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California is a gem. I don't think any photographer could ever exhaust the varied list of picturesque nooks and crannies to sling a lens at. But when the opportunity came along to skip town for a beat and photograph a wedding in Puerto Rico, I was firing up Expedia faster than green on grass.
First off, a high-five to Adrienne for the referral -- your friendship is truly valued! And, of course, a super duper thanks to Matt and Sepideh for their hospitality, trust, and humbling invitation to join them across the miles to document this turning point in their lives.
Staged on the cozy beach-front of the Ritz Carlton Hotel, wedding vows mixed sweetly with the swoosh of palms and the whoosh of San Juan surf. It's always inspiring to visit new territory, and Matt and Sepideh truly made my wife and I feel right at home... save for maybe for the lizards roaming around... you don't see those in Cali!
Partnership is precious. That old saying: "you don't realize what you have until it's gone". Well, I also think there's truth to: "you don't realize what you're missing until you have it." A mantra not just for nuptials, but life and work. See, this is the second wedding my wife, Gian, has tagged along on, and boy, what a revelation it's been to have a helping hand... not just with wrangling gear or snapping some crazily good keeper shots of her own... but to have someone by your side, rooting for you... well, that's the best. Photography and I spend a lot of time together, and indeed that time is best shared.
Thanks again Matt and Sepideh for the memories and the mojitos! It was a beautiful adventure!
This wedding rocked -- literally!
We were all having a grand time during the reception at the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena, when the coordinator scurried in asking if "we felt that". That, being a 5.0 earthquake that tickled through Southern California only moments ago. Alas, we felt nothing... Mother Nature having failed to shake our good spirits and distract from the more important matter at hand. For this couple, Their Big Day. No time for The Big One.
James and Rei married in the late afternoon on the outdoor greens -- yummy, soupy sunlight streaming in through the huddle of redwoods bearing witness from above. This was actually my first time meeting them both, and I felt nothing short of instant comfort. Adoring, humble, and totally up for having a good time with the camera. Plus, any couple that arm wrestles when the guests start clinking glasses at the reception, gets 10 on my Richter scale!
I wish you both nothing but the best in your new adventures overseas.
May your love run strong and seismic, forever.
Friends, there's velociraptors in Cerritos Regional (Jurassic) Park! Rabid Donald Ducks intent on devouring Little Miss M. on her special First.
Okay, I exaggerate a bit, but when these gnarly looking geese -- while a curious attraction from afar -- starting stalking closer to us from all sides of the waterway, squawking unintelligable obscenities at us, I was hoping the T-Rex would swoop in and gobble them all up.
Instead, we retreated to the park's lovely recreational center and enjoyed ourselves a fabulous birthday bash, complete with curry, cake, and a clown. Great show, Bozo!
Let's Put A Smile On That Face!
Amit and Urvi, what a pleasure it was to participate in this celebration. Having been my second time working with you and your extended family, it continues to be an honor to photograph these chapters in your lives. You're always so gracious, and I thank you. Little Miss M. is nothing short of a doll, and her eyes forever shine with a wonder for the world and all it holds.
Happy Birthday, M.!
