The heavens truly wants to bestow their blessing upon this couple. At least that’s how the saying goes about rain on your wedding day. You remember the story of Tina and Bryan’s engagement session, and how the threat of rain turned out to be a blessing. Where we were able to get gorgeous sun kissed images mixed in with beautiful and dramatic shots of the couple at the beach.

The weather may be unpredictable when planning an event many, many months out. But one thing we’ve learn to forecast, is that with Tina and Bryan, their love for one another always brighten up the day. We started the day right at the Cypress Hotel in Cupertino, which is coincidentally across the street from where Ham first met the couple.

We arrived extra early and walked the grounds looking for color to juxtapose against the overcast skies and for ways to tie in the colors of the season. The late fall wedding means leaves were already turned the beautiful shades of reds, orange and yellows. Even the clouds parted for beautiful blue skies, which we gladly snapped a shot of to document the foreshadowing of what’s to come.

Inside, we found Tina and her gals in the expert hands of Maria Chang and her crew over at PMA. I’ll let you guess what I shot through to get the unique view of the first image below.

Tina, you already look absolutely radiant! The dress is not even on yet.

Speaking of which, a photo of Tina’s elegant wedding gown. Just in case it wasn’t clear. Love the personalized hanger.

Tina was prepared to add a splash of color to the day. You all know how much we adore red.

I always enjoy the moments between the bride and her mom. So much care to ensure things are just perfect for her daughter.

And I love the candid emotions that results.

Tina, you look gorgeous!

Their dog Emily was represented as well.

In the event that it’s cold and wet outside, we simply make use of the beautiful diffuse lighting that gives us and take photos indoor. The overcast skies and side window is a giant softbox, photographers can only dream of.

Meanwhile, in the same hotel, Bryan was getting ready with his boys.

Our couple wanted to do a first look. It’s always a good idea if you plan on getting married in locations with unpredictable lighting or for late fall/winter weddings. We maneuver the couples in place so they don’t accidentally see each other before the big reveal.

The look on Bryan’s face is priceless. It’s the anticipation. I think Tina paused to let the anticipation build a little bit more on purpose.

Remember the locations we scouted when we first arrived? Well, what better way to celebrate the fall wedding than a carpet of colorful foilage?

Sometimes the pace of a well planned day is up to mother nature. We worked fast to make use of the available light before the sprinkles started up again.

The clouds parted once we arrived at the temple for the ceremony. Like I said, I could forecast that by now.

I love how these moments happened simultaneously and the view from each photographer at the same moment.

We paused to take advantage of the setting sun for portraits before hopping into the limo to head over to the reception site.

Reception details…

We had time for photos in the gazebo before the reception. Cause the party doesn’t begin without the bride and groom.

Grand entrance. Ok, now the party can officially begin.

Tina and Bryan wowed their guest with their first dance.

Bryan gave a funny, heartfelt thank you speech from his iPhone.

I love this perspective of Tina and Bryan enjoying a rare moment alone. Sorry to say it didn’t last very long as their guest stopped by with congrats and well wishes. :)

Not to be out done by the son-in-law’s dance.

I love capturing sweet moments like this.

Do you want another perspective? Here you go…

Here’s some fun dancing action shots.

While the party is going upstairs, we snuck the couple out to complete our vision.

And then downstairs for a more private moment. Well…as private as you can get with two photographers, light gear and all the guest on the balcony above watching you. ;)

We already said our goodbyes and farewells. But we were actually busy outside capturing some time-lapse photo of the venue site and the party still raging on inside.

Tina and Bryan, though the twist and turns, with rain delays and all we are thankful to have had the opportunity to spend the thanksgiving weekend celebrating with you and your family. Documenting our client’s wedding day is an honor we don’t take lightly. Hope you both are having a happy marriage. I forecast it will only get better from here on. Thank you for your trust. -DH

Minh recounts the story of how he and Elaine came to be as we prepared to enjoy some Japanese food for lunch. For a brief moment it seems like Elaine was preparing to interject…but instead, she motion that she is as interested to hear the story from Minh’s point of view as much as we are. Continuing, Minh recounts how he first took noticed of Elaine during lunch in their company’s cafeteria. But it wasn’t until a work project with a mutual coworker opened up the perfect opportunity. What started as work time lunches with three peers strategically gave way to lunches as two and then meetings beyond company time.

What was a tactical strategy for Minh is more an organic growth for Elaine. As Elaine said, “slowly…like 10mph” they grew their relationship over 10 years. From Minh’s point of view, strategy was needed before that organic growth could happen because Elaine had a boss with maternal and protective instincts that needed to be won over first. It’s always great to hear our couples’ story and even better when the other partner hears the first person recount of that story for the first time with us.

Elaine and Minh had a few places in mind for their engagement session, but otherwise was up for anything. One thing that stuck in our mind was Elaine’s comment about wanting a photo upon a cliff, with the wind blowing and the waves crashing below. So we set out looking for cliffs around their home city of San Francisco.

As all San Francisco residence know, it’s always a gamble heading into the city. What looks like beautiful weather in the southern skirts of the city is usually covered with fog and mist as we head closer to the northern bay and the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. The morning of the engagement was no different as we explored the grounds of the Legion of Honor. We knew we wanted something more natural and organic and set about looking for cliffs in the surrounding area, being mindful of Elaine’s request.

The heavy fog gave a majestic view of the bridge’s peaks. A truly heavenly sight.

The heavens further smiled upon us as we watched the fog lifted to give us the clearest San Francisco day I have ever remember seeing.

We loved how the morning sun was reflecting off the walls of the Legion.

Such lovely light and colors.

Elaine and Minh are so cute together. And when they laugh, they laugh with their whole body. We LOVE photographing happy people in love.

But there were many tender moments in between as well. We love it.

We hiked, explored and found an awesome, private location off the beaten path. Minh went off to make sure it was safe first before motioning for Elaine to join him. The view was breathtaking.

My perspective on the left and Ham’s unique view on the right. I love the alternate point of views captured of this moment.

Dreamy…

Elaine and Minh are so cute together.

A short trot up the hillside and we came across the cliff shot we’ve been searching for. The best view of the Golden Gates I have seen and on the clearest day in San Francisco that I have witness. What a lucky opportunity.

We took a drive to the beach that was far below our cliff location for some more photos. I love the movement of this shot.

Elaine and Minh, you guys are so lovely together. The elements align for a majestic view of your city and we had absolutely no parking issues at all which is amazing in itself. We can wait to see you both again shortly to celebrate your wedding. -DH

It was a gorgeous spring day when I flew out San Diego to meet up with Tina and Bryan for a fun engagement session in Monterey. Perhaps I should back tell the story a little bit.

Earlier in the planning, we had opted for a fun engagement session later in the Spring time to mitigate the risk of a rain; being that it’s an El Niño year after all. It was probably a good idea as we saw more storms hit California this year than I could remember in years past. But that was Winter, surely we are safe with a late Spring session right?

Of course, as chance would have it…the day of the original shoot approaches and we saw more rain forecasted. So a quick reschedule of hair/makeup and airlines and here we are, a couple of weeks later…enjoying beautiful weather.

Now back to the original story, I left San Diego on a gorgeous spring day and landed in San Jose to overcast skies and a very remote possibility of showers on the day of the shoot. As fate would have it, the showers did come in spurts. But we know that won’t dampen the love Tina and Bryan has for one another. Who has had the pleasure of seeing that love grow over their friendship, long dating and eventual engagement. We took advantage of the unpredictable weather for a varied and fun session at a destination the two love to visit, Monterey Bay, CA.

We started off the session with a nice walk around the park and neighborhood so Tina and Bryan can share the day with their beloved Emily.

The advantage of rain is that it provides for a lush, green landscape in the arid California environment.

And the stormy clouds makes for a dramatic backdrop to help frame Tina and Bryan.

Too cute.

Then we jump into the car and drove off to Monterey together. The drive together is always fun as it allows us ample time to get to know our couple more. We arrive to picturesque Point Lobos in advance of the storm to catch the view and gorgeous light. The coast between Monterey to  Santa Barbara is so varied and beautiful.

The reserve reminds me a lot of the Torrey hills down here in San Diego. Perhaps that’s why the surrounding areas of San Diego are appropriately named Carmel Highlands, Carmel valley and Del Mar to mirror this region of the state.

We even spot wildlife in the area. What a treat!

Seeing the love Tina and Bryan had for one another from behind the camera was just as magical.

On our way out of the reserve to a new location, I spot the sun light up this field in between the branches of the pine trees and knew we just had to make a stop. Look at the beautiful lighting and backdrop. That’s the Carmel Highlands to the south.

Amazing, enveloping light and an awesome couple to boot.

Sitting down amist the golden field that attracted me to this spot.

Sometimes, it’s not the surrounding but just a look between our couples that makes a photograph interesting to me.

Such is life, with risk there are can be rewards. We didn’t know what the nearly two hour drive to Monterey would yield us, but the conditions and surroundings makes for a myriad of photo opportunities. Case in point…

The mountains just to the east with the low laying clouds.

But compose the photo just a little differently yields baby blue skies and an alternate look to the photograph.

And when you point the camera to the west, you get a spectacular vantage point and an entirely new photo.

Wasn’t that all worth it? I say, heck yes!

A quick outfit change and to Carmel River State Beach for little bit of paradise without the packing and long security lines of an airport. A little tranquility as the storm system finally catches up with us. The rays of light that peeked through the clouds lit up the water to a tropical sea green hue.

Simply calming….

And when you point the camera the opposite way, you get an entire different backdrop. I love this place!

A fun little sequence.

Sometimes the moments before a kiss is just perfect.

But the kiss itself can be just as spectacular.

The rain finally caught up with us as you can see by the drops on my lens. But even that server to diffract the light in a way that makes for a wonderfully soft and warm moment to end the day.

Tina and Bryan – we hope you enjoyed our recount of the day and capture of your favorite destination. Ham already knows full well the magic of Monterey and I certainly got to experience it first hand with the two of you. It was certainly worth it to miss my return flight to San Diego. :) Click on the image below to view your slideshow and we are counting the days until we are there to celebrate your union among your friends and family. Rain or shine, it will no doubt be just beautiful.