This is what happens when you put a few photographers together with a few ideas and a beautiful young lady.

Images with both Audrey & I in, Micah Cordy shot.

I Art directed and styled, Audrey did her own makeup. Quail (QisforQuail.com) made her dress.

This is just the beginning of an idea I have…its heading into a direction inspired by war and torn by love. Lets see what I can do with this theme.

Santa Monica CA. Hotel Casa Del Mar had a marine layer surrounding it when my team and I arrived to photograph Dayna and JC’s wedding. It was a cool morning, but the low fog had a warmth about it, a soothing feel. Maybe it was because I was excited to photograph Dayna, JC and all of their wedding, or maybe its because I get my favorite shots in overcast weather, or maybe it was just a blessed day. Either way, I knew it was going to be a good day (And night).

And I was right.

Dayna and her bridemaids were fun to shoot, they were constantly dreaming up scenarios for her and always trying to recreate an image from their weddings… (Which can be hilarious hearing their ideas) Meanwhile, I had KrisD shooting the men at the Viceroy (I know, I was jealous too) The Viceroy is one of my top 5 places to photograph… SIDENOTE: they should hire me to shoot all their ad campaigns & sponsor me with hats and free hotel rooms.

The ceremony was in Pasadena at a beautiful church! Holy family church in Pasadena is beautiful! However It is a pain to shoot there . The 5-6 times I’ve shot there, the church lady has reminded me of the devil herself…she rules the church with an iron fist and she likes to bark at vendors that don’t abide by the bogus church rules. Anyways, I could go on and on, but it was so bad once, that I disguised myself as a guest and sat in one of the front pews for a better set of images…

Moving along.

I loved working with the vendors at this wedding. Yana Skylar Did hair and makeup for the ladies.  White Lilac did the beautiful floral, Beth Helmstetter designed and planned the event, Elysium did the videography (excited to see their edit!), Yari More brought his amazing band. DJ Nahchey kept the party going after hours., along with a great mini donut maker “The Fry Girl“

A wonderful wedding day, a great celebration at night a perfect way to celebrate a brand new marriage!

Congratulations Dayna and JC!

(Loved getting ready photos at Hotel Casa Del Mar)

(The limo ride to the church)

(Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Juan Carlos Mauricia)

(One of the biggest wedding parties I’ve seen… they definitely were a big ingredient in getting the party start)

(Love this silhouette image)

(Santa Monica Pier in the background)

(Dayna + Mojito)

(The couple giving the high five were celebrating their 9th anniversary)

(Santa Monica Bike Path)

(Grandpa + Heineken)

(A White Lilac and Beth Helmstetter Collaboration)

(Grand Entrance!)

(Love these dancefloor shots)

(Bouquet toss was nearly interrupted by the best man’s leap- The 2nd image is also one of my favorites!)

Slideshow will be up soon here>

I had a great time photographing Carol & Jerry for their engagement shoot. As you probably saw in the TEASER, we shot all over Pasadena.

We started at The Huntington Library, I love the foliage and the back lighting effect I got during the 30 minutes we were there… I wish it was more accessible, its hard to be incognito when shooting in the gardens… a permit is supposed to be in hand, but I’m not willing to pay the supposed $6000, so incognito I will stay.

The next location was 5 minutes away from the library and gardens. Pasadena City Hall. Great arches, lighting was great as the sun lowered in the sky. Tall stairways and large pillars make up this great shoot location. I think my best pictures came from here.

Our last spot was Suicide bridge (great name for a romantic shoot location) The sun was still really harsh, when we were shooting (The beauty of shooting in the winter when it gets dark at 5pm…or postponing the shoot until magic hour) I like the way that Carol and Jerry lighten up with the camera as minutes went by…you could feel all stiffness go out the window and a more relaxed, fun and romantic side came out.

I’m looking forward to photographing their wedding in November!

Serious props to my assistant Niall for putting up with all my wild pre-shoot ideas…walking hundreds of stairs and basically helping make things happen. Good assistants make things so much easier! I’m lucky I have a few great people I can call on.

Look for Carol and Jerry’s slideshow HERE in a few days.

Last night I photographed a newly engaged couple. We shot about town, in gardens and on bridges in Pasadena. The hot weather was even harsher up there. When Carol and Jerry changed clothes, I wished I had a change of clothes that included shorts and a tanktop… mid 90′s feels like mid 100′s when your running around up and down with a camera.

The shoot turned out excellent and I’m excited to tease you with these images.

Enjoy!

(more on the way tomorrow night 7.8)