t was a common theme throughout the day: They were meant to be. And while it could be said of almost any couple on their wedding day, it was different for Christina and Chris. That's what their friends and family said, insisted, and toasted to. Their belief in their unadulterated love was staggering and their day was filled with support and love.
They met in high school and Christina's mom had a soft spot for Chris. Christina's mom saw his heart of gold...and later told her daughter he was handsome. On the inside. Christina listened to her mother's advice and later realized--like much of her childhood--mom's always right. Oh, and it helped he was handsome. On the outside.
They're paths intersected as teenagers and as life ushered them into a new arena on a gorgeous day in Newport Beach, Christina and Chris are assured of their love and that they're meant to be. Forever.
Christina and Chris...you are two of the most incredible people and I felt incredibly lucky to document your wedding day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart of sharing your lives (and amazing families) with me and allowing me to see just how promising your future is together! Hope you're enjoying every minute in Hawaii and working on your tan! Much Love and Appreciation... j*
The day started just outside of the Pelican Hill Bridal Suite, where Christina's Priscilla of Boston wedding dress was looking extra stunning...
Something Blue...
One of my favorite things about Christina is her ability to completely be herself, refreshingly candid, real, and raw...
I was super excited to see Melina of Reign of Beauty on hand to do the makeup...lovvvvve her!
Just before the wedding started, we snuck out of the bridal suite and she grabbed a sneak peek of her ceremony site at Pelican Hill...
Officially official.
Chris is kind of guy who'll put you at ease with his confidence and charm...and he clearly knows how to make Christina melt.
Christina, you're breathtaking. F'real.
We walked to the Pelican Hill portico and the light was simply divine...I'm so lucky to have clients who'll set time aside for pictures and enjoy a quiet moment together...
A special thanks to Erin and Kellee of Pelican Hill for ensuring the wedding day was perfecting and always taking such great care of us!
Did I also mention Chris was a charming gentleman as well?
I mentioned in the past that while I shoot with flash during the First Dance, I also take artistic freedom to shoot with ambient light (many thanks to Side by Side Videography for the video light!) and the off-camera flash...
...and JD will remain shooting with flash to capture moments like this...
What a perfect way to end a perfect night...a sparkler exit! Here's my view...
e're about half-way through wedding season and now's about the time if confronted by a gypsy, he'd sell me for four goats, a turtledove, and a pack of magic beans. We have a lot on our plates, but JD somehow takes things in stride whereas I spin around in circles, leaving a mess in my wake. Yes, like a hurricane.
Through it all, we're trying to keep it together. And by it I mean us. Making sure the computer is off when it's supposed to be, focused on being present, and enjoying the chaos we know as life. Our life.
A few nights ago, we had dinner with our good friend Gail, who snapped this photo of us while we waited for our reservation. Never before have I been more thankful to have our meal delayed, especially if it results in capturing a memory of who we are in this moment.
Can a Shy Photographer be Successful?
08.15.11
-
A
few days ago I wrote I'm what you'd call an outgoing introvert on this blog post and even went into detail explaining this definition on the TwitTV interview. There were a few readers who felt the same way (if y'all also like suede boots, brussel sprouts, and protein bars, we may be kindred spirits), and then others who asked: If I'm shy or introverted, can I still be a successful photographer?
To be honest, the simple answer is yes. However (and you knew the however was coming), it may be a difficult. I'm--by nature--not the type of person who'll walk into a room and be the center of attention. In fact, I'm the total opposite. I'm past the point of being a wall-flower...I'm the wall-flower GARDNER. I'm a looker, watcher, and waiter...and have been this way since childhood. But when I started my photography business, I knew things had to change.
After a few failed photo shoots in 2006, I realized my pictures were lackluster because my subjects were lackluster...but it wasn't their fault, it was mine. It was almost as if I was looking, watching, and waiting for the right moments, but let me save you some time from my experiences: The best photographers don't wait for a photo, they make a photo. And by "make" I mean as elaborate as a staged shot or simply taking one step to the right to compose the picture in a stronger fashion.
I quickly learned that if I wasn't capturing the type of photos I wanted, it was because I wasn't giving my subjects anything to do, or even encouragement or a transfer of energy. My subjects usually show up to a shoot nervous, shy, intimidated and it's my job to be in control, take charge, and make them feel like they're the center of the universe. I couldn't do this being the Gardener of yesteryear.
Before a shoot, I usually listen to my favorite music, previsualize, focus on articulating my thoughts, and say a quick prayer. Yes, I need a prayer because I don't want my clients to think I'm crazy. I arrive early to scope out the shoot location, map out the session, and by the time the clients arrive, I'm ready to give them my all...ready to make a photo.
If you're anything like me, please know success doesn't hinge on your shyness, but, rather, your ability to move past your innate characteristics and put forth the type of photographer you want to be.
And because every post is better with a picture, here's a sneak peek of this weekend's wedding which will be posted later this week!
ethered to. That's what the officiant said about Stephanie and Sam. That she--with all her wild ideas, fast talking ways, and flailing of arms to tell a story--was tethered to a man whose patience, calm, and strength made him an anchor in her life. Stephanie calls Sam her angel because they met at time when life's winds were gusting around her and she tried to hold on, but to what? To whom? And then Sam happened.
They've clung to each other during each of life's storm and have resulted as a stronger couple.
Last Saturday, as the sun shined brightly on Malibu's Adamson House, Sam paced the grounds waiting for his bride to arrive. He nervously touched his Raiders cufflinks, adjusted his tie, chatted with his brothers, but she had yet to arrive. Then he read a note addressed to My Angel and Sam knew Stephanie planned to be with him, even when she wasn't. Because, really, that's what being tethered to means. Being an anchor when life is whizzing by.
Stephanie and Sam...being at your wedding made me fall deeper in love with photography because you gave me the freedom to just be. Thank you for your trust and encouragement...it really goes to show just what an amazing couple you are and the limitless possibilities ahead. I hope you're enjoying French Polynesia...and being each other's anchors in the sea! Much Love and Appreciation... j*
We started the day at Stephanie's mother's house in nearby Santa Monica, then headed to Malibu to finish preparations for the wedding at Adamson House. It was my first time photographing at the venue and I loved every minute of it!
Stephanie, lemme just say it again {and again}...you made such a GORGEOUS bride...I can't even handle it!
Stephanie and Sam opted to see each other before the ceremony for a First Look (something I love and think makes the wedding day flow so much smoother!) and they did so under their favorite tree at Adamson House. It symbolized a lot to them, so for them to see each other as husband as wife for the first time was special.
We had plenty of time for wedding pictures around the beautiful venue and the light was just magical...
I was especially excited to see Found Vintage Rentals on hand with their beautiful design elements...
The stunning florals and bouquet was provided by Kate Holt of Flower Wild...loved her!
The light was amazing in Malibu on Saturday and Adamson House provided the most fabulous backdrop for a wedding...JD captured this moment between Stephanie and her dad as he walked her down the aisle...
Just after the ceremony, we were able to take a few more wedding pictures, as Stephanie expressed the importance of getting photos on her special day...a girl after my own heart! ;)
I captured this photo...and a few minutes later...
...JD captured this photo...
Many, many thanks to Kelley Gin of PIcture Perfect Events for planning a lovely day and paying attention to every last detail...
As a sugar addict, I was head.over.heels for this vintage dessert table at the wedding...so amazing! The ever fab Amy of Vanilla Bake Shop for providing the cupcakes and amazing wedding cake...
ast night a small group of friends came over for peach cobbler. Homemade peach cobbler. I didn't make it, but it was prepared in my kitchen and I have an awesome oven, so that's got to count for something, right? As Brianna served the steaming cobbler, we talked about relationships.
Oh, and talking? I'm the Wolfgang Puck of talking, so it was finally something I could do without feeling impotent in the kitchen.
At the end of a long evening, JD turned to me and said he was impressed with my relationship advice. Right about then my mouth dropped open. Like, so open my lips formed an Oprah "O". Brianna made shrimp scampi and homemade cobbler and batted her eyes the entire night, and he compliments my advice? Oh, Internet, that man just done DRANK THE KOOLAID. Amen.
If you'd like to see me talk (sorry, no relationship advice this time!), I had the distinct honor of being a guest on TwitTV. This hour interview covers a handful of photography tips, including:
*Some of the mistakes I've made.
*Using natural reflectors.
*Photographing with high ISO.
*Advice for starting a photography business.
*Collaborating with wedding vendors.
*Second shooter advice.
*Teaching yourself how to shoot manually.
...and much more.
For who turned in for the live broadcast yesterday, thank you. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me.
