Sang Nhi and Shoji's wedding | San Pedro

Korean Friendship Bell, San Pedro

Joyce and Brian's Wedding | La Venta Inn

We (Judy, Drew and I) had the utmost pleasure of photographing the wedding of Joyce and Brian. Joyce and Brian are one of the friendliest, most hospitable couples one will ever meet. Their wedding was held at La Venta, a mountaintop villa situated in Palos Verdes. The ocean view was panoramic and breathtaking. During the ceremony, the clouds rolled in with might and beauty, while tears rolled down the faces of the bride and bridesmaids. It was very touching. We even abruptly stopped family photos in order to capture the couple with the gorgeous hues of the sky as the sun set in the background. The romance, respect and deep affection between Joyce and Brian were evident to everyone who witnessed their unioin. We know that their future together will be bright and full of joy. Cheers to the beautiful couple!

Location: La Venta Inn
Catering: NY Food Company
Florist: Be Buds
Videographer: Impressive Creations

Life Stream...

For those of you who aren't connected to me through FaceBook, here you can find the most recent personal photos streaming in...

(pause the slide show and click the left arrow to see the most recent photos)

Road Trip 09

Here are some photos of a recent road trip we took up the coast.

Pismo Beach:

Chase was leading Jaelin around the pier trying to catch the birds.







The kids inspecting something interesting on the ground.


Morro Bay:



Our favorite place eat in Morro is a little seafood cafe on the dock.




































Riding a 2 man bike around town.




Chase fell asleep in Jaelin's arms.






Avila Valley Farm:
























Playa Del Rey:



Back at home in Playa Del Rey.

Francie & Steve's Wedding - Lake Shrine Temple and Paradise Cove

I recently had the pleasure of photographing the joining of Francie and Steve. Francie and I clicked from our first conversation. She truly seemed to get what photography means to me and the artistry I try and put into each photo.

Francie and Steve were married in the beautiful and serene Lake Shrine Temple in the Pacific Palisades.

Francie and Steve are a very sweet couple.

Francie and Steve were like two smitten teenagers all day...

Paradise Cove was the location for the reception.
The view was breathtaking and the food was delicious.

A future photographer for National Geographic...or People magazine.

One of the flower girls, lost in her own world, feeling the wind blow through her hair, as the adults were giving toasts.

Chase's First Disneyland Trip

We finally took some much needed family time to celebrate Jaelin's preschool graduation and take Chase to Disneyland for the first time. We were joined by our long time friend, Drew Clayton, with whom I've shot the last few weddings. Drew was awesome enough to help me document the day so that I was on the other side of the lens at least some of the time.

(Note to self: Remember to take other pro photographers on family vacations with you.)

(photo by Drew)
Chase and I upon arrival - a bit too early for photos.




(photo by Drew)




(photo by Drew)
Attacking our little Spiderman (shirt) with tickles.





First on the agenda was for Jaelin to meet her princesses. She wore her Sleeping Beauty dress all day just for the chance to impress another "real" princess.
(Look at Chase's priceless expression.)





Just look at Jaelin trying to hold back a smile as she nervously approaches Belle...





...clutching her dress with anticipation and excitement.





Chase's very first ride (Alice in Wonderland). He stared in awe and confusion. We weren't sure if he liked it until he gave a mad, deep grunt when the car stopped.





Drew and Chase





The whole Lai-Yates clan on Small World.





Getting some exercise in Adventureland.





Jaelin driving her first car at the Autopia.





Our little princess showing off a new hat.





I loved this moment. Lots of backstory here. Chase is "in love" with his pacifier. He's pretty much never without it. I sometimes refer to it as his "cigarette."





Chase likes to kiss...hard...often leaving teethmarks.





Riding the carousel.





Jaelin watching the parade (and dancing along).



We had an amazing time which we will cherish forever. Today was a reminder to slow down and keep focus on the life that is racing past us.

Annual 79th Street Memorial Day Block Party

When we moved into our house (far, far, far) beyond our dreams early May 2009, we were supremely excited to fill the larger living space with our children's laughter and the sounds of their feet running to their little hearts' content. The first day that Jeremy and Chase walked Jaelin to her preschool (only five minutes by foot!), the boys discovered that our street led to the most beautiful bluff views of the ocean, marina and city, as well as cute walking paths to newly constructed neighborhood parks.

The kids are loving their spacious play room, Jeremy is passionately designing the backyard to include an impressive playground for the children, and I admit that I am loving not needing to share any bathroom space - ha!

But it just kept getting better and better...

Shortly after moving in, we were invited to a block party for our street. For the past ten years, the residents of 79th Street have celebrated Memorial Day with LOTS of good grub, exactly our style :) We joined them for our very first block party and were overwhelmed to meet such fantastic and friendly neighbors. It has always been our dream to be part of a living community who cares and looks out for each other. Jaelin even met another little girl who is attending the same kindergarten as her in the Fall. We look forward to play dates and dinners with our neighbors, as well as many more block parties in the future. Hopefully, our neighbors liked us enough because we are definitely here to stay :)

The kids made chocolate chip cookies to share for the block party.
They were so excited and proud of their work :)

Tug of war...

Sack races...

Saying good-bye to one of the families moving out of CA...

Judy and the Little Man...

The whole 79th Street gang...

Kristen and Blake's Wedding - Lake Oak Meadows

What an adventure! Judy, Drew, and I made the trek down to Temecula to photograph the wedding of Kristen and Blake. The wedding was amazing. It took place at the beautiful Lake Oak Meadows Winery. The ceremony was held in front of a lake that wrapped around us. The food was delish, and everyone made it out onto the dance floor.

Moments before seeing his bride for the first time...

The first dance...

Thank you Kristen and Blake for inviting us to be a part of this important moment in your lives.

Kristen and Blake - "Engage" session

I had the pleasure of finally meeting Kristen and Blake in person for their engagement shoot. We had a great time and hit it off like old friends. They are a fun couple game for anything. We started the shoot in their beachfront apartment and made our way around to the park nearby. The sky was amazing due to a storm coming in. It was cold and windy. Poor Kristen nearly froze her toes off doing the shoot. Good thing we ended the shoot with her slipping back into her cozy Uggs and warming up to a cup of hot cappuccino.

This was an amazing moment in which everything just fell into place. It was taken during the last ten minutes of sun, as the storm clouds were roaring in. A kite happened to swing into frame split second. I saw the moment and captured it.

Pam and Dave's Wedding - Altadena Country Club

We had a great time on Saturday (03/14/09) shooting Pam and Dave's long awaited wedding that took place at the beautiful Altadena Country Club. I also had the pleasure of creating the slide show presentation for their reception. Pam looked stunning, and Dave was quite the distinguished gentleman. It was the perfect day. Pam and Dave are both such heartful and genuine people. The room was undeniably filled with love and support for them.

Pam and Dave - It was such an honor for Judy and I to be a part of your day. I hope you enjoy your very well deserved honeymoon. Stay in touch!

Big shout outs to Judy and Drew for their assist!
It would not have been the same without you two.