May 29, 2008

St. Regis Monarch Beach Wedding Pictures

Maura and Bryan's wedding at St Regis in Monarch Beach = WOW!

First of all, check out their teaser wedding slideshow (click here)
From the moment Karey Michelle (my fabulous amazing special guest shooter) and I stepped out of my car and onto the St. Regis Resort  in Dana Point I was awed by the hotel's majestic entrance, its collection of fine art that grace the walls, the Alphonse Mucha painting behind the Lobby Bar, and all the spectacular views. (btw this is also the place where they just held the Sex and the City release party)

Bryan and Maura spared no expenses when it came to having all the best things for their wedding day. From her Pronovias gown, to her floral arrangements, to the black chandeliers, and all the other fine details - everything was exquisite.

They were such the natural romantics! I loved how they interacted and easily got lost in each other's eyes - it wasn't hard capturing the affection they had for one another.












Their reception was held at Club 19 at the St Regis!


Their first dance was a special salsa routine straight from Dancing With the Stars!

After the reception we went for a stroll and found the spectacular fountain within the St. Regis Resort, where they gave an encore salsa performance!



A very HUGE thanks to Stephanie Lairson for being the most amazing coordinator I've ever met (and she made the whole event so dang fun for everyone)!
Check out these vendors that were awesome: my buddy Mike from Mission Visual, the super cool DJ Mark Hix, the gorgeous flowers by Gilly Flowers, yummy (and gorgeous) cake by Heidelberg Pastry, graphic design by Hirofumi Seki of Apostle Creatives, and St Regis wedding photographer Greg Bumatay (if he doesn't find a piano, he'll find a fountain - hah!)

Tags: Bryan and Maura's wedding pictures at The St. Regis Resort and Spa, Monarch Beach, Dana Point, CA - Club 19 in St. Regis Resort, OC wedding pictures by Greg Bumatay, Orange County, Southern California photographer blog, Salsa in the Fountain, The St. Regis Lobby Bar, Pronovias wedding dress photos, a wedding by Stephanie Lairson

May 16, 2008

The Turnip Rose, Costa Mesa

A huge congratulations to Sam and Vanessa!!!

Their elegant wedding and reception took place at The Turnip Rose - Grand Newport Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA. Be sure to check out my favorite images in their teaser slideshow!










Second shooter: the famous Miguel Pola
Tags: Vanessa and Sam wedding at Turnip Rose - Grand Newport Plaza in Costa Mesa, Orange County wedding photography

May 09, 2008

The Belly Dancer

I had the honor of witnessing the Belly Dancer Farah in action last week for her photo shoot. This is part of my Dancers in Motion series, continued. Here are a few of my favs:











Tags: Belly Dance, Dancers in Motion, Farah, strobist, cultural portraiture, Turkish Belly Dance, artistic photography

May 05, 2008

The Bamboo Grove at Clarke Estate

Ruth and Leonel (remember them from the Disney Concert Hall e-session?) - they had their elegant wedding at the lush gardens of Clarke Estate. They are today one of my most affectionate couples. I truly enjoyed spending time with them during their engagement photo shoot at the Disney Concert Hall last month. Leonel and Ruth are just naturally romantic, they don't need much direction, and they love pictures! When I found out that their wedding venue was to take place at the Clarke Estate, I was excited to make use of the beautiful gardens, particularly the bamboo grove. Click here to view their teaser slideshow!










And you all know what happens every time I find a piano...



Thanks again to my fabulous guest shooter Miguel Pola!
Tags: Ruth and Leonel wedding pictures at the Clarke Estate, CA romantic photos gardens bamboo grove piano, Los Angeles wedding photography