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.

It is one of the only times I can recall visiting San Francisco in the early morning without being greeted by traffic or fog. The sun beamed brightly against the blue sky and the air wonderfully cool. These signs points to the start of a beautiful wedding day that takes us from the city proper, over the bridge and into the scenic valley of Sonoma county.

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!

While Melissa and Herman’s engagement session in San Francisco was met with cloudy skies and a cold wind, their wedding day was a stark contrast to that. The sun seem to cast it’s warm ray the entire day, with perfect lighting that any photographer would be thankful for. The historic Hayes Mansion beamed brightly against the clear blue sky, begging to be photograph. But it was the smile, joy and laughter on the faces of all the guest and family that outshone the sun and was more beautiful to behold than the mansion itself.

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.

The forecast calls for rain and rain it did came. But the weather did not put a dampener on the joy and love Grace and Walter has for one another. With friends and family coming from near and as far as Korea, Walter the golf instructor married his ‘whole in one’ where else but at a golf country club.

Grace and Walter – It is such a blessing to be able to witness your warmth and happiness surrounded by your love ones. You guys laugh and cried and laugh lots more as you danced and party the night away. Even these many months later, I still find laughter in viewing your laughter. If that is a testament, I know you each will bring one another a lifetime of happiness with lots of laughter. And for those moments with tears, may Grace continue to be there to wipe them away.

Who needs sunshine when you can bring your own color with vibrant dresses like these. Red is my favorite bridesmaid dress color.

Grace looks so radiant.

The wedding gown is gorgeous hanging from the ceiling fan.

But it looks even better on Grace for sure!

Did I already say that Grace looks absolutely Radiant?

Sometimes bucking traditions is the way to go. Here the gals accompany Grace to meet with the groom before the wedding for their first look. Especially on days like this, it allow us to gather what little light there is for some beautiful photos.

The ladies look amazing.

The gents looks dashing and proper….

but boys will be boys, and proper is soon forgotten.

I love how careful the girls are as they help Grace get back inside before the heavy rain starts.

The rule is simple…a hole in one will get Walter and Grace to kiss.

The afternoon sun bathed the gardens, trees and vines with beautiful golden light. The lawn is lush and the vineyard full. The picturesque pond add to the tranquility of the location. The weather was just perfect for guest who came from near and far to enjoy the gardens of Cornerstone in Sonoma county and more importantly, to witness Emily and Russell begin the next chapter in their lives together.

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.

The marine layer hovers in the distance like it usually does in Monterey. But on this day, in the distance it continues to stay, leaving the beautiful grounds of the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa continually kissed in beautiful golden sunlight. The wedding has all the sights and sound you would expect from a seaside venue. The squawking of seagulls flying high overhead. The bustling of tourist as they made their way around the sideside village. The smell of the ocean within arms reach and the sound of the waves as they announce their arrival.

The wedding ceremony was held on the terrace overlooking the ocean. The brides maids’ dresses swayed and danced to the ocean breeze bringing it’s deep, vibrant hues to the ceremony. Derek’s dad did a wonderful job officiating the ceremony despite claiming he may be more nervous than the bride herself. Lisa’s nerves may have appeared ever so slightly once her wedding coordinator Sarah Ward came by the hotel room and announced that it was time. But that was quickly replaced with excitement as the day and hour has finally arrived for her to marry Derek. The wedding ceremony itself was kept short and sweet so that Lisa and Derek could spend more time dancing the night away with their friends and family. Dancing they did as it started early and brought an end to the night.

Lisa and Derek – thank you so much for sharing your special day with us. We wish you both a long, long time of happiness in a galaxy near, near to us all. Have the best of time on your Mediterranean cruise you two. Much love. -DH

The beautiful bouquet with touches of something blue.

The gown was absolutely beautiful.

Something blue…

Now for something old…

Like me, Derek is a big fan of Star Wars. Ok…with a Star Wars themed wedding cake, he may be a bigger fan than I am.

While on the job as a wedding photographer, one of the things that makes the job so great is not only the honor of being entrusted to document such a uniquely special day for the bride, groom and their families and friends but also the privilege of witnessing interactions between moms and their daughter or son. Moms for obvious reasons are special people and I just love these headshot of Esther’s and Loren’s moms. I will have to augment this post later with a photo of Loren in full traditional Korean formal outfit giving his mom a piggy back ride. That was one of the highlights for me of the evening.

Here is Esther’s follow by Loren’s mom.

Here’s the priceless moment between Loren and his mom as he gives her a piggyback ride as a part of Korean wedding tradition. At least it’s tradition according to Esther’s brother. I don’t know if it’s really a Korean custom or not but fun nonetheless.

On Sat, Ham and I had the pleasure of hanging out with the gals as they all got dolled up at the Sante Claire hotel in downtown San Jose. Maria and her team at Professional Makeup Artistry did a fantastic job of getting all the ladies looking their best and I have never seen a makeup artist taking such good care of her bride as Maria did for Esther. I can understand why she is booked so far in advance given the level of service she provides. As Maria worked her magic, we got some getting ready shots of the bridal party.Maria used an airbrush to apply the makeup. Esther said it feels so good and light. I couldn’t tell that the makeup was on there, but the result was awesome.The ladies at Professional Makeup Artistry. Lovely ladies, inside and out.Crystal by Grace bridal shoe.A more detail look.Lovely looking dress that looks even better on Esther.One of the tastiest wedding cake I have ever tasted. Chocolate with raspberry filling or white with lemon filling. Mmmmm…delicious.***Update: Nicole Ha of Nicole Florist – Floral and Event Design did the beautiful floral arrangement seen below.The talented Jennifer Skog was the official photographer of the event so I made sure to not get in her or her assistant’s way. Here is a alternate vantage point from way out in left field.Esther and Loren, we wish you both all the best and remember the sage advice your mom gave you below…

“Make each other Happy always. When you have hard time, remember, Love is patient, Love is Kind.”

May you and Loren have a lifetime of love with patience and kindness.-DH