Category Archives: Uncategorized

christina marries zack

Another sweet wedding filled with love and beautiful emotions when Christina and Zack said their vows. See complete credits at the end of the post.IMG_0107There’s no secret that most photographers, me included, LOVE taking detail shots. Those special items that make your wedding unique to YOU. Rings, vows, your gown, bouquets, and any family mementos that you might have with you on your big day. We never know what props we’ll pull in from the hotel room. In this case, the Surf & Sand here in Laguna Beach, had some terrific beach themed decor that, combined with Christina’s sparkly belt, were the perfect accompaniment for this image.

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Okay, what I know about the couple…
They met when she was 14.
He’s a smarty pants and graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCI with a Masters in    Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.
They live in Houston.
She’s a chef.
He works for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company.
The have a rescue dog named Ginger that they adore; she’s fabulous.
He skateboards and plays guitar.

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The suite at the hotel was gorgeous, and had plenty of room for the bride and the ‘maids and mom to get ready. And Ginger too 🙂

IMG_0300This is the look you want the groom to have when he sees his bride for the first time. And the Surf & Sand has a beautiful spot to stage a First Look.IMG_8395

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IMG_8509Flower girl love. Always makes for a sweet photo.
And this was the single most important shot of the day for Christina. Her and Zack with her grandmother.IMG_0478.jpgA gorgeous day at Occasions at Laguna Village!IMG_8658

IMG_8626Look who was a bridesdog… or is it dogmaid. My friend Ginger.IMG_0846 2

IMG_0913IMG_8749It’s a sealed deal, so on to the beach!IMG_8863Above and below are two of my favorite images of the day.IMG_8770IMG_8806IMG_0996It was getting quite dark, so we used a little fill flash to grab this image. The sailboat was too good to pass up!

IMG_0397-2Cute favors of ground coffee for the morning after.IMG_8912How pretty is this setting?

Photographer | Click Chicks Photography
Second shooter | Jan Simonelli
Getting ready location | Surf & Sand Hotel
Hair | Hair by Shayna (Houston, TX)
Makeup | Makeup by Ashley Aldridge
Grooms and groomsmen attire | Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding & reception venue | Occasions at Laguna Village
Catering | The Cliff Restaurant
Coordinator | Dayna Lewis, A Very Special Day
Florals | La Tulipe

 

rustic meets romantic(a) at a casa romantica wedding

IMG_1796-4I seriously count my blessings when it comes to the weddings I photograph overlooking the Pacific. It just doesn’t get much better!

The florals, DIY projects and ocean bluff location at the beautiful Casa Romantica set the stage for a night to remember! The bride and groom were so much fun. I hadn’t met them until the day of their wedding as the details had been handled long distance and by Leeanne’s mom who lives locally.

DIY projects included sewing the mismatched floral napkins for each place setting, adorned with herb sprigs from the family’s garden (also used for the boutonnieres); the table runners; and sourcing vintage teacups and other items for the tablescapes. No table was the same…each unique with different pieces that told different stories.

Complete credits at end.

IMG_0019IMG_0035_MG_5507_MG_5502_MG_5499_MG_5497-2I thought Leanne’s Reem Acra gown was one of the prettiest I’ve seen, and she looked stunning in it. Shoes by Miu Miu._MG_5132_MG_5163I think white florals are timeless and elegant. And a simple baby’s breath bouquet for the ‘maids is perfect._MG_5093_MG_5071

_MG_5263Doorway to paradise._MG_5768

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Photographer | Click Chicks Photography
Venue | Casa Romantica, San Clemente, CA
Wedding Planner | ReUp Design & Events
Florals | Enchanted Fine Florals
Wedding Gown | Reem Acra
Brides Shoes | Miu Miu
Bridal Accessories | Kleinfeld Bridal
Groom’s Attire | Balenciaga tux; Prada shirt/tie; Converse shoes
Caterer | Iva Lee’s
Sweets | Sweet & Saucy Shop
DJ | E Mobile Music

mike + sydney rock their engagement sesh in laguna

My goodness! These two were so much fun to spend time with. Sydney had done something I always think is a good idea…she had her make-up trial the day of our shoot. They’re not getting married until Aug., but are going to use one of the pix as their save-the-date. No doubt in my mind that she will make a spectacular bride!

We shot at two of my favorite spots: downtown Laguna Beach, and on the sand at The Montage. I literally could NOT decide which images to pull for a preview. What a great “problem” to have, right? These are almost in reverse order from how we shot them.

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an orange county engagement session

Engagement sessions are the best! It’s such a great way for the couple to get comfortable under the scrutiny of a camera lens, and experience actually working with the photographer they’ve chosen to be with them on their wedding day.

This adorable couple, Caroline and Chad, are getting married in Feb. at Occasions at Laguna Village, a wonderful venue overlooking the blue Pacific. We did their engagement session over two days at two locations: an open space preserve in San Juan Capistrano, and the beach below The Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach.

I always tell clients that “magic” doesn’t typically happen in the first images shot. It takes a bit for them to get “in the groove”, trust me, and relax. And, as you know, I’m directing the poses to look anything but directed. The interaction between the couple is what turns ho hum into WOW. Enjoy!

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Sometimes I see a color image and know there will be more “story value” in black and white. This is one of them.

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I did a different color treatment on this one. I like it a lot.

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Okay, so it may have felt a little awkward, but Caroline and Chad trusted me to create this romantic shot.

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Again, they trusted me, and I’m thrilled with the genuine emotion that resulted.

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Typically, heads leaning in toward each other create more visual connection between the couple.

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Nothing like a real laugh between a couple. Gotta get it…fast.

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Thank you Mr. Google…

Thanks to the search engines, I’m often found by couples having what I’ve coined a “tiny wedding.” You know, like “tiny houses.” This L.A. couple met just 3 MONTHS ago at a fire ceremony gathering in Topanga Canyon. Sparks more than flew. They skyrocketed.

Tatiana came to this country just 1-1//2 years ago from Brazil. And Leif is an actor, producer. Tati’s cousin lives in OC and has a beautiful greenbelt in back of her home which is where the ceremony was held.

Small weddings are very special. The guests are very few that mean a lot to the couple. And Tatiana’s 92-year-old grandmother flew in from Brazil. Wait’ll you see her!

Here’s Leif waiting to see his bride come down the path.

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When lens flares happen at times like this, I can’t help feeling it looks like God is shining down on the moment.

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After their first look, walking across the lawn to the ceremony site.

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The officiant is a friend of Leif’s, in “the business” also, and perfect in every way.IMG_7142-2Listening to Tati saying her vows.

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Their personal vows were magical. And filled with emotion.IMG_7190-2IMG_7192-2IMG_7218-2IMG_7226-2

I think they’re happy 🙂IMG_7240-2IMG_7441-2IMG_7458-2IMG_7494-2

A fun take on the sometimes boring group photo. That little lady in the stripes next to the groom is the 92 year-old grandmother. I want what she’s having.

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Small wedding. Big love.

 

Danny and Sarah live in Colorado and Sarah dreamed of having a wedding on the beach. What better than Laguna Beach? And Divers Cove in particular. This was last Friday, 6/3. BTW, Danny’s the lead singer in a hot band called 888, who were just at Bottlerock. (Wish I’d been there, too!)

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The tide was definitely iffy, but it cooperated long enough.  High tide was at the exact time the ceremony was to take place and we made it! Good thing there were only about 30 guests.

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Sarah is a beautiful bride. What a smile.

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There aren’t any traditional wedding venues within walking distance of Heisler Park, so I don’t typically get a chance to take this type of photo. Palm trees, grass, AND ocean.

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And I also love the stone benches/sculptures at Heisler. They left the next day for their ‘moon at Zihuatanejo. Hope they come back to visit So. CA. That’s the trouble with photographing destination weddings to Laguna. I often don’t get to see my couples again. Boo hoo.

A Bluebird Day For an Oak Creek Wedding

Penny and Justin’s love story started when they were both students at Chapman University. We did a fun engagement session there what seems like eons ago, and I was looking forward to their wedding. As it turned out, it was on a beautiful April day. The venue they chose, Oak Creek Golf Club, is so pretty, and — being a golf course — always green. The ceremony pergola has a beautiful backdrop with lots of pepper trees. And, there are also palm trees in abundance, so there are many options at the property.

IMG_1192Okay, so the hashtag for the wedding was #justinsluckypenny. Of course, we had to do this shot.

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The “I’m a bride” moment.

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I absolutely LOVE this bouquet, with gardenias and my personal fave flower — the peony. And the touch of blue is beautiful.

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Dad’s will be Dads. Helping with the tie.

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An interesting angle can turn an otherwise ho hum shot into something terrific.

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This is what you DON’T get with a first look. Love this moment.

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Here she comes!

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Going in for the first kiss.

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Time for a little joyriding in the golf cart to some scenic spots.

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First dance as Mr. and Mrs. The look of love.

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Popping out for the last bit of light.

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Photography: Click Chicks Photography
Venue: Oak Greek Golf Club, Irvine, CA
Property Wedding Coordinator: Sarah Gamble
Outside Coordinator: Cindy Brown, Events by Melody Walker
Florals: Beautiful Savage Flowers
Bridal Gown:  Demetrios
Brides Hair:  Shadows Hair Salon (Tina)
Brides Makeup:  Ashley Gannon
Grooms Attire: Vera Wang from Men’sWarehouse
Bridesmaid/Groomsmaid dresses:  J Crew
Cake:  Creative Cakes
Officiant:  Dr. Brian Trott

Another “Tiny Wedding”

I closed out 2016 with another “Tiny Wedding.” This one was the adorable Sami marrying her soldier just days before he was deployed overseas. Although the skies in Laguna Beach were dreary that day, the smiles couldn’t have been sunnier. What a sweet couple.

The location was the gazebo in Heisler Park (Laguna Beach), which never looked prettier! And I love Sami’s vintage mink stole. It crossed my mind several times that she has an Adele vibe going on, don’t you think?

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Sami’s pretty maids…

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Love these lighthearted moments in an otherwise serious ceremony.

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The look of love.

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Sealed with a kiss.

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Love the colors here. And Sami looks so pretty.

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They love Heisler Park and beach, so I had to get a shot with the sign.

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Tiny Weddings

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I think I might’ve coined a new phrase: Tiny Weddings. You’ve no doubt heard of “tiny houses?” As little as 300 square feet (!), they’ve become quite the rage as people downsize their lives. All I can say is, the smaller my house is, the bigger my storage unit! So, that term can translate to weddings as well. I had the pleasure of photographing two #tinyweddings at the end of 2016. While small in size they were still B-I-G in love and emotion and I was honored to play a role.

First up: Sakeenah and Regis … now Mr. and Mrs. Ndabadugitse. They’re been together nearly a decade and decided it was time to tie the knot. Regis is from one of the smallest countries in Africa — Burundi. Due to its general instability, he and his family came to the US. Their civil ceremony was at Laguna Hills City Hall and attended only by close family members, followed by photos there.

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Stunning family on both sides.

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Love this spot inside City Hall.

Then to the beach in Laguna, where Sakeenah’s dad talked about the African American tradition of Jumping the Broom, a custom practiced in antebellum slavery when a couple couldn’t wed legally. It’s come to mean sweeping away the old and welcoming new beginnings, joining two families, and a respectful nod to ancestors. img_2260img_2265img_2288Some final shots on the beach and La Casa del Camino, before a rooftop lunch for the family at Mozambique.

What a stunning couple!img_2279img_2300img_2331img_2340img_2362img_2381img_2411

A San Miguel de Allende engagement

I know I’ve been extremely remiss in doing blog posts. I’ll try to catch up… promise! But this engagement shoot in San Miguel de Allende a week ago touched my heart in so many ways. San Miguel is a gorgeous Spanish colonial town in the middle of the central highlands of the country. Add a Gothic church or two, cobblestone streets, incredible restaurants, and you’ve got a dreamy getaway.

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I traveled to San Miguel de Allende over the holidays and wasn’t completely prepared for the amazing colors, culture, and more. A feast for the photographer’s eyes, to be sure. And to have the opportunity to shoot a beautiful couple like this was almost too much! The proposal  was outside a jewelry store. How appropriate, right?

Can hardly wait to return to this beautiful spot on our globe.

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