skip to main |
skip to sidebar
That's a lot of seagulls, I thought.
I've photographed sessions on the beach before. And I've enjoyed a decent share of cooperative gulls swooping into frame at the most fortuitous of moments. But as Jill and EJ exchanged their vows, an orchestrated flock charged across the sky like none before, making for a feathery display that would have Hitchcock beaming with delight. It was the kind of synchronous moment that had everyone grappling for their cameras (or covering their heads), with all the elements coming together in movie-moment harmony.
No timed release from cages. No charge. Doves, don't quit your day job.
I met Jill and EJ in the best way possible: by photographing them before. Not through the expected circumstances of an engagement, but from a group session earlier in the year. Having been pleased with the results of that outing, Jill and EJ asked me to come on board for their wedding, and I'm so glad we had the opportunity to collaborate again. Following their ceremony at Torrey Pines State Beach, La Jolla, we retired to Pacifica Del Mar Restaurant for their evening reception. The restaurant was located in a photo-friendly plaza, with no shortage of wonderful nooks to work in.
Thanks again, Jill and EJ. And congratulations on your new addition to the family! Amongst all those gulls, I knew there was a stork.
Event Coordination: Rommel Hipolito, Special Events Ahead
Second to taking pictures, I love telling stories. I'll always remember the tale of how Mark proposed to Karina along the stony shores of San Pedro. Karina was scouring the beach for the perfect stone, only to have Mark surprise her with the Rock to Beat All Rocks. I loved the thought that went into Mark's proposal and really wanted to bridge that experience to their wedding day.
The slideshow speaks for itself. Enjoy.
As 2011 dawns, it's hard to believe it's been almost a year since I first met Mark and Karina. I can remember the three of us huddling at a lone table outside a Starbucks. It was a chilly March night, and all of the seats indoors had been spoken for. We chatted about their wedding day -- of their cozy church, of lush portrait gardens -- and best of all, Mark's motivation for marrying in November: the rest of the year is just too darn toasty to be in a tux. You have to admit, that's pretty good reasoning, especially from the standpoint of a photographer who's on the move all day under the sun.
Come their wedding in November, wouldn't you know, the chill of that first night was long forgotten, as we were greeted by one of the warmer days in memory. But it beat rain, and the weather was a dream, even in a tux. Mark and Karina prepared at the Hotel Maya, Long Beach. With its chic decor, outdoor mirrors, and sprawling harbor-side patios, this place is a photographer's candy store. I'm not exaggerating. Your mind will go bonkers trying to decide where to sling your lens first, it's that awesome.
Resisting the temptation to shoot at the Maya all day, we proceeded only a few miles away to their ceremony at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, unique to the area with its welcoming small town New England charm.
For portraits, Mark and Karina reserved Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at CSULB, yet another home run photo-op locale, shot under the fading glaze of magic hour.
The Betty H. Reckas Cultural Center hosted a beautiful reception, stunningly decorated by Shawna Yamamoto Event Design and the perfect closure to the day's festivities.
Mark and Karina, I want to thank you again both for being so generous, kind, and trusting. Keep in touch, always.
