During one of the rainier days, we headed to the aquarium and I think my niece and nephew really enjoyed seeing all the fish (and sharks!). After lunch, the kiddos went back to the Ocean Club to nap and my mom, dad, sister, and I went and toured more of the island. At one point, we actually went to a quilting shop for my crazy family and while there I saw this hilarious pattern for a traditional Hawaiian wedding gown.

So, if you are searching for a wedding gown, look no further! ; )

I look forward to sharing more Maui pics this week!

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Second shooting is a lot of fun for me…not only do I get to get different shots and some unique angles (sometimes they work…sometimes, not so much), but I usually get to spend the morning with the guys.

That morning, I walked into a house that was all about football, razzing, and beer. The guys were hilarious and I knew this would be a great day. Greg LITERALLY could not stop smiling, which was truly charming. I hope someday my future groom is the same way!

Greg’s big brother helping him out with the cuff links. What a cool moment between the dudes!

Greg’s dad took a moment to help his son out/threaten him a little. ; )

GQ, anyone?!?!

I always have to get a Reservoir Dogs shot. : )

Before the first look, the gorgeous bride was calm and serene!

LOVED their first look!!! They laughed, cried, hugged, and smooched. It was so special!

Melissa Brandman is a killer photographer (and great friend!) whose clients just love her!

As it was time to prepare for the ceremony, the guys and girls split up for some relaxation and prayer. It was really cool to be a fly on the wall and Eric Heard (on staff at Mariners) prepared everyone’s hearts for the ceremony.

Angela was so prepared and on top of all of the details for her special day. Her dear friend Joy handed out programs and tissues to their loved ones!

Not a Miss for much longer!

MARRIED!!!

Not having attended a wedding at my church previously, I had no idea that the bride and groom immediately go around to the front of the chapel and ring the bell themselves. I LOVED this!!!

At the reception, I knew a handful of people already. This is my friend Mark. He dared me to take a picture of him like this. I did…and now I’m posting it. I’m sure he’ll LOVE it. : )

The sweet flower girl and her mom dancing outside of the reception!

These two have MOVES!

The brides sister was her Matron of Honor. I loved catching her sign the marriage certificate!

Melissa showed a lot of fun shots from the reception and I have to include my favorite. This crowd knows how to have a good time and I had a hard time not joining them on the dance floor!!!

Angela and Greg, may God bless you with a lifetime of love and happiness! Your day was really special and I enjoyed being a part of your team. XOXO!

And thanks to Melissa for having me along once again!

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When I woke up the morning of the wedding, I was slightly concerned by the weather, however, the overcast skies made for beautiful portraits!

We had a first look at Quiet Cannon Country Club and it was a touching moment between just two people. As a traditionalist, I never wanted to consider how special a first look could be, but once I became a photographer, I became a believer. Angela and Jerson had the perfect quiet time before the craze of the day!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this shot!

Work it, Angela!!!

What a beautiful bride!!!

A self-proclaimed Daddy’s Girl, Angela had a couple of emotional moments with her father…as he walked her down the aisle and during the reception. It was really moving!

The bride’s little brother gave a reading during the ceremony. He was a rockstar!

Angela and Jerson, thanks for allowing me to be a part of your day! You two are beautiful and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!!! I’d also like to thank Myra with Project Party…you made my day so smooth and easy. It was a real pleasure to work with you!

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Please be sure to check out Melissa’s awesome images HERE. I just love her dress shot where you can see the bride and her mom looking on in the mirror! And don’t forget to keep reading on to see more of the amazing PARTYBOOTH pics (I’ve only included a couple)!

As Melissa was with the bride and her ladies preceeding the ceremony, I spent time with the guys. They were hilarious and loads of fun. Any time I do funky photos with guys, they ALWAYS ask if it’s the Reservoir Dogs shot. This group was no different. So yes…this IS the Reservoir Dogs shot!

And THIS is Rey’s GQ shot!The wedding took place between two Mass services. The Priest was a riot and I enjoyed his “let’s do this” manner.
He was ready to get the party started!The three flower girls were SO EXCITED for this wedding. They were squealing and fidgety until it was their turn,
at which point they just glided down the aisle!I just LOVE this shot of Gladys. We hadn’t even been introduced to me, yet, but she glanced up with such a gorgeous and radiating smile
before it was her turn to see her groom. Think she was excited to become a Mrs???As the second shooter, my responsibility was getting wide shots of the church and some cool details.
I really enjoyed this wedding as there were a number of beautiful touches!

MARRIED!I LOVE cathedral length veils, and Gladys rocked hers out. Shortly after exiting the church, a big gust of wind nearly pulled it off.
This shot just makes me happy.If you know anything about me, you know I love wine and wineries. Falkner is gorgeously situated and it was a perfect day for a wedding in Temecula!These mariachis were working the camera all evening. I could not have loved them more!A cool detail shot of the wine glasses.Another detail shot of the gorgeous cake!These two had electric smiles all night long. When they they were announced in, they danced their way to the table.Rey’s brother gave the FUNNIEST toast and really got him good. I’m not sure if Gladys had heard the stories before…and
what she would have done if she were to have heard them before saying “I do!”They had a great first dance; a little swaying and then some groovin’.

I’m a daddy’s girl, so when I witness sweet father/daughter dances, I always get a little teary-eyed. This wedding was no different than usual.
What a tender moment!

The bouquet and garter toss were epic. There were some great volleyball worthy jumps and a lot of laughter from all involved!

I had a ton of fun shooting the PARTYBOOTH at Gladys and Rey’s wedding. At the end of the night, Melissa and I both decided that WE needed our pictures in it, too. As you can see, we’re both really shy and uncomfortable in front of the camera. Ha!
To see more of the hilarious images, visit Melissa’s site HERE.

A huge thank you to Melissa Brandman for asking me along for the day. I had a great time working with you and can’t wait to do it again! XOXO!

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It’s a day that I won’t soon forget, either. I had the WONDERFUL Ally Michelle there as my second shooter and we had a blast together that day.

As I’ve already blogged a few images, I am only showing you two…and these may be my favorites from the day. These two dancers salsa’d all night long, but before we got to the reception, I got a quick look of the shoes that would soon be spinning around the dance floor!
And the shot of Diana below is just so classic. She’s elegant and timeless, just like any good bride should be! Diana, you’re glamorous, but your heart is even more beautiful! Congratulations on a gorgeous day and a marriage based on God’s love!

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The beauty of second shooting a wedding (being the back up photographer), is that you can focus on details and unique shots. Ally was wonderful to work for, never made me feel like I was in her way, and gave me some great opportunities. She’s shooting Diana and Raphael’s wedding with me in August, so I’m excited to get to work with her once again!!!

The beautiful dress. I just love the look on mom’s face as she’s helping her daughter get ready…it’s a mixture of pride and emotion! Gotta love the giggles…they sooth the nerves and are good for the soul.

Look at the excitement and anticipation here!!! She can’t wait to see her groom!

Jeni only has eyes for Matt, but dad only has eyes for her. So sweet!

Mr. & Mrs.

After dinner, but before the cake was cut, an impromptu gave of Frisbee broke out. I love these people.

It’s really too bad that their friends were so shy.

This cake must have been good. There were serious lines to get it and people stalked the servers until their got their piece!

Grandma wasn’t playing…she found hers right away!

But these guys didn’t…so they went on a mission. : )

The daddy/daughter dance was so special…it always makes me choke up!

But then things got rowdy! Mom jumped onto the dance floor right away!

Congrats to Jeni and Matt!!! May you have a long and happy life together…and may you and your friends always have fun on the dance floor!

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We spoke about letting me shoot with them sometime, and on Halloween, they had a wedding and allowed me to join them!  We shot like maniacs and then finally had a break during dinner to sit down and talk shop.  Sarah and Derek, thank you so much for your generous spirit and for all the advice you have given me.  I SO appreciate you!

And a special shoutout to the newlyweds, Tiffani and Jeff.  You two had a lovely day and I thought your ceremony was so touching and beautiful.  May you always be blessed as you walk down the road of marriage!

The Villa de Amore had a gorgeous bridal suite and when we arrived, the dress was already hanging and ready to be photographed!  The bride’s niece was a total doll and I love this shot I got of her peaking out before the ceremony started!A few gorgeous detail shots.A special moment of prayer before the ceremony began.I grabbed the bouquet during some photos and got a few fun shots. It’s Temecula, so of course there would be a french oak wine barrel!I love this sneaky shot I got of one of the groomsmen and the look on Tiffani’s face and her father walked her down the aisle!And the ceremony begins!THE moment!After the bridal party was announced and they all danced in (left), we stole the bride and groom away for some gorgeous sunset photos.HAWT HAWT HAWT! What a good looking couple!

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Being that this was my first real wedding to assist on, I knew I had an opportunity to stretch my wings and try some creative shots and then work on honing my detail work when I wasn’t the photographer in the lead.  I’m SO THANKFUL to Ashley and Jeff for the opportunity and I’m pretty proud of my work.  But more importantly, I’m so happy for Liz and Brock and for the commitment that they made to one another.  May they live happily ever after!

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Walking through Yorba Regional Park in full wedding regalia was hilarious and this fabulous couple exchanged a few sheepish grins as people congratulated them, but it was the perfect opportunity to take some photos of the gorgeous bride in her gown and the happy groom looking studly.

Sara and Hector, I love your newlywed glow and how joyful you are just to be together.  I know God will bless you with a lifetime of love and I’m so proud to have been asked to document your celebration of marriage through my camera.  XOXO!

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