Before I share Sari & Sean’s wedding at The Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood, California (next to the Mann’s Chinese Theatre (which BTW has the most amazing sound system in the world) and you’re thinking to yourself… Hey – I’d really like to get to know this Orange County Wedding Photographer in Huntington Beach, California that shoots in his old stomping grounds in Hollywood. Feel free to Contact Me on the Website or send me an email direct at david@esquirephotography.com. You can also stay in touch with me in “real time” on Twitter, Facebook and my Facebook Fan Page too. If you’re reading this right now, you’ll probably catch me online.
So as I’m charging away at Esquire Photography HQ in Huntington Beach with album order deadlines, post production and print orders, I really wanted to share Sari & Sean’s wedding before I wrap up the day & prepare for Melissa & Mikael’s wedding tomorrow and a couple of family portraits on Sunday.
Sari, Sean and I first met on the Queen Mary in Long Beach at the Bridal Showplace Wedding Expo where I was an exhibitor and a featured guest speaker on “How to make the most out of your wedding day.” The three of us totally hit it off & even had the opportunity to spend the day together location scouting in Hollywood after a delicious meal and some Newcastles at the Pig & Whistle on Hollywood Boulevard.
Fast forward to last weekend & all I can is wholly frijoles Batman! Sari & Sean’s wedding day started off at two locations in Hollywood. I met up with Sari & her ladies in waiting at the Magic Castle in Hollywood (where Sari’s family are members – very cool!) & my wingman; Jeff Almquist met up with Sean & his men in black at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood.
I was able to capture some dreamy candid portraits of Sari in her beautiful gown from Chantilly Bridal in Santa Clarita, which Jeff shot all these cool & opulent portraits of Sean and his men with the Los Angeles skyline piercing through the wall-to-wall windows in their suite. Sari was even wearing this beautiful diamond necklace and bracelet ensemble of her grandmother’s – which only enhanced Sari’s radiance as she posed for me with some heavenly backlight in her room.
Sari & Sean did their homework too! And by that, I mean – they planned out their timeline with the precision of a laser. They not only were on time getting ready, but so were their family members and bridal party. Which made for a terrific portrait session and first look that we did prior to their ceremony. We were actually ahead of schedule a bit and snuck out for a few portraits in the circus of the Kodak Theatre. But that was very short lived as we were booted back inside by security. Apparently one can’t do “professional” portraits with the Hollywood sign in the background or around the circus. Next time, I’m rolling with my micro 4/3rd’s GF-1. Muah Hah Hah!
They had a perfect ceremony under the beautifully decorated Chuppah by my good friend; Neema from Petals By Xavi. And, the entire room erupted after the breaking of the glass cheering, clapping and some hearty Mazel Tovs. What was also cool, was that after the ceremony – all the family and formal portraits were done, so Sari, Sean and I headed out onto Hollywood Boulevard while Jeff hung out with the guests to capture some candid portraits, the delicious cake by NancyKay’s Confections (Yes, I did break down & have a piece & all I can say is OMG!) and the details of the room at Twist in the Renaissance Hotel.
Because we had all the portraits done with their family & bridal party, Sari, Sean and I had a generous amount of time for me to capture some of my Signature Romantic, Artistic and Sexy portraits on Hollywood Boulevard. And they totally rocked it too! We didn’t go 10 feet along the strip or two pictures without a car honking or people sharing their love and congrats with Sari & Sean.
When we completed the portraits outside, we headed back into the Renaissance to get the party started. Right away, Sari & Sean had their first dance followed up with a Mitzvah Dance – with Sari & Sean having the best expressions on their faces and then a Horah Dance that DJ Michael from Press Productions got practically everyone on the dance floor for. Can I just add, that their family knows how to give the biggest group hug too. I felt like I was back at the Warped Tour in the mosh pit. Awesome!
I could keep going on about their wedding day, but I just noticed the time & I should finish getting things ready for Melissa & Mikael’s wedding tomorrow at Trump, so I’ll wrap it up here. But before I sign off, and you’re considering having your wedding at the the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood – be sure to ask for Ms. Stephanie Vanostrander, the Seniour Event Manager (Direct: 323.491.1023). From the minute that Sari & Sean met with her to the last song of the reception – Stephanie, her impeccable staff and with the help of all the top shelf vendors masterfully oversaw and coordinated a perfect wedding day.
So without further ado, here is a slide show that put together of Sari & Sean’s wedding and is also available on Pictage. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did capturing it & have a fantastic weekend – cheers!