Kristy & Michael's Palm Springs Wedding

The first time I met Kristy and Michael was on a balmy 108 degree day in downtown Palm Springs where we met to do their engagement session. When I haven't met a couple before (we had only emailed) I always wonder what type of people they are going to be and how we are going to get along. I mean, I get along with nearly everyone, but you know what I mean. Well, I ended up spending nearly 3 hours with Kristy and Michael at 4 different locations - I truly could have photographed them all day long. You can see their engagement session here! I knew that we'd have fun at their wedding and they did not disappoint. Their wedding was held at a truly magnificent private residence just outside of Palm Springs, the home of one of the groomsman's fathers. Kristy was glowing in her Jimmy Choos (the CHOOS!) and ethereal dress. I was a huge fan of the bright yellow that she chose for her bridesmaids and their fun chunky gold necklaces. Michael is a musician and when he was with his guys it was like a constant party. I have so many photos of them laughing which I love. The reception was amazing, on the grass under the stars with the smell of the fresh Mexican cuisine being cooked over fire. The tables were scattered with custom guitar picks with the couple's photo on them, carrying their theme of music and rock and roll.

Congratulations you guys! I had a wonderful time at your wedding and you make an amazing couple.

Sayoko & Josh | Highland Springs Resort Wedding

I met Sayoko for the first time on a beautiful evening last year at The Promenade in Santa Monica. Up walked this beautiful petite blonde who was laid back, sweet, and fun. When she and Josh booked their wedding with me, I knew that if it was anything like Sayoko, it would be a true pleasure to photograph...and it was. Sayoko and Josh's wedding was held at the BEAUTIFUL Highland Springs Resort in Cherry Valley, a bit of paradise tucked along the mountains between Los Angeles and Palm Springs. Dirt roads, giant oak trees, lavender fields, and olive tree groves surrounded Sayoko, Josh, and their friends and family as they committed their lives to eachother. Sayoko wore a wedding dress that would make any girl swoon and her bridesmaids were gorgeous in a dusty, blush pink. Josh and his guys were hilarious, making me laugh time and time again. The way that Josh looked at Sayoko as she walked down the aisle? I'm pretty sure that would make any girl feel weak in the knees.

Thank you Sayoko and Josh for choosing me as your wedding photographer and allowing me to be a part of such a classy, relaxed day. I left your wedding feeling so in love with what I do.

Sayoko wanted to do a "first look" with her dad. I admit that I photographed this through blurry, teary eyes. I lost my dad in December, so it really touched my heart to see a daughter so close with her daddy.

Sayoko and her dad did a nice traditional father/daughter...and then busted a move!

Kristy & Michael | Palm Springs Engagement Session

I have never shot an engagement session in the same location twice, and Kristy and Michael's engagement proved no different. I have loved Palm Springs since the first time I visited when I was 15 years old with my family. My parents had planned on taking us to Jamaica but then realized that it was too costly with airfare, so they took us to Palm Springs instead. As we were driving into the desert, I remember thinking, "Are you serious?? We were supposed to go to Jamaica and instead we get THIS?" Well, that vacation turned out to be my all time favorite. I love the relaxed, luxurious vibe of Palm Springs. I love the heat, I love the food, I love the landscape, I love the shops, I love the resorts...all of it. Kristy and Michael live in Indio and we really had no idea exactly WHERE in Palm Springs we would shoot until the day of. I got there an hour early to look around but couldn't really make up my mind. What resulted was us shooting in four different locations - downtown, a random residential side street, a trail head, and finally out by the wind turbines. Oh, and did I mention it was 106 degrees? That's mild for Palm Springs, but still pretty darn hot in my book. Kristy and Michael were so laid back and honestly up for anything. I could have shot them all day long. I can't wait for their wedding in October!