The first image below has officially qualified as one of our most favorite pictures of all time. If you only knew to what length we had to go to to get the shot. Behind the garbage can there was a homeless man asleep, which is no big deal in downtown LA, except that moments later he decided to urinate in front of all of us. That was quite a scene, and it actually solved a question that none of us could answer – why did it smell so bad in that little alley? I thought it was the pigeons -it seems I was mistaken.

Anyway, Allie and I cannot express in words how much fun we had with Morgan and Simon! From his desire to be photographed in his underwear on 6th Street, to their asking a young gentleman with a mohawk for a quick shot – these two were on fire! Thanks you guys!

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A couple of weeks ago Allie and I photographed the wedding and portraits of Ellen and Taro at the ironically idyllic Sunset Marquis in Hollywood, CA. Here are some of our favorites from their perfect day! I have to say that the Sunset Marquis may have the coolest room key in the whole world: Ozzy's scary face – look below!

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Debbie and Ernest’s stylized engagement shoot was inspired by their favorite movie: a Chinese thriller called In the Mood for Love. Although the movie was released in 2000, it is a period piece, taking place in 1962 Hong Kong. Debbie and Ernest nailed every detail, from their wardrobe (look at her Chinese dresses) to hair, makeup and props (Ernest doesn’t really smoke, or does he?). Debbie has asked us to transform a few of the images into old movie posters in the style of the original In the Mood for Love posters – complete with text, decay and frames. So stay tuned for that result when they are married late next year.

It should be noted that Debbie and Ernest absolutely killed their engagement session. They came up with an amazing theme that was personally poignant and artistically and culturally significant. They invested in their wardrobe, makeup and hair (which we feel is one of the biggest keys to outstanding engagement photography). They did their research, supplying us with inspiration boards and props. They came ready, and I would even bet that they had rehearsed, because they didn’t waste a second when we arrived.

Some notes on the photography: the outdoor shots were photographed in an alley in downtown Los Angeles. The interior photos were taken in the beautiful art deco Oviatt Penthouse close by, and the really dark interior photos were taken downstairs at Cicada. We used a combination of off-camera strobes, reflectors and natural light.

Special thanks to Adelmo from Cicada for opening up his doors for the four of us. Please contact him if you are looking for a wedding venue that is truly one of a kind.

Debbie and Ernest, thank you for finding us. Your passion, enthusiasm and dedication to each other and this shoot was contagious. We enjoyed every second and cannot wait to make the posters Stay tuned!

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When Allie and I approached the front door of the Millenium Biltmore Los Angeles, the hotel where Brittany and Keith were getting ready for their wedding, we mistakenly bumped into the back of Keith. On the surface, this incident would not appear to be unusual or extraordinary except for the fact that Keith was carrying several target practice sheets of cartoon bad guys that were riddled with bullet holes. When we asked him if he was nervous or anxious about getting married, he just looked at us and laughed and said no. He then continued on, leaving us in a noxious cloud of gunpowder. From that moment on, Allie and I knew we were in for a special evening. And it was.

From their desire for outstanding and untraditional wedding portraits, to their choice of the Oviatt Penthouse for their wedding venue, to Brittany’s amazing cocktail style wedding dress, and to their selection of Amber Gustafson of Amber Events as their coordinator. All of these elements combined for a magical evening on the Oviatt Penthouse rooftop.

Special thanks to Mariah Nicole for her outstanding makeup, she is one of the best. And again, to Amber, who is also one of the best.

I think Allie and I can both agree that this is one of our all time favorite wedding dresses…

And, this may be one of our all-time favorite wedding pictures…

Bridal Prep
Millenium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles
506 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
USA 90071-2607
213.624.1011

Wedding Venue
Oviatt Penthouse
617 South Olive Street, Suite 1206,
Los Angeles, CA 90014

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Carrie and Michael were married at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, the most perfect place for a couple who adore travel, all things vintage and each other. This was a really special wedding in that Carrie's mom handmade many of the art-deco inspired details including the menus and table cards. She even made little train tickets for each guest's place card, and then placed them all in a vintage suitcase. Super cool. Our favorite detail was the guest book, or shall we say, guest suitcase. Instead of writing a note in a book, the guests got to write their sentiments on a real vintage postcard, and place it in an old suitcase.

Other visual delights were Carrie and Michael's vintage-inspired wedding dress and suit, the old Packard Super 8, and of course, our old friend: Union Station. Nowhere in Southern California is there a venue with this much character, history, grandiosity and visual appeal. A perfect place to be married for two people who cherish the past, and look forward to their future. Special Thanks to Alexandra Rembac of Sterling Engagements, Mariah Nicole of Mariah Nicole Makeup and Hair Artistry, Jeff from Union Station and Auntie Em's Kitchen.

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Have you ever wondered how a guy approaches his own wedding planning, or if a guy actually cares about the wedding day planning? Well if you thought that a guy does not get involved, then you have not read the hilarious blog, Temple of Groom. As David, the writer, puts it: "Written by a straight man that actually cares about wedding planning. Join him on his journey, and laugh along the way."

Well now it is time to meet David and his fiancee Rebecca. David and Rebecca are all about healthy and organic food, and their dog Ernie. We started the shoot at the Studio City Farmer's Market (actually we started in the Farmer's Market parking lot) where they shopped for produce. Then we wrapped it up at their house for some shots with their dog, and a dip in the pool! Allie and I love this shoot because it celebrates David and Rebecca's life perfectly, and that's what we are always aiming for. We also love this shoot because we love David and Rebecca. Their wedding in Cayucos is coming up soon, we cannot wait!

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This is one of the best things to happen to us thus far. We couldn't be happier!! Many thanks to Christy and Blair at Junebug for including us on the Junebug Trusted Top ten Photographer List.

Here's the text from Junebug's website:

"A former working actor and the face of L'Oreal respectively, Brian and Allie Callaway combine their extensive experience in front of the camera with their brilliant ability to capture images behind it, and together they make one of the most talented photography teams on the planet. If you are looking for dynamic imagery that breaks the status quo of wedding photography, look no further. Allie uses her experience as a model to ensure you look your best, while Brian draws upon his fine artist's eye, technical mastery and photojournalist's gift for timing. Seasoned travelers who are down to earth and delightful work with, Brian and Allie adore exotic locales and cultures and they're highly sought after in California and at destinations weddings the world over."

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Rachel and Nathaniel were married at Rancho Sol del Pacifico, an estate which overlooks the Pacific Ocean on a cliff high above PCH on the Ventura / Malibu border. As I write this, they are most likely laying in a hammock somewhere in the middle of the Pacific on their honeymoon. Nace and Rachel, enjoy this quick sneak peek. There are many more where these came from!

XO, Brian and Allie

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We are so excited to have Victoria and Juan Pablo's Day After Shoot featured today on the Junebug Photoblog. Click on the photo below to see the article. We share some insight on Destination Day After photography and a colorful story from this shoot. Again, special thanks to Christy and Blair from Junebug Weddings, and Victoria and Juan Pablo.

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The W Hollywood Engagement Photography – PART TWO

The second part of Nicole and Matt's engagement was a dream for Allison as she has been dying to shoot an engagement session inspired by those sexy Calvin Klein ads: white bed and sheets, white shirts, and jeans, maybe a little less. When Nicole and Matt’s GTKY questionnaires came back repeatedly peppered with words like sexy, seductive, fun, intimate, etc., Allie and I both knew, we had our Calvin Klein couple.

From a photographer’s perspective it is important to note that this is a big departure from normal engagement shoots that are photographed outside, taking advantage of natural light and the ever-changing outdoor scenes. This engagement session was photographed entirely in a hotel suite with little room to maneuver, and was 100% lit by us with multiple remote flashes and modifiers (4 580EXii’s, softboxes, grids, snoots, gels, an umbrella and the always helpful human lightstand.) Check out the third picture from the bottom, there is even a flash in the lamp shade.

Allison is the creative genius behind this shoot, and Nicole, Matt and myself are so stoked that this Extended Engagement at The W Hollywood Hotel was a perfect celebration of Nicole and Matt as individuals and as a couple. Stay tuned for their wedding on 10.10.10. Again, special thanks to our dear friend Kristi Blake, Marketing Manager at The W Hollywood and Jaimi Fiori of Fiori Beauty.

PART  ONE is here.

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