These two are quite the couple. They win the “most relaxed on their wedding day” award. Being calm and carefree on your wedding day is quite the feat to accomplish. It makes my job even that much better. The Wedding was at Church by the Sea, (where I attend) in Laguna & then we drove out to Rancho Santa Margarita to the reception at Dove Canyon Courtyard.

I scouted out some locations in Santa Margarita to shoot the bridal party and found an open field that worked out nicely. I love to get out before the wedding and really see what the day is going to be like. Spend the time in preperation, see where the sun light will fall, take a few test shots. This is one of the few things I can plan for, before a wedding. It helps me to be “most relaxed on your wedding day.” Well, that and some Jamba juice. Congratulations you two!

I tend to stay on the pure side of photography, but this shot just called for a lot of contrast, besides, it’s the guys, they gotta look a little tough and “Godfather-ish”

They had a good idea to hang images from their engagement shoot up in the little gazebo, at the reception.

Love this shot of their first dance. It’s straight out of the camera, pure and wonderful, like, well, like them. (ewww that’s sappy).

YESSSSS! Jacob, you inspire. I love a man who is determined, strong and yet sensitive. This is my all time favorite garter shot.

The market lights hanging across the reception site make for a wonderful background.

YES. Last weekend I had two weddings. Friday I photographed Jacob & Jenette’s wedding, which was awesome. I’ll post tomorrow about that. But, like a little kid, I can’t wait to tell you about Susan & Dan’s wedding reception, which I photographed Saturday. They we’re married about 9 months ago in Australia and decided to throw a celebration reception at Susan’s award winning “ice house” in Orange. Susan is an architect and Dan, well, Dan has a love for helicopters. So I was lucky enough to fly to the reception with them. It was a 3 and a half minute “high.” I like this. Anyone else flying into their reception???

Thank you both for allowing me to be apart of your day and Dan, I really appreciate you not doing a “digger” as you mentioned. Landing safely is good.

perfect. With the 15mm lens, this bent and bubbly face of mine says it all, “giddy” like a little kid.

Susan and Dan, lookin hot!

Not sure if you can tell, but “X” does mark the spot and “X” can’t even fit on that landing pad.

We had a few minutes together to shoot, so we made the most of it on the deck. Susan, you look GOOD!

The wonderful Turnip Rose catered and coordinated the event, nice positioning of the cake and gobo light. (details to look out for when planning your day)

Oh and I almost forgot to note that, Dan, is looking good too! Dig the tie, classy, P-Diddy AND Frank Sinatra would approve.

Ya she rocks the shades upside down, ya she’s chillin with piglet,  ya she has messy hair, ya….she is sophia.  Just a quick shot of my favorite little girl .

This past Saturday, was amazing.  The doors opened at 7pm and it seemed like the entire town of Laguna Beach joined us.  From clients, to family and close friends, to many whom I’ve never met,  the space was packed the entire 4 hrs.  This is a dream come true.  For the past few months we’ve been working long days to prepare, and to see it filled with so many amazing people, food, drinks and wonderful contemporary art, was quite surreal.

Currently we have three local contemporary artists Isaac Anderson, Jennifer Tenace,  and  Philip Womack showing through the middle of August.  Come visit 210 N. Coast Hwy Laguna Beach.  We will be showing contemporary art, photography, and music artists to perform on occasion. Call 949.715.9621 for info.

Now I need to take a minute and thank some of those who gave so much to make this night possible.   Plush Impressions, BelleAmieStudios, Peter Blake Gallery, XS energy drink, Kusoju, Brad Coleman,  Katie Mae. Karen Tobin, Julia, Luke Monson, and on and on the list could go.  THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for your support in creating this new space.

Alli and I, look at that pregnant belly!

June was quite a month!  I have been so busy getting the new Tosti Studios space ready amongst weddings, events, and shooting some couples that I am quite behind on my blogging aghh!  I thought I’d jump in and see if I can catch up on this a bit.

I had the most amazing time photographing Rio and Dave’s wedding.  We started out in Laguna, shooting a few of their favorite spots that they spend a lot of time at, and then to Rancho Capistrano. Considering how hot it was that day, Rio and Dave help up quite well and still had energy to enjoy their day together.  When I look through the portfolio of the day, there is much to be said about the friendship between us.  They were comfortable in front of the camera, even in uncomfortable heat.  When I meet with a couple about their wedding, one of the things that I emphasize is the time spent together with the photographer.  No, I’m not saying we should hang out everyday or become roommates, but it does show at the end of the wedding.    I spend more time with a couple than anyone else, the day of their wedding.   I get to.  I’m  excited to, and I want to be an invigorating and sensitive part of the day.  When I think back to my wedding,  I didn’t even know the photographer.  He took an extremely journalistic approach, which meant I never really knew he was there.  Which on one hand is nice, but on the other, there is no connection.  I don’t have any photos of Alli and I really laughing together, or anything very fashionable. Just a few standard poses.  For me, it’s all about a balance.  Be present & engaged when you need to be, and be out of the way in other moments…focus and LOTS of fun.

Now that I’m done philosophizing, let me introduce you to some of David and Rio’s day.  You two are amazing, thanks for having me!