I had a wonderful intern last summer. Rachel was a great addition to my business and man did I miss her when she want back to school. And then she called a few months ago. Not to come back and work for me but to tell me she got engaged! That's almost even better! Especially since she wanted to hire me to shoot her wedding to Jonathan.
We had a blast at their engagement session. They just had so much fun together and I just followed them around to capture it all. Oh, and Rachel brought props which are always fun. Don't be afraid to talk to me about stylizing your shoot since props can really add another dimension to your images. I can not wait for their summer wedding!
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/03/agoura-engagement-session.html
Jessica and Eric's wedding was my first wedding of the year, held on a beautiful winter day in Malibu. The forecast called for rain but that never dampening their spirits. Mother Nature held off until the outdoor ceremony was over, showering us with some rain and hail... but I'll save that for later!
The wedding was at Calamigos Ranch, a beautiful rustic location, and I found Jessica getting ready in the cutest little cabin-style room, surrounded by her mom and girlfriends. Dress by Alfred Angelo, shoes by Luichiny, and beautiful hair piece by Ola's Dream World.
I found Eric with his groomsmen... look at these cool cuff links he found and shared with his best man.
Flowers by my favorite valley floral shop, Mr. B's Flowers.
Although I always will defer to the wishes of my couples, I must say, I do prefer to do a "first-look" so we have time to do some awesome portraits. I had to post a bunch from this series as Eric looked so sweet and Jessica was just beaming...
The couple had help from the family to decorate their DIY, wine/music themed wedding.
Amazing cupcakes by Sweet Arleen's ... and I love that the cake topper was custom made and so perfect for them! Okay, so within ten minutes of everyone moving inside for the reception, it began to hail... a lot! It might of well have been snow... in Malibu! It didn't last long enough to get Jessica and Eric out in it but one of the groomsmen was enjoying it.
Hello...
For more of Jessica and Eric's wedding, check out the slideshow below.
Jessica Weese Says:
Wow! Thanks Karen! We absolutely love our wedding photos! You captured not just the moments but the whole experience and emotion of our wedding day. I am so thankful to be able to share these with our family and friends that couldn't be their - I have no doubt that they will feel as if they were after seeing these photos.
(03.16.11 - 04:19 PM)
Jaime Poche' Says:
Wonderfull Pictures!!! Awesome Job Karen
(03.16.11 - 10:17 PM)
Gloria Schmidt Says:
The most amazing photo's I've seen yet. You Karen have captured the emotion of people in a very special moment. I will recommend you again and again.
(03.20.11 - 03:31 PM)
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/03/los-angeles-wedding-photography---malibu.html
Whitney and Rick knew of each other since high school but Whitney was just the young, cute girlfriend of one of Rick's friends brother. (Following me so far?) Apparently Rick used to picture them being a couple back then but never said anything. They reconnected recently and have been inseparable since.
I almost cried when Whitney's mom Maria called me because I have known Whitney since she was around seven years old. (Maria is a hair/makeup artist that I have worked with on shoots for about 18 or so years. I photographed her wedding too! Brides, you should definitely call her for your weddings!) I'm so thrilled I've been able to watch Whitney grow into this gorgeous woman. It really is a gift to me to be able to photograph her marriage to Rick and share in this special day with her and her family.
When they told me they had a theme for their engagement session, I couldn't wait for the shoot! Although I don't think all e-sessions need to have a theme, when they do it's like shooting an editorial spread and is simply a blast. Pulling together an idea with clothes, makeup, props and location is not only fun for me, though, it makes my clients feel like models for the day. I cannot wait for their May wedding...
Jessica Says:
Gorgeous photos! I love the retro look and they really pulled it off well.
(03.09.11 - 06:39 PM)
holly Says:
love the record player, grass, retro
so cute! great eyes in the close up - shes so pretty
Maria Haro Flanagan Says:
Beautiful! Great job as usual Karen! We are looking forward to the wedding!...and yes, to brides who want their hair or makeup done, call me! haha
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/03/retro-engagement-session.html
I'm trying to catch up on blogging some great events, and I loved this Temecula wedding of Cynthia and TIm. When I met with them and Cynthia told me their dogs would be included in the ceremony, I said sign me up!!! I love clients that think outside of the box and have weddings that are true to themselves, no matter what.
The wedding was held at the beautiful Lake Oak Meadows property in Temecula with Layne' Powell coordinating. The weather was absolutely perfect (okay, a little cold when the sun went down but the fire pits were perfect!). Cynthia customized the Kirstie Kelly dress with black panels and designed the centerpieces (gorgeous orchids from Zuma Canyon Orchids in Malibu). Meanwhile, her mom made the bouquets, obviously Cynthia's favorites.
One of the great things that Oak Meadows offers is the horse and carriage entrance for the bride, this one provided by Tucker Carriages.
Cakes to Celebrate made this stunning wedding cake... and there was one for the dogs too, created by Three Dog Bakery!
To see more of the wedding, check out the slideshow below...
http://karenard.com/blog/2011/01/cynthia-tim---temecula-wedding.html
Jessica and Eric have a true modern romance story. They first met online gaming and perhaps it was their aviators that had each other captivated. Or maybe it was their mad gaming skills. I suspect Eric just realized what a cool girl Jessica was! These two spent a lot of time getting to know each other long distance before the romance kicked into overdrive. After a lot of commuting and a broken toe (long story), Eric popped the question one night on the beach.
We decided to return to the scene of the crime for the engagement session. These good sports met me at seven in the morning to get some absolutely gorgeous first light. Jessica and Eric, I had so much fun with you! I can't wait for your wedding at Calamigos Ranch next year!
Of course you gotta love clients that will run into the road with you!
Jessica Says:
Absolutely love the road shot! Our photo shoot was so much fun! Thanks again Karen!
(12.08.10 - 07:17 AM)
http://karenard.com/blog/2010/12/leo-carrillo-engagement-session.html
LOVE! i think these are my favorite engagement pics that i've seen you do! this bride-to-be is so photogenic :)
(03.23.11 - 01:47 PM)Outstanding photos, Karen! Really digging these!!
(03.23.11 - 07:39 PM)Hey Karen! I was there! Well sort of! LOL! I remember your couple as they were going back and forth to their car with BIG Alphabets! I go, whats up with those?? J/K!! Anyway, Love this set! Beautiful couple!!
(03.30.11 - 03:20 PM)