Rochelle and Tony - Engagement

Rochelle and Tony are our good friends. Both are lovers of adventures and nature. Hiking is one their favorite past times. For their engagement session, we hiked (for a few minutes but seemed like forever to Phoebe) to the woods/forest area in Villa Montalvo. We went to Santa Cruz Boardwalk hoping to take some shots on the theme park rides. We were excited but it was closed on a weekday :( instead we stopped for hotdog and tasty garlic french fries (must try for the junk food lovers). Good thing about Santa Cruz is there's always the beach and the popular Light House. The Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz never failed to please, we had beautiful photos during sunset. Thick clouds covered the sky, hiding the sunset colors. We took a break for pizza, recharged ourselves to match the high energy that our friends have. Then back to San Jose downtown for some night shots to finish the shoot.

Fadi + Fairuz = Baby Adam

In 2008, we covered the wedding of Fairuz and Fadi at the Carnelian Room, San Francisco. In 2010, baby boy Adam was born and again my heart melts seeing the happiness of proud parents, I remember the happiness they have on their wedding day years ago. Their love has given birth to bouncing baby boy, and I'm glad I'm the photographer. A wedding photo of Fairuz and Fadi also appeared at an airline magazine where our studio was featured. Fairuz was also so kind to help us in our very first Bridal Faire booth where she talked to other fellow brides and shared her wedding experience. Her friendliness was not only much appreciated by us but also by the brides who were shopping for the right vendor. And here are more photos of their family.

Kim + Kye = Piper

I took the photos of Kim and Kye's wedding few years back. It was a happy feeling when we met again for a family photo session - this time they have an adorable addition to the family - Piper! It's amazing to see them. Dressed in Burberry's, Piper got her mom's charm and her dad's eyes.

Glamorous at 40

You wouldn't believe how old this mom, wife, and nurse who works night shifts for the past decade. When L.A. turned forty, she booked me to photograph this milestone year. (Folks, I have permission from L.A. to put her age in the blog.) L.A says, "I just turned 40 and never felt so great!" There are things that we people always want to do but never get the chance to do it. For LA, she always have wanted a glamor/fashion photoshoot, and she finally had the time to do it. I am honored that I photographed her. When the pictures came out it was great, she loves it. When Phoebe and I were processing the photos, Phoebe just had to ask LA her beauty secret because her skin just looks so fresh. LA says, "I didn't pay close attention to my skin and face until I turned 35! My bestfriend told me then, we owe it to ourselves to look beautiful and feel empowered! Since then, I made a conscious decision to fight the signs of aging...like I load myself with foods that are high in antioxidants and I drink lots of green tea everyday. I also learned the importance of sunscreen and now I use Revale`skin products for my face." Here are some of the photos and quick slideshow. Make up artist is Rose Tomas http://www.rosellatomas.com.




Slideshow:

Inspiration

Phoebe and I get our inspirations from almost any thing - animate and inanimate. We are also inspired by magazines, especially movies(!) and joining photography competitions worldwide. Last June 19, 1 hour before the deadline of Wedding & Portrait Photographers International ( WPPI ) 2009 First Half competition, we submitted few entries in different categories. Today, July 1st, 2009 WPPI informed us that Phoebe's entry in Glamour Category won 2nd Place and my entry in High School Senior Portrait category won 1st Place. Four of my entries also got Accolade of Excellence. What a blessing! We're inspired even more.. :)


1st Place - Sisters - Portrait/High School Senior category


2nd Place - Masquerade - Portrait/Glamour category


Accolade of Excelence - Quintessential - Advertising/Fashion category
Quintessential by Qscents Philippines


Accolade of Excelence - Window - Portrait/Glamour category
Model: Jaja Bolivarof TFC's Adobo Nation



Accolade of Excelence - Lauren - Portrait/High School Senior category


Accolade of Excelence - Blindfold - Portrait/Individual category