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.

It was a beautiful blue skies day when we arrived at Jack London Square on the Oakland waterfront. A perfect day for a nautical themed wedding across the harbor. It is appropriately themed as James have been working hard on their yacht, getting it ship shape for their eventual journey together, first to Mexico and then eventually around the world.

Ham and I found the Waterfront hotel just as Millie was arriving, so we practiced our ninja style, stealth photography without being detected. It’s a requirement for all photojournalistic photographer.

Some lovely details on the wedding gown. Sparkling like the stars themselves.

Striking a quick pose on the way to the lobby.

The decor of the lobby was dressed to have a nautical feel. But Millie dresses it up even better.

Millie – you look absolutely radiant!

Some personal details as we waited for the wedding to start.

I love capturing the groom as he gets a good look at his wife to be. The look on James’ face says it all.

One of my favorite moments just after the ceremony. A shared moment of joy and elation.

Just married…with the bling to prove it.

I love this series.

James made a slideshow for Millie and their guest and I just love this moment as Millie turns around to take in the happy expressions all across the room.

One of the reasons we stay until the very end. You get to capture endearing moments like these that you wouldn’t have otherwise.

The wedding guest were rocking the room, literally. While we were downstairs to get the ring shot, we felt the ceiling thumping along with the beat. And there were some serious dancers in the crowd. Check out the compilation below and the slideshow for some serious moves. So fun!

Millie and James – We wish you bon voyage on your life together as husband and wife. May you find the beautiful blue skies like you did on your wedding day and smooth sailing on all your adventures. We look forward to getting some postcards from the different countries you guys will experience together. Enjoy the recap of your wedding day and the slideshow below.

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.

Heaven in a cup.

Albert seems to agree with me.

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

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

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?

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

Add the ocean breeze for a dynamic photo.

A curious stranger drops by for a visit.

While I was capturing these great moments…

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Bill met Pam while she was on a conference trip to Washington, DC. Their east coast meeting and the numerous trips between the two coast culminated in a west coast style, sun-kissed wedding at Cornerstone Gardens. Keeping alive the notion that the “best things happen in two,” this garden wedding is their second, with the first being a civil ceremony.

Following the wedding, Pam and Bill wined and dined their guest, following the meal with dancing and a delightful spread of dessert that would bust any diet and automatically add extra pounds if one’s eyes happen to feast on them for too long. Of course, a second east coast reception is already planned and they will be joining their east coast friends to celebrate their happy marriage next week.

Pam and Bill – you guys know how to throw a party and keep everyone happy and fed. You guys kept things relaxed and allowed us to capture that nature with relaxed portraitures. We love how you named all the tables after the location of all your favorite eats, saving the name of “our kitchen” for the bride and groom table. We wish you the best trip back east and only wish we could be there as well.

A conga line back down the aisle? Heck yea!

Yummy golden light…

And even the night sky was just as yummy.

Smorgasbord of good eats…Yum!

And the last shot of the night featuring the the Cornerstone Garden tree that was brought back to life as an art piece.

Enjoy the slideshow!

When Pam first outlined her idea for an engagement day theme centered around old “haunts.” I didn’t know what to make of it. I knew there were a few places around San Francisco that was said to be haunted. Ok, I suppose being out of our comfort zone is a good thing. We like to capture our couple’s fun, interaction and love in and around greenery, urban-scape and golden light so yummy, one can almost taste it. Throw a couple of ghost in there, we can handle that. However, when we met at Pam and Bill’s west coast residence in San Francisco and learn that their definition of old hunts are all their favorite places to dine and hang out at, I knew these are my kind of clients.

We emerged out of the typical bay marine layer to glorious sunshine in the Mission District. I would take that as a good foreshadow of what’s to come as we arrive at Tartine before the usual rush and then later head over to the waterfront to enjoy some of Hog Island Co’s amazing oyster. Between the eating and the chatting, we got to watched two people who grew up on different coast enjoy the best thing of all, being together.

Pam and Bill – You say the best things happen in two and your story of how your relationship buds with the help of two mutual friends, two day dates and across two different coast is just amazing to hear. To keep the good time rolling, we can’t wait till these two photographers are able to meet up with you guys for your wedding and our second visit to Cornerstone later this month.

Sample of the colors of the Mission District.

We saw this bamboo grove earlier and glad we were able to find it again. Made for a fun session and nice contrast with the reds of their clothing.

San Francisco city is different than NYC…but I wanted to get a little of the vibe of east coast meets west coast in this series of shot in the alley way we found.

Chasing the setting sun, we head over to the sand dunes of Ocean Beach. Coincidently, we have a Ocean Beach here in San Diego too, but they look nothing alike.

Some of my favorites series of shots of the day. This is what I mean by yummy light so gorgeous you can taste it. Colors just pop and photos looks great out of the camera. How lucky they are to live only blocks away from this.

Definitely a different coast huh Bill. West coast’s soft golden light and the sun sets into the water for great view and perfect way to relax and cozy up with one another.

One of the first things Bill mention to me is during their research of photographers and coming across our work, a song I had used in one of my slideshow seem to have followed them around. I say it subliminal marketing and intentional. So I figure it befitting to use an alternate version in their engagement slideshow. Click below and enjoy!

Melissa and Herman – what a wonderful and beautiful wedding. You guys managed to keep the atmosphere relaxed and joyful, even when squeezing in a tea ceremony after the wedding. To be able to witness all your love ones crowd into a small room to bestow their gifts and well wishes upon your happy union confirms that you are both surrounded by love through and through. Thank you for allowing us the honor to witness and capture all that. Enjoy your photos and slideshow.

How much more meaningful and awesome to find that Melissa’s mom created this beautiful gown for Melissa?

Love incorporating the antique radiator heater  into the bouquet shot.

Not sure what the guys were thinking when Ham had them climb the narrow fire escape for this photo op.

But it looks like Herman and the guys can have fun anywhere.

Melissa spying on her man as he got into position for their first look. Love the expression of Herman’s sister while holding back the curtain for a better look.

I am pretty certain by Herman’s expression, that it was one powerfully, satisfying kiss.

Beautiful tea ceremony following the wedding.

Herman’s sister made a wonderful documentary video for the couple. I wish I could have stopped and watched it with them as it was so funny and well done. But then I wouldn’t have been able to capture moments like these of Melissa and Herman as they enjoy the video.

Love these moments of their first dance.

We snuck the couple out for a few shots parting shots in the mansion and the grounds outside.

When your couple spontaneously start dancing, all your technical training pays off to capture images like this in the dark.

I just love going over the photos and timing the fades, transitions just perfectly. It’s a labor of love but the story of the event start to unfurl with each picture to melody. It’s always the best feeling…(or cheese?)…when the moment and action in the photo matches up to the song’s lyric. I just love it.

Anyways, I hope you all enjoy watching Josephine and Robert’s slideshow as much as I did making it. We also sell iPod formatted version of the slideshow for carrying around in your iPhone or iPod Touch. It’s another perfect way to share your photos with friends and coworkers.

Millie and James, thank you for dinner and kindling my own desire to travel and explore the world. It’s awesome to hear about your travel plans and your desire to allow a job and work be a means to that end, and not become an end in itself. Ham and I look forward to seeing you two again at your wedding and sharing in the beginning of your journey as man and wife. -David

We packed our gear light and went inside the museum for some shots before heading outside to explore the park’s grounds. Somehow we managed not to get kicked out while shooting inside the museum. But as we were shooting on the grounds outside the museum entrance, a lady kindly let us know that we are not allow to have professional photography in that area as it was an art exhibit in itself. Ooops and thank you for noticing we were professionals. :)

Loving this wall and sequence inside the museum.

I usually tell my client that Spring is my favorite time to shoot. Everything is buzzing with life anew. The flowering trees are starting to flower and makes for awesome backdrop.

We found this tunnel and set up the remote flash. Because we were trying to keep it on the down low in the museum, I left the Pocket Wizards in the car and toss a couple of the smaller ebay triggers in my pocket instead. We had a difficult time getting the trigger to fire consistently when blocked by Melissa and Herman’s body, but it was worth the hassle as it allow for one of my favorite shot of the day.

The sky was overcast most of the day but the sun did come out for a few minutes to give this scene nice contrast and depth.

Herman did his best to keep Melissa warm when the wind blew, and when Melissa’s feet hurt from walking on heels, Herman carried her instead.

Their outfit match the tones of this house perfectly.

Melissa and Herman – thanks for spending the afternoon with us. We had a blast exploring the museum and location scout in the Mission district. I especially enjoyed the ride to and from the area, including getting lost on the tilted and confusing streets of San Francisco. If I didn’t have to make my flight, it would have been especially cool to just hop out of the car and document that. We can’t wait to experience your wedding day with you two later this year. Until then, enjoy more images in the slideshow below.

Emily and Russell – all your planning has paid off and the wedding was absolutely beautiful. We hope you two get some rest and relaxation in Mexico. All the best. -DH

There were all types of cool art pieces around the vineyard. Here is the bouquet as seen through the legs of a metal sculpture. The floral arrangement and bouquet were design by Maki Aizawa Gilman of Viola Flowers.

Maria Chang and her awesome crew of PMA were on hand to work their magic and lend a helping hand. They are the most helpful crew of hair and makeup artist I have worked with.

Emily looking just radiant shortly after putting on her gown and veil.

There were a lot of cool and unique places to shoot around Cornerstone Gardens.

Gorgeous cake from Auntie B’s Cakes.

The speeches were very heartfelt as well as funny. Emily did her best to fight back the tears, but siblings has a special way at tugging at the heartstring. Her brother Raymond did just that.

Lighting art from Irja and Jon of got-light

Click on the following image to view more photos from Emily and Russell’s wedding day.

Lisa and Derek – shooting your engagement session makes us all realize that your wedding day is right around the corner. We can not wait till Aug to celebrate and document all the special memories that your day is sure to be full of.

It wonderful how fate works. Song, Jason and a few of their friends all planned a trip to Thailand together. When the trip nears, each friend eventually had to cancel for one reason or another, leaving Jason and Song to visit Thailand on their own. It was that fateful trip that Song described as possibly the kindling of a relationship that transcends distance and became more than just childhood friendship. All of Song’s friends still swear that though it sounds conveniently suspicious on their part, their last minute cancellation were all coincidental and not premeditated or flavored with any ulterior motive whatsoever.

Back in the states, Jason is finishing up his doctorate work in Florida while Song is working in San Diego. Instant messaging and long distance phone calls helps to grow their relationship. But it’s Jason’s semimonthly visits to San Diego that helps to cement it. San Diego is better than Florida claims Song. Jason reason that the beaches in Florida is better thus Florida is better. But in the ends, wherever their hearts are near one another is all that matters. It may have taken them a half a world away before their heart realized that…but that is why fate works so wonderfully.Having some fun with the local seagulls.Loving the mood and warmth of this one as the sun sets lower over the ocean.Night falls and we went over to the Gaslamp quarters in downtown San Diego to work the off camera lighting and get some amazing images.Song and Jason – it was so nice to meet you two and it was too much fun just hanging out like old friends. We wish you the best in the future and much happiness together. Have a great wedding in China and let us know how it goes. You can view a slideshow of your session by clicking below.