Desi Baytan Photography

Stunning Elegant Engagement with Inga and Xuan

I photographed Inga and her fiance Xuan at her home in Arcadia for this stunning elegant engagement. This gorgeous estate embodies such a romantic setting that she felt it a perfect location for their engagement. With the help of, Jeannie Wong, of Allegro Event Inc. we styled this engagement shoot using the natural settings of the backyard as well as architectural interior of the house. And as always, Chiali Meng did an outstanding job with hair and makeup. The breathtaking bouquet and wreath and other floral arrangements was by Susan Tom-Nellis of Peony and Plum. Gretchen Norton of Barnhill Boutique provided added touches to the decor of our tea cart and fireplace mantel that brought out the beauty in the location. And to make this session even sweeter, Inga agreed to pose up on the branch of the old oak tree. Such a romantic shot!

The following editorial was made possible with sugar and spice and everything nice with a big dollop of Love from January Rose Bridal. The result is this amazing photo shoot with January’s creations at center stage. Her designs celebrate the delicate beauty of all things wedding–an adornment of head pieces to give every bride the soft romantic beauty she deserves. Also a big shout out to Nancy Teasley of Oak and the Owl for the dreamy floral designs and styling. It would not have been complete without her inspirational backdrops.

Credits:

Head Pieces:: January Rose Bridal | Florals and Styling:: Oak and the Owl | Bridal Gowns provided by:: Love and Lace Bridal Tailor | Designer Gowns by:: Leanne Marshall | Look Book Hair & Makeup:: Amy Clarke Makeup | Editorial Hair & Makeup:: Jayme Kavanaugh Makeup Artist | Rentals:: Found Vintage Rentals

I’m especially thankful for a wonderful year of collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving holiday! And here’s a little something to whet your appetite from the Utterly Engaged blog. Stay safe and be with people you love. Peace!

How fantastic is this issue?! Grazing the pages of issue number three, is our collaboration between Twine Events and Oak and the Owl. A shoot that inspires us to rethink the getting ready aspect of every wedding. A gracious thank you to Kate Holland, the editor of Magnolia Rouge for featuring our work. We couldn’t be happier. We love you Kate! And without further ado, here is issue no.3:

We love to do creative projects such as this!  This is a shoot with friends from the industry.  When makeup artist, Chiali of Chiali Meng Artistry approached us about doing a photo shoot, we immediately said yes because we adore her work.  Chiali brought in Yingka from Master Plans Events and Designs to create a fresh spring backdrop.  We are also admirers of Yingka’s floral creations.  Our photo studio was bursting with fresh cut flowers, props, not to mention the huge collection of wedding gowns from Jennifer Wu of Royal Accessories.   Yingka Chou and Theresa Toledo created colorful pinwheel paper crafts for our backdrop. So sit back and take in all the creative juices that flowed among artists and collaborators to see what may inspire you to do for your own wedding and events.

When it’s this good, let him wait while you indulge in moments of delight.

CREDITS

Styling:: Erica España of Twine Events and Nancy Teasley of Oak & the Owl. Hair & Makeup:: Jackie of 10.11 Makeup. Flowers:: Oak & the Owl. Venue:: Desi Baytan Studio 321. Desserts:: Sweet & Saucy Shop. Rentals: Gretchen Norton of Barnhill Boutique. Stationery Suite:: Jill Valez of Copper Willow Paper Studio. Lingerie:: Faire Frou Frou. Hair Accessories, Veil and Garter:: Myra Callan of Twigs & Honey. Viola tiered crinkled silk gown:: Twigs & Honey. Heels:: Badgley Mischka. Gowns:: JLM Couture.

Thanks to Posh Peony’s Cristina Barragan for inviting us on this themed shoot of the Great Gatsby. Credits: Kelli and Rick Serio modeled as the couple in this shoot and Lori McShane as the bridesmaid. Erin Grace Events provided the desert bar and hair accessories was from Sandra Nicole Designs. Hair and Makeup was by Tara Fontana of Fairytale Hair and Makeup. Jewelry provide by Christine at Paseo Jewelers. Uniquely Elegant Attire provided gowns and tux. TMMPRO provided the chiavari chairs. Shot at Noor in Pasadena.

Theresa Huang, whom I’ve worked with in so many weddings, asked me if I can photograph her girls of TH Makeup and Hair Design. So we set up a studio at our office and voilà

, instant fashion photo shoot. Had a tremendous fun doing this and gorgeous images to boot! We love working with her and her girls because they make their brides look sooooo good.

On this lovely shoot, we ganged up with a few of our most admired collaborators. An introduction is at hand here. First, Lumiani Events were the force behind the coordination and planning of this marvelous shoot. Second, I’d like to thank our good friend, Theresa Huang of TH Makeup and Design for the makeup and hair.  Fleuretica was the set design and floral extraordinaire. Mary Me Bridal provided the gowns and jewerly, Friar Tux of Beverly Hills the mens attire. Archive Vintage Rentals and Dolphin Party Rentals provided the furniture, and place settings. And thanks to the Ambassador Campus for allowing us to shoot at one of the best backdrops in Southern California.

This long spread of food, while beautiful, seems almost excessive for just a party of two, nonetheless it’s a celebratory dinner for the deserving newlyweds. A presentation of morsels that lends to a sense of intimacy that would bring any couple together to celebrate their new beginning. This lavish spread has Mediterranean and Persian influences featuring grilled vegetables, fish, saffron basmati rice with pomegranate seeds, dried fruits, nuts, dishes of Sabzi khordan, lamb stew, salads and last but not least – a roasted turkey infused with spices.

Accenting the delectable goodies were vibrantly colored seasonal fruits such as figs, apricots, pomegranate seeds, and grapes to match the floral tones of peonies, ranunculus, scabiosa, jasmine vine, bearded iris, and clematis.  Simple dinnerware with patterns gilded in gold along with pewter and gold accents complete this seductive and elegant setting. Feast your eyes…