personal stuff | barbados

Our last night in Barbados, we grabbed Egan's two Canon 5D's and just started walking.... armed with only two lenses between the two of us, we sporadically traded off by what was coinciding with our current vision at the moment.
The weather was perfect and the sun was starting to set but we managed to squeeze in an hour or so of solid shooting fun. I generally shy away from shooting anything that doesn't have people in it but I had so much fun... I mean, it was seriously soothing to just capture the beauty in something we may have otherwise simply walked by. :)

Barbados!!

I'd like to say I just got home from a wonderful wedding in Barbados...BUT... I am sorta stuck in Miami because my silly flight decided to leave early and thus I missed it :(
... haha....
technically I arrived at the gate 4 minutes before departure but still, they shouldn't leave EARLY!!!!...LOL
Sooo, I can say I just got back to the states from an amazing wedding in Barbados. :)

Today was full of running through airports! We were literally the LAST to board our flight from Barbados and we running on the tarmac in order to catch it :) I say its all an adventure and missing my second flight back to LA just proves it :) I say to just embrace it and enjoy whatever kinks get thrown into your plans. Life is WAY too short to stress!

Anyway I've received a few emails from my blog friends complaining I haven't posted in over a week and my excuse is... I was in another country with no internet access. :)

I cant wait to show you images from the amazing wedding but for now here is a recap of the trip...

Day 1: LAX to Miami where I met up with wedding photographer extraordinaire Fred Egan. We began our journey with an 8 hour layover before departing to Barbados.
I was sooooo excited to get another stamp in my passport :)


Day 2: Arrive in Barbados... we stayed at the Hilton with the couple and all their guests. Check out the amazing view from my room!
and the hotel pool!

Day 3: Engagement Session with Imo and Nneka. You can see Fred's images here
Here are a few shots I grabbed from the session...


With over 100 guests at this destination wedding, Nneka and Imo held a welcome dinner that we were invited to... here's a quick shot from the evening.

Day 4: Wedding!!! I cant WAIT to edit and show you some images from this rockin' wedding!
Here is a glimpse into the professional equipment used .....lol ;)


Day 5: Day after session... This was sooo much fun to just shoot with a totally relaxed couple, and check out the awesome sunset!
I was also thoroughly entertained by this Bajan who sang me a song !
That night we went to St. Lawrence Gap for a taste of local flavor and hit up Casa Sol for happy hour :)

Oh and we encountered a massive hurricane that swept us off our feet! :)


Day 6: Finally its PLAY day! Today we went on snorkeling trip through the island where we went swimming with Sea Turtles!! Totally amazing.... EXCEPT I got perhaps the worst burn of my life.... I am so crispy :( I was even diligent to reapply sunscreen after every dip in the water!! If you look closely, you can see my raccoon eyes from my biiig sunglasses!!








Barbados was Soooo fun :) Time has no meaning on the island and I must admit it was refreshing. I am so thankful to be in a business I love and have the opportunity to travel and hang out with friends all in the name of "work"! Thanks Fret-E !!! ;)

Kim & Erik | wedding

This was the second wedding I did this weekend and it was seriously wonderful!
This day was the culmination of 8 years of dating and I dont think it could have been better than it was. FULL of raw emotion... I have sooo many pictures of tears & laughter, it was truly a photographers dream :)
Erik is a pastor here in the Southbay and Kim is a children's pastor so thier love for people was evident at the reciprocation I witnessed in their guests :)

I cant wait to show you the slideshow, but here are a few teaser shots in the meantime :)


The raw emotion at this wedding far exceeded any other I have done :)


This spunky lil' fella was such a joy! :)
I LOVE this shot.

Cole & Stacey | wedding

This weekend was a double header and it was so GREAT! I drove out Friday morning around 9am to make the 4.5 hour drive to sin city (Vegas) for Cole and Stacey's wedding. I must admit I really enjoyed the alone time think, pray, and ultimately rock out to music!! The hard part was driving home after shooting all day. BUT special thanks to my phone buddies who kept me awake with stimulating conversation! ;) I didn't get home till 3:45am so I truly appreciated the conversations!!

Other than the long drive home, the only set back was when I was only 90 miles outside of Vegas and I stopped for gas. THEN, being the genius I am, locked my keys in the car!!!! Luckily a tow company was only 2 blocks away and they came to my rescue for a grand total of $70.00...ugh... they prey on the helpless, I tell ya!

Despite the minor setback, I still made it there before the bride and the rest of the day went smoothly. Stacey was perhaps the calmest bride I have ever seen. Her peace was totally contagious and made for an atmosphere of utter tranquility :)

Here are a few images of the day... :)


a few fun dress shots...
the happy bride!

Melissa & Ryan | engagement

I am amazed how happy I am after shooting. Its like a drug and each opportunity to shoot simply feeds the addiction. I've been in a funky mood lately and I realized how easily I snap out of it when I pick up a camera :) I was literally dancing around during the shoot and I think all these laughing pictures were because I was making such a fool of myself ;)

Today's couple decided to have their session at San Dimas Canyon Park for pure sentimental value. It was the place where Ryan realized he had "more than friends" feelings for Melissa and, that same day, he tried to "show-off" and jump off the swings 'Indiana Jones style' but ended up falling flat on his face that left him with a scar :)
Now, whenever they talk to each other about that park, it is simply described by a point to the nose and a little giggle followed by a "you know" (wink wink).
Im always amazed at the stories I hear about crazy things guys do to impress girls :)


Melissa and Ryan are both musical prodigies... I remember asking Melissa a few years back if she would sing at my wedding because her voice is simply mesmerizing... her response was..."If you'll shoot mine" ;) That was long before she was even dating Ryan! :) Funny how things happen sometime 'eh?

Check out some of the songs Melissa recorded through the Bible College
Thank You
Undone

here's Melissa in the studio. The other girl is Gina ( one of my past brides).... I just LOVE musicians!!! ;)





Here are a few of my favorites from today's shoot