Quite possibly one of the dreamiest shoots I’ve been a part of. The watercolor sunset, the softness of her dress, the sparkle of the ocean, and a fantastic couple like this – I seriously feel so lucky to cross paths with couples {sometimes from as far as across the ocean, like in this case} who come to me with a vision for their photos that so perfectly matches what I love to create, and who completely let their personalities & love show in front of the camera.

There is another fun urban portion of this session that I hope to share soon, but I felt these beach moments at the end of the day deserved their own post. The simplicity of it all just makes me so so happy – that it was just the ocean, the pretty light, and Pien & Hsun enjoying each other’s presence :)

There is something about the getting ready photos that makes them some of my favorites from the day. The excitement, the anticipation of course – but I also love that it’s my first glimpse into the rest of the day, a happy hint at what the next 8 or 9 hours may bring. Upon stepping into Jenny’s room, I was greeted firstly by her ethereal dress hanging softly in the corner, her fantastic shoes glittering by the bed. By the prettiest light (can all hotel rooms be this suite at The Standard??) By bridesmaids laughing & practicing a dance number to come during the reception, or helping with some last minute plans. And of course by a sweet and radiant bride, who hugged me with the biggest brightest smile, who was head over heels to jump into the rest of the day.

And just as this initial peek suggested, the rest of this wedding unfolded into moments that were just as perfect – a tearful first look, THE cutest doggy ringbearer (seriously please take a look at that guy, it will make your entire week), some of the most eloquent and touching toasts I’ve heard, and dancing under golden lanterns and city lights. Cafe Pinot, as always, was the perfect backdrop for their day – I seriously never get tired of shooting there! – and this whole wedding was just a dream to photograph…

Courtney is a friend of mine from UCLA, and Maz I met shortly afterwards. I knew them separately, and I knew them together, and they are seriously so the perfect match. Courtney is down to earth and real in every situation, she radiantly lights up any room she walks into, and has by far the biggest & best laugh I have ever seen. And Maz? He understands & embraces (and perhaps even teases her for? :) her unique attributes, and brings that laugh out of her time and time again. Every single time we hang out, I can see how their relationship is founded on a deep friendship, on the ability to always have fun together, and really, isn’t that the way it should always be? I won’t be photographing their wedding as I get to be a bridesmaid (woo hoo!) but I’m so happy they asked me to take these photos, in the very place where Maz proposed :)