Off to Kauai for Shane and Yvonne's Wedding

Hi loyal readers and passers-by. Matt and I are off to Kauai bright and early tomorrow morning for the wedding of our dear friends Shane and Yvonne. We're really looking forward to the wedding and, yes, I might have a few pics to share when I get back. ;) I decided to leave the laptop at home... I don't think our condo has internet access (can you believe it?).

On that note, I will be out of the office beginning tomorrow (Sunday, 9/30) and returning Monday, 10/8. That means I'll return voice mails and emails shortly after my return.

To my clients who are eagerly awaiting online galleries other fun photo stuff (aka blog previews)... thanks for your patience... I'll be back in a jiffy and your fun stuff will be there shortly after that. ;)

Aloha!

PS- Shout out to Jenny and Dan... you're going to LOVE your e-session images. I'll blog them as soon as I get back. WOWSER!!! Too many to choose from!!! BTW- Thanks for the Sprinkles cupcakes... you really do know the way to my heart. ;)

[AG]WPJA Contest: Multiple Winning Images!

Woohoo!!! I recently found out that four images of mine placed in various categories of the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association's ([AG]WPJA) most recent contest. I ended up with two images that placed in the top 10 and one in the top 20 for the "reception" category. And, I had an additional image that placed in the top 20 for the portrait category.

A huge thank you to all of my wonderful couples and a big congratulations to all the winners of the contest. Your work is incredible and inspiring!

These types of things are always fun for me... Here are a few words about the [AG]WPJA and what it's all about followed by the winning images.

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The Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association [AG]WPJA is comprised of outstanding wedding photographers (WPJA members), who are at the forefront of the wedding photography industry when it comes to enhancing images. The chief objective of the [AG]WPJA is to provide members with a platform where the finest enhanced, manipulated and/or artistic wedding photojournalism in the world is spotlighted and promoted for the bride and groom.

The [AG]WPJA establishes and upholds high standards that are taken into consideration during the judging process for our wedding photography contests. Using all artistic tools at their disposal, members skillfully enliven their work in post production processing.
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Now on to the images...

The first and highest placing image (4th in the Reception category) comes from Melissa and Nathan's wedding. This image was taken during the toasts and features Melissa's mom, Eveline along with close relatives and friends of the family. Eveline, such a beautiful mother, was very moved by the day... it was a lovely moment.

Here's what the judge had to say about the image... "Superb toning, complimented by a textured overlay, accent this quiet moment." This next image (which placed 8th in the Reception category) was also taken during the toasts at Melissa and Nathan's wedding. I just loved this little guy's eyes and expression.

A few words from the judge, "This image has an early Magnum Photos feel. Quiet, balanced and timeless..."
The following image (placed 17th in the reception category) closed out one of the most fun weddings I've ever attended or been a part of, Nicole and Tommy's big day. This one was taken as Nicole and Tommy drove away at the very end of their reception. So fun.

A few words from the judge, "Staying on your toes during the parting shots is always a good idea, you just never know what people are going to do as they exit. I like the little accent of the one way sign in the background."
And, for the final winning image (17th in the Portraits category)... a portrait taken during Andi and Steve's wedding. This fantastic couple was open to anything... I love that!!! When I saw this old boarded up house and brought them up on the porch... they were totally up for it (even while some guests were wondering what in the heck that crazy photographer was doing).

A few word from the judge, "The image has a vintage, bleached Polaroid land camera feel that only accentuates the background and attitudes of this couple."

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure: Walking for Wendy

This is "my" bride Wendy. She is a survivor... of breast cancer. I don't know that I've ever been more inspired than I have been by Wendy. From the moment when she fervently apologized to me for not getting back to me right away about booking me as her wedding photographer (because she had found out she had cancer)... I knew that Wendy was selfless and always thinking about everybody else... and that I HAD to be a part of her wedding.

I met Wendy for her engagement session (with her fantastic husband... then fiance... Daniel) when she still had her hair. She had just started chemotherapy the week before and she really wanted to have pictures taken before her beautiful hair was gone (temporarily). So, we shot their e-session down at the beach... Wendy and Daniel's love totally blew me away.



The next time I saw Wendy was on their wedding day. Once again, you couldn't wipe the smile from this girl's face. Now bald, but still full of energy and inspiration, Wendy made light of everything. She even posed with the mannequin head that held her wig, which she fondly referred to only as "head". Their wedding was beautiful and made me and everybody else there cry.





Recently, I was fortunate to get a call from Wendy inviting me to support her and other breast cancer survivors in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. When she said their team name I couldn't help but laugh... "Wendy's Walkers for Knockers." How great is that? She said that she thought of me as a friend and would be so happy if I could be there. How could I say no? She said that the only restriction was that I couldn't work on that day... no big camera!

So, this past Sunday, I joined Wendy and thousands of survivors and supporters as they walked and danced and grooved around the streets of Fashion Island... all to raise much needed donations for this very worthy cause. Per Wendy's request... no big camera... but I still brought my little point-n-shoot. ;) I couldn't resist.

Wendy and her Walkers for Knockers raised almost $5,000. Incredible!

Wendy- thanks so much for welcoming me into your supportive group of family and friends. You are truly an inspiration... love you... Natalie

PS- Natalie (Wendy's friend)- my phone ate it right after the race so I don't have your email address that you text'd (is that a word?) me... email me and I'll get you the pics! ;)





The survivors ceremony is below. It was very moving. All the survivors raised their roses as "Wind Beneath My Wings" was sung beautifully.
I climbed through a bunch of ivy and up a hill to get to Wendy to take a picture of her during the survivors ceremony.


Wendy's Walkers for Knockers... (I'm in the bottom left hand corner).



I had to get a picture of this bra... how fantastic!

And, finally... Wendy and the team crossed the finished line! ;)

WPJA Contest: Image in the Top 10!

Hi all! ;)

I'm excited to say that one of my images placed in the "top 10" in the "Getting Ready" category of the most recent Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) contest. A big thanks to my beautiful bride Nicole who is being primped by three wonderful Greek ladies (all close relatives if you couldn't tell) before heading out to the ceremony to marry her amazing fiance (now husband), Tommy. Click here to view Nicole and Tommy's incredible wedding at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church and their spectacular reception at Laguna's own Seven-Degrees.

Here's a little paragraph about the WPJA, which I'm proud to be a part of...

Leading the way in Wedding Photojournalism, WPJA represents the most discriminating talent around the world technically, creatively and visually. Qualified members hold industry-leading standards, skills and business integrity.

Alyssa and Steve: Married at the Newport Beach Marriott

A few weeks ago Alyssa and Steve were married at the beautiful Newport Beach Marriott. What beautiful location and a gorgeous couple. We started out with Alyssa getting ready with the ladies and then moved on to that first moment when Alyssa and Steve got to see each other for the first time. It was really sweet and I could immediately feel their nerves calm down once they held each other (and Steve saw how amazing Alyssa looked!). Their nerves turned into happy anticipation for what was to come... and we were off for our bride and groom pre-ceremony portraits.

Normally, I like to go outside for most of these... but the hotel provided so many cool spots and awesome lighting conditions that we stayed in for the most part. Once we were done, the happy couple separated again to prepare for the ceremony... have a few more drinks... and a couple more laughs.

The rest of the day went off without a hitch. Alyssa, Steve, and their families and friends were so welcoming and kind. Thanks for making me feel so comfortable and allowing me to capture your day. I hope you enjoy your pictures (and your first month as husband and wife!)... I can't wait to hear what you think of the ones below and in the slideshow. All my best- Natalie ;)

Right after they first saw each other...

Wow...

Loved the lighting in this hallway... doesn't Steve look handsome?

More cool hallway light and a little bit of texture...

The details were beautiful.

... as they listened to the toasts...

Alyssa's dad was so proud and happy...

... as was Steve's mom...

Finally, the rings... loved this rock!

Wall Art: Gallery Wraps... Check It Out!

More and more of my clients are finding out that "big" and personal artwork is just what they need to make their house a home. One of these client couples, Alyssa and Steve, (whose beautiful wedding I'll be blogging tomorrow) recently ordered a 24x36" Gallery Wrapped Canvas of one of their favorite engagement images to display on a wall in their new home. I received it today and thought I'd take a few pics to share with you, my loyal blog stalkers, before I deliver it to the lucky couple. ;)

As you can see, even though 24x36" sounds big it's really not that big at all... it's just perfect... I think. ;)The one below gives you a better relative idea of the size. (Taken in our living room.)
As you can see below, the image is printed directly on canvas, treated for long lasting quality, and wrapped around a 1 1/2" custom wooden frame. It comes ready for hanging... no framing... just pick your location and nail the nail in the wall and you're ready to enjoy your very personal fine artwork!
These are great for all types of images, in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and they can be displayed as grouped collages, too. Thinking about scheduling a family shoot? You will definitely want to think about adding some wall art to your collection. Need help deciding on the size, placement, etc.? Just ask... we're here to help!

Danielle and Rodney: Wedding at Arroyo Trabuco

Talk about a great couple and a group of people... family and friends combined. I had the pleasure to being a part of Danielle and Rodney's wedding at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club recently and it was such a fun and beautiful day. This was the first time I met these two (they live up north and we did everything by phone) so I was so excited to finally meet them. As I could tell when we talked over the phone, these two are really fun, sweet people and are so in love and excited to marry one another.

Their day was beautiful and Allyson from Arroyo Trabuco took care to make sure that the day went off without a hitch (and she did it all with a smile). The Flower Girl provided the flowers and the music was provided by Pete from Generations Entertainment. Everyone did a great job to help make Danielle and Rodney's day wonderful and very memorable.

To Danielle and Rodney- Thank you so much for inviting me into your wedding day. I had a blast with everyone and I hope that you share many more amazing memories together as husband and wife (and as mom and dad ;)). Please enjoy some of my favorite images below and check out the slideshow to help you relive your day. Talk soon! Best- Natalie

To begin, a shoe shot... ;)


These girls were having so much fun together.


Mother and son...






Danielle blowing a kiss to her dad as he gave her away...


The ceremony was very emotional.

What a beautiful venue...

I love this shot.



Check out the upper right pic below... all of the placecards were set up between wine corks... except one. That one was on a cork wrapped in a Budweiser wrapper... LOVE IT! :)





Never have I seen this at a reception... invisible double dutch... that's right an invisible jump rope (well, two invisible jump ropes)... HOW FUN!!! Seriously, we need to see more double dutch at receptions! Love the one below...
And, Rodney even got in on the action!
Finally... I leave you with a ring shot... very fun.

Darcy + Todd: Wedding at Verandas in Manhattan Beach

The lovely Darcy and Todd were recently married at Verandas in Manhattan Beach. We started off the day with Darcy getting ready at their home in Venice Beach. It's located right on the water... beautiful. They seriously could have had their wedding there. ;) But, I digress, Darcy, the girls, and her niece and nephew were on hand for some pre-wedding primping. Everyone seemed very excited and ready to get this thing started! ;) So, we were then off to the beautiful Verandas in Manhattan Beach.

What a beautiful venue (I'm excited I get to shoot there again in November)! Sara and her team from Verandas were fantastic and very attentive to every last detail. The flowers were incredible and were designed and arranged by Tom Simmons from the fantastic three bunch palms productions. Make sure you look at Darcy's cake, too... if you look carefully you'll see that the ruffles on the cake match the ruffles on her dress. I loved it!

Thanks for the great day guys. It was a beautiful wedding and I felt so fortunate to be a part of it. I can't wait to attend your future parties (sans camera... to protect the innocent! :). Congratulations!

Here's a little slide show for you to enjoy. As per usual, it goes a little quick at the end (there were just too many fun shots). So, if you want to browse more slowly... click on the little squares to the bottom right of the show when it's over.

I loved the place cards! Darcy and Todd love the craftsmen style and that was evident in these beautiful place cards.

Darcy and Todd cruising the streets after the ceremony for our fun portrait session.

Have I mentioned that I love Mexican food? Well, Poncho's seemed like the perfect backdrop...

Some of the amazing details compliments of three bunch palms productions.

Matt Sloan who was shooting with me helped me in these dance shots with some off camera lighting... I loved the effect.

Look at the love these two have... it feels so good to get to finally really enjoy the day...

And, finally... a ring shot.