A few times a year, I have the pleasure of second shooting a wedding for my fellow photo buddies… which can be really cool because I have freedom to take fun pictures and get a different perspective than I normally experience on a wedding day. Here’s some pictures of a wedding I shot back in September with the talented Dana Grant at the Smog Shoppe in Culver City. The location is pretty unique in a few ways… like keeping the original charm and architecture of the building including rolling garage doors and parking markings on the cement, to adding unique touches like the full wall of succulents both inside and out! The Smog Shoppe is definitely a venue for someone looking for a place that is both memorable and unique.
Venue: Verandas, Manhattan Beach
Photography: SherriJ Photography
Florist – Flowers by Laurel
Makeup & Hair – Tara & Meyon at Bob Roy Salon Manhattan Beach
Wedding Coordinator – Sara Lehnberg, Verandas
Band & DJ – Dwight Kennedy
Dress – Somsi Couture
Suit – Jos A Bank
Desserts & Catering – NY Food Company
Invitations: Bride’s own design
*UPDATE This wedding has been published on Engaged and Inspired HERE. (August 23, 2011)
This past Friday, Melissa and Ray were married at Walnut Grove with their closest friends and family. (Friends and family may see all images online HERE) While I was walking around, I found a perfect little green walnut on the ground for the ring shot.
The day was sunny and hot in Moorpark, as Melissa started getting ready in her bridal cabin.
I think she was kinda nervous when I arrived. I took this picture of her after she read her vows. Then right before the first look, she had a huge smile on her face! She could not wait to see Ray.
For the ceremony site, Melissa decorated the trees with DIY fabric balls, and lined the isle with rose petals.
After the ceremony, we took some romantic photos for a few minutes, while guests were having cocktails.
Tables were named after their favorite wines.
Of course, what wedding is complete with out a embarrassing best man speech? What was said will remain a secret to those who attended. But all I’ll say for now is that it was embarrassing for Ray!
Lots of twinkling lights were strung from the trees above the reception area.
Last but not least, a couple shots behind the scenes of me shooting, scouting, and being silly.
Venue: Rancho Del Cielo, Malibu
Wedding Planner- Betty Wan w/ Type A Planning
Photography: SherriJ Photography
Cinematography- Lunch Pail Pictures (video below)
Florals: Bunch Studio
Photobooth Flipbooks: Blue Cat International
Hair: Drybar
Cupcakes: Enjoy Cupcakes
Wedding Gown: Kirstie Kelly
This past weekend I had the pleasure of photographing Kelly and David’s destination wedding. When Kelly described her wedding to me, I was super excited. She planned on a very intimate ceremony with about 25 guests, lots of personal details, and the location…. Yosemite! I’ve actually been wanting to go to Yosemite for a while now, so this was a dream. Included below are mostly pictures of the guest experience and Kelly. First, a picture of the “Tunnel View.”
A welcome gift bag awaiting at the hotel for us. Included in the bag was snacks, water, mini flashlight, map, paper soap, band-aids, sun block, compass, hand sanitizer, carabiner, off repellent, matches, and tissue. I love all the details Kelly thought about!
I started with some pictures of David at 9am. Location: The Lower Yosemite Falls Lodge.
Kelly got ready in a cozy cabin at the historic Awahnee Hotel, right under the falls.
Kelly’s dress was customized with a beautiful red flower and sheer gold fabric on the backing. She also made her necklace, earrings, and the hangars!
Ever since I got my Canon 100mm macro lens, the “ring shot” is one of my favorite things to do. I like to incorporate one object that represents the wedding. It’s usually something simple like a pine cone (as shown below), a leaf, a bird’s nest from the table decorations, or flowers.
Intimate ceremony at the falls.
Guest added leafs with their finger prints on a tree Kelly made.
Since the wedding took place in the morning, everyone had a great lunch at the historic Awahnee hotel. I was done shooting by 3:30pm, which is the record earliest finish time for me! After their busy morning, Kelly and David were able to start their relaxing weekend hanging out with friends and family, hiking, and rock climbing.
*Pleast note: for personal reasons, some of the images from the wedding will remain private.
