We did Allyson and Logan’s engagement session in several locations. First started out at the Orange Circle, we stopped at their favorite bar, the liquor store Allyson’s parents own, Chapman College where Allyson goes to law school. From there went to Logan’s sister’s home in Corona Del Mar where we had a beautiful modern home to work with. I had photographed Logan’s sisters wedding several years ago. We had a great time with the shoot.
A photographer’s most important skill is knowing how to work with available light. We shot this fun couple, Mika and Vince, in the middle of the day, but you’ll notice the lighting on them is soft with the exception of the last photo in black and white. I am always looking for open, shady areas where there is a bright sky behind me. These conditions create soft lighting on the face that is flattering. When in direct sun, I face the sun at an angle so the sun hits their head while the face is still in the shade. If the lighting is so harsh that the sun is hitting the subject’s face, then I’ll shoot this full-length so the face is not close to the camera. When looking at a photographer’s work, pay attention to how they use light as it is our most important tool.
Venue: La Venta Inn / www.laventa.com
Caterer: New York Food Company / www.newyorkfood.com
Venue:La Venta Inn / www.laventa.com
Caterer: New York Food Company / www.newyorkfood.com Church: Wayfarers Chapel / www.wayfarerschapel.orgLyndsey + Robert: Weddings at The Waterfront Hilton
St. Josephs Cathedral and The Prada in Balboa Park are great locations for wedding photography. The architecture provides a beautiful backdrop. Allyson and Logans wedding day started at the Manchester Grand Hyatt with getting ready, family and wedding party photos, then on to the church and more photos at Balboa Park. Wedding coordinator Susanne Duffy kept the large group organized and the timeline running smoothly. Three Ways Beautiful hair and makeup made Allyson look stunning, and Jennifer Cole Florals white orchid centerpieces perfectly complimented the elegant white color scheme and historic Prada ballroom. I was the wedding photographer for Logan’s sister 10 years ago, so it was great to see Renetta and the family again.
Wedding Coordinator: Susanne Duffy, Crown Weddings / www.crownweddings.com
Hair and Makeup: Three Ways Beautiful / www.threewaysbeautiful.com
Florist: Jennifer Cole Florals / www.jennifercoleflorals.com Church: St. Joseph’s Cathedral / www.sdcathedral.org Reception: The Prado at Balboa Park / www.cohnrestaurants.com
Kristine + Hung: Laguna Beach Wedding
A southern California wedding along the coast with a spectacular view of the ocean. Ceremony was on the Sunset Terrace and reception was in the Plaza Room of the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Tracy and Rod wore traditional Vietnamese attire during the ceremony. Bridesmaids were their three daughters and best man was Rod’s brother. Lisa Simpson did an excellent job as always coordinating events, Enchanted Florist did a beautiful job on the bouquets and room decore, Peter of Vive Entertainment kept the dance floor full all night long. Tracy and Rob were a great couple to work with, they both had a blast on their wedding day!
Venue: Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel / www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LagunaNiguel/Default.htm
Coordinator: Lisa Simpson Wedding Celebrations / Lisa Simpson / www.lisasimpsonweddings.com
Florist: Enchanted Florist / www.nisiesenchanted.com/
DJ: Vive Entertainment / Peter Papadopoulos / www.viveinc.com
A truly happy couple makes for wonderful photos with great expressions. This Southern California wedding took place in Dana Point with the reception at the Ritz Carlton. The bridesmaids wore black, which always looks great in photographs. On the surfboard image below, we used some unusual retouching techniques. This effect brings out exceptional detail and saturates the colors to give a dramatic look. We used a vintage effect on the couple walking in the courtyardHotel:
Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel / www.ritzcarlton.com
Church: St.Edward Catholic Church / www.stedward.com Coordinator: Jill Watson / www.thepamperedbride.net Florist: Armstrong Designs / www.cmarmstrongdesigns.com Makeup & Hair: Design Visage / www.designvisage.com DJ: Jeff Holmes / www.moondancemobilemusic.comChristina + Kevin: Wedding at Wayfarers Chapel, Reception at Trump National
The historic Wayfarers Chapel and Trump National Golf Club rest on the cliffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Southern California. On their wedding day, Christina and Kevin enjoyed the spectacular Pacific Ocean views while driving from the ceremony to the reception in a classic convertible Lincoln Continental. Their beloved golden retriever happily joined them for the ride. We also had some photographic fun with the props the couple brought along, such as large letters they held that spelled out “I Do†and a white umbrella we used for a romantic sunset shot.
Reception: Trump National Golf Club / www.trumpnationallosangeles.com
Wedding Coordinator: Susanne Duffy, Crown Weddings / www.crownweddings.com Florist: Jennifer Cole Florals / www.jennifercoleflorals.com Cake: Trump National Golf Club /Â Â www.trumpnationallosangeles.com Video: Parallel Media Productions / www.parallelmediaproductions.com Makeup & Hair: Design Visage / www.designvisage.com Ceremony: Wayfarers Chapel / www.wayfarerschapel.org ÂTo learn more about one of the best wedding photographers in Southern California: www.karenfrenchphotography.com
