“been around the world”

This is my last post for my summer Euro trip (sad). I ended the trip in the lovely city of London. It was my first visit to London and it was extra special because I got to spend time with my friend Sam who recently moved there. Ok before we begin, here’s a brief background. Almost exactly 4 years ago (sad), I went on a month long backpacking trip to Italy, Greece and France with my friend Lauren. (And yes I backpacked – the backpack weighed more than I did). We had the most amazing time and ended up meeting the most amazing group of ladies on our Greek Contiki tour. From that day on, we have kept in touch and met up in various cities around the world. I feel so fortunate to have made such good friends through my travels and it just reminds you how unexpected and wonderful life can be .

Here we are all around the world in the last few years, although I realized that you can’t tell where we are from these pics lol. (Left to counter clockwise: Athens – the first night we all met, Sydney, the Hamptons and San Francisco).

So fast forward 4 years and one of the girls who I met, Gaetane moved from NYC to Paris, which is the main reason I visited Paris before going to London. Another one of the girls, Sam packed up a few suitcases and moved from Sydney to London with her boyfriend Matty this past summer. It’s amazing how much life can change in just a few years! I was sad Lauren and Jane couldn’t join us in Europe this time, but we are already discussing another reunion .

I had the best time in London wandering around the city with good friends. We ate fish n’ chips, drank afternoon tea, watched Les Miserables, ate Indian food and I tried practicing my British accent the whole time but somehow I always ended up sounding more Australian. London has that big city feel which I love. And anything is better when you experience it with wonderful people around you . I convinced Sam + Matty to let me capture them in their new city while we wandered around. Let me just say these two are this cute even when the camera isn’t in front of them. They are so in love and perfect for each other. I can’t wait to see as their new life in London evolves! Here are some photos of Sam + Matty and London from my eye:

Ok whenever I saw this recognizable bridge (which is really called the Tower Bridge but everyone thinks it’s the London Bridge), I kept on singing that Fergie song in my head. You know the one that goes “my London, London bridge, wanna go down like”…um yeah…

I just love them!

You can’t go to London without going to a pub:

Or taking a photo with a red telephone booth:

I have always wanted to go to Notting Hill after watching the movie!

If you ever plan on having afternoon tea in London, you absolutely have to go to a place called Sketch. It is such a unique venue and has the most charming tea room.

AND I have another big trip on the way. Can’t wait to share this news and the photos of course!

“hot tottie”

Katie has done some incredible hair & makeup for some of my lovely brides. So when Katie asked me to capture her upcoming wedding, I shrieked with delight (I really did). It is always so exciting to work with others in the industry, but even more thrilling when you are capturing big moments for them. Katie is an amazingly talented business woman. If you want to see what I’m talking about, check out Katie B Cosmetics. Oh and did I mention she just became a lawyer? Yup – she pretty much does it all. And let me say Shaun ain’t too shabby either. Just keeping up with Katie is a talent in itself . Katie + Shaun have amazing chemistry, ambition and style. They sizzle when they speak, smile and kiss. I really can’t wait for their wedding in November!

When these two told me they wanted to do their engagement session at the Orange County Fair this summer, I knew that is was gonna hot and I’m not talking about the weather ladies and gents. I don’t know how they did it, but they managed to look hot and glamorous at the fair while having tons of fun. Special thanks to their wonderful wedding planner Kelly Duprat for helping out during the shoot!

Katie did her own makeup of course. And it was F-L-A-W-L-E-S-S.

I wasn’t kidding about the heat at the fair:

“check on it”

After Paris, we decided to spend a few days in the beautiful city of Prague. Prague has always been on the top of my must visit list and I am so happy we went. The city has such a charm about it. Everything was so picturesque and pretty. I feel so lucky to be able to cross another destination off my list! Now I definitely want to go visit other places in Eastern Europe. Who’s with me?!

Thanks to Nancy for this shot of me!

Yes I found a Lakers one .

Yup creepy dolls pretty much scare me.

“fallin’”

There’s no other way to say it: I HEART PARIS. And here are just some of the reasons why:

Two of my favorite things about Paris . I miss you Gaetane!

If you are going to travel with me, please note that I’m pretty much going to take pictures of you all day.

One of the few of myself taken by myself (FYI I’m on the left in case you didn’t know lol):

I spent A LOT of time and moola here:

And A LOT of these went into my mouth and tummy. LADUREE macaroons = my 3rd favorite things in Paris.

This photo was taken in honor of Bastille Day of course .

We took a one day trip by train to Chateau Versailles. It was simply amazing and definitely worth the trip. Remember to bring your walking shoes though!

And the photo on the right is why I am usually BEHIND the camera. Note the braces are OFF! I got them off right before my trip .

Some of the beautiful interior of the chateau:

Goodnight Paris! Until we meet again!

“magic”

Last month I traveled with my friend Nancy to one of my favorite cities in the world: PARIS. We were there to visit my other friend and immerse ourselves in everything Parisian, which basically means a whole lotta eating and shopping . At the last minute (literally), Nancy’s boyfriend (key word here is boyfriend – these are not engagement photos ), Kevin decided to hop on a not so short flight from Los Angeles to Paris so that I could take some nice photos of him and his sweetie in Paris. When Nancy told me at the airport, I immediately turned her and said “he’s a keeper” . So Kevin traveled a total of 30 hours to get to spend 36 hours in Paris with Nancy….and ME (I know what a lucky guy ). But, I didn’t mind being a third wheel as I find that I usually am on photo shoots. I was especially excited because although this was my second time in such an amazing city, it was my first time getting to do a photo shoot. We ventured around this breathtaking city and managed to get in some lovely pictures despite Kevin being jet lagged (poor guy) and me on an endless search for my pink Louie (that’s another story folks). We actually stayed up all night just to catch sunrise photos of the Eiffel Tower before Kevin had to leave for his flight. I could spend days, prolly even months shooting in Paris – everything is just so romantic there sigh. If you haven’t visited Paris yet, I HIGHLY suggest you go and take me with you of course .

More travel pics on the way!

“everything”
I know readers are sick of me saying this over and over again, but I seriously love my clients. From the first moment we met over coffee, I knew I wanted to photograph this lovely couple and share in their amazing day. Jenny + Fred are warm, genuine and are always laughing and smiling. Photographing them never feels like work and I find myself wanting to hang out with them longer. I feel so fortunate to know such wonderful people. They were married on the 4th of July and while others were BBQing, I was lucky enough to share in the sweetest moments. Not to miss out though, we had our own lil’ fireworks show – see the fun pictures at the end!

Special thanks to the talented Mr. Jason Huang for shooting with me again. Never feels like work .

I just love how the flower girl is looking up at the bride.

Now you know where Jenny gets her beauty from – her beautiful mother!

My heart melted:

While I was working with the ladies, Jason was working with the fellas:

Some of my favorites

Didn’t I mention in my last blog post that I always get the most beautiful bridal parties?! This wedding was no exception! And I just LOVE the colors Jenny chose.

Jenny’s hair & makeup looked flawless thanks to Kelly Zhang!

I just love this photo captured by Jason:

Jenny + Fred sure know how to throw a great party!

A tasty shot by Jason a.k.a. Mr. Ring Shot:

Happy July 4th!

View Jenny + Fred’s wedding slideshow below or by clicking HERE.

VENDORS:
Ceremony Venue – Our Lady of Mount Lebanon – St. Peter Cathedral
Reception Venue – Palladio Banquet Hall
Wedding Coordinator – Tish Rodriguez
Cake – Porto’s Bakery
Flowers – Shirvan Design
DJ – Atmosphere Entertainment
Dress – Pronovias
Tuxedos – Men’s Warehouse
Limo – Executive Limo
Makeup + Hair – Kelly Zhang
Photo Booth – Cheesy Photo Booth
Photography – Kim Le Photography
Assistant Photography – Jason Huang

“at last”

I have been super excited to post this fun & fabulous wedding!!! I met Igor through his sister – my good friend, Galina (who is expecting a lil’ bundle of joy soon yay ) and after spending some time with him and Yelena in NYC for their awesome engagement session, I feel so honored to have gotten to know such a wonderful couple and their A-M-A-Z-I-N-G families. Yelena + Igor are thoughtful, passionate and inspiring. They are making their mark on this world as dedicated doctors and have clearly impacted all the people around them with their energy and love. I can’t say enough about these remarkable two. I love spending time with them (especially over sushi ) and am so, so happy that I can share in such a special day.

Yelena is so naturally beautiful. She has the most incredible skin!

One word: PRONOVIAS. Yelena’s dress was soooo amazing!

I just love this photo – all the bridesmaids helping out the bride and a peek of that something blue!

Ok the guys deserve some blog time as well. Thanks to David Do for shooting with me again and capturing the guys…doing almost nothing…just kidding!


We went to the hip Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica for some portraits before the ceremony. I love shooting there!

I am so lucky. I always get the best looking bridal parties!

One of the most touching moments during the day was the traditional Jewish ketubah signing. Everyone got really emotional, including the beautiful bride:

So many details wonderfully coordinated by Dina Gontar of Cosmo Events LA and Chantelle Louise Weddings.

Such pretty flower girls!

Mazel tov! Thanks to David for these great captures!

Aren’t they so darling?!

Check out Yelena working it.

Heavenly light!

Some lovely reception details including gorgeous floral arrangements by Luna Party Rentals and delicious desserts by the Sweet and Saucy Shop.

Yes that is a dancing RABBI.

This photo cracks me up every time! They played a game where how much of the bread you break is symbolic of how much of the marriage you will control! Sorry Igor!

Experience all the fun by viewing Yelena + Igor’s slideshow below or by clicking HERE.

VENDORS:
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Mountain Gate Country Club
Wedding Coordinator #1 – Dina Gontar of Cosmo Events LA
Wedding Coordinator #2 – Chantelle Louise Weddings
Linens/Plates – Jaqki’s Cake Creations
Cake – CMC Party Rentals
Dessert Table – Sweet and Saucy Shop
Flowers/Lighting/Chuppa – Luna Party Rentals
Band – Sunshine Orchestra
Dancers – Sunflower Dancers
Dress – Pronovias
Makeup – Yana Beauty Studio
Hair – Hair Comes the Bride
Videography – Moziko of Wind Productions
Photography – Kim Le Photography
Assistant Photography – David Do

“now is the time”

It’s time for another BOUDOIR MARATHON session with yours truly and the incredible All Made Up Team. The upcoming session will be on August 29, 2010 so please contact me at Kim Le Photography for more information and to reserve your spot! Spaces are very limited so reserve yours today!

“just the way you are”

Yes I am so in love with my latest couple – so much that I had to put up some sneak peeks of their wedding from last weekend.

I know it’s not fair but that’s all the loving you get for now! Stay tuned for more!

P.S. I am going out of the office AGAIN! This time for a birthday bash in Vegas followed by a wedding in Cabo, Mexico. Um..yes..life.is.pretty.good.