“Eco-Chic Destination” best describes Robin and Ken’s wedding. Residing in Toronto, Canada, Robin and Ken got married in the beautiful resort of Highland Springs & Resort in Cherry Valley, CA, 2 hours east of Los Angeles. Over the course of one year, Robin, Ken and their planner, LaDawn Williams, from Platinum Lining Events, tirelessly exchanged ideas over Skype, which made this long distance planning possible. Robin, a botanist, loves plants and trees, and Ken, a professor in Biology, loves hummingbirds and animals of all kinds. It is no wonder that they chose the Highland Springs & Resort for their wedding. This venue has century old trees, olive groves, fields of lavender, a true haven for all things natural. Irises Designs created an organic posy that complemented the beauty of the venue. Their wedding style reflects of what they are: organic, natural and real.
Couples usually hire us for our photo-journalistic style. Robin and Ken were no exception. They preferred an observer’s perspective to document their wedding day and preferred not to be the center of the attention. I obliged, but first I indulge on composing a lot of portraits for them because they looked stunning against the beautiful backdrops.
When traveling in Europe a refreshing sight was the way people got around. Yes, there are cars and motor cycles but what was most astonishing is the amount of bicycles on the road. And what’s even more surprising is the way they dress while riding bikes. Here in the US we see avid riders in sportswear. But in Europe, Amsterdam especially, it is common to see women in dress and heeled boots zigzagging around town like it’s a fashion statement. So I dedicated this post to thousands of bicycles and the people who embrace this way of getting around.
In March Connie and I took a photography excursion to Europe to capture the art, the culture and the history of the old world. When we planned this trip, we had a few criteria.  One, we wanted to travel on our own time, and two, do as the locals do.  With that in mind, we avoided any guided tours and we focused on immersing ourselves in the cultures of the places we visited.  So, we took our time, we wore off the soles of our shoes, and enjoyed the many foods they have to offer.  We stayed in apartments equipped with kitchenettes and close to town squares so we were central to everything.  We shopped at local markets and prepared our own meals.  Sometimes we splurged and had an authentic dining experience.  We spent a week with our friend, Madeleine, in Besançon, a city south-east of Paris, and got a true taste of French living.  And everywhere we went, we captured everything with our cameras.
In our 19-day journey we walked on century-old cobble stones, witnessed serene countrysides, sipped strong coffee, tasted fresh pastries, sampled beautiful macarons, enjoyed pungent yet delicious cheeses, visited quaint villages, and drank fantastic wine! Â In the next few posts, we will share our photos and our experiences. Â Join us, as we travel to our European destinations and see what you normally won’t see in a guided tour.
Antwerp train station, Belgium.
Anwerpt train station, Belgium.
Brussels, Belgium.
Brussels, Belgium.
Brussels, Belgium.
Brugge, Belgium.
Brugge, Belgium.
Brugge, Belgium.
Brugge, Belgium.
Panorama of a center square. Brugge, Belgium.
Our friend Madeleine in her kitchen. She is an amazing cook who introduced us to simple and elegant French cuisine. Besançon, France.
Madeleine’s jardin (garden). Soon these trees will bear fruit which will be made into preserves. Just like the ones Madeleine served us for breakfast. Besançon, France.
On top is the Citadel and down below is the entrance to the city of Besançon, France.
A panoramic view of the city of Besançon, France.
A roundabout. Besançon, France.
Farm house near Besançon, France.
Mr. Emile Brutillot, a farmer and artisan sausage maker. La Chaux de Gilley, France.
Bourguignon, France.
Niedermorschwihr, France.
On Route Des Vins D’Alsace near Colmar, France. A region know for their white wines.
Village along Route Des Vins D’Alsace near Colmar, France.
Village along Route Des Vins D’Alsace near Colmar, France.
Eyeing delicious French baguette in Colmar, France.
View from the top of Chateauneuf. Burgundy, France.
Near Chateauneuf. Burgundy, France.
Near Chateauneuf. Burgundy, France.
Canal of Burgundy near Chateauneuf. Burgundy, France.
I must say the ladies at Junebug Weddings really know how to pick creative wedding photography. One of my destination wedding photos was chosen for their Best from the Best 2009. And for me to find another one in “What Junebug Loves!” section was a real surprise. What Joy! There are lots of creative photographers in the mix so I’m very pleased. Thanks Kim, Christy and Blair!
Our grand opening night at our new Pasadena Office on Feb 2, turned out close to 300 people! WOW. Seven wedding industry professionals hosted this occasion at the Workshops in Pasadena. I want to personally thank my colleagues who made this event a HUGE success. They are:
Special thanks to Annette Hatch of Sweet Addictions for bringing in the wonderful cake (it was delicious!!!). Also to Selene Lum from Joie Patisserie, who introduced her magnificent French macarons. “C’est magnifique.”
Yes it’s an honor. Yes it’s a big deal. And yes, I’m as giddy as a little school boy to receive such an award and to be among many great photographers around the world. Thank you Junebug Weddings! Also thanks to Leslie & Brian for being such great clients and a wonderful experience in a wonderful venue. And finally thanks to Sergio and Larisa at Cabo Azul Resort for their hospitality.
