Linna & David | Kualoa Ranch, Oahu | Hawaii Wedding Photographer
Jessica and Jeff | Museum of the Moving Image | New York City
Lara & Peter | Red Tail Ranch | Ojai, California
Kristina & Max | Pailhouse | West Hollywood Wedding Photographer
Kristina and Max’s wedding day was filled with countless sweet and sentimental moments! Starting with their venue the Palihouse, West Hollywood, which was the location of their first kiss! Kristina and Max did an incredible job of making their wedding uniquely theirs. They incorporate both Jewish and Buddhist traditions into their ceremony, included their sweet pup Pancakes and instead of a wedding party had an Honor Party that incorporated all of their friends! They also showed of their individual styles, Kristina by wearing a custom dress from Shareen Bridal and Max by wearing a green luster suit with pink converse!
As only children friendships have taken on extra special meanings in Kristina and Max’s lives. Their friends are family. Their group of friends from across the country brought such a special feeling of community and love to the day. They contributed both of themselves and their skills to honor the couple by officiating, performing a sake ceremony, giving speeches, sing the first dancing song, performing magic tricks and more! It was such a joy to be a part of a day that was so deeply rooted in the value of friendship and love in all forms!
Coordination | Best Day Events
Venue | Palihouse, West Hollywood
Florals | Sybil Sophia Floral Designs
Chuppah | Blue Fish Event Rental
Hair | Trina Daily Color
Gown | Shareen Bridal
Video| Sharkpig Weddings
Grandpa Norm | 100th Birthday
Today is Grandpa Norman's 100th Birthday! On this auspicious day it feels like the right time to share this most special series of photos. This session with Grandpa, Michelle, Angela, Dylan and Jon is something Ivan and I will never forget. These are my favorite images I have ever taken. This is the session that is most meaningful to me.
These images were taken over a year ago in April, after Michelle and Dylan's wedding. They are so precious to me and because of that I haven't felt ready to share them. I've kept them close, revisiting them often, not ready to share them with the world. When is the right time to share images from an evening that changed your life? I've been struggling for over a year to find the right words to go along with these images. I still don't have the words and probably never will. I'll just share the story of the day and hope the pictures tell the rest.
When you meet Grandpa Norm you're instantly taken in by his calm, kind presence. There's a radiance about him and a sphere that immediately envelopes you. After spending just a few minutes together we were able to see the very special connection Michelle and Angela had with him. They were playful, loving, nurturing and there was an understanding between the 3 of them, a deep bond that was evident. Their connection is strong and different from any I have every witnessed between grandparent and grandchild.
Angela and Michelle, who are twins, were married 8 months apart, Angela and Jon in the states and Michelle and Dylan in Australia. Being as close as they are with Grandpa Norm, it was heartbreaking that he wasn't able to make the journey to either one of the weddings, so they decided to bring a piece of their weddings to him!
On a lovely, Fall evening, in a little neighborhood outside of Sydney, Michelle and Angela brought Grandpa Norm from his assisted care facility to the very special grounds around his church. As a boy he had tended the small garden there, with its young trees as tall as he was. Now, an old man, he sat in his wheelchair surrounded by an Eden he's cultivated with nearly a hundred years of love and care: a sprawling display of lush tropical greenery, a forest of big beautiful trees reaching to the sky, and "two beautiful granddaughters, each more lovely than the last." When they arrived, Michelle and Angela lovingly guided his wheelchair through the grass to a special spot. Once he was settled the twins hurried inside to get dressed. Surrounded by the lush garden, accompanied by the singing birds, Ivan and I sat with Grandpa for a few peaceful moments until we moved into place and Michelle, Dylan, Angela and Jon began walking as one towards Grandpa. They were a vision, walking down the hill in their wedding dresses and suits, all 4 of them intently focused on Grandpa, smiling ear to ear.
When they reached Grandpa he broke into the biggest smile. He grabbed Angela's hand and began reciting his poem that had been read at her wedding-
"A Little Golden Ring"
A little Golden Ring
Binds hands, lips, hearts
And makes them sing
With love,
Through years and years,
Through joy and tears,
And still keeps tied the knot
Unto the land where Time is not.
He then turned to Michelle and recited his poem that was read at her wedding-
"Spring Wedding"
This your Spring, love's early treasure.
Summer brings to fullest measure;
Autumn's fruits of happy marriage;
Winter's chill may not disparage;
Through Life's seasons you will find
Joy increasing in the mind.
Winter's trials are but showers,
Spring returns with all it's flowers;
Pray your love be from the Lord,
Eternal springs be your reward.
The moment was surreal, the connection, the love, the sense of presence. Being part of such a powerful, intimate moment felt other-worldly. So much so that at one point I looked up from my camera and wondered it we had been transported to heaven. In this moment it was brilliantly clear to me that this is the purpose of our lives: to care for, connect with and cherish one another, and that family is the wellspring of this, the place where it all begins and where, if we're lucky, it will end.
Happy 100th birthday, Grandpa Norm. We hope today is filled with the magic we felt when we were with you. We love you!
Grandpa plays with his and his beloved Ruth's wedding bands.
Angela and Jon packed their wedding attire in their suitcases and flew with it to Sydney all the way from Pennsylvania to create this special surprise Grandpa Norm!
Erin & Jake | The Fig House | Highland Park Wedding Photographer
Erin and Jake win the award for “Smiliest Wedding.” They have two of the best grins we’ve ever seen and their joy to be marrying one another was apparent the entire day. Not only were they joyful and smiley, their guests were too. Throughout the day Ivan and I kept turning to one another in disbelief at how many cute candids we were getting. Everywhere we turned were sweet, smiley interactions! As I began working on their images I found myself beaming at my computer screen.
The Fig House in Highland Park was the perfect venue to compliment their bright, energetic personalities. The entire space is splashed with color, every inch beautifully decorated with thoughtful and vibrant details. I think it just may be my Spirit Venue! Not only are Erin and Jake fellow color lovers, they are first and foremost dancers! Erin grew up dancing, they met while dancing, and in their vows they committed to be one another’s dance partner for life! With such a deep love of dance we knew we were in for a treat with their first dance. We were blown away when they brought down the house with their dance to ‘Golden Years’ by David Bowie. Their chemistry on the dance floor was such a joy to capture and the energy they brought was shared with their guests. When a bride and groom love dancing as much as these two, people come ready to cut a rug! Everyone was dancing from Grandma to the flower girl! We loved being in the sea of guests, surrounded by music, joyful interactions and amazing dance moves.
Erin and Jake’s day contained so many of our favorite things—color, wild dancing and intentional details—but most of all their day was focused on community. From Jake’s 4 families, their 2 friend officiants, the countless hugs, sweet excited squeals and heartfelt speeches, it was clear how much Erin and Jake love and value their people and how much those people love and cherish them. Seeing these connections is always a deeply profound honor. We feel so lucky to experience and capture all the love, from the little moments like a heartfelt greeting, to the big moments like a mother-daughter dance. Wedding days never cease to bring me back to what it’s all about: the relationships we build and the love we share.
Erin and Jake, thank you for including us in your wedding. For welcoming us in to witness the relationships you’ve built and the love that you share. We are so honored to have been a part of it all. Here are some of the memories of that day. We can’t wait to share more!
Venue- The Fig House
Planning and Florals - Sweet Emilia Jane
DJ- Dart Collective
Hair and Make-Up- Rachel Stolte
Catering- RoomForty
Cocktails - Pharmacia
Devika & Rilwan | Beverly Hills Courthouse | Los Angeles Elopement Photographer
April 7th was special. It was Devika and Rilwan's elopement but that wasn't the only monumental part of the day. April 7th was the day their families were meeting for the first time. As we stood on the steps of the Beverly Hills Courthouse I got to witness their moms welcome one another into their lives, arms out stretched, tears in their eyes. I got to see Devkia's sister, snuggle and play with Rilwan's niece. I was able to see the heartfelt connection their fathers made via facetime. I often get to witness two families coming together at a wedding but this was different. This was bigger. There was so much wrapped up into one moment, it was the greeting, the getting to know and the embracing of two families and cultures all at once.
Their Beverly Hills Courthouse ceremony, conducted by a passionate and kind Justice of the Peace, was heartfelt and genuine. She shared beautiful and honest words of wisdom, that have stuck with me. She shared that for a successful marriage the couple must grow together but more importantly they must grow as individuals. She encouraged them to explore their separate interests and to strive to grow personally in order to strengthen their marriage. Such a strong and useful message in a marriage ceremony!
After Rilwan and Devika said "I Do" we got to stop at the iconic, pink, Paul Smith wall for a few fun portraits and then made our way to Gracias Madre for some snacks and delicious cocktails. It was such a treat to be able sit and enjoy 45 minutes with Rilwan and Devika. Typical wedding days are go, go, go. I loved getting to capture a bride and groom relaxing and enjoying one another's company. The staff was so excited to have a newly married couple that they sent drinks to the table and offered Mexican Wedding cookies!
Rilwan and Devika's wedding was a true lesson in rolling with the punches, looking at the positive, and being present in the moment. Due to flight cancellations as a result of an airport bomb threat Devika's father and sister were unable to make it to the wedding, a heart breaking reality of the day. Despite this set their presence was very much felt throughout the day! Thank goodness for technology! Facetime allowed them to see the ceremony, enabled Devika's father to give his speech at their reception dinner and made it possible for them to meet all of Rilwan's family. It was especially sweet to see both fathers meeting. Rilwan's father's hand on his heart as the both talked about the pride and love the felt.
Another set back of the day was when all 14 guest accidentally went to the wrong restaurant. Instead of being upset or stressed, Rilwan and Devika spent the time snuggled up, chatting and laughing in the outdoor lounge at Craft Los Angeles. The stayed in the moment and were focused on one another. When everyone eventually made it they excitedly welcomed them, no stress or frustration. Wedding days are unpredictable, things will go wrong, but those hiccups don't have to ruin the day or even cause stress. The day is going to unfold just as it is meant to. As long as your focus is on what matters most and you remember to breath and laugh your day will be wonderful.
Rilwan and Devika did just that! The entire day they were laughing, snuggling and just so happy! It was such a joy to witness their marriage. The union of their families and their love for one another.
Devika and Rilwan's fathers meeting for the first time via Facetime
Alexis & Edwin | Hotel Casa Pestagua | Cartagena Wedding Photographer
Mid-February, we stepped off the plane in Colombia and were immediately swept up by Cartagena. Within minutes of leaving the airport all of my senses were invigorated: the smell of the sea, the cozy feel of humidity, the colors of the buildings, the sounds of the streets and the sweet taste of mango. The energy within the city walls was electric. It made me feel more alive, more present. Our time spent there brought me back to myself. It encouraged me to refocus on what is most important: family, friends, meaningful connections and purpose. On our first morning we wandered the colorful streets as we made our way to Casa Pestagua, where we found Alexis and Edwin. It was at this point that the reality of the weekend sank in. Not only were we here in Cartagena to celebrate Alexis and Edwin, but we were here to celebrate along with some of our nearest and dearest friends. If I had to imagine heaven, it'd be a lot like our time in Cartagena—days spent in a beautiful setting, surrounded by your favorite people with the shared intention of celebration, all the while getting to do a job that you love with the person you love most.
Oh, I could go on and on about this wedding weekend, about how humbling it was to have witnessed Alexis' and Edwin's families share their cultures, American and Colombian, with one another; about riding a chiva (party) bus through Cartagena next to the mother of the bride as we laughed hysterically and danced on cue; about how moving, heartfelt and real the vows Alexis and Edwin shared were; about how special it was to reconnect with some of my oldest friends; about how ridiculously fun the reception was, or how grateful I am for the sweet friendship that has grown between Alexis and myself. I have so much to say but what it would all be explaining is that this experience healed parts of my heart that had been aching for a long time. This wedding, the place, the people, Alexis and Edwin reminded me of what is most important at a moment when I truly needed it.
This is the story of that day in the best way I know how to tell it.
Venue - Casa Pestagua
Ceremony- Cafe del Mar
Florals - Alheli
Invitations- Brittany Kuhl
Ceremony and Cocktail Band -
Reception Band - Son de la Cueva
Dress: Alon Livne
Dress shop: Mark Ingram Atelier, New York, NY