During my girls trip earlier this month to San Francisco, I made some time for a wonderful engagement session with one of my lovely couples: My & James. My & James live in Sacramento, CA so they drove down to meet me for a lil’ San Francisco treat . And what a treat it was to shoot with these two! They were a little nervous at first, but warmed up quickly to the camera and didn’t need a lil’ liquid courage after all . We ended up wandering around the city for hours and honestly, I could shoot My+James+San Francisco any day. James – next time we will find the house from “Full House”!

We started off by the Ferry Building. It was a beautiful, warm day! And these two were all smiles from the start.

The Bay Bridge:

One of my favorites of the day:

San Francisco = Golden Gate Bridge. Unfortunately it was cloudy near the bridge that day

You can’t give me grass like this and not expect me to have my couples frolic in it!

We ended our session at Golden Gate Park near the de Young Museum. After a lil’ wardrobe change – they looked great in their pretty whites.

Not sure what is going on here but I love their expressions!

My & James thought of these next two poses all by themselves – I definitely enjoyed them!

It’s a wrap! I can’t wait for their wedding in September!

That’s righty folks – I’m back and I could not wait to share these photos with you of Stephanie & David’s amazing wedding! I don’t know if I ever had more fun at a wedding – working or not. This wedding was nothing short of spectacular – as Stephanie & David included all the works to make sure their guests had a great time. I’m not kidding – there were firecrackers going off during the first dance! What moved me even more than all the lovely extras was the overwhelming emotion that Stephanie & David showed for each other and their families and friends on this joyous day. I have to admit – I couldn’t help but cry a little as well. I have nothing but tears of happiness and joy for this wonderful couple and I wish them the best of love and life. I also hear the newlyweds just bought a new love nest together – congrats!

Many thanks to my I-can’t-thank-you-enough second shooter, Patrick Tio and Stephanie & David’s fabulous wedding coordinator, Linda Chow of Lavish Celebrations.

Stephanie wore this gorgeous Chinese traditional dress for the tea ceremony:

Patrick caught some great shots and angles during the ceremony:

After the tea ceremony, we headed to the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Gardens at Cal State Long Beach.

Isn’t Stephanie a beauuuuutiful bride?! Her makeup & hair were done by the talented Elaine Chou.

Another one of Patrick’s lovely shots:

A white tent + gorgeous dress + unreal light = amazingness!

I could have shot near this tent all day.

While I shot the lovely ladies, Patrick got some great detailed shots:

One of my favorite shots of the day:

LOL:

Time for some pretty and fun portraits:

Love it!

*Sigh*…

After the ceremony, we headed to Shoreline Village for some additional portraits.

The reception was held at Capital Seafood in Monterey Park, CA where there were my favorite colors everywhere – pink and brown

Ok I know these are a lot of photos of the first dance, but I could not get enough! As Stephanie & David enjoyed the moment, family & friends lit firecrackers and blew bubbles to give that extra oomph to the moment.

Some of my dancing faves for the night!

The happy couple!

Click HERE for Stephanie & David’s wedding slideshow!

Makeup & hair – Elaine Chou
DJ – Jack Hou of Musica Man Productions
Videographer – DvArtistry
Saxophonist – Jason Li
Catering – Capital Seafood
Photobooth – Party BoothsP

Following a lovely surprise proposal, Jenna & Steven made their engagement official with a beautiful traditional Vietnamese engagement party for family and close friends. It is custom for both families to meet and announce the acceptance of the engagement. Their was definitely no objection here as everyone was all smiles and cheer for this wonderful couple. There were even some tears…ahem…Steven . I am so blessed to know Jenna & Steven and meet all of their amazing family and friends. I simply cannot wait for their wedding in 2010!

The gorgeous couple:

Some details of the day:

Guests begin to arrive, with some dressed in traditional Vietnamese dresses:

The bride’s side awaits the arrival of the grooms’s family:

Here they come!

In keeping with tradition, Jenna’s father walks her out to greet the guests:

Smiling faces everywhere!

Hmmm…guava cake…

The journey continues…

The boudoir is back! A few weeks ago I got to meet the incredibly sexy and funny Tracey. We had a blast and it never feels like work when you are having fun! Tracey is getting married next month and wanted a little something, something for her husband-to-be! Judging by how stunning Tracey looks in these photos, I’m sure the hubs will be happy Once again, all make up & hair was beautifully done by the All Made Up Team. I can’t say enough about this amazing team of ladies!

P.S. The blog layout has been updated, but more about that later – don’t want to take away from Tracey’s sexy post! For now, just enjoy the bigger and better photos

Here we go!

I know I always say I have a blast shooting engagement sessions, but I really do! It’s such a fun and creative time for me and my couples! Hollie & Brian’s engagement session was no exception. They are two beautiful people – inside & out. Plus Hollie is an optometrist & Brian is a pharmacist – I definitely know who to call from now on! =) Hollie & Brian are getting married in September and since I was not available for their big day, I had to settle for a few amazing hours with this amazing couple! Hollie & Brian – I wish you a happy wedding day and an even happier life together .

We started out at the Santa Ana Train Station. It was my first time shooting there – who knew it was so fabulous?!

Too cute!

We were able to find some beautiful light!

And some awesome backdrops!

Next we headed to Corona Del Mar beach, where the day was absolutely gorgeous. I guess we didn’t have to worry about June gloom that day!

I just love this next set of headshots! I think it really shows off their personalities!

Oh the lovely light continues!

Lynda & Mike’s 15 hour wedding extravaganza was a day they will never forget. Complete with 3 ceremonies and over 450 guests, they celebrated their marriage big time!!!! From behind the lens, I witnessed countless memorable moments, but the moment I will always remember is during the reception dinner, Mike was making a toast to his beautiful bride and shouted “I only have two words to say – I SCORED!!!!” Hahha…yes you did Mike! =)

*Lynda & Mike – I can’t thank you enough for having me a part of such a special day for you. You are so sweet and thoughtful – even making sure I was ok on your busy wedding day! I guess I scored! =) You are a beautiful couple inside & out and I’m sure you are looking even better with your golden tans from St. Lucia =).

We start out with the traditional tea ceremony:

I was moved by how emotional Lynda’s mother got watching her daughter get married:

Lynda changes into her gorgeous gown after to get ready for the church ceremony:

The beautiful St. Callistus Church:

Followed by the ceremony at the

We ventured to a nearby park for some portraits and group shots. I highly recommend taking an hour out of the day to do this. Soooo worth it!

Ok isn’t Lynda just stunning?!

What a beautiful couple!

And a beautiful bouquet!

Seriously one of my favorite shots of the day. I couldn’t stop laughing. These guys crack me up.

I know jumping shots have become very common, but I just LOVE them. Everyone always enjoys them and gets really into it. Check out how high the flower girl got and how her dress looks like a bell! LOVE it!

We move on to the reception at Seafood Paracel Restaurant:

Oh how chocolate fondue and alcohol makes people sooo happy =)

One of my favorite shots the whole day! Lynda’s lovely sister was VERY happy to catch the bouquet =)

The first dance – I love how they were surrounded by everyone!

And drum roll….please….here’s Lynda & Mike’s Wedding SLIDESHOW accompanied by their first dance song =).

Special thanks to PATRICK, my amazing second shooter. What would I do without you?!

Also thanks to the following vendors who made Lynda & Mike’s day extra special:

Wedding Coordinator – Tuan

Makeup – Katie B.

Flowers – Kim Chi Flowers

Caterer – Seafood Paracel

Cake – Final Touch Bakery

DJ – Damon Chinn

Bartender – Michelle Studer

I had a great engagement session with Lynda & Mike in beautiful Laguna Beach, CA. last month  These two are high school sweethearts (ever since Mike stalked Lynda =P) who are going to make their union official this Saturday!  I am so excited for their wedding!!!  Check back for photos from their extra special day!!!

Check out Lynda & Mike’s engagement slideshow by clicking HERE !!! DO IT! =)

I first fell in love with this lil’ family when we had such a blast shooting their engagement/family session back in November. I could not wait for this day to come and it finally did! On July 13, 2008, in front of their beloved family & friends at the lovely Tustin Ranch Golf Course, Trish & Matt showed everyone what it meant to be in love and what it meant to be a part of a special family. From Matt reading the cutest, sweetest vows to Trish’s son Raymond to Trish’s eyes swelling up with tears of happiness as her father spoke of how he was so proud of her – I found it hard not cry as I was snapping away.  Their wedding theme was “lucky in love”, but with each moment, I feel more and more like the lucky one for being part of such a wonderful day for such a wonderful family. Trish, Matt & Raymond – thank you for having me there to witness the laughter, smiles & tears. I hope to be there for many more precious moments! =) xoxo, Kim Le

And here we go…starting off with the gorgeous bride:

And all the amazingly stylish details she picked out!

How about the beautiful bridesmaids:

I’m not sure what’s going on here but I love this pic!

Here comes the guys…looking oh-so-cool:

How about Trish’s lil’ nephew – isn’t he sooo precious??!

Now on to the ceremony…which was led by the cutest flower girl and ring bearer ever!

And here comes the beautiful bride with her father:

My absolute favorite part of the ceremony was when Matt read vows to Raymond! He promised they would have lots of fun together. I think my heart just melted at that moment.

Look at how Raymond is looking up at Matt and how happy he is! Sooo adorable!

Finally some alone time…with me of course =)

Now on the reception to celebrate with guests and where the fabulous details continued…I just love Trish & Matt’s “lucky in love” and red & black theme:

*Sigh…*

Enough of Matt & Trish – these two clearly stole the show!

As the night went on…the dancing continued. I love how Matt’s mom is looking so lovingly at her son…

A break from the dancing for some cake action:

Now back to dancing with the super cute flower girl:

The guests at this wedding sure knew how to get down!

My favorite pic of the whole night:

Their chariot, I mean Bentley awaits =)

The proper send-off:

I must apologize for being so late in my posts. I have been traveling a lot and got really sick last week so I have tons of catching up to do.

Last month I had the great pleasure of shooting the wedding of two very special people. Debbie & Drew are two of the most genuine people you will ever meet. Their love story is so sweet and their intimate wedding on May 25, 2008 at the Four Seasons Aviara was just as sweet. I have been quite anxious to write this blog post as I really wanted to share their lovely story. But, then I realized nothing I wrote would compare to the incredible words they wrote for their guests. Debbie & Drew met in the Peace Corps and traveled to various places together. They used this as the theme for their wedding and at each table, they had printed stories in that were written in each of their own words describing how they felt on the journey they shared together at these unique places. With Debbie & Drew’s permission, I would like to share one of the beautiful stories Drew wrote of their time in Paraguay:

“I wasn’t really sure what to think of this situation. I had really just started to get to know her the day before. And I don’t know why I had suddenly become so intrigued, so engrossed with getting to know this girl. I didn’t really know anything about her other than her being from LA and that we were both in San Pedro, Paraguay and both Peace Corps volunteers. But we sat on the grass in the backyard of a friend’s house, watching the stars cross the southern hemisphere’s night sky. Nowhere had I ever seen stars so clear or brilliant. That night was one of those moments in life that is very surreal and rare; when the serenity of the moment and the connection to a stranger is stronger than anyone or anything else. She told me stories of her family and friends, of her home in LA and her life at Penn and in New York that put images as clear as day into my mind. We talked about altruism, the pursuit of happiness and having an impact that made a difference. We told stories of our adventures in remote wildernesses and most magical moments in our lives. But the strangest part seemed that I had come so far home, and sat here now a world away from everything I knew, falling in love with a girl that I had just met.”

* Debbie & Drew – Your life and love are inspirations to us all. Thanks for making this world a better place. I am sad you’re moving! xoxo, Kim Le

** Special thanks to my super 2nd shooter: John and the amazing day-of-coordinator: Taryn of Taryn Leach Events. Be sure to check out their blogs!

Ok, I’ve kept everyone waiting so here are some teasers followed by a fabulous slideshow! =)

Click HERE for Debbie & Drew’s SLIDESHOW and more images from the big day!