A short while back, Nam staged a surprise proposal to Trang at UCLA, were they went to school. It wasn't to be a quite stroll through the corridors where they first caught each others eye though. Oh no. Nam had something a little more special in store for Trang. He had secretly set up a Flashmob with maybe close to 100 people - half of them family, half total strangers - to surprise her as they came out of the student store.
I was originally going to dance this Flashmob but the wedding photographer in me couldn't get past the idea of actually shooting it. Nam was thrilled with the idea so I had the great fortune to capture such a joyous celebration of love and grab some portraits of just the two of them right after. Originally only our UCLA group were witness to the entire dance and proposal but after the video went viral on You Tube, they were interviewed on CNN! These two were so adorable together and so sweet... I'm so happy for you guys!
Trang was blown away when she realized this was for her when so many of their family and friends had joined in, including both sets of parents, little cousins and relatives from out of town!
... and then Nam joined in!
When the dance was over, we made a circle around them and 100-ish people got down on one knee when he did. Priceless! { I wish there were two of me so I could have taken pictures from the balcony to get the full effect of how many people were involved.}
After some time spent with family and friends full of hugs, well wishes and tons of photos, a little quite time to take it all in...
Thank you to the fabulous Staci, Conroe, choreography by Zakk Manzella, and the tons of amazing volunteers of Flash Mob America for making this happen for Nam and Trang. Make sure to watch the whole official video below to hear Trang's response to the proposal. {Other video captured by friends, the CNN interview, and local news coverage videos can all be seen here.}
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/11/surprise-flashmob-proposal.html
{ I'm embarrassed to say that I just noticed this post languishing in my draft folder! Please tell me I'm not the only one that has done that before? }
The stylish, Australian Love Wed Bliss wedding blog featured Whitney and Rick's fun engagement session last month. We had such a great time shooting this and I'm thrilled that it has gotten published online! Click here for the whole post.
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/10/featured-love-wed-bliss.html
I'm not sure what moved me most about Briana and Mike's wedding... the sweet note Mike sent over as Briana was getting ready, the way they gazed at each other during the first look, the way Mike's smile made his eyes dance when Briana walked down the aisle with her parents, all the words their eyes said silently to each other at the alter, the way Briana's dad stumbled nervously through his toast acknowledging that his daughter was now in Mike's hands, Mike dancing with his 93 year old grandmother, or perhaps the rainbows that kept appearing all afternoon.. a sure sign of a lucky union.
We were shooting portraits when we noticed the first rainbow so I had everyone swing around really quickly to grab a group shot...
I love the idea of all your guests leaving a thumb print "leaf"...
Briana and Mike got their wedding cake where I got mine... yum.
Fabulous vendors that made this day special:
Location: Middle Ranch
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Makeup Artist: Melissa Shaffer for Bliss
Florist: Acton Creative Flowers
Cake: Pluskos Bakery
DJ and Photobooth: Renowned Events
For more of Briana and Mike's wedding, check out the slideshow below:
Briana Says:
Karen - thank you so much, these are beautiful! It was such a pleasure having you as our photographer and I have no doubt we'll be meeting with you about future shoots someday :)
(10.08.11 - 12:18 AM)
Shanna Says:
Stunning couple and beautiful work!
(10.08.11 - 06:17 PM)
Linda Dalton Says:
Hi Michael and Briana, I saw a picture and a video. I like this. The wedding is so beautiful. Briana is so beautiful bride. Michael is very handsome. Love, Linda Dalton
(10.09.11 - 10:12 PM)
Bayliy Says:
So love it! Good post! I'm happy to read it. Images are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Bayliy Says:
So love it! Good post! I'm happy to read it. Images are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/10/sylmar-wedding-briana-and-mike.html
There is definitely something to be said for timing. Two people might be perfect for each other but the timing isn't always right. Especially when you are only in 7th grade. Yep, Terri and Dennis met in Junior High School. And that's where I know them from too. We all grew up together then went our separate ways into life and our futures.
Can you spot the something blue?
A few years ago, fate brought these two back together and what was meant to be finally took hold. They decided to elope and called me to document the afternoon and share a happy hour drink to celebrate.
This had to be one of the most wonderful weddings I've shot. Just two people in love, one sister, a close friend, and the officiant (who was a family friend as well. )
Can you spot the something blue?We headed over to Ma'kai for sushi and Margaritas during happy hour. It was a perfect day.
Terri and Dennis, I am so thrilled for the two of you. Thank you for not only asking me to capture your wedding, but for including me in this very intimate, magical day.
Terri Villalobos Says:
Karen, thank you for your amazing eye and your amazing spirit and talent.
We love you.
Dennis Lee Says:
Thank you so much Karen for being there for our special day. You made it that much more special for us. Love D&T.
(09.27.11 - 03:34 PM)
Ken Says:
Looks like some magical moments captured beautifully!! Congratulations once again!!!!
(09.28.11 - 04:50 PM)
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/09/santa-monica-wedding.html
About a year and a half ago, I met two beautiful young women - sisters - at a wedding that I was photographing. Fast forward to earlier this year when they both contacted me to photograph their own weddings. You can imagine how this is keeping their families buzzing with excitement!
Nicole and John's wedding was first, on a hot summer day in Camarillo. Carrissa, whose wedding will be in January, gave such a beautiful Maid of Honor speech:
"Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be the companion for the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you"
For more of their wedding, check out the slideshow below:
A few of the fine vendors:
Cake: A Gift of Taste
Florist: Passion Flowers
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/09/camarillo-wedding.html