I always love photographing at the Pasadena City Hall and this time of year was especially perfect, with pretty flowers in bloom around every corner! Frances and Andrew are super laidback and happily went along with my every whim (“can you hold this flower?” “LET’S THROW PETALS!”) and I adore how soft and romantic this session came out. They also have the sweetest and most fun chemistry together, which just added to all the wonderful romanticky-ness of this session :)

Their wedding at the Walt Disney Concert Hall next month {coordinated by my dear dear friend Jenn Yamauchi} is sure to be amazing!

P.S. Frances’s beautiful make-up is by Kelly Zhang, whose studio is right down the street in Pasadena! :)

During a client meeting once, there was a groom who told me he enjoyed my photos because they made him like the people in them. Something about the way the people were photographed made him see them as fun, as kind, as people he’d want to be friends with. It was a wonderful compliment and the words warmed my heart, but the truth is, the people I photograph really are that wonderful. And Jenny and Randall are one of the very first couples who come to mind when I say this.

Their wedding day was 12 hours long from beginning to end, but I can tell you that I literally stood there at the end of the reception wondering how it flew by so quickly. Part of it is of course the gorgeous Happy Trails ceremony (is it not everyone’s dream to get married under a giant tree?), the fantastic DIY details, the lively reception… but what really made it so special was just the two of them being them. It is not everyday you come across such kind, down to earth, funny, generous, creative and wonderful people. Their trust in my work and general support (not just in business, but in life!) has meant the world to me. In just one example, literally a week before their wedding (when I knew they were running around with a million last minute wedding-y things to do) they secretly messaged my boyfriend to ask him what kind of gift I might like. !!! Their thoughtfulness is seriously mindblowing. In their vows to one another they spoke heartfelt words, of how beautiful, warm-hearted, selfless the other was, and I couldn’t help but tear up, because every line rang so true.

And on top of all that, please see Exhibit ALL THE PHOTOS BELOW, for just how creative this couple is. They are both graphic designers and came up with a colorful bird + birdhouse themed wedding – as you scroll down through the images, you will see literally hundreds of handpainted birdhouses, beautiful cloth pennants, sweet fabric bird favors, each and every one created lovingly by them.

This was my first wedding of 2013, and I couldn’t imagine a better way to start the year.

When we were brainstorming for their engagement session, Susan and Ken mentioned that they wanted to really personalize the shoot, perhaps with some props. I adore a stylized session that thoughtfully incorporates bits and pieces of who the couple is, and after delving a bit more into their relationship we found the perfect additions – their adorable pups! They also brought along a beautiful quilt that Susan had made for Ken years back, which proved perfect for them to cuddle up in once the wind picked up at our second location on the beach :)

I had so much fun with them and am so excited for their Cafe Pinot wedding this year!