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Newport Beach Wedding : Stacey + JF
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© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
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Maybe, just maybe, they day could've been different. Perhaps the sky could've been a different color than the deepest of blue, the Newport Beach breeze halt, and the sun hide behind coastal clouds. But it didn't happen, and this made the wedding day perfect from the start. Stacey and her bridesmaids wore white robes with their initial embroidered on the front, right pocket, and they laughed together remembering life's smallest moments, most of which became precious memories all these years later.
JF stood on the front porch of Laguna Beach Presbyterian Church waiting for a glimpse of her arrival, to know she arrived and was ready to say forever. With the sun shining down through the stained-glass window, Stacey walked down the aisle toward JF and their worlds fell in sync at the altar. There, their lives (Canada, softball, hockey, coaching, love) rolled into one and they kissed to make it official.
Maybe, just maybe, the day could've been different. But it didn't happen, and this made the wedding day perfect from the start. Surrounded by their friends and family, this amazing couple promised forever and sealed it with a kiss.
Stacey and JF, I hope you're enjoying every last minute of your time in Hawaii...and, Stace, I have no doubt you're working on that lovely Greek tan of yours! Thank you for allowing us to watch your day unfold and document it through our lenses. I'm honored to have experienced such a perfect day and I wish you both only the best in your lives together. Much love and appreciation... j*
Speaking of starting a wedding day perfectly...who doesn't love a pair of Louboutin's to get the wedding photos started... |
| Stacey wore Chanel jewelry to accompany the bling on her Amsale wedding dress... |
| JD captured this photo of Stacey in some amazing church light... |
| Many thanks to the ever fabulous Flower Allie for working her magic on the floral arrangements and Heather of LVL Events for coordinating a flawless day... |
| Switching arms with two amazing men... |
| Laguna Beach Presbyterian Church had some of the strictest rules for wedding photographers, but JD tried our best to make things work... |
| JD captured this processional picture and I absolutely love it...Stacey and JF look so happy! |
| I was especially happy to photograph wedding photos in Laguna Beach...in some truly amazing light... |
| I turned and saw Stacey looking at JF...just standing there in gorgeous light... |
| Stacey was one of the happiest brides I've worked with... |
| I'll end with this picture of the First Dance because they look truly happy and living in the moment... |
    
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Seattle Wedding : Laura + Billy : creativeLIVE
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© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
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T here are versions of history often told through different spigots of truth. College. Neighbors. Parties. He saw her washing her car in shorts. She thought he was charming. Laura and Billy were friends. Laura and Billy kissed at a party. He'd peek out his window across the street when she'd pull up in front of her apartment. I saw Billy staring at me through his window shades, but he'd pretend he wasn't! His response? Why was Laura looking at MY window to see if I was checking her out, huh?!
There are always two sides of the story. Or ten, depending on the couple in love.
Laura transferred to Brooks Institute of Photography her junior year of college. She left Oregon, home, and Billy in hopes of following her photography passion. What she didn't expect was to reel from the loss of her best friend, Billy. They dated just two months before she left, but decided to stay in touch. Billy soon realized Laura was someone different. A girl who removed the zest of life when they didn't share the same zip code.
One weekend Laura drove 17 hours to spend the day with Billy and his family for a family reunion. That's when the gravity of her love struck him. Billy moved to Santa Barbara and lived with Laura...and remained together for seven years before he proposed with a vintage ring she coveted for months. There are versions of history often told through different spigots of truth. College. Neighbors. Parties. The single most important factor in this love story is just that....love. Two friends promising to stay in love.
Laura and Billy...what an adventure!!! Thank you. Thank you. Thank YOU for being absolutely amazing. I've never felt so supported from a couple, and I can't express how much this means to me. Your friends and families rallied behind this crazy idea and, in turn, made me and JD believe we could do anything we put our minds to. Thank you for your trust, allegiance, and willingness to embrace...and let go. We love you to the moon. And back. xxxo.... j*
The wedding day started impeccably well...anytime there's a Priscilla of Boston wedding dress, the day can't help but be perfect... |
| ...once you add a pair of Jimmy Choo heels to your wedding day, you're walking on sunshine... |
Some of the crew at Chase's studio saw me shooting the following photo and asked if I'd like for them to clean the whiteboard behind Laura. I declined for two reasons: 1. What if that text was Chase's late-night brainstorming and he discovered some photographic theorem that remedied lens flare...or something like that...if we erased it, he might hate us. Forever.
2. I actually liked the text. It makes the photo less perfect, and more revealing... |
| Like always, I loveloveLOVE when a couple decides to see each other before the wedding ceremony. A First Look provides for more time for wedding photos, a relaxed environment, and plenty of time for candid and details photographs. Lucky for us, the ever amazing Theo Chocolate in Seattle provided the perfect spot for Billy and Laura to share their first moments together... |
| One of my favorite wedding photos of the day... |
| Laura...seriously?! You're so fierce I can't even handle it... |
| We were relegated to using areas around Theo Chocolate Factory, but it's amazing what you can find if you just see past what is traditionally considered as beautiful... |
| The morning of the shoot it was pouring rain. I, of course, was panicking (cut me some slack...I'm a California girl!), but we were so blessed when the skies parted and the rain paused... |
| Fierce. Fierce. Fierce!!! |
| Many, many (and then some more) thanks to Daniela Faget of Bella Signature in Seattle. She started with a factory, and transformed it into a wedding venue...in four short weeks! The day wouldn't have been possible without her help, dedication and expertise. We're so incredibly lucky to have her on our team! |
| Laura and Daniela scoured every nook of Seattle to get various chandeliers to hang from the Theo Chocolate Factory ceiling... |
| The newly minted Mr. and Mrs... |
| The highlight of the evening were the toasts and watching Billy and Laura's outtakes video. For those who are new to the blog, this amazing couple entered the creativeLIVE contest. In a nutshell, if they allowed the crew to broadcast their wedding live on the internet while I photographed it, they'd get a free wedding in four weeks. They entered the winning video (and were undoubtedly the most perfect fit for this overwhelming project!), but they showcased the outtakes from their video the night of the wedding. It was...hilarious. |
| Laura looks positively radiant...no, really, she's gorgeous. And, as a fellow photographer, I know she wouldn't mind sharing a little geeky photo data...all photos were shot without flash. I used my ever amazing Canon 5DMII, 50mm 1.2, f/1.2, 1/60th, 2500iso. |
To see more of Laura and Billy's Seattle wedding, feel free to CLICK HERE for a slideshow! The music used--as denoted on the slideshow--was generously provided by Jubilee, the band that performed live the evening of her wedding...they're awesome!
Lastly, special thanks to...
*Chase Jarvis (and his uber fab wife, Kate), for this opportunity and endorsement.
*Craig Swanson and the entire creativeLIVE crew...they're the backbone of this project and an anchor during my weakest moments.
*Christy Weber of Junebug Weddings for her insight and expertise.
*Sachin, Nate, Audrey, Stephanie, and Victoria for being the Fab Five and amazing third shooters...
*JD...for being the better half of me. |
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Terrenea Wedding : Erica + Brian
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© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
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S he sat on an overstuffed chair, her hair pressed in curls, with tears streaming down her face. She held his letter and lightly touched his hand-written words. He reminded her of their love...he promised her forever...he swore his love and devotion. Erica held the letter in her hands and wiped her tears. Their wedding day had finally arrived.
Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Erica approached Brian at the altar and the breeze brought in new beginnings. The Pacific ocean caressed the sandy shores of Palos Verde and their love seeped into even the deepest crevices of the Terranea Resort. Erica looked radiant in her wedding dress, but a special accoutrement was her mother's ring. After losing their home in a fire a few years ago, Erica's father discovered the ring in a pile of ashes. It was one of the few things that survived the blaze. The amethyst stone was originally purple, but the fire changed it to a soft yellow hue.
Love, much like her ring, changes through life's fiery moments, but still manages to remain beautifully intact when you're willing to search for it amongst the ashes.
Erica and Brian...thank you for the distinct honor of being your wedding photographer. It's been a joy working with you both and I have no doubt life is going to be even sweeter for the both of you. Your day was perfect and I couldn't have dreamt of a better experience. Hope you're having a blast on your honeymoon and I wish you only the best! Much Love and Appreciation... j*
The wedding day couldn't start any better...a pair of Jimmy Choos and Badgley Mischka
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| The florals were designed by R. Jack Balthazar and I was thrilled to work with them again...they're work always blows me away! |
| Erica and Brian just moments before their First Look... |
| Erica and Brian weren't going to see each other before the ceremony, but changed their minds a few weeks before the wedding. Their wedding was full of details and and events, so they wanted to make sure they allotted plenty of time for me to capture everything. I lovelovelove this moment of their First Look... |
| Erica, you're stunning... |
| While I was getting these photos... |
| ...JD was getting this photo.... |
| A classic wedding portrait still gets me... |
| The wedding day was extremely windy and bright at Terranea, but Erica and Brian were troopers and rocked it out...I love them! |
| Erica kept a locket with pictures of her grandparents on her bouquet... |
| Ceremony time along Terranea offers gorgeous views of the Pacific... |
| JD's view of the First Kiss... |
| While JD was getting this photo... |
| ...I was at the end of the aisle getting these photos... |
| After the ceremony, we took ten minutes to capture more wedding photos along the beach of the Terranea Resort...and the sunset light was just perfect! |
| Now onto one of my favorite parts of the wedding day...detail photos! |
| The wedding was coordinated by the uber fabulous CARAVENTS...Erin and Cara did an amazing job with the ebb and flow of the day and I'm extraordinarily thankful to have worked with a team who understands the power of collaboration...love them! |
| When I walked into the ballroom, it literally took my breath away. R. Jack Balthazar rocked it out like none other and I could've photographed every detail for ten more hours! |
| The First Dance with lovely video light from Elysium...my most favorite videography company. Ever. Seriously, ever. I adore working with them! |
| JD captured this photo of Brian and he looks so proud... |
| I HAD to give a MAJOR shoutout to The Spazmatics, a fabfabfab 80s cover band. They kept the party rocking all.night.long...I want to throw a party just so I can dance to their music again! |
| Okay, so these glasses? Makes me feel like this photo was taken in 1987! |
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Four Seasons Santa Barbara Wedding : Rose+Joe
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© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
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A s we walked through the terracotta hallways of the Four Seasons Santa Barbara, we laughed and joked with each other. The day was gearing up for a fantastic wedding, so naturally the conversation led to Meg's upcoming wedding as well. I had the opportunity to second shoot for her and it was the first time we worked together. As we walked the hallways it struck me--ohsweetbabyjesus--that Meg will see my entire body of work...firsthand, untouched, and in all its unedited glory.
It was the first time I photographed a wedding alongside a future bride of mine. Whoa, the pressure.
Thankfully, Rose and Joe were a slice of perfection. And so was their wedding. They're two of the most amazing, creative, beautiful souls I could work with and I was honored Meg invited me to shoot their Santa Barbara wedding. The day was filled with love, joy, and happiness and I thankful to simply stand back and document the day as it unfolded...
The day started fabulously...I mean, a pair of Valentino's and a cathedral-length veil? Yes, please.... |
| Rose just shined as she got ready for the day... |
| After a few minutes hanging out with the girls, I went to Joe's room... |
| ...there I found his nieces looking quite adorable... |
| I had quite a bit of fun shooting this little fella before the ceremony... |
| The Santa Barbara light played just gorgeously on the Four Seasons' wedding lawn...lovvvved it... |
| One of my favorite moments of the day... |
| Rose made a radiant bride... |
| After the wedding ceremony, we roamed the grounds of the Four Seasons Santa Barbara with Joe and Rose for more wedding pictures and had a blast... |
| The light was simply divine... |
| I'm particularly fond of the Stylish Soiree's acute sense of detail...I'll be working with Yelena for Meg's wedding and I'm so, so excited to see all her ideas come to life! |
| Something about the photo on the right makes me feel like a nod to a different place and time... |
| I'll close this blog post with the following wedding photo...a little dark and moody, but I kinda like it... |
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Calamigos Equestrian Wedding : Amber+Matt
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© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
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D uring the time of year in Los Angeles when the Valley usually sits somewhere in the 115-degree range, last Saturday was remarkable. Blue skies, soft breezes, and patchy clouds spread across the cool afternoon. There was something in Amber's smile that revealed she had no doubt the day would be just as she hoped: Amazing. Matt sent her roses, she sent him a cake...afterall, she first won his heart with her chocolate chip cookies, so why not appeal to his sweet tooth again?
Amber's father roasted and toasted the couple during the reception and make every effort to reinforce their mutual love for sweets...and cooking...and, yes, sweets. He informed guests Amber's mother won a the Fresno Baking Competition and many years later, Amber followed in her footsteps with her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Apparently, she had it perfected just in time to meet Matt at work. He fell for her kindness, intellect, and, of course, her innate ability to talk to his heart through his stomach. A couple years later, Amber and Matt sat in a room surrounded by love. Sweet, sweet love.
Amber and Matt....thank you for sharing your day with us. Seeing your family again was a true honor and we appreciate your thoughtfulness and care throughout the day. I wish you only the best in your lives together and I appreciate all you are. Hope you're having fun in Kauai and when you return, send me your chocolate chip cookie recipe! ;) Much love and appreciation... j* |
| This was my second time working with the Setrakian family and I can't say enough good things about them...I honestly feel like they're an extension of my own family. Sandy is just a perfect mother who never lets an opportunity to pass to remind her daughters how much she loves them... |
| Matt and JD waited in the lobby of the hotel for Amber to join him, but I have to say Matt looked quite dapper... |
| Amber and Matt opted for a First Look (which is the perfect way to start a wedding day), which allowed us plenty of time for photos and relaxation...here's a beautiful moment JD captured during their first moments together... |
| I usually don't post family formal photos, but I had to show a little love for the Setrakian family--also known as The Eight Pack--who I had the pleasure to meet when I shot Heather and Gian's wedding a couple years ago... |
| I think this is my favorite photo of the day... |
| Amber looking gorgeous in her Pronovias gown... |
| A consist favorite photo of mine is of the couple as they walk down the aisle...sheer happiness... |
| I'll end this post with a happy photo from their First Dance... |
2010
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2009
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