“The Hoov” is what we started calling it.” Apparently, the apartment complex where Elissa and Nick used to live is located on the corner of Hoover St. in Los Angeles, hence the nickname. Nick would go on to tell me that parties would happen on a nightly basis since all the neigbors that live in that complex got along. “So basically, it was a fraternity house?” I asked jokingly. They both laughed and nodded in agreement.
There we were, standing on Land’s End – on the edge of the continent. Looking outward you can see the vastness that is the Pacific Ocean. I can literally just sit there and lose myself in wonderment. On how magnificent the world can be. And how insignificant we truly are. But as much as I wanted to stay and bask in the sun while the cool sea air kisses my skin, I still had a shoot to do. So we began treading down the steps.
We were in a bustling airport full of people, and not an ounce of nervousness befell onto their faces. There is this familar feeling of amorousness between Lydia and Tessa as they were standing in front of my camera. I know that feeling. It’s the feeling of being in unison. That feeling of whatever happens, it ll be okay. Because I know I am with you.
Me and my wife have been good friends with Sam and Liz for a good while now. Although we want to see them more often, sometimes the little nuances in our lifestyles, interests and priorities prevents us from doing so. While its pretty common for the wife and I to be content in settling in pretty early on a friday night, Sam and Liz’ weekend is barely starting.
With an amazing amount of fervor, Oksana and Aaron, once again, braved the cold embrace of the ocean and boldly climbed on top of the rock. “Im just waiting for a good wave, guys! Just hold that kiss!”, I yelled. I can tell they were cold.
Danny and Jordan’s house were brimming with activity. Their dinner table that once served as a place to eat has become an arts and crafts workshop of sorts. All the bridesmaids are pitching in and doing their part. Building makeshift cupcake holders made from wood and wineglasses, arranging wedding invitations printed on hand fans, and wrapping twine around glass vases that will serve as the table centerpieces.
“Congratulations guys! But you’re not allowed to shoot here.” Damn. We’ve only stepped foot on Salk Institute for a mere few seconds and here we are, already being hassled by “the man”. “Can we at least shoot for 30 minutes?” I pleaded, while trying my best to look like a sad puppy. But no luck. We were shooed away. But one thing that I noticed is that the security guard was nice and pleasant about it. Well we are in San Diego. People here are not as snooty. So now where to shoot? Because it feels like life just handed us a bunch of lemons. So now do we make lemonade with it or throw it at the security guard? Or both?
It’s every young girl’s dream for her father to walk her down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams. And for him to hold her hand one last time before he gives her away in marriage. But in this case, it was Adrian, her son, who held her hand as she walked down the aisle towards Lee. You see, Anne’s father had passed away a couple of years ago. And during one of our routine client meet ups she had mentioned why it was so important for her to have butterflies as the central theme for their wedding.
“Occasional showers possible. Highs in the mid 60s and low in the low 50’s”. Shit. It’s going to rain. So like any professional photographer would do, I panicked and quickly texted Lydia. “It’s going to rain. Buy umbrellas.” But I shouldn’t say I panicked. More like sprung into action. One thing about this business is it’s important that you are flexible and are able to adapt to any situation at a moments notice. A sunny day can turn into rain. A happy bride can turn into a bridezilla. And all the pre-planning that you do can be for naught. But on that day in Calistoga, CA., Lady Luck decided to cast her smile upon us and gave us just the right amount of clouds and sunshine.
So Lydia and Tessa finally arrived. I could tell they were nervous. Heck, I was nervous. Not because of the fear that I might botch-up their esession, but because Lydia and I went to nursing school together. I guess I always put more pressure on myself when it comes to photographing friends and acquaintances. Especially nurses.
I still remember Jun telling me he was never going to cry during the wedding. I remember it clearly. We were at Panera Bread, having dinner, talking over last minute details before their wedding day. In his mind there was no doubt that he was going to cry. Why would he? He is a man. And a man never cries.
One day, in your search for happiness, you discover someone by your side, and you realize that your happiness has come to help you search.” – Robert Brault
I was actually surprised to read her text message. Nessa wrote: “I apologize. Our love story is nothing out of the ordinary.” Over the last three years that I’ve been speaking to couples and hearing their stories, I feel that each and every one of them is special. No matter how much of the initial courting stage might feel mundane or oft repeated, it’s what happens in between the lines that speaks volumes.
I still remember the phone conversation I had with Megan and how she told me that she was having her wedding preps done at home. It struck me as odd, that she didn’t want the full princess treatment that other brides look for on their wedding day. But I guess there is some truth to the saying: “Home is where the heart is.”
Have you ever been one of those children that just didn’t like getting any sort of PDA from your parents? Sadly, to my mother’s dismay, I was one of them. As affectionate to her kids as my mother is, she was also a stern disciplinarian. I remember while growing up, I would be outside hanging out with my friends and my mom would come home from a long day at work.
The drive from the Getty Center (where we got kicked out) to Long Beach was not pleasant at all. The traffic was horrendous. Plus sitting in the backseat usually gets me car sick. Which it did. But talking to Celine and Jun and getting to know their story made the ride better.
I finally can let out a sigh of relief. We finally arrived at Joshua Tree. Two hours behind schedule but we are here nonetheless. The clouds have started rolling in. The sun slowly but surely started dipping below the horizon. I stood at another rocky platform a few feet below where Megan and Henry were standing. Standing toe to toe, Megan leaned in for a kiss. It was a perfect moment for them.
As beautiful as the church was, with its beautiful paintings blanketing it’s towering walls, nothing was more lovely than looking at two kindred spirits, standing together in unity. And as the priest was going through the sermon, I would see them glance at each other. Smiling. Excited for the future that will be in store for them.
It was a simple tea ceremony held at Tuan’s parent’s house. An age-old Vietnamese tradition where the bride, on the day of the wedding goes and visits the groom’s house to be introduced to the relatives and/or ancestors of the groom. At the center of the living room sits a small shelf where pictures of their grandparents rest.
It was quite a hike in the hills of Malibu Canyon. Lee and Anne who have hiked this part of the canyon before seemed to be walking at a comfortable pace, while I was huffing and puffing, trying to catch my breath. I seem to be out of shape. And I know it. Having kids will do this to you. But I shouldn’t blame it on having kids. I should blame it on laziness.
I have always felt that there should be more to this career than simply churning out pictures of couples smiling at the camera. I’ve always made it my personal goal to make my couples evoke as much honesty and passion for each other in their photos. And at the same time I believe that my art has to make a statement about me as a person. In fact, Richard Avedon, a famous American photographer said: “My portraits are more about me than they are about the people I photograph.”
