Filed in: Weddings

Good afternoon from Huntington Beach everyone!  I’m definitely one Huntington Beach wedding photographer that is so excited to keep on sharing more delicious wedding photography that I’ve been shooting this year.

The bride & groom that I’m sharing with you today took making their wedding “theirs” to the “Ho… nuthah… level.”  And, I’m sooooo not exaggerating about that too.

Christina & Scott’s wedding was held on Halloween this year and to make it even more amazing – they had it on the Queen Mary in Long Beach.  Not only was their wedding going on that day, but the Halloween Haunt was going on too.  So there were all sorts of people, creatures and devilishly cool people wandering around that day.

When I first arrived at the Queen Mary, I met up with Christina at the Salon where she was having her finishing touches taken care of with her hair & makeup from Lana Fender.  Which was perfect, because I as able to capture some of the intimate details she had for her wedding day.  From her mother’s wedding ring, skull earrings and a charm bracelet from Scott – there was a lot I wanted to capture that she could remember throughout the years.  When Christina was ready to meet up with Scott in his white tuxedo from Men’s Warehouse – she looked absolutely stunning in her Maggie Sotero wedding gown and Black Delvira Goth Boots.  Totally Cool!

Christina & Scott totally decked out Royal Salon on the Queen Mary.  They had spider webs and scary creatures everywhere.  A ghoulishly delicious cake from Rossmoor Pastries was totally enjoyed by everyone after Christina & Scott sliced & diced their way into it and DJ Chris rocked the pary all night long.

BUT!  Their party, er.. I mean wedding day didn’t get started until Elvis conducted the wedding ceremony.  “Can I get a Uh Huh – Uh HUH!”  Ok, it wasn’t really Elvis that officiated their wedding.  It was better!  Christina & Scott took my suggestion & hired my good friend & partner-in-crime from the Edgewater Wedding Chapel; Alan Katz (who I referred to Jennifer & Nick for their Wedding the day before out at the Edwards Mansion in Riverside) for their wedding.  Their ceremony was so much fun and Elvis even serenaded a few of Christina & Scott’s family members too during the wedding.

Christina & Scott were also very protective of the time we set aside for their portraits too.  I tell all my brides and grooms from Orange County, to Los Angeles and the East Coast to treat the time for their portraits like gold & diamonds.  Three days after the wedding, the cake has been eaten, the location has been rented to another location and flowers are gone.  But your photographs are going to last forever.

So as we planned out the wedding day, the three of us made sure there was pleanty of time for their wedding portraits and it was literally perfect.  I was able to satisfy family with some classic portraits, we rocked a totally creative portrait with the bridal party and not once, but twice I was able to do my Signature Sexy and Romantic Portraits with Christina & Scott.  Once after their ceremony and the second time was for my Night Romantic portraits on the Queen Mary.

I also want to send an huge shout out to the best dressed in costume crew to tag along with me for Christina & Scott.  Katherine was the best Cowgirl to help me with my gear, Joelle Leder was a terrific Queen Bee/2nd shooter and one the coolest guys I know in the biz – Danny “DMan” Mendoza who not only was “God’s Gift To Women” with his big red bow, but he kicked it on the sidelines capturing video of me for some promotional pieces I am working on.

But before you check out Christina & Scott’s wedding on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California and you’re thinking to yourself…  Hey – I’d really like to get to know this Huntington Beach Wedding Photographer in Orange County that has a blast with his clients & works with some of the best and most amazing people in the industry, then feel free to get in touch with me anytime.

I’m available just about 24/7 via Twitter, Facebook, the form on my contact page, or the old fashioned phone as well at 888.ESQ.PHTO (888.377.7486) or 562.225.5915.

Without further ado, here is Christina & Scott’s wedding in a totally awesome slide show that I put together.  Their wedding is also available on Pictage if you’d like to order beautiful hand touched professional prints, canvas wraps or perhaps some greeting cards.  I also have a beautiful album design prepared to enjoy too.

Have a fantastic Christmas this weekend and check back Monday for the next episode of “How To Make The Most Out Of Your Wedding Day.”  It is a very special episode to me with someone that I’ve known and worked with for years and has a lot information on how to save some time, some money & sanity while planning a wedding – cheers!

PS, I’ve been totally salivating creatively to do a video of one of my weddings in black & white all the way through.  Soo… check out the 2nd version after the original one below.  It’s sick!

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Filed in: West Coast Wednesday

Good morning & happy holidays from Huntington Beach everyone!  If you were privy to the slew of Twitter updates & Facebook updates I was making Monday night, then you’re probably already having a idea of what I’m sharing with you this week for today’s West Coast Wednesday Video Of The Week.

I’ll cut to the chase & just say that the best Grammy award winning band in the world released their new album exclusively on iTunes Monday night after a couple of weeks of the title single; “All You Need Is Now” for their new album being made FREE on iTunes until the album dropped.

If you’re new to my website & not sure, it’s Duran Duran & I’m so excited to share their new video with you.  I’m a HUGE fan of Duran Duran and back in the 90’s had the opportunity to photograph them on & off for a couple of years for various publications that I was working with.

Now normally I would do a Christmas song for you this week, but… I just have to put that on the shelf for Duran Duran.  Yeah!  I first saw it Monday night on my friend; Kitty’s website; “Gimme A Wristband” and just had to share Duran Duran’s new music video with you too.

But before you check out this week’s West Coast Wednesday Video Of The Week and you’re thinking… Hey – I’d really like to get to know this Huntington Beach Wedding Photographer that’s a HUGE Duran Duran fan, loves art & spending time taking photographs with his clients & friends, feel free to contact me anytime.

I’m available just about 24/7 via Twitter, Facebook, the form on my contact page, or the old fashioned phone as well at 888.ESQ.PHTO (888.377.7486) or 562.225.5915.

So without further ado, I give you the brand spankin’ new music video from Duran Duran: “All You Need Is Now” (Also available on iTunes) AND the behind the scenes video of the making of the new Duran Duran music video as well.  So totally get your Durannie fix on over 8 minutes to sit back with your favourite holiday beverage during your day, enjoy the videos, and think of at least one way that you can help make someone else’s Christmas better.

Have a great Christmas this week & stay tuned for some more wedding photography deliciousness this week along with the next episode of “How To Make The Most Out Of Your Wedding Day” next Monday, December 27th.  I have a fantastic guest that will be helping brides & grooms save some time, some money & their sanity – cheers!

PS, Check out this PAGE of current events about how much amazing feedback Duran Duran is getting about their new album.  I can tell you first hand – it’s awesome!

PSS, Above image courtesy of Duran Duran’s website.

PPSS, UPDATE at 8:08 a.m.  Duran Duran OWNS iTunes for the TOP 10 ALBUMS GLOBALLY!  Check out this snap shot before the videos.  Awesome!

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Filed in: Weddings

Good morning from Huntington Beach everyone!  If you haven’t noticed, my shooting and meeting schedule has calmed down a bit for the brief moment & it has given me an opportunity to get behind the monitors to work on all the events that have log jammed in my Mac Pro hard drives.

But, my post production schedule has definitely ramped up exponentially bringing me to 18 to 22 hour days, but I’m so thankful that I’m a bit of an insomniac and it doesn’t really affect me.  Plus!  The brand new Duran Duran album dropped exclusively on iTunes last night – which gave me a burst of energy to keep soldering on.  That, combined with my friend & fellow Durannie; Kitty sharing Duran Duran’s brand new video on Gimme A Wristband, just made for a fantastic start to this week.  Side note – if you are a fan of Duran Duran, you’ll love their new album.  It’s got the haunting sexiness of Arcadia‘s; So Red The Rose, crunchiness of Power Station and the sultry-swove-deliciousness of Duran Duran.

Ok… So back to some gorgeous wedding photography in Esquire Photographyland.  LOL!

I had the honour of kicking off my relationship with Jennifer & Nick back in 2008 and it has been a totally fantastic experience like their Engagement Shoot at Disneyland.  We connected on so many levels from music, to fashion, medieval era and the Renaissance Faire.  Which is terrific as we were able to connect on so many levels with things that are important to us.

Fast forward about 22 months and we’re having a meeting at Dave & Busters at the Ontario Mills Mall over a couple of beverages and some snacks chatting about the final details for their wedding day that is nearly 2 years to the date after their Engagement Shoot.

When their wedding day arrived, I met up with Jennifer at her family’s home where she was having the finishing touches put on by the uber-awesome Sarah & Genna from Hair Comes The Bride.  You might remember Hair Comes The Bride as I recently photographed all the ladies for their Staff Portraits before heading up to spend some time with my client & good friend; Lee at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

One of the most amazing things about Hair Comes The Bride is that they have the best guarantee in the industry.  You’re happy or your money back.  Thing is, I’ve been working with them for so many years & I’ve never seen or heard of that happening.  They do a fantastic job with all my brides!

Once Jennifer was finished with her hair and makeup, she was able to slip into her Couture Bridal Gown from Elegant Attire and Sketchers shoes (yay for comfort!).  Her ladies were in beautiful dresses from David’s Bridal too.  I was totally able to capture some details and fun candids while they were getting ready & then eventually popped over to the Edwards Mansion in Redlands – where Jennifer & Nick were having their wedding and reception to capture some fun portraits of Nick with his sharp dressed men in their tuxedos by Friar Tux and details of the mansion too.

But I had to kick Nick out as Jennifer was going to be arriving so I could do the lady’s portraits before the wedding ceremony – which is a HUGE time saver for a wedding day.

Their ceremony was conducted by my good friend; Alan Katz from the Edgewater Wedding Chapel in downtown Long Beach.  Jennifer & Nick’s wedding had a stately regal theme to it & the best way to describe how much fun it was – was in how Alan kicked off the ceremony not only dressed in proper attire, but leading off the ceremony with one perfect word from the movie; Princess Bride… “Mawwaige!”

Jennifer & Nick’s ceremony had numerous personal touches to it.  From the binding of the hands, to the exchanging of roses & the family sword – they definitely made sure that their wedding was just that — “theirs.”

The wedding reception was also a costume party too and their friends & family and wedding party were encouraged to dress up for the party.  Their wedding cake was made by a good friend of the family.  It was by far – one of the most unique & amazing wedding cakes I’ve seen in years.  Be sure to watch out for it in the slide show.

I really want to share with you that hiring not only the right professionals for your wedding isn’t just “important” per-se, but imperative.  On top of that, if you’re able to have your wedding orchestrated by professionals in the industry that not only hold a high regard for their profession, but for the service they deliver – you will have one of the best experiences of your life.  Because let me tell you – having Alan Katz rockin’ the wedding – making sure the party started right at the beginning along with Genna from Hair Comes The Bride staying well after the ceremony making sure that all the ladies looked fabulous for the portraits after the ceremony was perfect for the photographs.

So before you check out Jennifer & Nick’s Redlands Wedding at the Edwards Mission and you’re thinking to yourself…  Hey – I’d really like to get to know this Huntington Beach Wedding Photographer in Orange County, California that has the best clients & loves capturing the infinite memories that happen throughout the wedding day, then feel free to get in touch with me anytime.

I’m available just about 24/7 via Twitter, Facebook, the form on my contact page, or the old fashioned phone as well at 888.ESQ.PHTO (888.377.7486) or 562.225.5915.

So without further ado, here is Jennifer & Nick’s wedding in a beautiful slide show that I put together.  I hope you’re having a great start to your holidays & their wedding is available on Pictage too if you’d like to order professional hand touched prints, canvas wraps and so much more – cheers!

PS, I hope you’re all the amazing and delicious wedding photography yumminess I’ve been sharing with you.  I have so much more coming and another episode of my online “TV” program; “How To Make The Most Of Your Wedding Day” that is helping brides same some time, some money & their sanity dropping next Monday – cheers!

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Filed in: Weddings

Good morning and happy holidays from Huntington Beach everyone and can I say that this is going to be a fantastic week of photography.  I’ve had such a great year of working with amazing couples and have a super awesome and special story to share with you.  Today’s couple that I’m going to share with you I first met at Pamela & David’s Wedding back in July of 2008.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve had the honour of getting to know this couple really well.  We’ve gone to Disneyland together, hung out with my good friend; DJ Neko and his fiance’ Rachel and had some fun with an iPhone Video during their Engagement Shoot that we photographed at both Disneyland and California Adventure (we met “King David” on that day too!).

Have you been able to figure out this awesome couple yet?  If not, here’s another hint for you.  The Bride is also a guest writer here on the Esquire Photography website.  She has shared first hand insight being a real bride helping other brides with some terrific Wedding Tips.  One of the most informative articles she has shared was why you should “Keep It Professional” for your wedding day.

I’m sure you’ve now figured out who this amazing couple is and it’s the uber-cool and super real; Ashley and David.  Their wedding day for me was like attending a wonderful performance at the theatre.  Not including their Engagement Shoot, I had the honour of spending three days with Ashley & David for their three-part wedding day.

The first day took place on Friday, October 22nd up in Monterey where some of their friends and family were in attendance and I am glad that I was able to attend to get to know their family & friends better along with being an unofficial wedding coordinator – making sure that everyone has a more realistic rehearsal of the actual wedding day.  After the rehearsal, we even had an impromptu sexy and sassy photo shoot down at the beach.  I was able to edit one of the photos on my iPad just before the rehearsal dinner at Paradiso Tratoria overlooking the Monterey Bay and Steinbeck’s Cannery Row.  Totally check it out on my Facebook Profile too!

Their wedding was the next day starting at The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa.  Ashley & her ladies in waiting were putting on the finishing touches in their suite (aka; Bibbity Bobbity Boutique as the sign said that Katherine made!) over some champagne while I was able to capture details of Ashley’s beautiful Alfred Angelo Bridal Gown, her striking Jimmy Choo Pumps along with some jewelry from Jewelers Touch.

I did pop out of the “Boutique” for a bit to meet up with David in his Brooks Brothers tuxedo and his entourage in their tuxedos from Friar Tux for some classic and film noire inspired portraits.  If you’re too familiar with the film noire portrait, it’s very Alfred Hitchcock yet regal in appearance and you’ll totally see it in the slide show.

Their ceremony was at Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  What was so romantic about their wedding day in the rain were all the fun umbrellas.  Plus!  Everyone was in such great spirits, that it didn’t even impact how much fun their family and friends had.

We did attempt to do portraits at the Seven Gables Inn Bed & Breakfast, but by the time we got there – they were having afternoon wine & cheese with the guests that were staying there.  BUT…. while we were learning that we couldn’t do portraits there, I did manage to sneak in a portrait of Ashley sitting down on a lounge chair.  Moi… sneaky with my photos?!?!  Nevah!  Ok.. I am when I need to.  Muah Hah Hah!

When that didn’t quite work out, we headed back to the Hyatt Regency for some fun portraits overlooking the golf course and then some very dramatic bridal party portraits in the fire pit.  Which was a perfect spot to rock my Signature Romantic and Sexy Night Romantic Portraits with Ashley & David too.

Ashley & David’s wedding reception was held at Isabella’s On The Wharf in Fisherman’s Wharf where a delicious dinner was served along with a cupcake tower by Sprinkles Cupcakes.  They had a railroad styled banquet room overlooking the marina along with patio access where we could capture some fun portraits overlooking the night sky & boats.

That was the 2nd chapter of their wedding day that I was able to share with them.  The third chapter of their wedding day was held a couple weeks on November 13th at the El Bekal Temple & Shrine Center in Anaheim which is coming soon.  It was a perfect second reception where Florentine’s Catering provided a delicious dinner and cake for everyone that wasn’t able to attend their wedding up in Monterey.

I once again had the terrific honour of working with uber-videographer; Michael Bauch from Wedding Video Pro that I refer to every one of my couples.  You may remember Michael as I referred him for Anna Marie & Lee’s wedding nearly a year earlier to the date up in Solvang at the Firestone Vineyard and also more recently when he had his film premier of “Riding Bikes With The Dutch” at the Art Theatre in Long Beach.  Working with Michael really helps make my job easier as we’ve both been working together for several years, so every time one of my couples hire him – I just know I’m able to be that much more creative as we work together so well.

So before you check out Ashley & David’s Monterey Wedding at Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove and you’re thinking to yourself…  Hey – I’d really like to get to know this Huntington Beach Wedding Photographer in Orange County loves to capture romantic portraits in the rain and travel to Monterey to photograph weddings, then feel free to get in touch with me anytime.

I’m available just about 24/7 via Twitter, Facebook, the form on my contact page, or the old fashioned phone as well at 888.ESQ.PHTO (888.377.7486) or 562.225.5915.

So without further ado, here is Ashley & David’s wedding in a beautiful slide show that I put together.  You can also check out the artistic edits on Pictage where you’re able to order professional hand touched prints, canvas wraps and many more terrific items.

I hope you’re having a great start to your holiday week & be sure to come back very soon as I have a full week of wedding photography yumminess and another episode of my online “TV” program; “How To Make The Most Of Your Wedding Day” that will help savvy brides same some time, some money & their sanity dropping next Monday – cheers!

PS, if only the audio plays for the iPhone video – just refresh the page & it should stream properly.  I guess it’s a programming glitch in the Quicktime file.

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Filed in: Weddings

Good afternoon from Huntington Beach everyone!  I’m definitely one wedding photographer in Huntington Beach that is soooooooo ready for some sunshine.  It’s been raining non-stop for the past couple of days, but the best part about it is that it’s snowing like crazy up in Big Bear.  Which is awesome because I’ll be heading up the mountain for my annual retreat.

Except this year’s retreat is more like a “workation” instead of a vacation.  My brother Tony is coming here from Minnesota with his wife to spend some time here and I’ll be doing a commercial shoot of his new clothing line; “Warship.” And!  One of my couples that’s getting married next year: Ashley & Chaz are going to do their Engagement Shoot up in Big Bear as well.  That is definitely a great way to wrap up 2010 and kick off 2011!

You know what else is great about this crazy weather we’re having?!?  It keeps me from wanting to go out & shoot, put some movies on and put in more big 18-22 hour days in post production for my couples so they can start enjoying their wedding photography for the holidays.

One of the awesome couples that I’ve had the honour of working with recently is Michelle & Matthew.  Their Anaheim Wedding was held at the White House Event Center and it was an absolutely amazing day.  My great friend & client; Kathy Miller from Activities So Cal is in my opinion, the best of the best with what she does.  She orchestrated the best wedding day and reception in a way that after all the years she’s been doing events – she quite honestly makes it look easy.

With Kathy from Activities So Cal handling the details of Michelle & Matthew’s wedding day and DJ Eddie Boy rockin the reception – it truly makes what I need to do a lot easier.  I have been working with so many of the people that were involved in their wedding day that I truly know what to expect and this helps me make sure that Michelle & Matthew’s wedding photography fun, relaxed and romantic.

So before you check out Michelle & Matthew’s wedding at White House Event Center in Anaheim, California and you’re thinking to yourself…  Hey – I’d really like to get to know this Huntington Beach Wedding Photographer in Orange County that wants to enjoy life to the fullest and is a bit of an insomniac to help him charge through big days of post production, then feel free to get in touch with me anytime.

I’m available just about 24/7 via Twitter, Facebook, the form on my contact page, or the old fashioned phone as well at 888.ESQ.PHTO (888.377.7486) or 562.225.5915.

So without further ado, here is Michelle & Matthew’s wedding in a beautiful slide show that I put together.  Their wedding is also available on Pictage if you’d like to order beautiful hand touched professional prints, canvas wraps or perhaps some greeting cards.  I also have a beautiful album design prepared to enjoy too.

I hope you’re having a great start to your holiday season and check back soon for the next episode of “How To Make The Most Out Of Your Wedding Day” – cheers!

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