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.

Imagine a windy drive up into the mountains. A cozy cottage-like venue with an accompanying chateau, tucked in the woods and surrounded by trees. There is a quiet fountain, a moss-covered ceremony arch, a set of wooden swings, even a lifesize chessboard! Sounds like something out of a storybook, a fairytale, does it not?

And so you can imagine how it would be the perfect location for this enchanted forest inspired wedding! During our first meeting, Leah explained her love of stories and how she wanted to incorporate whimsical story-like elements into her day. As if the venue itself wasn’t perfect enough, they tied in all sorts of woodsy, fantastical elements – colorful and organic bundles of flowers, stacks of books, birdcages, jars of honey, mushrooms, even gnomes! (With most of these details created by Matt’s aunt!)

I love how Leah and Matt were able to incorporate so much of what they love into their wedding day – the result was seriously magical :)

{ A special thank you to Wedding Chicks for featuring this wedding! You can head over to their blog to read more details from the couple… }

Liz and Kyle are seriously cool. For starters, they are constantly chill and happy and loving towards everyone around them. They also gave us a ton of time for portraits, which included a moment when Liz asked (THE BRIDE ASKED!) if she could lay down on the ground, in her dress, all for the sake of an awesome shot. They’re also both all sorts of talented, and put on a guitar performance for all their guests at the reception, followed by a surprise song Kyle performed for Liz :)

I was also especially excited to shoot their wedding because it took place at the Higashi Honganji Temple in Little Tokyo, a place I used to frequent twice a week for taiko practice. It was so wonderful witnessing a beautiful Buddhist ceremony inside the gold-laden temple, and seeing so many of the other cultural elements Liz & Kyle tied into their wedding!