Ashley + JT : Manhattan Beach, California

I can't say enough about this amazing wedding and fantastic couple! Ashley and JT are so much fun, it was actually difficult to make them "not smile" at any point during the night. These two were pros by the time of their wedding night though ... we had one of the best beach engagement sessions with the just a few months earlier (which can be viewed here).

The day started off at the Ayres Hotel with the two of them getting ready with their bridal party, procession into the evening ceremony - led by their dog and ring bearer Jackson, amazingly brilliant introductions to the reception by their officiant and AVP volleyball broadcaster Chris "Geeter" McGee. It was truly priceless, he had the whole crowd busting up laughing. It should be apparent that Ashley and JT are not only loyal volleyball enthusiasts, but quite passionate about the Lakers too ... Ashley sported a custom pair of purple converse throughout the night and the bridal party ran into the reception ballroom with full Staples Center spirit ... wearing custom Lakers jerseys!

For the photographers out there: we photographed all their portraits indoors during the evening, so as much as we love available light, we had to get creative because the hotel was stunning but dim. Our cameras were set to iso 800 at f/1.4 and we employed the help of a few Arri 150's and our LitePanels MicroPro for fill and accent light.

Thanks to the amazing team that put this delightful day together:

Coordination - Dana Haber, Haber Event Group

Hair - Jana Liston

Make-up - Ronann Myers, Makeup by Ronann

Cake - Torrance Bakery

DJ - KC from Vox DJs

Invitations - Analiza from Paperblend

Guitarist - Mark Castrillion

Love this!

Most epic dance floor takeover to Sweet Caroline, ever

Painting and Taking Photos in the Garden...

It was such a beautiful day today that I couldn't help but go outside! The weather and light inspired me to take my studio outside to create. My series of paintings is almost complete! Just a few more days.

~Leanne

Featured on California Wedding Wave!

We are excited that California Wedding Wave has featured some of our work! The photos are from one of our favorite couples and now great friends Sayeh and Esmo! Their wedding took place at the beautiful Rancho Las Lomas and is a blend of color, elegance and contemporary design. All the floral work in this wedding was designed by Larrissa Rehder of Inviting Occasion. The table cards and place cards are created by Sayeh herself, of Sayeh Studios.

Elizabeth + Drew's Wedding Album

Jessica + Samir : Engagement Balboa Peninsula

Leanne and I had an amazing time documenting Jessica and Samir during their engagement portrait ... but it's their wedding that we're really excited about. They are flying out to Samir's hometown in Michigan this summer for a traditional Indian celebration. Jessica is going to look beyond gorgeous in her saree and henna. To balance out the cultural differences between them, Jessica preferred the engagement session was in her hometown of Newport Beach. We walked all over the peninsula in search of her favorite places to hang out when she was younger.

The highlight photo from the session is the one Leanne shot of Samir as the ferris wheel came to a halt. I thought he was playing it up for the camera with a "I'm going to throw up look," but that was a real face ... we found out he doesn't like heights and rode the ferris wheel just for Jessica.

We had such a great time. Congrats you two! Can't wait for the wedding!

I am loved

Its easy to say "I love you" to someone, but not always as easy to confidently proclaim "I am loved," but it means as much more to be on the receiving end of someone else's reciprocated love. These are beautiful words to here anytime, particularly when you stumble across them while documenting the love of another couple. I'm glad these two dared to get themselves dirty for what became a beautiful image that just about sums it all up.

More photos from this wonderful couple coming very soon (!)

Bridal Show Give-away : This Sunday at the Hotel Maya, Long Beach

I want to let everyone know that the fantastic crew at Ceremony Magazine and California Wedding Wave will be giving away a few tickets to this Sunday's Bridal show at the Hotel Maya. It's hosted by Joie de Vivre and Ceremony Magazine and will showcase some of Southern California's finest vendors. Please stop by our booth and say hi ... follow this link for the chance to nab free admission:

http://www.californiaweddingwave.com/2010/03/08/complimentary-tickets-to-joie-de-weddings/

Joie of Weddings trade show
March 14, 2010 from 11am - 3pm.
Hotel Maya, Long Beach Harbor
http://jdvhotels8-px.trvlclick.com/hotels/maya

Hope to see you there!!

WPPI Las Vegas : Tuesday

Having an amazing time so far! We listened to Elizabeth Messina talk about her perspective behind wedding and lifestyle photography, left absolutely floored (!). We also met up with fellow local southern california photographers Caroline Tran, Sarah K Chen, Aaron Regnier (pictured below), and Joe & Mirta Barnet. Two more days to share our techniques and success stories and absorb new ideas, gear, and perspectives from other amazing artists.

Check out our sweet moves on the dance floor. And no I'm not wearing a man purse ... its called a satchel ... and I get a lot compliments on it :)

-Paul

Wedding and Portrait Photographers International

Hey everyone, Its that time of year again where we escape the southern california grind and head to the desert for little business kick in the butt at WPPI in Las Vegas. We'll staying at the Platinum (next to Paris) from Monday till Thursday, so if you are out here, please drop us a line to meet up and say hi!

Currently primping ourselves ... soon we'll be checking out a marketing class by Jasmine Star, followed by a pool party at the MGM (swanky!). Full trade show action tomorrow! We'll be sure to post photos and reactions by the end of the week.

Oh, and we entered a few prints into the 16X20 print competition ... first time we've put ourselves out there and entered a contest. Wish us luck!

-Paul + Leanne