A former student of UCLA, Stacy knew where to go for their engagement session – right on the quad next to Royce Hall. It’s spacious, green, and what looked like a popular hangout. We brought a big bag of goodies of colorful fun stuff to celebrate Summer. What better way to do it with old fashion soda-pop, colorful suckers, hats, and funky glasses. Just add grass, trees, and sun and we have the ingredients for a fun Summer engagement session. And with just one more added touch. We included an old film camera just because it’s so chic. With digital cameras so ubiquitous, an old Nikon F3 film camera is so refreshing to see. By the way, I got this camera from eBay for $250 and it works perfectly.
Boylan’s Creamy Red Birch Beer bottle looks so old-fashioned, I couldn’t resist adding this to our shoot. Plus it really went well with the mini picnic table stand.
Ah so nostalgic. Film couldn’t be more chic with a Nikon F3.
John looks like a pro with that old Nikon SLR.
Stacy and John brought along some cowboy hats and I thought, whoa there! Howdy cowfolks! Let’s use them under them trees over yonder.
Kelly and Michael love books. The first thing that catches your eye when walking into their living room was the wall-to-wall book shelf. And it’s not just your typical collection mind you. Perusing the titles, I didn’t see the usual cook book, self help, and how to guide books but instead, I found a plethora of literary marvels of the early 20th century authors like Franz Kafka, Ernest Hemingway, Friedrich Nietzsche, and not one inch of the shelf was unoccupied. Love of books may be an understatement. It probably is more like an indulgence or even a passion for literary works of art for Kelly and Michael. So it was apposite that they incorporated this infatuation with books into their wedding theme that made for an original take on “simple elegance.”
Their reception was at Pasadena’s picturesque resort, The Langham Huntington. And at The Langham, within that golden hour of sunlight, there is this magical moment which makes a magazine style photo shoot possible.
There are some serious reads on the shelf. Note Kelly and Michael’s “Save the Date” card on their fridge door, next to this very funny note that says, “drink coffee do stupid things faster with more energy.”
Nothing about this wedding is typical of what we’ve captured before. And that’s what I love about weddings is that we’re always experiencing something different and something new. Marriage in a Russian Orthodox church is steep in rituals and symbolism. What’s shown here is the “crowningâ€, the denouement of the wedding service. Kelly and Michael were crowned as king and queen of their own kingdom, in which is a very significant bestowment of matrimony.
Gardenia was the flower of choice and it made Kelly’s bouquet intoxicating with its perfume. LOVE the hair piece made with Gardenia; it nestled so beautifully on Kelly’s hair, accenting her blue earring. The ivy garland is yet another example of the simple elegance. Flowers were designed by Euri and Kendra at Fleuretica. Lighting by Jack at The Music Man Production
Guest seating was organized by Kelly and Michael’s favorite authors, and on each table were stacks of the books written by those iconic authors. A very personal touch.
Want to give a big thanks to Katie Tiffany at Tiffany Weddings for making this day run so seamlessly!
Vendors for this wedding:
Venue: The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
Event Coordination: Katie Tiffany of Tiffany Weddings
Lighting: Jack Hou of TMMPRO
Flowers: Kendra & Euri of Fleuretica Floral Design Studio
Photography: Desi Baytan Photography
Hair&Makeup: J Beverly Hills Salon
“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.
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!
Laura & Chris Wedding Slideshow. Click here to play.
Everything about this wedding had come full circle. Laura and Chris, two Oregonians, had come back to Southern California to celebrate their wedding with family and friends. This couple were two of the most down-to-earth people you could ever meet and their celebration rightfully revolved around their close family and friends. Even the moon was full, in fact, it was a Harvest Moon. So this night of merriment, dancing and celebration, included a great band, the Rembrandts, catering and coordination from Pauline Parry of Good Gracious Events and a wonderful venue in Malibu called Saddlerock Ranch.
Nicole & Jason Wedding Slideshow. Click to play.
