Yesterday I photographed a wedding–but it wasn’t one of "my" weddings. I was working as a second photographer for my good friend Cynthia Halverson. The ceremony was at Saint Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Wilmington, California with a reception that followed at Hotel Maya (formerly Coast Long Beach Hotel) in Long Beach, California.

The bride’s great grandmother moments after she was seated at the church.

Saint Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Wilmington, California

The groom liked my jokes.

Kissy Kissy

My version of American Gothic.

The groom’s brother, the bride’s three sisters, and the maid of honor.

This morning I met Joe, Robin, and their two boys at the Santa Monica Pier for a fun beach portrait session. And although it was super foggy, I think we captured some great images. What do you think?

VaNisha contacted me recently about a Los Angeles portrait shoot for East Cleveland gangsta rapper T.L. For those of you who follow my work, you know I’m all about photographing happy smiling people. But when T.L. told me he wanted to look hard, I put aside my jokes and shot him … hard.

Although it’s been several years since their last visit, Renee and her family returned to my Los Angeles studio for another portrait session — this time with a new addition! Although family portraits with very young children can often be challenging, this session was a treat!

These guys are madhotsexy™! I love photographing weddings in Palos Verdes and the one I photographed yesterday was no exception. Denise and Steve were married in the afternoon at Denise’s grandparent’s home in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

I wanted to give a shout out to Denise’s maid of honor (her sister). She did such an awesome job–from helping Denise get ready to making a heartfelt speech during the reception. Steve’s best man was his brother. Although he too gave a great speech, he did so with fewer tears. And we shouldn’t forget that he deserves a ton of credit for not losing the wedding rings.

As a busy Los Angeles wedding photographer, you might imagine that I meet lots of neat folks at weddings. And of course I do. But I wanted to mention that the family members and guests who attended Denise and Steve’s wedding were some of the most laid back, friendly, and fun people I’ve ever had the pleasure to photograph. Here are a few of my favorite photos.

[ To View All Photos from This Wedding Click Here ]
 

The can’s label states, "big sexy hair." You go girl!

Everybody loves a brick wall right?

Denise and Steve are a 10!

madhotsexy.com

I’m going to call this my "tower shot." I wonder
why Steve is holding the bouquet?

Steve moves fast …

Walk with me baby …

Travel to Palos Verdes. Meet beautiful people. And marry them.

Arches. Get your arches here.

Denise really wanted a photograph with bougainvillea. Did I deliver?

I love wedding cake!

I won’t tell you what I said to get this reaction.

Check out the reflection in the camera phone. In the full size
photograph you can see the guest’s reflection AND Steve and Denise.

The Girls

The Boys
[they didn't want to hug]

This is a clever idea!

Cut that cake girl!

The "real" first dance.

Twinkle twinkle little star …

[ To View All Photos from This Wedding Click Here ]

Courtney and Scott were married a few weeks ago at the Tuscan Garden area of the Westlake Village Inn (31943 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, California 91361). It was a perfect day for a wedding! The weather was mild and folks were excited about seeing a wedding and eating some great reception food! As their wedding photographer, I was stoked too! So what do you think? Which one is your favorite?

click here to view all the wedding photos

Coordinator: Kathy Recchia, Save the Date Events
Makeup: Monique Powers
Florist: Shirvan Designs
Videographer: Michael Shu
Cake: Nancy Kay Confections
Chairs, Lighting, & Decor: A Packaged Party
Dove Release: Jerry Garcia, Heavenly Doves

The ring bearer was one cool dude.

The Boys

The Girls

Scott really enjoyed carrying Courtney’s train.

One of the flower girls. She’s such a cutie!

This is Courtney’s mom, dad, and aunt. I think her aunt was backing me up!

Courtney’s uncle was one photogenic dude!

Step One: Hold camera high above head.
Step Two: Press the shutter.
Step Three: Act surprised when it’s a cool photo.

A bride, a groom, a cool wedding venue, and a ceremony to
bind two people together … forever … and ever.

The dove release went off a little early, but with a little
frantic effort I  was still able to catch a few birdie photos.

We’re married!

Can you say bubbles?

Everybody needs a little more flare.
(film joke – Office Space)

This dude is rocking his pin-stripe suit! And check out at his
form–portrait photographers everywhere, eat your heart out!

Yummy.

Walking down a sidewalk can be fun!

Courtney says: "I love you Scott!"

Scott says: "Let me kiss you on your neck!"

So I probably only needed two photos in the "rose tunnel"
but I liked all three. So here’s the third!

This is my favorite photo from the wedding day.
I asked Courtney to dance. And she did!

Hand holding is sweet!

Scott says: "Now why am I under this thing?"

Scott’s mom delivers a great speech!

I have tons of great dancing photos from the reception, but
I picked this one because this guest was REALLY getting his grove on!

click here to view all the wedding photos