There are a lot of things that I like doing, but could not do for 10 hours straight. I could not eat In-N-Out cheeseburgers for 10 hours straight. I could not sit through 10 straight episodes of America’s Next Top Model. I could not play 10 hours worth of Starcraft (although Scott and I shamelessly played 2 hours worth the other day and it was great. Not that I’m um, into real-time science fiction video games or anything.)

But I can honestly say that I can photograph a wedding for 10 hours straight and still come out loving it in the end. Dorothy & Eric’s gorgeous LA wedding was the longest wedding I’ve shot to date and I kid you not when I say the time flew by. It could have been their beautiful wedding ceremony in LA’s Chinatown or the intimate tea ceremony held afterwards. It could have been the large banquet hall at the Universal Hilton filled with laughter, hugs, and tall white orchids. It definitely might have had something to do with her spectacular red shoes. Or maybe, just maybe, it was getting to spend the whole day witnessing their perfect love – watching Eric help hold up her dress when they walked, seeing them share a smile, being in the presence of their joy and affection.

Here are a few images from the wedding that I shot with the fabulous Serena Grace a couple months back. Thanks for having me along!

The lively reception was made even more fun with a series of games. In one, a couple’s name was chosen out of a hat and Dorothy & Eric had to kiss following the example the couple set. It changed up the whole clinking-of-glasses tradition! :)

Don’t you love when you meet someone and you just click? Maybe they also like funky-colored socks, or have an unhealthy obsession with blogs, or like putting ketchup on everything, or think Back to the Future was the best movie ever made. (I mean, reallllly think about it for a second, wasn’t it?) What’s extra exciting is when you meet them online first, only to find that they’re just as awesome, if not moreso, in person.

Susan and Mike hired me as a second photographer for their wedding reception last month and I loved corresponding with Susan, even if just through email. Susan had a wonderful enthusiasm and attitude that poured through her words and it was a delight to find she and Mike were just as sweet in person! The reception was held at the stunning San Gabriel Hilton and it was truly a feast for the senses, with splashes of fuschia and blue filling the reception hall. There was a great team of vendors on board: Peter of Icons Photography as the main photographer, Blue Sky Videos doing videography, and the fabulous Uyen of Sassy Girl Weddings, who worked so tirelessly to put on such an amazing event.

Thank you Susan & Mike for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful wedding! Wishing you all the best!

The tea ceremony:

First dance:

Could the decor be any more fabulous?

Loved this father-daughter dance moment:

And this mother-son one as well :)

Susan’s mom and Mike’s mom each sang a song at the reception. Both had spectacular voices that put my singing-in-the-car interludes to shame.

Annette and Ken wed last year, but decided to hold a reception last month to celebrate with their family and friends. And a wonderful reception it was, with decadent food and beautiful decor, but most of all a happy bustling energy that arose from a room filled with so many people who were there to celebrate their love. Joyful voices and cheerful smiles spanned the space from corner to corner – everyone there was just so excited for the two of them (including yours truly)!

Annette & Ken, thank you so much for giving me the honor of documenting this beautiful occasion. It was such a joy to share in the day with you – wishing you all the best!

During the dinner we snuck out for just a couple of shots!

Can’t forget to include a few images of the cuties – look at how happy the little one is with the bouquet!