Sarah + Ron: LA Arboretum Wedding

Here’s one more post for the end of a memorable wedding season with a celebration at the LA Arboretum! I’ve been there countless times for engagement sessions, but documenting a wedding reception has been an all-new experience. While Sarah and Ron were a lot of fun to follow around, I rightfully credit their guests for taking the day to the next level.

I don’t like to force things, but I think there are a few rules when it comes to spontaneity. Authenticity comes from surrounding yourself with the people you want at your celebration. It’s been 11 or 12 years now(?) and the candids are still my favorite part of the day. Whether it’s a stealthy capture or subjects’ playful acknowledgement of the guy armed to the teeth with cameras.

Now, there remain a handful of other places around Pasadena I’m hoping to check off of my list. Try me!

Venue – LA Arboretum
Planner – Ann’s Enchanted Events
Florals – Carla Holt Floral Designs
Cake – Lulu’s Custom Cakery





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A One-Month At-Home Session

I’m invited to homes quite a bit when it comes to weddings. Observing someone in their private space, where they can be themselves, is a privilege to a storyteller. Everyone puts on a performance to some degree when there’s a camera present, but it’s my role as one human to another to break the walls down to share how I see my subjects. Maybe there are fewer walls at someone’s home versus in a public space, but there is still a proper approach to earn their trust. I often have my own nostalgic moments, so I’d like to think I have a knack for homing in on family photos and mementos in peoples’ homes that tell me more about them.

It is especially nice to continue with a past story. I photographed JoJo and Na’s wedding at the beginning of 2020. We reconnected to celebrate their newborn daughter’s first month. We got to talk about how we’ve all changed since last seeing each other. As a family man myself, I’ve discovered a newfound appreciation for photographing young families. One needs to have endured the hardships of parenthood themselves in order to understand the array of emotions new parents go through! Perhaps I am seeing my recent self as I take these photos. Enjoy!

at home family portrait los angeles

at home family portrait los angeles

at home family portrait los angeles

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Aiyana + Peter: Cabrillo Pavillion Santa Barbara

Admittedly, Aiyana and Peter are younger than most couples I work with. The chemistry between two people is what it comes down to when I’m documenting their story. That, and choice in music. They pulled off a surprise first dance to a Missy Elliot track from my yesteryears. I knew Lose Control’s still a banger and totally didn’t need today’s youths to validate my taste in music.

There are so many small moments where they are unabashedly themselves, whether it’s Aiyana with the Sour Patch Kids, or their florals in the iconic orange home improvement buckets, that it’s hard to pick a favorite. Hence, a photoessay, right? These are my humble observations as a fly on a wall of all these emotions and observations packed into a single day. Please enjoy.

Venue – Cabrillo Pavilion
Planner – Dalina Klan

Cabrillo Pavillion Santa Barbara wedding

Cabrillo Pavillion Santa Barbara wedding

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