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

It was a warm day made even warmer with the love of family and friends who came out to witness Elaine and Minh tie the knot. The couple blended Vietnamese tradition with the traditional ceremony we come to know in the western world. One of the best thing about blending the two worlds is you get don multiple sets of jewelry and dresses.

Some gold jewelry to go with the traditional dress and symbolizes prosperity, wealth and abundance.

Elaine and Minh walks by this crate and wooden case everyday so I thought I’d use it to prop up the floral bouquets and shoe in the little garden at their home.

Elaine puts on the traditional red Chinese gown, which symbolizes luck, joy and happiness.

But before Minh can see Elaine, he was quizzed and tested by her bridesmaid. Mind obviously puts a lot of thought and effort into his answers. However, showing that you really know the one you love doesn’t help you get past the bridal entourage. So the boys went outside to regroup and formulate the winning strategy.

I love this moment as the group came up the stairs. Of course Minh was the first to spot his bride to be. I love his reaction.

I always love the meaning behind the traditional tea ceremony.

I was told Minh helped with the dress decision by choosing the wedding gown himself. I thought the natural beauty and light of the wedding site would showcase the wedding gown and it’s sparkling details perfectly.

Elaine looking lovely with her girls.

And Minh looking dapper with his boys.

I love the motion of the gown Elaine wore as the couple made their grand entrance at the reception.

Elaine and Minh’s love of the show Dancing with the Stars certainly shown through as they put on a terrific first dance for their banquet guest.

Elaine and Minh – thanks so much for having us there to document your day. May your love continue to grow steadfastly in your new life as husband and wife as it did over the last 10 years. We look forward to the chance to be in your neck of the woods to catch up over coffee.

Second shooting allow us photographer who are used to playing the primary role the opportunity to think and see the day in a different way. It helps to expand the range of our creativity as you specifically shoot shots and angles that helps to compliments and complete the story the primary photographer is capturing. Instead of duplicating their shot. But one of the best thing is simply to stay connected and grow with other awesome photographer. Case in point, I had the pleasure of meeting and working alongside a new photographer friend Jen Lauren Grant. Who’s vision and style is uniquely hers so it’s great to be able to see the same day from the perspective of multiple photographers. Be sure to check out Sarah’s blog for a awe inspiring look of Jackie and Lee’s wedding day. And then jump over to Jen Lauren Grant’s photo blog for an alternate view.

A big thanks to Kerrie of Platinum Weddings and her team for coordinating the day and not only keeping it going smoothly and on track for Jackie, Lee and guest, but helped us vendors all stay updated as well as fed. :)

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is perch above the Niguel Marine Life Reserve with a fantastic view of the Pacific and Salt Creek Beach Park to the north.

Being part tech/part art photographer…we always take the latest technology and technique, mesh them together to make the image. And sometimes, what’s old is new again…so I shot a couple of rolls of film at Jackie and Lee’s wedding. I find that shooting film really help to refine my vision as a photographer. And taking the pros of a mature medium such as film helps to define and control any weaknesses in the new digital medium. Look at the awesome dynamic range of FujiFilm Pro400h stock taken of the wedding site.

While the girls got dolled up, the guys chilled and practiced their surprise dance routine. Lee told me guys get’s dress really quickly and that they were all set by 11am. What’s left is just doing what guys does best, and that’s chilling with their best buddies on one of the happiest day of any guy’s life. I love the tropical feel of this image as I caught Lee on the patio dancing.

Lee and his entourage just relaxed and having a great time before the ceremony.

A couple of shots with the film camera as Sarah set up the formal portraits. Loving the color of this tropically lined courtyard and the lighting from the sun peeking out from the clouds. Jackie looks amazing as she wore her hair down for the prewedding formal portraits. Choosing to put it up for the wedding allow for a couple of varied looks in your formal portraits. For our brides out there, make sure to your coordinator is aware so that the appropriate time can be factor into the day. I think it’s a great idea if you can swing it into the timeline.

Sarah set up this tender moment at a sweet spot by the pool. Being an lovely summer day, the pool area had a lot of traffic. But that doesn’t deter us photographers who are used to working in busy environment. I love this moment captured and the resulting candid that immediately follows. We look for these moments in between the shots because it’s sincerity comes out in photo. These photos and the two above were shot on the film body again.

Some details of the ceremony site. The sun continue to play peek a boo with us as it comes in and out from behind the cloud. Making for some different lighting looks for the ceremony.

Another shot on the film body. A simply beautiful location for a wedding.

A moment I hope to have one day if I am ever bless with a daughter of my own. I think all fathers dream of the day they get to walk their little girl down the aisle. So I cherish these moments of a wedding day.

See how dramatic the clouds where that day? We got a good display from mother nature, that’s for sure.

A view from below as the couple speak their vows. I love to seek out alternate point of views. One of the perks as a second shooter.

Just lovely…in case I didn’t express that enough.

The kiss…but I love the moments right after too. Total love, happiness, joy and …elation. Just emotion in the purest sense is how I would summarize these moments.

A quick drive to the beach below. Like typical summer days in southern CA, there were surfers catching waves. Some shouted their congratulations to the newlywed. So fun!

A relaxed portraits of Lee and a detail shot. Both via film. The grain adds a certain tactile feel to the photo.

The bridal bouquet is Oh so pretty. I am a guy and I too “swoon,” borrowing a word from Sarah K Chen, over the bridal bouquet whenever I see these pieces of floral art. Yes, it’s my creative side confessing there. Florals by Flower Allie, captured on the same FujiFilm stock.

Jackie and Lee are so cute together.

With plenty of moves too…as they later treated their guest doing the Foxtrot. Here, Lee demonstrate the dip and kiss routine. Some tips for guys out there, coming from the guy side of myself. A strong, wide stance is the important technical part of this technique. Because the weight of the bride, plus 50lbs of wedding gown can be big surprise for the unsuspecting fellow.. ;)

A dramatic B/W shot showcasing the soft lighting on display in the sky.

Some details I was able to grab of the reception. Check out Jen Lauren Grant’s blog post for more detail shots she captured of the reception while Sarah and I were with Jackie and Lee on the beach below.

Some dramatic lighting work, highlighting the table arrangement and wedding cake, courtesy of Atmosphere Entertainment.

The bridal party did a fun dance routine preceding the arrival of Jackie and Lee to the reception. Here is a shot after their grand entrance. These moments of the wedding day go by in a flash, and photos like these allow us to look back at all the fun.

We’ll leave with a last shot of an expression of laughter on Jackie’s face. I just love how this shot compliments the last shot on Sarah’s blog post. Two different views of the pure emotion are the nestle gems on all wedding days.

Sarah, thanks so much for having me along for Jackie and Lee’s beautiful wedding. We need to set up a play date with our little ones one of these days. -David

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).

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

“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