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I dedicate this blog post to our cat, Midnight because he has enlightened my life as my first pet and as Jessica's first "son".
So whats with "Issa-Mom"?
"Issa-Mom" is Jessica's nick name for Midnight. She always greets Midnight by saying, "Hiiii! Issa-mamma Midnight pikapeee!" No, this is not some Jar-Jar Binks reference, but some type of italian-pokemonish-baby talk.... for our cat.
Is it cute? I think so. Deranged? I think that too. Despite the fact that Midnight is male, Jess also insists on referring him as "mama".
Midnight will be turning 4 years old in a few days. He's a giant, cuddly, ball of fur that loves being massaged, ripping our couches to shreds, hunting insects, and knows how to talk to us. "reeeeeeeooooowww" means "clean up my potty you lazy scum bags" and "Re-reeow" is I'm hungry. Midnight is very laid back these days and likes to observe us from afar, like an owl. But as much as he likes being alone, he can be very clingy too.
Hold your thoughts and judgements, we're not crazy cat people. Just avid pet lovers. I've yet to cross that fine line between pet lover and crazy-cat person (or so I think), but Jessica is starting to show telltale signs... *sigh*.
So since the lighting equipment I rented for an upcoming shoot arrived at the doorstep today I decided to test it out on Midnight so we could have something to keep in our digital scrapbooks.
What a great model he was! For the most part, it was pretty easy. We put the softbox right next to Midnight's favorite spot, put on our 50 1.4 and away we went.
Here, Midnight was a second or so from jumping right on top of our softbox. Thank goodness he didn't, I would've had to return a thousand dollars worth of equipment in a lot of broken pieces.
My favorite shot
We love ya Mama-Midnight!
Finally, here's a great photography tip. If you want to improve the way you catch instant moments... try taking pictures of black cats! BELIEVE US.... IT HAS HELPED A LOT.
Rob
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Happy Birthday "Issa-Mom"!
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We are so excited to share these photos with all of you :) As many of you may know, Robert and I were married at the Ponte Estate Winery just a little over a year ago, so it holds a special place in our hearts.
Kerry Pulverman of de Luxe Weddings & Events invited us to do a photo shoot for her company and the floral designs of The Olive Rose. We had a blast.
We did a total of four tablescapes, but I thought it would be more fun to break the posts up. So, here is a tablescape that I like to call "Vintage Chic."
I enjoy the contrasts in color, a soft blue with a rich chocolate- so delicious :)
Fusion graciously provided all the linens for our shoot. I LOVE this particular linen. It caught my eye right away the first time I stepped foot in Fusion. The color is subtle yet stunning. The crystals add a very nice touch that speak fancy without overdoing it.
Kelly Manson from The Olive Rose was so great to work with. She is sweet, creative, and flexible- a great combination.
I never thought I would like Peacock Feathers in an arrangement, but now I am seriously a fan.
I love detail shots (if you haven't already noticed)! Details are an amazing way to bring extension of your persona into your wedding. Check out this great vintage hurricane:
I am completely in love with this place setting. I just had to purchase this bowl, plate, and charger as soon as I saw them at the very dangerous TJ Maxx Homegoods! Kerry Pulverman gets me in trouble almost every time she takes me there :)
Kerry found this beautiful brooch. And Kelly dressed it up with her lovely Amnesia rose petals.
The peacock blue is definitely a hot color this year. Totally eye catching for sure!
I really enjoyed how Kelly was able to design arrangements that were vintage and soft, yet modern at the same time- just my style!
Now.... it's Thursday... so you know what that means....
Here is a tip for all of you who have not yet chosen your wedding venue.
Do you want to be one of the first to be married in a fabulous Vineyard Pavilion in Wine Country that is not even built yet? Well here is your chance.
The new event space is set to open at Ponte Winery this May, and we can't wait to be there to photograph the weddings it will host.
Ponte Winery has kindly shared with us a rendering of their gorgeous Vineyard Pavilion. Here is your sneak peak:
Awesome! Right?
Here is the direct link to Weddings at Ponte Winery, if you would like to learn more.
Ponte Winery is located at:
35053 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA 92591
(951) 694-9444
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Ponte Winery | Wedding Photography Temecula CA
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The Pacific Edge Villa in Laguna Beach is becoming a pretty popular place! Since my sister Michelle got married their in September 2009, we have received many requests to blog post more photos from the wedding. This post is focused on showcasing the setting of the villa. As you may know, the ceremony and reception can both take place on the villa's deck which is mounted right into the sand, just steps from the Pacific Ocean waves. After helping plan about seven weddings in the past year, I can definitely say there are not many places in Southern California with where you can be this close to the sand without paying the $100,000 price tag. So far, I have not found any other wedding venue quite like it.
Their Head Table on the Pacific Edge Villa's deck:
Enjoy the photos!
The entry to the Pacific Edge Villa:
The Ceremony site on the Pacific Edge deck:
Michelle's entrance with my father, and then her grand entrance with Mark:
The ceremony arrangements by Bella Blooms:
The ocean themed cake in their pink, green, and cream wedding colors by Cakeland:
Their Head Table on the Pacific Edge Villa's deck:The guests tables at reception on the Pacific Edge Villa's deck:
The view from the balcony of the Honeymoon Suite on the 3rd floor of the Pacific Edge Villa:
We snuck Michelle and Mark out during the cocktail hour for some fun candid photos in the sand:
I guess Mark was practicing carrying Michelle over the threshold:
The Pacific Edge Villa makes a beautiful backdrop:
The Honeymoon Suite's bathroom, decorated by Kerry Pulverman of de Luxe Weddings & Events:
The Pacific Edge's Villa is pretty much an open canvas as far as decor goes. Here are a few more photos of a mixer Robert and I attended at the Pacific Edge in November.
The Canopy was provided by Signature Party Rentals:
The buffet setup on the villa's lower level by Country Garden Caterers:
The guests mingling on the deck:
This photo made it on the front page of Pacific Edge's wedding website. Yeah!
The Pacific Edge Hotel is located at:
647 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Please contact Rebecca Peng at (949) 281-5703 to schedule a visit.
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The Pacific Edge | Laguna Beach CA Wedding Photography
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This week's blog for Wedding Tip Thursday's: Win the Wedding Reception Dinner of Your Dreams by Celebrating Valentine's Day in Style.
The Great Valentine's Day Giveaway
Calling all grooms....A local venue giveaway you can't afford to miss!
I know there are at least a few of you out there who have not booked your Valentine's dinner yet. (That's okay, we won't tell.) And for those of you who have already booked, you might want to add a second "surprise" dinner to your plans :)
Here's your chance to impress your future wife and look like a hero!
The Anaheim White House Restaurant has recently unveiled their brand new West Wing. To celebrate they are giving one lucky couple the wedding reception dinner of their dreams, especially if you love Italian food.
How do you win?
To enter the contest, simply make a reservation at the Anaheim White House to have dinner February 12-16, 2010. Call (714)772-1381. Please let them know that you would like to enter the contest when you call to make your Valentine's dinner reservation.
A winner will be selected at random and announced on February 19th by owner Bruno Serato.
What do you win?
A Wedding Reception at the Anaheim White House for up to 100 guests valued at $20,000!
Which includes:
- Food
- Beverages
- Tables
- Gold Chivari Chairs (check out the custom fabric in the photo below)
- Silver charger plates with Ivory Napkins (see photo below)
- Chandelier Centerpieces (of course, photo below)
- Golden Linens
- Use of the new West Wing
With all the fabulousness that is included in this generous giveway by the Anaheim White House, you should have plenty of room in for music, flowers, coordination, and photography to book your favorite vendors! We have our favorite vendors too, of whom we have collaborated with. We can wholeheartedly stamp our JEP seal of approval for their dedication and passion to take care of you! So feel free to contact us if you want to ask for advice.
GOOD LUCK AND GOOD EATING!
Treat your significant other to a Valentine's Dinner in the Abraham Lincoln Room:
Look up to see the Fabric Swagging in the Lincoln Room:
A charming Eiffel Tower vase accents the table pretty nicely. These centerpieces are found on many of the tables in this cozy venue.
Hold your Rehearsal Dinner in one the many private banquet rooms in the Main House:
At last....The West Wing:
Check out the intricate details on this Candelabra:
I never knew napkins could be handsome, but this one definitely is. Bow tie and all:
The attention to detail in the room's design and features is lovely. Look at the fabric on this Chivari chair. Yes, it is included in your wedding reception! And no need to spend extra money for chair covers or sashes.
The gold linens, silver chargers and ivory napkins are also included. What a deal!
Rob was so inspired by the wall art he wanted to add a little touch of 'old world renaissance' to the photo. Check out the before and after transformation!
Millicent:
i love the deatil shots.
Amazing!
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Anaheim White House Wedding Reception | Photography
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INTRODUCING.....
PLANNING TIP THURSDAYS!
What you ask, is planning tip Thursdays? Well, considering that we are Photographers, not coordinators, ours tips are going to focus on all things PHOTOGENIC!
Each week we will feature something that we think will add beauty or art to your wedding. We may feature a venue, a vendor, or a piece of your wedding wardrobe :)
So, why Thursdays? Well, we figured most of our clients are hard working individuals with Monday- Friday 9a-5p jobs. By Thursday at lunch or night, you are probably surfing the net in need of some hard earned relaxation to gear up for Friday. And- by posting on Thursday- you still have time to schedule appointments for the weekend with any of our featured vendors- giving you something extra special to look forward to on the weekend.
Stay tuned, this is gonna be fun!
Now on to this Thursday's featured Venue....
I recently visited the Seven 4 One Hotel in Laguna Beach with wedding coordinator, Kerry Pulverman from de Luxe Weddings & Events. Any of our 2010 and 2011 brides interested in getting married in Laguna Beach, but can't break the bank on other hotels like the Surf and Sand or the Montage, or if you just want a little something different, you should check out Seven 4 One.
Seven 4 One is a unique boutique hotel with an amazingly modern vibe. Some of the perks of this hotel, from a photography perspective are:
1) You can rent out the entire 28 room hotel- so we won't have to worry about lookey loos or tourists getting in all the shots!
2) The guest rooms are super fun to shoot in! Perfect for shooting all the getting ready shots. The modern design and really cool couches and pillow make a nice backdrop.
3) You can project a slideshow onto the wall of the open air courtyard. Perfect for playing your customized JEP slideshow at your rehearsal dinner or reception. And there's plenty of comfy seats for viewing.
And another random, but interesting feature of the hotel: There is a bed on the outside deck. You can literally lay outside and listen to the waves crash or star gaze with your new spouse.
I'm posting a few teaser photos from our brief visit below. You should really check it out in person to capture the intimate experience this hotel has to offer.
Here is a shot of the contemporary couch in the Sky Suite- perfect for some fun getting ready shots:
And here is the fabulous couch in the Sea Suite:
The Sky Suite and Sea Suite both come complete with a wet bar, wine refrigerator, and queen sized sofa bed. These suites are perfect for the bridal party to spend the night and wake up refreshed and ready for the big day. There is plenty of room for the girls and guys to get ready in their respective suite. And of course, room for PHOTOS!
Once everyone is ready you can head on down to the Courtyard for the Rehearsal Dinner, Ceremony, or Reception:
I really enjoyed the unique details and modern decor throughout the hotel.
Check out these super fun lamps:
The bed on the deck...Unique for sure:
Seven 4 One is located at:
741 South Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-6200
So brides and grooms, what do you think?
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Seven 4 One Hotel | Wedding Photography| Laguna Beach
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For the record, "Issa Mom" = " It's a mama's baby" but said quickly and with excitement!
(02.25.10)