens IS that big. And yes, it's in your face. Now what do you do? I sure don't want you to find out how you'll react on your wedding day. You've got enough on your mind and waaaay to many butterflies in the tummy. I'd rather you find out when it's just you and your honey and my goofy self.

And no, there's no way I'm going to show you a shot of yourself looking anything but fabulous.

So help me welcome some soon to be husbands and wives...

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Project SMILE: Part Two




This time it was a little different, but no less amazing!

Last Saturday was our second day shooting with the Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence organization. Their HomeSafe transitional housing is amazing - it allows those women and children who've escaped abusers to rebuild their lives in a supportive group environment.

At our HomeSafe complex were two incredible stylists - Monina and Tia. Last time we shot, it was just two photographers for both complexes, with three stylists at each complex. Jeanne and I were exhausted at the end of that day! We barely had time to drink water and sit. This time, it was four photographers at EACH complex, with Monina and Tia at our complex and the incredible Maria Chang of Professional Makeup Artistry and Sarah Hyde at the other. We really got to know each of the woman, play with the kids, and have a great time doing the very think we all loved doing.

Soroptimist International was out in full supportive force. There was one "in charge" volunteer at each complex, with several of their teen S Club volunteers to rock babies, read to toddlers and play Battleship and badmitton with the kids.

Jeanne & I were back, but this time we were joined by one of my favorite people in the universe, Tanja Lippert. Karen, her associate, came too, the first time I'd met her and I'm so glad she did. Tia, too, is part of Tanja's crew, so I was having a great time watching all of them do their thing.

And then, there was the second complex. Kim of Mill Cottage Photography and Angela of AGB Photographics are two wonderful and talented women I've known now for 4 years and have been so blessed to have shot with many times. They were joined by Chyna of Chyna D. Photography and Shannon Montez, two photographers I'm just now getting to know and already think very highly of. I think Chyna turned the camera over to Soroptomist Carolyn to get this shot of the four of them!

I wish wish wish we could show you some of the amazing photos we captured. And the smiles on these women's faces when they saw themselves after Monina or Maria gave them a mirror when they set that last curl or brushed that last powder. Wow.

Some of the women we met last time came back to thank us, and one little girl made sure to find Jeanne to give her a big hug and show off her new manicure. And one woman brought all six of her kids and after we were finished shooting, gave me a great compliment. She liked how much fun I was having and wanted to take a photography class and try it for herself.

But the ultimate compliment? "Wow. That's me?"

Please learn more about Soroptimists International and Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence at www.nextdoor.org and www.soroptimistinternational.org.

More soon!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Sneak Peak! Patty & Jeff, Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay



We're not done with post processing just yet, but wanted to give y'all a little look!



First, the amazing view from the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay Resort. YES we lucked out - it had rained and rained for weeks! It was a bit chilly but just stunningly beautiful.









Patty with makeup artist extraordinare Sara Pena...










then getting dressed with her ladies....























Now that's a handsome groom!












Last moments with Dad as Patty's about to walk down the aisle...























Wow!




















The beach was the main reason Patty and Jeff chose the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay for their ceremony. They love the beach and didn't care that the wind was picking up and it was pretty chilly.


We'll try to post a few more soon!





Here's who helped make their day amazing:
Makeup: Sarah Pena
Hair: Teresa Garcia
Event Planner: Jean Marks Weddings
Photography: myself and Kelvin tag teaming for the day, with Rosa assisting
Videography: none
Floral Design: Ingela Design
Site: Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, Tony White as event manager
DJ: Woody, Big Fun