Once upon a time on May 9th, Michelle and Chirag were married at www.lagunacliffs.com and I was there at focused on capturing the best images possible for a marathon day of 17 hours! It was amazing. Michelle and Chirag we’re so great to work with. They both love photography and I’m thrilled that we came away with so many great moments. Thanks to Lawrence from Furious Photographers, helped me out as the 2nd photographer. This was a blessing to me in that I witnessed to completely different cultures, families, coming together to celebrate their children’s love for each other. The symbolism in both the Mandarin and Hindu ceremonies we’re powerful statements to the world in which we live.  I was truly honored, and I don’t use that lightly, to be a part of their day.

Here are three images from their wedding day at the Laguna Cliffs Marriot There will be many more to come as we have thousands of images that are being edited through. I just wanted to drop a few on the blog. I wanted to mention that Lawrence from Furious Photographers stepped in to shoot second photographer that day and he did an amazing job! The shot of Michelle feeding Chirag during the ceremony is his. I’m fortunate to have friends who are great photographers who will come in and work with me to help produce an amazing wedding portfolio.
I love the shot of the bridal party. They were all so natural! I was excited to be able to use my new lighting kit and make the overhead sunlight, my friend instead of my enemy. The black and white shot of the couple is one of my favorites from the day. Chirag was helping her put the jewelry on for the ceremony, a great little moment for them to rememeber, forever.

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I am so behind on posting images from recent weddings, events, and personal stuff! In the meantime, until I get to those, I thought I’d invite you to check out the new website for the most amazing new restaurant in Laguna…. Watermarc. Tapas style, small plates, small prices, but the food is incredible and decor has been created by the most amazing Mark and Ryan Singer.   I really enjoyed working on a project like this, working with the owners and a great team of creatives. Also, visit my friend Tannerteale.com who was the web designer for the site, great friend and designer.  Check out the site and view the images.  I shot everything from the food, to background images, interior and exterior shots, and  models for the shot you see here in the post.  OH…and next time you’re in Laguna Beach, CA. stop by Tosti Studios and then walk three blocks to Watermarc!

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Maddie, Keaton, and Sarah had their “decent” birthday party on April 25th at Seven Degrees.  Ok, it wasn’t “decent,” it was insane!  These girls had the party of a life time, at 13.  I wonder what their fourteen or even their sweet sixteen will be like?!  The dance floor lit up, the theme was as neon as you could possibly be,  get all jacked up at Keaton’s Kandy bar and send a text to the huge text message board.  Check out the shot of the cakes, where Maddie’s mom send her a text to the large text board.   I was impressed with their dancing most of all, because, just like any 13 year old’s party, it started with the the boys on one side and the girls on the other. However, thanks to some good tunes and the candy bar, I think they got out there pretty quick.

I had so much fun photographing these kids,  they had a blast and didn’t need to drink cocktails, just a lot of sugar:)  Happy birthday girls, you rocked it!

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00870006popcorn anyone????

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I am thrilled for you to view this engagement slide show! In our meeting, Michelle & Tim told me that they both love the California coastline and wanted to do something “beach oriented” and we both agreed to go out of the norm from the common, “on the beach” shoot. So, yours truly suggested “a day on the CA coastline” kind of feel. I think we did just that! We began in Newport Beach on the Balboa Peninsula and worked our way down south towards Laguna Beach. I approached this shoot from an editorial point of view, as I usually do, however, I worked extra hard to pull of some nice props as you’ll see.

I must say that Michelle did her homework and found some fabulous attire at Neiman Marcus, had her hair and make up done right and she looked amazing! Thanks you two, I look forward to your wedding day, it’s going to be incredible. Michelle and Tim are going to be married in September at the wonderful Seven Degrees.

Check out the slide show from the party! If you don’t see yourself in the slideshow, don’t fret, you’re in the gallery of images. Click on the toolbar at the bottom of the slide show and go to the “purchase prints” tab, that will take you to the Pictage gallery.

Thanks again to all who joined us on April 2nd for the “April Sounds Like Images Celebration.”
Check out this little video from the party! Many thanks to the Pawnshop Kings, Tutto Amore, Right Gin, Xs Energy Drink, & H2 ultra water!

The Men’s Issue of Riviera Magazine is on news stands now, and guess what??!! I’m in it… that’s right, I am a Man of Style! Check me out, wearing a Prada jacket. I feel way too comfortable in a $3,500 suit! To see better images, and the full spread you can see the entire issue here. (go to page 92 to see me!).

The photos were taken at the Peter Blake Gallery, located on Ocean Ave. in Laguna Beach. If you are coming down for Artwalk tonight stop by Peter’s place, it’s beautiful. Hope to see many of you tonight at the gallery, we are displaying large format prints of my images and I can’t wait for you to see them! Take a look at TostiStudios.com to see some of my previous work.

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Free Gelato!!!

March 31, 2009

We forgot to mention that there will be FREE GELATO at the party this Thursday provided by Tutto Amore, our favorite Laguna Beach Gelato store located on Broadway about a block from the gallery. The owner is quite the artist with his flavor combinations. Last time we went we tried Cabernet Blackberry, Thin Mint, Rockstar (yeah, like the energy drink!) and Fruity Pebbles…. we went with the Thin Mint for sho!

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Dee is such a beautiful woman with a vibrant and young spirit, as you can see in these images! Take a look at the celebration her and her family put together in the slide show below. I love the Eastern theme, all the thoughtful details, Floral and Event design was handled by the lovely people at 7 Degrees.