Duy and Thu are getting married on Sacramento next year so it was great to meet up with them before their wedding day for their lover lane + Sea Session! The afternoon was cloudy which made for beautiful, soft tones and moody skies – this is why we always tell clients a cloudy day isn’t a bad thing! follow up we moved to Sutrobath because they love the ocean breath, we came perfect on golden hour and it fit perfectly with their outfit that day too, and we can’t wait for your wedding next year!
How stunning is this couple?! If they did this good at their engagement session, see what are their wedding photos going to look like?…
We met Krystle and Justin not long after the unfortunate fire in Napa. We first thought that the fire might affect us as the last time we had in Yosemite. Surprisingly, the weather turned out wonderful with lot of clouds and wind. Even though it was a bit cold, the couple warmed us with exceptional love. The way that Justin hold Krystle and looked at her, the smile she gave him melt our hearts in a powerful pleasantness. All of them blended together and thus made the day even more fulfilled. In another analogy, their chemical bond is unbreakable . When I asked why Justin wanted to marry Krystle, he answered with a sharp , crystalline voice : “I loved her because she is just everything of my life. ” To reply his response, Krystle told me “Justin was a special person, and I just fell in love with him. “ From this point, I found that their love is the product of 2 passionate heart with full of commitment and tranquility.
Even though Linda knows me through a mutual friend of her, the one who contacted me was Daniel. He sent me a message on Instagram and asked to help him capture his engagement session. I was impress when I know Daniel is also a landscape photographer and also a journalist , he loves traveling, outdoor stuff so that he knows so many beautiful location. At first we planned to shoot at Marin headland and Sausalito but we moved to Wilder Ranch in Santa Cruz due to the fire impact in Sonoma. This place has one of the most wonderful views ever with nice historic ranch , amazing cliff along the gorgeous beach . We would love to thank to Daniel for showing us some beautiful destinations which definitely help us a lot in the future .
Although the forecast predicted cloudy skies with a chance of thunderstorms, An and Dan were eager to experience Yosemite for the first time together. Right off the bat at Tunnel View, An and Dan were happy and playful, making my job very easy. At each location, Yosemite provided a stunning backdrop for our couple, whose emotions of love and affection emerged naturally.
When the idea of shooting at Taft point overlook was given, An was very scared at first, as she is afraid of heights. However, with some help from Dan, we convinced her to stand near the edge for photos. During this whole time, Dan stated words of encouragement and once she locked eyes with his, a sense of comfort took over her, allowing her to conquer her fears.
After our final shots at Taft point, we felt the first few raindrops falling from the sky. Shortly thereafter, the roaring sound of thunder echoed through the overlook and rain hammered down on us like bullets! The 1 mile hike to our car that followed felt like eternity, but provided memories that would only make us laugh years later. As a photographer, I experienced many firsts over the years, and this was the first time we got wet from an engagement session.
Despite the pouring rain, An and Dan cracked jokes during the hike and remained cheerful and positive. Their sense of optimism makes me look forward to capturing their wedding day.
It’s no doubt that Yosemite is the paradise for any people who love nature. Even though there was a fire right before the engagement photoshoot , carlos and lorena made it a successful day with their amazing love . The weather was somewhat smokey, but Yosemite remained mysteriously gorgeous. In addition, lorena and carlos have further marked their terrific day with their sweet and passionate moments with our team . The photoshoot was successful with unforgettable memories and emotion.
I met Nick and Maria for the first time at Starbucks by Rancho Codova. They knew me through mutual friends and they said they love my works. After a good chat, the lovely couple booked me for both Engagement session and Wedding day coming up this August.
During the engagement session the weather in Sacramento was extremely hot. We decided to dodge the heat and head to Lake Tahoe. It was a great idea since that matched Nick and Maria’s interest in nature and traveling. We went to Sand Habor for the first stop, unfortunately the parking was full so we had to park on the side road. However, it was such a good idea since we found out a new spot where we can see the crystal water without lots of people in the background. I can say that Nick and Maria made our jobs easy by showing plenty of real love and affection for each other. We had thousands of perfect moments to capture the lovely moments!
On the way to the second location, the famous Eagles Falls, we stumbled upon a burned forest. The leaves were orange similar to the colors of fall, but it was summertime. We decided to stop here for the second scene because of the beautiful backdrop nature provided. During the shoot at Eagles Falls, there was a large log that fell across the busy water stream. There was a strong flow that day which was great for capturing photos along with the gorgeous Emerald Bay island in the background
For the last stop at a wooden factory with the snow mountain in the background, it started to rain, fortunately it stopped before we got there. We decided to choose the formal theme so Nick and Maria changed to their lovely matching outfits. The engagement session was such a wonderful experience for all of us. We’re looking forward to the Wedding day with more lovely moments to capture.
The day everyone has been working towards, Its the Wedding Reception- the most extravagant event yet. It is also Sunnah to hold this event i.e publicly announce the marriage. There aren’t many traditions attached to the Walima, it will vary to suit the household, venue, timings, guest list, etc. The Groom normally opts for a formal Western suit or Tuxedo and the Bride will wear a dazzling dress with Jewellery provided by the Groom. Its common to see: several high end cars, a fully themed venue, four course meal, DJ, dance floor, bridesmaid, flower girls, bouquet for the bride, wedding cake and favour boxes.
Salami – As people go on to the stage, they will give salaam and congratulate the couple. Rather than going empty handed, most people dish out a tenner each for the Bride and Groom. But this has become a trend, it can become embarrassing to only give a certain amount or nothing at all.
As the evening comes to an end, the family prepare to send off the Bride, this becomes a very emotional scene as the daughter is moving from one family to another.
Rice – As the Bride walks towards the car with the Groom, the Bride will stop on her door step and throw rice over her head. Rice in Pakistan is a high source of nutrient so it symbolises wealth and efficiency. When the Bride throws the several grains behind her, she signifies that ‘she is leaving her mothers comfort and nurturing to enter in to a new family’.
Qu’ran – The Qur’an is also held over the Bride’s head as she walks from the Door to the car in order to bless and protect her- yet another oblivious tradition.
The Groom will then take her back to his parents home.
On this day, the baraat (the procession of family, relatives, and friends of the groom ( Bilal) will go to the bride( Anna) ’s house (or the place of the wedding) for the official wedding ceremony. There is usually a dholki player, lots of wedding songs being sung, etc. The groom was riding the horse to entering . The family and friends of the bride will welcome them warmly with flower garlands and rose petals are thrown on them as they walk inside by the bride’s sisters, female cousins, and friends.
There is a tradition that on his way in, however, he will be tied off from entering the place of the wedding. Here, the bride’s sisters, female friends and family will refuse him entry until he “pays up”. The fun bantering goes on for a bit before he gives them gifts of money, and they let him enter.
The bride enters after him. Usually, she walks up to him with her procession. However, there is a very old tradition in which her sisters and closest friends hide her behind a veil (so nobody can see her) as she walks towards the stage where the groom is standing. When she gets to the stage, they unveil her, thus he is the first person she sees and he is the first to see her. I will be doing this for my wedding :).
The “Nikah” usually takes place at this time. This is an Islamic official wedding ceremony. A marriage contract is signed by the bride and groom. An Imam will usually officiate this, and it ends with all in attendance praying for them. Rings are usually exchanged at this time.
Dinner is served, cake is cut, lots of dancing happens, bride and groom dance, toasts, etc.
Another tradition is when the women on the bride’s side will steal the groom’s shoes. There’s usually fun bantering, and they give them back once their receive more gifts and/or money.
The bride is typically decked out in red, purple, blue, green, or the like. No white dresses here! Red is typically worn, as it is an extremely old and so not pc symbol of the loss of the bride’s virginity due to this marriage.
PASSION STUDIO 