When I took my first steps into wedding photography, I had some goals in mind. They were basic, fluffy, whimsical goals – little dreams I dared not shape too concretely in fear that I might never attain them. I wanted to meet fabulous, warm, so-in-love people. I wanted to help create tangible memories of their most important days. I wanted to make friends out of the people who inspired me, the photographers I admired. And above all, I wanted to give back. Because at the start, I was barely more than a walking ball of questions. I felt like a silly empty glass that a million kind people were filling with knowledge and support and opportunity and all I could give in return were my insignificant but abundant “thank you”s.

And although my cup of knowledge is still far from being runneth over, I am finally at a place where I feel I can give and not just take. The opportunities to share my experiences are suddenly popping up left and right, and although I have so much more to learn myself, I am beyond thrilled to share whatever bits of information and experience I can.

One such opportunity has come from The Wedding Clique, a resourceful website created to help brides and grooms in planning their day. I am so honored to be included in such an amazing group of vendors, and to be able to contribute towards a couple’s wedding planning process – a process that for many is at once exciting, overwhelming, intimidating, and wonderful!

A couple weekends ago The Wedding Clique put on it’s first Mock Wedding Workshop at The Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Long Beach. It was created as an opportunity for couples to experience a “pretend wedding” in preparation for their actual day. The workshop progressed similarly to how many wedding days do – from getting ready, to the ceremony, to the reception – and was filled with beautiful details and wonderful input from the participating vendors. My deepest thanks to my friend Henry Chen for inviting me to be a part of such an amazing event and project!

Meet the team – the boys: Andrew of Iobon Cinema, Henry Chen, Raul of R&R Entertainment; the girls: Solana of Beauty by Solana, Trini of Nozza Studio, Sarah Yates, Deanne of Bella Fiore

Henry and Trini start off the day with a warm welcome:

Solana put on an awesome make-up trial run, with lots of tips for brides:

Deanne explains when and where you can expect to get your flowers on the day of (I know I’d be SO excited the first time I got to hold my bouquet!):

We then headed upstairs for a mock first look – love these expressions!

The ceremony site:

Gorgeous floral details:

And onto the mock ceremony!

Henry was a great impromptu officiant:

Sarah in action:

There is nothing pretend about this kiss! (I’ve never seen such an excited officiant either ;)

Then it was back inside for the reception! The dinner tables were adorned with such rich and beautiful details:

Raul gives the lowdown on choosing and working with a DJ:

And of course.. the cake!

Be sure to stay tuned on The Wedding Clique website for the next workshop, and for regular updates geared towards helping plan your wedding day!

A bride walking down the aisle is a beautiful thing. As the doors to the church swing open and the light fills up the hall, it’s as if everyone’s breath stops, and the only thing in the room is the beaming, glowing bride. But, in that same moment, it’s wise to take a look at the groom. Because the joy reflected back in a groom’s face is another level of captivating. To see the expression in his eyes, to watch the story of their relationship flash across his face, to see the usually silly, strong, manly men we all know in a state of absolute adoration – to me that look embodies so much of the very reason for the day.

These are the moments that filled up Sojin and Larry’s wedding. I had just met Sojin and Larry that day, but Sojin’s smile as she walked down the aisle and Larry’s face when he first caught sight of her immediately indicated to me what their love was like – deep, palpable, and made to last. They are both so sweet, warm, and real, and it was an honor to accompany Serena Grace in documenting their wedding day!

After the ceremony, we visited a nearby park for some additional portraits…

Then on to the reception. Loved their choreographed first dance!

This was quite possibly the most adorable baby I have ever seen. Look at those cheeks!

I’ll finish with a quick shot of Serena and I at the end of the night. I absolutely love shooting with her!

It had been a rainy weekend, but the skies ended up shining bright blue for Dee Dee & Jonathan’s wedding, matching the stunning details that filled the day. They were married at The Vineyards in Simi Valley and it was a joy to share in the day with their friends and family. The programs, the cupcakes and so many of the other details around the wedding were handcrafted by amazingly talented members of their family, adding wonderful personal touches to the day. A big thank you to Serena Grace for having me along!