“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.” ― Sarah Dessen
"Happiness is a risk. If you’re not a little scared, then you’re not doing it right."
- Sarah Addison Allen
“Love is that condition in the human spirit so profound that it empowers us to develop courage; to trust that courage and build bridges with it; to trust those bridges and cross over them so we can attempt to reach each other.” Maya Angelou
“You only need one man to love you. But him to love you free like a wildfire,
crazy like the moon, always like tomorrow, sudden like an inhale
and overcoming like the tides. Only one man and all of this.” ― C. JoyBell C.
“It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.” - John Joseph Powell
"You can't force love, I realized. It's there or it isn't. If it's not there, you've got to be able to admit it. If it is there, you've got to do whatever it takes to protect the ones you love." - Richelle Mead
“I didn’t need you, you idiot. I picked you. And then you picked me back.” - John Green
"Everything is a gamble. Love most of all. " - Tess Gerritsen
I wasn't planning on posting Gracie and Cesar's weddig until the website was 100% done. I have been in the middle of doing a complete overhaul on the website and A Sight of Love as a brand in general. Doing two things at the same is not a walk in the park. But I've got to hand it to Gracie and Cesar. Their complete trust in me and my passion for my art had me rethingking my priorities. As much as I want to wait until everything is finished, at the same time, I dont want to do them a disservice by making them wait for their pictures for too long.
I have been living in Los Angeles for more than twenty years now. And ever since I was a kid, I remember always passing by this bridge in Pasadena, and thinking what it actually looks like up close. But never once have I set foot on it until Matt and Clarissa’s wedding. Fun Fact: this bridge is also known to locals as the “Suicide Bridge”.
“The Hoov” is what we started calling it.” Apparently, the apartment complex where Elissa and Nick used to live is located on the corner of Hoover St. in Los Angeles, hence the nickname. Nick would go on to tell me that parties would happen on a nightly basis since all the neigbors that live in that complex got along. “So basically, it was a fraternity house?” I asked jokingly. They both laughed and nodded in agreement.
There we were, standing on Land’s End – on the edge of the continent. Looking outward you can see the vastness that is the Pacific Ocean. I can literally just sit there and lose myself in wonderment. On how magnificent the world can be. And how insignificant we truly are. But as much as I wanted to stay and bask in the sun while the cool sea air kisses my skin, I still had a shoot to do. So we began treading down the steps.
We were in a bustling airport full of people, and not an ounce of nervousness befell onto their faces. There is this familar feeling of amorousness between Lydia and Tessa as they were standing in front of my camera. I know that feeling. It’s the feeling of being in unison. That feeling of whatever happens, it ll be okay. Because I know I am with you.
Me and my wife have been good friends with Sam and Liz for a good while now. Although we want to see them more often, sometimes the little nuances in our lifestyles, interests and priorities prevents us from doing so. While its pretty common for the wife and I to be content in settling in pretty early on a friday night, Sam and Liz’ weekend is barely starting.
With an amazing amount of fervor, Oksana and Aaron, once again, braved the cold embrace of the ocean and boldly climbed on top of the rock. “Im just waiting for a good wave, guys! Just hold that kiss!”, I yelled. I can tell they were cold.
Danny and Jordan’s house were brimming with activity. Their dinner table that once served as a place to eat has become an arts and crafts workshop of sorts. All the bridesmaids are pitching in and doing their part. Building makeshift cupcake holders made from wood and wineglasses, arranging wedding invitations printed on hand fans, and wrapping twine around glass vases that will serve as the table centerpieces.
“Congratulations guys! But you’re not allowed to shoot here.” Damn. We’ve only stepped foot on Salk Institute for a mere few seconds and here we are, already being hassled by “the man”. “Can we at least shoot for 30 minutes?” I pleaded, while trying my best to look like a sad puppy. But no luck. We were shooed away. But one thing that I noticed is that the security guard was nice and pleasant about it. Well we are in San Diego. People here are not as snooty. So now where to shoot? Because it feels like life just handed us a bunch of lemons. So now do we make lemonade with it or throw it at the security guard? Or both?
It’s every young girl’s dream for her father to walk her down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams. And for him to hold her hand one last time before he gives her away in marriage. But in this case, it was Adrian, her son, who held her hand as she walked down the aisle towards Lee. You see, Anne’s father had passed away a couple of years ago. And during one of our routine client meet ups she had mentioned why it was so important for her to have butterflies as the central theme for their wedding.
“Occasional showers possible. Highs in the mid 60s and low in the low 50’s”. Shit. It’s going to rain. So like any professional photographer would do, I panicked and quickly texted Lydia. “It’s going to rain. Buy umbrellas.” But I shouldn’t say I panicked. More like sprung into action. One thing about this business is it’s important that you are flexible and are able to adapt to any situation at a moments notice. A sunny day can turn into rain. A happy bride can turn into a bridezilla. And all the pre-planning that you do can be for naught. But on that day in Calistoga, CA., Lady Luck decided to cast her smile upon us and gave us just the right amount of clouds and sunshine.
So Lydia and Tessa finally arrived. I could tell they were nervous. Heck, I was nervous. Not because of the fear that I might botch-up their esession, but because Lydia and I went to nursing school together. I guess I always put more pressure on myself when it comes to photographing friends and acquaintances. Especially nurses.