2 years ago
It was September 2007. I had just gotten my first DSLR – the Nikon D80 – and I was going to shoot my first wedding with it just for fun and practice… a wedding that I was asked to video taped as well. That’s right, before I was ever a wedding photographer, I had been doing wedding videos here and there for my friends, finding great enjoyment in capturing one’s special day and being able to give them a gift of memories that they’ll watch for years to come. So to find inspiration for this wedding I googled around for some wedding videos and found this…

Gary Fong’s Wedding

And I was mesmerized by the best wedding video I had ever seen in my life. And I was fascinated by Gary’s love story and his fairy tale wedding. And I was blown away even more by his photographer, Jessica Claire, who shot some of the most stunning wedding pictures ever. Then I started following her through her blog. And the rest is history.

2 Months ago
It was November when I saw that Jessica Claire was holding a workshop at her house in Ladera Ranch, CA. I muttered to myself… “Wouldn’t it be SO awesome if I can actually attend this workshop and meet the person who started it all for me?” And I told myself.. “WHY NOT??? I talked it over with my lovely wife Winny, and she was immediately being real supportive about it. and I was LA bound.

January 13
There I was, slowly driving a huge Dodge Avenger the car rental place gave me through the very quiet Ladera Ranch neighborhood, and I was lost because the GPS told me that I had arrived to my destination and I know I wasn’t there. After driving around several times I finally figured out how to get to the parking lot behind Jessica’s home, claimed the last spot, and nervously made my way up to the entrance of Jessica’s office.

And I was there. Staring at the Awesome Wall I had previously saw in the blog. “Hi, I’m Jessica!” she said. I almost lost it.

For the next few hours I was sitting there in that room along the other super talented photographers from all around the country, trying to soak it all as Jessica shared what works for her and her business. It was really quite surreal and fascinating at the same time. It had rained all day (for the first time in several months!) but I didn’t care. The trip was already worth it.

But the weather did clear up! And we were actually going out to shoot! It wasn’t the originally planned location ( and it wasn’t even the first backup. Kudos to Jess for having a backup of her backup. ) At this point I decided to go into the shoot only with my 35mm. I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

Before we left, we stopped by Jessica’s bedroom for a ‘Getting Ready’ shoot, where our gorgeous model for the day, Troy & Aimee Grover and Lindye Galloway were ready to roll.

From the moment I saw these guys I know I was in for a real treat…

We all then drove to the club house nearby Jessica’s house, where the amazing I Love Lollipops team had managed to pull off an almost impossible feat of setting all these up in so little time…

The theme of the set was travel.. and the details were simply AMAZING.

Aimee & Troy were sooooo natural in front of the camera (many, many cameras) – you wouldn’t believe that they weren’t actually models!

One of the cool things was that each of us were given 1 minute to spend with the couple to shoot whatever we want.. this was actually posed by one of the other super talented photographer in the group… I love the pose!

And then it was my turn to shoot Aimee..

And Troy..

Lindye was modelling as the bridesmaid.. but still graciously allowed us to shoot her alone..

The ceremony commenced…

Jessica shared that the Bride & Groom’s exit from the ceremony is one of her favorite part of the day. I agree.

Then we moved to shooting the reception.. the details there were equally AMAZING.

After the reception Aimee & Troy changed to another outfit for the last round of shooting..

LOVE the vintage look of the dress!

One last set with the lovely couple..

It was an amazing day. I went to the workshop hoping to learn from Jessica and the other photographers that were there, and I came home with so much more – I was refreshed, refocused, and inspired. Thanks so much Jessica for opening your home and sharing your heart to all of us. Thank you for the personal Shootsac gift that was totally unexpected.. you simply rock. Thank you Aimee, Troy, and Lindye for being so gracious in front of the camera for all of us. Thank you Kamee for being so awesome. Thank you Jeff for the delicious dinner. Thank you everyone else attending the workshop for being so kind. ( Viva la Mexico, Beto!! )

January 14, 2010
As my plane took off, I closed my eyes and began planning for the changes I want to make in how I do my photography… and then my mind wandered around thinking about the whirlwind of a day that was. I began to realize that I had just lived one of my dreams. And I smiled.

Jessica Claire, www.JessicaClaire.net

Event Design, Production, Vendor Coordination, Bride & Bridesmaid Styling, Graphic Design: Lollipop Events & Designs ( www.ilovelollipops.com; www.ilovelolliblog.com)

Floral Design & Groom Styling: Isari Flower Studio

Hair & Makeup: Vivian Tran, All Made Up: www.allmadeupteam.com

Rentals: Fete Accompli (www.feteaccomplievents.com)

Dinnerware, Flatware, Flutes & China: Bloomingdales (www.bloomingdales.com)

Gowns: Joan Shum Bridal (www.joanshum.com)

Groom Suits: Bloomingdales (www.bloomingdales.com)

Cake Designer: Erica O’Brien Cake Design (www.ericaobrien.com)

Upcycled Vintage Bridal Jewelry, Accessories & Heirloom Jeweled Bouquet: Noaki Jewelry (www.noakijewelry.com and www.noaki.etsy.com)

Bridesmaid Dress: Swoon (www.swoondress.com)

Bridal Headpieces & Bridesmaid Bolero Jacket: Alisa Benay (www.alisabenay.com)

Message Box Favors: Lucky Bug Handmade Paper Delights (http://www.etsy.com/shop/HBeliveaux)

Other thanks to Be Inspired Public Relations: (http://www.beinspiredpr.com/)

Laura Hooper: http://www.lhcalligraphy.com

I’m still working on the full blog post (which will have all the vendor and model info) and sifting through the pics for my favorites.. but in the mean time, here are some sneak peeks!

It was definitely not lacking of detail..

Who wouldn’t be ecstatic with models like these????

I know some people can’t stand this show, but I LOVE the OFFICE. Kevin is my favorite character. Anywaysss, I hope Hannah & Dan won’t mind me blabbering about the office on their wedding picture blog, but one of my favorite the office episode was actually when Pam and Jim were getting married and before the trip they decided to make a mental picture of each highlight of the trip so that they would not forget it. Throughout this blog I hope I can do a little justice in sharing the warmth and thoughtfulness that Hannah & Dan put to their special day not through mental pictures, but these real ones =)  Just imagine Pam doing the ‘taking-a-picture’ thingy in the video below ( fast forward to 0:55 )  and it’ll all make sense.

Anyways, moving on! =)

Hannah & Dan represents why I LOVE doing what I do. They are sooo easy going and such a pleasure to work with, willing to spend time to get the pictures ( you would think that every bride would want as much time possible for pictures, but that’s sadly not the case, ) and their love and admiration for each other are displayed so clearly throughout the day. I just LOVE shooting awesome couples like them.

Several days leading to the wedding day I got the news that Dan’s mother has been ill and was undergoing an emergency open-heart surgery three days before the wedding, but that she insisted that the wedding went ahead as planned. Thankfully her surgery went well! (more on that below.)

So on a breezy but gorgeous November (as beautiful as November weather could be)  morning I drove to Baltimore to Fells Point, a really cool little section of town with cobbled streets and old-school homes like the salon where Hannah had her hair & make up done..

Not only the Salon was cool from the outside, but the inside is really cool as well.. How cool is this green wall????

Hannah is one of the most easygoing bride I’ve had the privilege to shoot. She’s just so relaxed and easy about everything, which makes my job SO much easier and comfortable. After hair & make up we actually strolled to subway to get some food..

And then to the Admiral Fell Point hotel just a block away where Hannah is putting her dress on..

Some detail  shots..

And oh. This! is one of the ‘warm’ things of the day. Hannah had made these cute Dumbo cuff links as a surprise gift for Dan. It wasn’t immediately clear to me at the moment what the significance of the Dumbo was, but apparently Dan competed in a competition that was broadcast by ESPN wherein he built a Dumbo-shaped plane which ended up crashing and burning on live TV. Once again, this is the kind of couple I love to shoot.

Meet Dan. When I first saw him, he warmly greeted me and proudly showed me his project for the day, the ‘wall.’ You see, Hannah saw this picture of a wall that someone built to replace the traditional boring portraits that everyone does.. and they proceeded to start building ‘the wall.’ I’m still not sure how they managed to bring the wall  upstairs, but here it was, as Dan put some finishing touch to it.

The surprise gift was delivered to Dan! And Hannah wrote a special note with it.. (without giving away what’s actually the gift.)

The moment Dan saw the gift he grinned. That was another warm little moment.

He puts the cuff links on instead of the ones he prepared before.

And the Wedding is ready to commence!

Oh, this. Dan’s mother is still recovering from surgery in Rochester, so they broadcast their wedding via Skype! We actually spent a good bit of the morning trying to get it set up and FINALLY, a few minutes before the wedding, it was up and running.

Dan was all smiles.

The procession.

Dan & Hannah saying ‘Hi’ to mom via Webcam.

I just love this scene. Maybe its because I’ve never been a part of a wedding that’s broadcast via Skype before, but I just thought to myself as I was shooting this scene, “This is really cool.”

The vow, the ring, the unity candle, and the kiss.

All done!

“Hey Mom, did you see all that OK?”

If you haven’t noticed already, Hannah & Dan didn’t have a bridal party. At first I thought well that’s kinda odd, but then I got excited at the prospect of having just the two of them for pictures after the ceremony. You see, every wedding photographer’s dream is that the couple would ‘see’ each other before the wedding. This serves 2 purposes – one, I personally think it’s a very touching moment to be able to see your bride/husband to-be for the first time just between the two of you without anyone else. two, this allows the photographer to have plenty of time taking pictures for the couple before the ceremony, because after the ceremony most of the time usually are spent taking pictures with the bridal party, friends, family, and so forth.

However, Hannah & Dan didn’t have a bridal party. Which means, we have the whole time between ceremony and reception to take pictures just for the two of them!!! This was easily my favorite part of the day.

The first few pictures were taken at the balcony of the hotel, looking out to Fells Point.

Celebrate!

The light was awesome. Yes.

We ventured out to the harbor..

And met these groups of soccer kids who weren’t shy when asked to take a picture! =)

Once again, yes the light was awesome.

Dan is an avid Arsenal fan… so he asked if we could get some pictures in front of this  arsenal-themed restaurant.

In front of Max’s – one of their favorite places..

And how bout some old-school picture?

Um yes, I was giddy when I saw the scooter.

After we’re done, it’s party time! I love how they prepare the seating guide..

The ceremony place has been converted into a dining hall..

The grand entrance!

Preparing for the first dance…

In which Dan surprised Hannah with a different song than what was planned!

This is easily one of my favorite moment of the day.

Moving into the ‘real’ first dance..

Dan’s father giving a speech and a toast..

The dances.. (Dan’s sister filled in for Dan’s mother.)

And a couple images of Hannah & Dan sharing some quiet moments before the party continued..

Before I end the post I must show at least a couple of the pictures taken with ‘The Wall,’ right?

Dan & Hannah, let me say once again that it was a privilege and an honor to be a part of your special day. You two are easily one of my favorite couples, and I wish you two the happiest marriage as you start your new family.

To see the rest of the pictures, visit Hannah & Dan’s Gallery

Check out Liz & Wes’ gallery for the rest of the pictures!

How Eric & Sima stumbled on me as their photographer is still kind of odd to me. What are the chances that a really cool couple based of Los Angeles,  coming home to Elizabethtown, finding me on google? But I’m so glad that they did, because it was one of the warmest wedding experiences I’ve ever had.  We talked on the phone several times, and finally got a chance to meet each other on their wedding week.. when I immediately felt like I’ve known these guys for a while. These guys are really just a blast to hang out with.

I actually felt bad for Eric & Sima because the weather was really crummy for most of the day, after a week-full of what was a gorgeous picture-perfect weather. The location, the Masonic Village, had SO much potential for cool pictures that it obviously disappointed me as well.. but we did get some chance to get some nice outdoor pictures, so that was some consolation… anyways on to the pictures.

Sima had her hair done at a local Salon in Elizabethtown..

Before she had her hair done, Eric’s mom was sharing a poem that she was going to read on their wedding to her..

By the way, I LOVE how in most salons the light are so yummy… like this.

Getting her hair done..

Simply gorgeous, Sima!

Afterwards we drove to Eric’s mom’s home, where everyone is getting ready. The dress was kept on this room with very little light, but I found a reading light that I was able to use..

Now this is a first for me: Sima is actually a makeup artist! So she did her own make up, and even did the bridal parties as well! (along with one of her bridesmaid who was also a makeup artist) How cool is that????

A shot of the cool shoes..

And the dapper-looking ringbearer..

After all the make-up were done, Sima put her dress on..

Some portraits…

Eric booked a Limo to picked up the party, so the kids were anxiously waiting for it to arrive..

Speaking of the kids… they are definitely one of the cutest flower girls & ring bearers ever!

Off to Masonic Village where the ceremony is held in this beautiful chapel..

And the inside is not too shabby either!

Sima and dad walking down the aisle..

The ceremony..

By the way the chapel interior is all brick all the way to the ceiling which was cool..

The vow..

The unity candle and the kiss..

After the ceremony we took some portraits in front of the uber-cool stained glass window..

I then peeked outside to find that the rain finally had stopped!!! So we ventured outside for some outside shots..

The light was fading very quickly, but I was happy to have the time that we did at all! Thankfully Eric, Sima, and the rest of the gang were so easy to work with. So now off to the Reception location, Events Etc..

In the limo…

Events Etc is this really neat and cozy little place at Hershey. It almost feel like you’re just inviting your closest friends to a celebration dinner.. which was a nice change from the big dinners of the weddings I’m accustomed to..

The cake..

Eric getting some drinks for Sima..

Look out, Eric was ready to par-tay!!

The lighting was really, really dark, but allows for some cool shots like this..

Or this…

Derek was making fun of Eric’s certain physical feature..

The funky lighting served well for Sima’s bouquet throw (in a low ceiling room!)

And Eric’s garter toss..

A quiet moment with her family in between the dancing..

The father-daughter dance..

And more dancing, of course!

Eric & Sima, let me just say one more time how honored I was to be a part of your special day. It’s too bad you guys live so far away, but I am thankful that we could meet. I truly hope the best marriage for the both of you, and I hope you treasure these pictures as much as I have fun taking them!

To see the rest of the pictures, visit Eric & Sima’s gallery

And of course a picture of the WALL!

I’ll talk to you guys soon!

Alicia had her hair done @ Sheer Sensations in Lititz – it’s a little neat Salon with lots of light (which is a joy to every photographer) at the main street of lititz.

Getting her hair done..

And then make up..

I just love this shot..

Afterwards, I stopped by Zach’s house to catch the guys getting ready..

Zach is a super-friendly, always laughing and really LOUD guy.

Zach also has a couple of big dogs… one of them couldn’t help to get into the picture..

And oh, meet Landen. He’s definitely a cutie.

Yep.

Then we went outside for some pictures..

Off to the church now, where Alicia is putting her dress on..

The Flower Girl was unfortunately not feeling to well… she was fighting an illness… but still walked down the aisle regardless. Such a trooper!

A beautiful bride + fall background = a great picture.

And now the totally rad church I was referring to at the blog title. It’s a small, traditional church located at a beautiful location in Manheim.

If you think the outside looks nice, wait until you see the inside…

I caught this moment before the ceremony begins.. it was one of the few quiet moments for Zach.

Waiting for the procession to begin..

The following few images are one of my favorite sets of the day.

Prayer..

And the kiss..

They were greeted by the bubbles outside..

And we posed for one last rocking group picture before going off to the reception.

The reception was held @ the American Legion in Lititz..

The first dance..

The Phillies garter!

Alicia & Zach conspired to smack the cake at the best man / maid of Honor…. and boy they didn’t see that coming!

The party goes on..

A Michael Jackson tribute..

And lots and lots more dancing..

Alicia & Zach, thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day. Best wishes for you both as you embark your new life together!! And say hi to Landen for me!!

To see the rest of the pictures, check out Alicia & Zach’s gallery

The Iris Club..

A few minutes before the ceremony I got a chance to hang out a little with ringbearer Matthew and flower girl Abby… they sure know how pose in front of the camera!

Iris Club is such a cool historical building.. Chrissy and the bridesmaids walked down these stairs before walking down the aisle.

Meanwhile, downstairs Wayne nervously waited for the moment to come.. but he was still able to show off the rings..

The groom-in-waiting..

And the procession. (cool soundtrack by the way, Chrissy!)

Aren’t they cute????

Here comes the bride!

As I said above, Chrissy & Wayne’s ceremony probably holds the record of the shortest ceremony I’ve ever been a part of! Just a few words, and it was the exchange of rings already.

The Kiss..

Afterwards we drove a couple of blocks away to Musser Park to get some bridal party portraits..

After we were done, some of the girls decided to walk back to Iris Club.. and I snapped one of my favorite of the day..

I love these cool name tags on the entrance of the reception..

And one of the things that I thought was very neat was that Chrissy & Wayne decided to give to the American Cancer Society in lieu of favors..

The bridal party formed a tunnel for Chrissy and Wayne to walk through… ( and Wayne is no short guy himself, so it was pretty hard! )

And did I mention that these guys love to dance??? Let’s start with their awesome first dance.

Chrissy’s dad joined in the action and tried to out-dance Wayne!

Then it was time for the bouquet toss..

And the Garter.. ( this was a hilarious scene… )

Wayne’s getting his groove on.

And the dancing resumed!!

Chrissy and Wayne, thanks for allowing me to be a part of your special day. I truly wish the happiest marriage for the both of you, and I hope you enjoy the pictures!

For the rest of the pictures, visit the gallery here: Chrissy & Wayne’s Gallery