Ari Photography | San Francisco Based Wedding Photographer

Lela + Tomas | Traditional Laotian Wedding | San Ramon, CA

Ari Simphoukham — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 18:32:43 +0000

“Euy” is a Lao word that means, “Big sister.” When you call someone who is not related to you by blood, Euy, it is a sign of respect to that person. When I first met the mother of the bride, La, over a decade ago, I had so much respect and admiration for her due to her philanthropic work with the Jai Lao Foundation. With La’s kind and inviting heart, I immediately regarded her as my Euy, my big sister. Over the years, I’ve watched her inspire others, especially the Laotian community with her generosity and promoting Lao culture through her love of Lao food. I’ve also been able to watch her kids grow up through social media and even had the honor of photographing their family a couple of times. I was so honored and excited to be chosen and invited to document one of her kids’ most special days. Lela and Tomas’ Laotian-inspired wedding took place in the backyard of Lela’s childhood home in San Ramon, CA. La, who helped organize and plan this wedding, wanted to celebrate their Lao heritage and traditions by showcasing it through the details and intricacies of the wedding from the Laotian attire to the elaborate food displays. The wedding was immersed in Lao details but nothing screamed louder than the love that I captured in the pictures between Lela and Tomas and the warm support of that love from their family and friends. Please enjoy these set of photos and let me know what you think!

Wedding photographer: ARI SIMPHOUKHAM PHOTOGRAPHY
Videography: @mokphotoandfilms
Coordinator: Gina Wong
DJ & Lighting: DJ Shant
Florist: Sachi Florist
Photo Booth: Pix Co
Rentals: AM Rentals
Cake: Gina Veazy
Fruit Carving: Chanh Leo & Friends
Buffet Tablescape: Annee Lund
Papaya Salad Station: Lin & Pom
BBQ Grill: Tali
Pho Station: Mommy & Melissa
Kanom Koke Station: Annee & Mary
Beverage Bar: Daddy
Seafood Boat: Tongan Family
Lao Food & Desserts: Various Lao Home Cooks
Kitchen Coordinator: Joy Chai
Reception Crew: Friends of Bride’s Mommy
Suit: @perfectlysuited
Dress: @pritchettbridal
Lao Cultural Attire: Mouky Psa & Bellamy Phongmany
MUA and Hair Stylist: @josieee_p
Performances by @chinaly, Jasmine & Vika

The mother of the bride, La, doing her best not to cry. This Lao baci ceremony was very special to her because she’s very proud to be able to celebrate her culture and give her daughter a wedding she always dreamed of. Lela is first of her kids to get married. It’s a beautiful thing.

Tomas is Colombian and Lela is Lao. Tomas paid homage to both their heritage with custom cufflinks of both countries map.

The flower boy was so cute, one of the guest just had to pinch his cheeks. I’m not sure he liked it though.

I was able to capture one tear drop just beginning to form on Tomas. There were no dry eyes during their ring ceremony.

A surprise performance by their Tonga family from Alaska.

Zack + Haley | Granlibakken Tahoe Wedding | Tahoe City, CA

Ari Simphoukham — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 03:03:33 +0000

Zack and Haley first contacted me two years ago even before they locked down their wedding date or venue. When I get inquiries like this, it warms my heart and gets me excited to meet the couple. This tells me that photography is important to them, but more importantly, my photography resonates with them. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, their wedding had to be postponed for a year. But last week, their beautiful wedding at Granlibakken Tahoe in Tahoe City, finally took place! They were one of the chillest couple I’ve ever photographed. Allowing me to focus on capturing quit a few great moments happening throughout the day. I think I spent at least three hours on the dance floor with some of their wild friends. As you can see by these pictures, everyone was dancing like no one was watching and I loved it! Here are a few of my favorite frames from the day.

Wedding vendor love:

Wedding venue: Granlibakken Tahoe Tahoe City, CA

Wedding planner: Stephanie Morris & Co – Stephanie Morris

Wedding photographer: ARI SIMPHOUKHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

Florist: Love and Lupines Floral Design

Hair & Makeup: Solstice Salon

Catering: Granlibakken Tahoe

Cake: SugarPine Bakery

Brett + Maggie | Higuera Ranch | San Luis Obispo Wedding Photography

Ari Simphoukham — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 19:33:59 +0000

I first met Brett 9 years ago when I documented his sister’s, Gina wedding in Pismo Beach. I remember being so excited for Gina’s wedding because it was one of my first local weddings after moving to San Luis Obispo with my girlfriend. I couldn’t wait to shoot the wedding because I knew the beautiful scenery and weather in the Central Coast offered endless possibilities for awesome pictures. I have since moved away from San Luis Obispo and truly miss it, so getting an email from Brett to shoot his wedding at Higuera Ranch in SLO was exciting for me. I couldn’t wait to go back to the place I use to call home and also to see Gina and her adorable kids. San Luis Obispo was just as beautiful as I remembered. There were so many beautiful moments in Brett and Maggie’s wedding in the backdrop of so many beautiful decorations. I loved that because people were already familiar with me that every one was comfortable being around me opening up so many opportunities for me to capture some awesome moments. Here are a few of my favorite frames from the day.

Wedding vendor love:

Wedding venue: Higuera Ranch in San Luis Obispo

Wedding planner: Vanessa Noel Events — Vanessa Vierra

Wedding photographer: ARI SIMPHOUKHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

Florist: Noonan Designs — Katie Noonan

Hair & Makeup: To Have and to Hold — Briana Gros

Wedding Band:

Catering: Trumpet Vine Catering — Erica Nolan

Cake: Cake Cathedral — Jenny Perello

Linens & Rentals: All About Events – Lindsay Wagner

Transportation: SLO Safe Ride