Palmdale Estate Wedding of Josephine and Roberto

For their engagement, Josephine and Robert made the trek down to San Diego to revisit the place where the two met. For their beautiful garden wedding, I returned the favor by flying up to Fremont to document the two say I do. The grounds of the Palmdale Estates was just perfect for the wedding. It’s picturesque gardens lined with native California trees made for a perfect backdrop as well as provided shade on the wedding day.

Let’s start off with some details…

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Taking advantage of the Tudor mansion on the grounds of the estate for a detail shot of the veil and wedding gown.

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The gals and mom helping Josephine put on the final touches…

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All my brides looks absolutely gorgeous. I have decided that my good luck and charm must be responsible for  attracting them as clients.

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One more peek at the gorgeous and happy bride to be.

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Gentlemen reading this and planning on a Chinese style wedding. Bribing your way in with cold hard cash works every time. Here’s Roberto working hard to get in to see his bride.

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At one point, breaking into a song and dance routine reminiscent of the Backstreet Boys.

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Josephine elegantly awaits on her man to break through the barrier that is preventing his entry.

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I always love seeing wedding traditions play out at each wedding. It’s such an important part of our respective cultures. Tea Ceremonies…

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Tea ceremony at the groom’s home with a more traditional Chinese dress. I love all the intricate details and embroidery.

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The sun was out in full force for the ceremony. The surrounding trees putting the “palm” in Palmdale Estate.

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Can it get any more perfect that this setting?

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And while the ceremony was going on, I spied the flower girl through the bushes on an adjacent garden having a wonderful time while nobody is looking. Well, nobody except me.

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This little ring bearer took a liking to me all day. I guess I attract gorgeous brides and cute, adorable children.

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Putting some restraint on the little man. Little Addison made me miss my two boys all the more while away on wedding trips.

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The bride with her brides maid and maid of honor. Sizzling!

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Some bridal details…

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Classic, timeless portraiture.

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The day was hot, but it was worth coming to the adjacent garden for a different backdrop. We work quickly so our couples doesn’t melt and be able to enjoy their day.

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A more dramatic shot of the bridal bouquet and rings.

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Josephine and Roberto – thanks so much for entrusting us with documenting your day. It was so beautiful to witness an alumni of my alma mater wed and begin a new chapter of their life. Ham and I wish the best for you guys and have fun at your banquet in Hong Kong later this year.

AbiQ: I was googling this venue since I just booked a wedding at it, and came across your pictures. Beautiful work! (01.26.10 6:39 pm)
Rebecca: Beautiful photos, your work is amazing (01.14.10 12:08 pm)
Jessica: Love all the photos, especially the details. These photos belong in a magazine spread. (01.13.10 11:03 am)
Millie: Beautiful pictures!!! Great job once again. Ours must be up next ;-) (11.17.09 3:38 pm)

San Francisco Engagement of Pham and Albert

I love my job. And I have to admit, sometimes when on a shoot…I forget that I am working. Especially when I am offered something as delectable as a cupcake from Kara’s Cupcakes. In my defense though, how could I possibly hit the shutter button while my fingers are still in my mouth, licking off the chocolatty frosting from my fingers?

We met Pham and Albert in the shopping and dining district near Crissy Fields in San Francisco. After enjoying some of the best cup cakes I have ever had in my life, we head over to Golden Gate park so I can start actually do my job. Golden Gate park is such an eclectic oasis on the metropolitian pennisula that is San Francisco. There are stadiums and baseball fields to lakes and museums. With flower gardens and Japanese tea garden to mini forest and passes. And that’s only describing a quarter of the park’s offering. On any given weekend, you can find artist and musical talents in the music concourse where we officially began our session.

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Heaven in a cup.

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Albert seems to agree with me.

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Love tree covered paths like these. Without even closing your eyes, you can imagine you are not in the city anymore.

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Pham, you look fabulous! The picture speaks for itself.

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Striking a “Hero” pose in front of the portapotty? Why not? Actually a funny story…as we walked back to the car, we saw this series of portapotty. Pham said it would befitting for Albert to get a shot in front of them as he is constantly making trips to the restroom. Looking back at this photo, Albert almost looks like he has his Clark Kent disguise on. I wonder what type of super hero power Albert is gifted with?

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An outfit change, clear skies and golden sunlight makes for a great photo with the famous Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop.

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Add the ocean breeze for a dynamic photo.

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A curious stranger drops by for a visit.

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While I was capturing these great moments…

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Ham was able to capture this awesome vantage and moment from his view.

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I love it when my couples have fun during their session. This is always our goal and the photos really make themselves.

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A photo op in front of the car. Love the light rays filtering through the structure.

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One more outfit change and taking a chance. You guys look fantastic!

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Pham’s sweet talks paid off and we were grant access for some quick photos in the Apple Store. I would dare to say Apple products may be Albert’s first love…well, second now that Pham’s in the picture. Let’s just say, you bring those two loves together and there were a whole lotta kissing going around.

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Pham and Albert – We love talking and hanging out with you guys simply from the moment we first met you guys over coffee. Your personalities complements each other like butterscotch frosting on top of a deliciously moist cupcake. Thanks so much for introducing me to my new obsession and angst. No Kara’s cupcakes in San Diego. We can’t wait to kick off the new year with your wedding. Until then, enjoy the slideshow and we’ll talk soon.

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isabelle Stephan: Great memories with wonderful, beautiful pictures ! Well done ! Super great photographer. I keep his number. (11.13.09 2:59 pm)
Alexander Leung: Wow! Some of the pics should belong in poster store! (11.12.09 7:54 pm)
Albert: We had a blast! Thanks for the great shots. (11.12.09 7:28 pm)
Pham: Wowsers…The pics look great! Thanks David and Ham. (11.12.09 3:54 pm)
Ramona: :) The pics look great! (11.12.09 1:51 pm)