Desi Baytan Photography

Palos Verdes Engagement Session with Ilysa and Matt

I love this Palos Verdes engagement session I did with Ilysa and Matt. The view from the bluffs of Palos Verdes is to die for. It’s an amazing scene especially when the sun hangs low over the horizon. To start off we photographed at the famed La Venta Inn. This gem of a venue overlooks the Pacific Ocean as well as all of West LA from Redondo to Santa Monica.  And what better way to celebrate an engagement with a bottle of champagne which Matt brought along for their celebratory toast. I can’t begin to describe the warmth of the light that cast along the craggy shore of the beach. So sit back, relax and take in all the beauty of this magnificent location.

Studio Family Portraits with the Lai Family

The Lai family stopped by my Old Town Pasadena studio to do some studio family portraits.  And boy did we have a blast! I love the cozy and airy feel of my studio because it’s full of light and makes for quite a refreshing change from the routine family portraits we’re all accustomed to. You can see the kids faces were full of smiles. We didn’t do the usual poses because it was all about having fun. And when you’re having fun, smiles become natural and abundant. I enjoyed our session tremendously and the results came out so amazing!

Los Angeles Maternity Photography at the LA Arboretum with Marie and Hailin

This Los Angeles Maternity Photography at the LA Arboretum is a favorite of mine. Perhaps it’s the location. Maybe it’s the beauty of the Arboretum. Nonetheless, with Marie and Hailin, their tenderness really shown through and made the difference in their pictures. It’s simple to see how in love they are and how excited they are for Olivia, their soon to arrive baby girl. I look forward to meeting her at my studio for her newborn photos.

Lawry’s Beverly Hills Wedding

I photographed a Lawry’s Beverly Hills wedding for a friend of mine recently.  I got to know Euri and Kendra of Fleuretica from the first wedding I photographed some years ago. In fact we’ve worked on a number of weddings together. We even collaborated on many occasions. And when Euri got engaged to David, she had asked me to photograph her dream wedding. Of course I accepted the honor with pleasure. And when she decided to get ready at The Line Hotel in Los Angeles, I was even more excited because the interior of this hotel is incredible! In the end, we finished off our session at her dad’s old bakery. A meaningful place she holds close to her heart. I got shots of Euri and David doing some quirky, funny, antics. And by the way, have a gander at the video by Cotton Love Studios with a same day edit they did of their day. It’s amazing!

Euri + David | Same Day Edit from Cotton Love Studios on Vimeo.

Vendors

Coordination:: Picture Perfect Events | Florist:: Wen Floral | Videography:: Cotton Love Studios | Lighting :: TMMPRO | Hair & Makeup:: Theresa Huang | Venue:: Lawry’s | Hotel:: The Line Hotel |

Desert Engagement shoot with Natalie and Rafa

How cool is this desert engagement shoot? An Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 added a retro vibe in this edgy photo shoot with Natalie and Rafa. And what a location? This desert engagement shoot just wouldn’t be the same without the dramatic rocky and alien landscape. I wanted to give this shoot a kind of Vanity Fair flair to it.

San Ysidro Ranch Wedding with Danette and Daniel

I photographed a San Ysidro Ranch Wedding on a winter month up in Santa Barbara last year. This summer, the lavenders were in bloom and Danette and Daniel looked stunning against the backdrop of San Ysidro Ranch. And the Santa Barbara Courthouse was just as spectacular. Historic and beautiful, the Mural Room is a wonderful place for a ceremony.  With just a touch of mood and atmosphere the Mural Room makes a memorable day even more special. Best wishes to Danette and Daniel for a day of bliss and matrimony. Rebecca of Imagine Weddings & Special Events did an extraordinary job at coordination and styling. So wonderful to have worked with her on this occasion.

Los Angeles River Center and Gardens Wedding with Silva and Michael

This Los Angeles River Center and Gardens wedding is simply divine. The couple, Silva and Michael, who resides in Italy, wanted their family to be able to witness their wedding. The Los Angeles River Center and Gardens provided a backdrop with a touch of charm at a fraction of the cost of an Italian destination wedding. As you drive up to this venue, you are greeted with an arched wrought iron gate and the entrance is covered with ivy. Inside reveals a lush garden and space for both a reception area and ceremony. It was a pleasure working with this lovely people. And the evening reception was a blast with an Armenian festive touch. Congratulations to Silva and Michael for tying the knot at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens.

Hotel Maya Long Beach Wedding with Dolly and Chris

This Hotel Maya Long Beach wedding came with a little twist. You see, the bouquets made of paper! Even the centerpieces were hand made of paper. Dolly and Chris looked ravishing in their chosen palette of aqua and gray. And Dolly looked especially stunning in her vintage gown.  Theresa Huang Hair & Makeup Design did an exceptional job with her hair and makeup. And the day went smoothly with the aid of Cindy Wu of A Touch of Lavender. She did a fantastic job at coordinating the day. What a wonderful couple and such close friends. Best wishes to the two of you!

Saddlerock Ranch Wedding with Hagar and Michael

This gorgeous Saddlerock Ranch wedding is one for the books. What better place to wed than Saddlerock Ranch in the rolling hills of Malibu. Hagar and Michael exchanged their vows on top of a hill surrounded by a breathtaking vineyard setting and wide open spaces. There’s no shortage for romantic portraits here. Hagar, loves animals especially horses. Not surprisingly, she drew inspiration from an equestrian photo shoot I did with Nancy Teasley of Oak and the Owl. With garlands made of eucalyptus that run the length of the tables, light pink and orange roses add a softness and airiness to the setting. It’s no accident Nancy’s name and work often grace the pages my blog. She is one of the best floral designers. After this amazing shoot, I can’t wait to do another Saddlerock Ranch wedding.

Credits:

Venue:: Saddlerock Ranch at Malibu Family Wines | Coordinator:: Susan Tosounian Especially For You Events | Florist:: Oak and the Owl | Makeup/Hair:: Kat Laskey Absolutely Beautiful Brides | Rentals:: A Rental Connection | Catering:: Whoa Nelly Catering | Valet:: SoCal Valet | 

Montage Beverly Hills Wedding with Wendy & Jacob

This Montage Beverly Hills wedding couldn’t have been more gorgeous. In part because of these two sweet, and beautiful love birds. And a venue that exudes luxury doesn’t hurt either. When Wendy and Jacob were looking for a photographer they happen to come upon my portfolio online. They knew they liked my work but wondered if I would be available for their wedding and would we click? Right away Jacob called me and I happen to be free that afternoon. In about an hour we were meeting at my studio in Old Town Pasadena. Crazy, I know! Well, the rest is history.

Vendor Credits:

Venue:: Montage Beverly Hills | Wedding Coordinator:: Chic Ambiance Events | DJ/Entertainment:: Elevated Pulse Productions | Florist:: Butterfly Floral | Hair/Makeup:: Chateau de Luce | Lighting:: Amber Event Productions | Dance Floor Rentals:: TMMPRO | Photo Booth:: RLH Photo Booth