We kicked off 2010 with Pham and Albert’s beautiful wedding that is full of traditions as well as fun. Much to the expense of the fellas who had to drink a concoction of Wasabi water, do push ups in the street and attempt to hula with the hula hoop. Much to the amusement of the ladies watching from above. But it was the lucky red envelope with cold hard cash that always helps to loosen the locks on the door.

Such intricate details in the traditional Chinese Qi Pao.

Each wedding culture has their own tradition that we love documenting. The donning of the green leaf is a first for me and I never got a chance to ask what it symbolizes. If anyone knows, I would love to hear.

Lovely.

We took advantage of the hotel lobby to recreated some old style Shanghai nights portraits. Isn’t Pham just fabulous in her Qi Pao?

From traditional Chinese to the traditional American wedding gown.

Fabulous details here too.

What do you get a Apple fan that he does not already have? Well, the iPad is not released yet…so these appropriately themed cuff link will have to do.

Some quick portraits of Albert before the first look of Pham in her wedding dress.

We are always on a look out for the wedding theme colors to bring a cohesiveness to the final album. The magenta and bluish green wedding color was a compromise between the couple and their parent.

I just love the movement, detail and lighting in this photo.

Pham was just beaming and radiant in her wedding gown.

Apparently the grand entrance raised the roof. Check out the reaction of the little boy in the following photo.

There were quite a few heartfelt toast.

As well as funny ones.

We love the following cake sharing sequence.

Strangely, Albert seems to love it just as much.

And the crowd’s reaction…

Getting your face smooch with cake is not always a bad thing.

The photobooth is always a fun place to be and where the craziness happens.

Case in point…

Pham and Albert – Your wedding contained so many great moments. Some of which I am sure Pham will only vaguely remember through these photos no thanks to a certain friend. ;) Don’t worry, good fun, good times and the moments that made your wedding uniquely yours were captured. We can’t wait to share the entire gallery for you to view tomorrow, hopefully via Albert’s new iPad. (We tested the client access site, and it’s compatible).

Millie have always had the adventurous spirit. One that she nurtured in order to live life to it’s fullest. She once drove across the United States on such an adventure after all. I should have known this as the first time I met Millie many years ago, it was on a camping trip in the Sierra. You know, the kind with tents that can be visited by bears in the middle of the night. So it’s fitting that in James, she has a partner that both complements her zest for life and allow her to do just that, live life to the fullest.

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.

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…

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Can it get any more perfect that this setting?

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.

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

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

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

Some bridal details…

Classic, timeless portraiture.

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.

A more dramatic shot of the bridal bouquet and rings.

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.