maya|myers Photography

Allie and Cary - Wedding at the Hotel Bel Air

2012-02-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

When Aileen called me from Toronto a few weeks ago and askedif I would photograph her sisters’ elopement (as a surprise!), I found that bythe end of our conversation I had tears in my eyes. She arranged to arrive atthe Hotel Bel Air with a bouquet and a photographer (me) so that her sister Allieand fiancé Cary could elope privately as planned, but with a fewtraditional touches to make the day that much more special. I was smitten byher kindness and love.

Sometimes the most intimate affairs show the most grandiose ofcelebration, simply by the amount of love there is. This was no exception.

Congratulations Allie and Cary, I toast to you all the wayfrom Bel Air to Toronto and I am so grateful to have had the pleasure ofdocumenting your beautiful wedding!

Jennifer and Mohammed - Engagement session at Gondola Getaways, Long Beach and Naples Canals

2012-01-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

Ok folks get ready for a romantic gondola ride like you’venever experienced before, in Long Beach, California!! You heard me, who needsItaly?! I thought I had it good with Venice Beach canals (well, I do, they’rebeautiful and I LOVE shooting there check out my last post!), but the Gondola Getaway in Long Beach graduated me to an actual boat ride, who knew!

Jennifer and Mohammed are superstars, and supermodels,seriously they belong in a magazine. They are so naturally in love that it notonly made my job easy, it made it that much more FUN. Their comfort in ‘belonging to each other’ allowed an adventure to form out of an hour-longexcursion and a few cocktails at their favorite hang out (that’s Michael’s on Naples incase you’re looking for some amazing Italian eats).

If you’re looking for an engagement session idea that isunique and timeless I strongly suggest Gondola Getaway. Their staff is sofriendly and welcoming I think I’ve just added it to a ‘lucky couple giftgiveaway’.

Congratulations Jennifer and Mohammed, your wedding thisMarch is going to be gorgeous and I cannot WAIT to continue capturing yourwedding story, I’m looking forward to some big celebrations!!

Linda and Sean - Venice Beach Canals Engagement Session

2012-01-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

Man, do I feel lucky.

I feel like that should be my whole blog post… but I won’tdo that, at the risk of sounding like a braggart please allow me to explainmyself. My luck stems from a ‘gratitude luck’. A luck that the Venice Beach Canalsare just minutes away (and we don’t have to fly to Italy to create theseimages!). Luck that the sunsets in Southern California are INSANE with beautythis time of year. Most of all, luck (and gratitude) that I have the coolestclients in the world. Linda and Sean you are playful, you are lovable (andloving), you are fearless and welcoming and I cannot WAIT to capture yourwedding this coming May. Saddle Rock Ranch you don’t know what’s comin’ yourway but I’ll tell you, it’s a whole lot of fun.

Congratulations Linda and Sean!

Resolutions for the New Year - 2012

2012-01-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

This IS a year to shine. For me, for you, for your loved ones, and our shared global community.

I've heard this many times over the years but I only really, truly realized recently that you (I, we) have all the power in the world to create the exact life we want to live. We have the power to create supportive and prosperous environments that bring us success, in whichever way we choose to define success. Here it is bold and clear and SHINING before our eyes.
I've declared this year a year to shine. Do the things that make you shine inside and speak and act in ways that will shine onto others. Greet every experience like an opportunity for growth and I'll do the same. This is a good year for us, I can feel it.

Family Holiday Session Los Angeles

2011-11-29T23:28:00.001-08:00

this are a few of my favorite things... giggles.

Nicole and John - Wedding at Sportsman Lodge in Studio City, CA

2011-11-21T20:43:00.001-08:00

Nicole and John’s wedding was officially my last of theseason. I for one like to finish my season off with spunk, and as you’ll seebelow I had the perfect couple to do so with!

Now, Nicole (the spunky bride) brought DIY to a whole newlevel… one that I had never seen before. Ok, she has a few points on her sideseeing that she studied fashion design but seriously, she made her own SHOES!! And her dress.. and every center piece, bouquet, table linen…. You getthe drift. When I was cruising through the reception hall capturing detailsthere were at least two groups of people (non guests) who went by asking me ifI know who the planner was, really!

So with this post I will have to congratulate Nicole andJohn on their wedding (of course), but I will secondly have to congratulateNicole for an INCREDIBLE job on designing her wedding… and a thirdcongratulations to her amazing friends and family for their support in puttingit all together.

Studio City’s Sportsman Lodge was the perfect venue forNicole and John. The day unfolded magnificently and I couldn’t be happier tohave captured it all.

ENJOY!

Project Access Keys To Success Gala ~ Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

2011-10-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was invited by A Gadsby Affair to document the‘Keys to Success Gala’ they were planning for Project Access at theRitz Carlton, Laguna Niguel. I jumped at the opportunity when Hillary (owner ofGadsby) described the details she was putting together for the evening, but nothing could haveprepared me for this incredible gathering...

In thanks to the performers at Fire and Ice, tasting display by Michael David Winery, featured cocktails from Blue Ice Vodka (and the many giving companies and organizations who supported the event), I was provided with a splendor of color and magnificence to document.Here’s a glimpse from the evening.

Please share your comments below, we welcome you!!

Kristen and Matt ~ Wedding at Bella Victorian Vineyards

2011-10-04T22:24:00.000-07:00

Every few months over the course of the year I received atext with a photo of a wedding detail. Like an antique key or something withteal blue lace or peacock feathers... And every one of these ‘teasers’ kept me on my toes with anticipationfor Kristen and Matt’s big day. When it all came to life I was simply put, inLOVE.
I have to give incredible Kudos to Bella Victorian Vineyards forpresenting the perfect backdrop, to Flour LA for creating the most uniquefloral bouquets I’ve every seen (seriously, you’ll see below), Marieve Herrington Band for their sweet melodies, and to Stacey of Stacey Lynn Designsfor pulling it all together seamlessly, most of all the biggest Kudos goesto Kristen herself, for her vision of a wedding, unique in style and persona.

Even more wonderful to witness then the details, or captureas a photographer would put it, was the unity of a romance that started back inhigh-school almost eleven years ago. Theirs is such a sweet sweet story thathas a certain timeless feel to it. Kristen and Matt remind me of my grandparentswho were married for 62 years, who never spent a day apart and held handsthrough it all. I want to shout out (at the top of my lungs) a huge thank you to Heather for adding talents in associate shooting with me and to Megan for boldly manning the fabulous photo booth (that Kristen also designed!).

I have had so much FUN spending time with Kristen and Matt(especially since Matt LOVES hamming it up for the camera and it’s not often Iget a groom that does as much as him!). But not just because of that. They are true, and real, and aball to be around. I wish 62 years and more to hold hands and dance and makefunny faces at the camera. Congratulations to you!!

Matt is sad only because he thinks he's going to miss out completely on bacon wrapped scallops. Don't worry Matt, they have a secret stash waiting for you just around the corner...

Oh.... and here's a little photo booth teaser!!!

Please leave us your comments below, we welcome them!!

Andrea and Joaquin ~ Maternity Session in Woodland Hills, CA

2011-09-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

Everything pink is about to bless Andrea and Joaquin’sworld… and she’s going to be one lucky little lady.

Congratulations almost-parents, I look forward to meetingMarissa in October!!

We'd love to read your comments below!!

Kelly and Brian ~ New England Wedding in Cape Cod

2011-09-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

I’m going to split this post into two parts, partly becausethere are so many images to share. But mainly, because Kelly and Brian’srehearsal dinner and wedding day are each unique in style and hold great homageto their environment and setting.

So first the rehearsal dinner: It made such perfect sensethat Kelly and Brian hold their rehearsal dinner right on the water, at aseafood/steak restaurant. They were after all in Cape Cod for theirwedding. The Landfall in WoodsHole was so authentic and filled with New England charm. With Lobster bibs andsteak knifes at every table, Kelly and Brian’s immediate family and weddingparty of 40+ people (!!) were given the perfect setting to feast and celebratethe incoming wedding.

Now, you might wonder about my choice of wording, incoming?Well their wedding wasn’t the only scheduled ‘incoming’ event. It was also thesame weekend that Hurricane Irene was due to hit. But, we were here, Bride andGroom, church and venue, cameras, and a few plastic bags and umbrellas readyfor cover. What I found so fascinating at The Landfall restaurant was what theywould do in preparation for the storm. They simply remove all doors and windowsfrom the hinges, lift the floor boards, clear the rooms, and allow the rains toliterally, wash through. How cool is that!! Ok, but back to Kelly and Brian,and their fabulous rehearsal dinner… here are a few images to recap the night,ENJOY!!

Part II … the wedding extravaganza!

I had been looking forward to photographing Kelly andBrian’s wedding for almost a year. Brian and I attended art together and Kelly,well, I felt like I had known Kelly for ten years as well after having spent 20minutes with her in our initial meeting.

Kelly and Brian’s wedding, was as they called it ‘Red SoxMarries a Yankee’. I’m not completely positive which came from which side butthe wedding day held the quaint décor and style of New England and was marriedeffortlessly with bold, hardcore party. Having grown up in Upstate New York,this is a type of celebration setting I know very well, and love. They were married at the sweet

St Thomas Chapel and celebrated at the Coonamessett Inn.

Oh, and hands down, 57Heavy is one of the best event bands Ihave EVER heard. Whoever can perform Rusted Root and Lady Gaga in the same setand so amazingly so that even had to put down the camera and dance, well they go straight to the top of my list.

Congratulations Kelly and Brian, it was an honor to documentyour wedding story, from your engagement and onto your wedding weekend.

Kelly was interviewed for Fox News, see the clip here!!

And shortly after the interview she makes and assessment of the storm threatening skies

Please share your comments with us below!!!

Lily's Family session ~ Huntington Beach

2011-09-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

The other day I posted something on the mmP facebook pageabout how one of the perks of photographing weddings is photographing maternitysessions and family. Well folks, here’s a visual testament.

I love photographing private sessions, or ‘play dates’ as Icall them, not just because it keeps me working (says the business owner)because I’m given the chance to continue relationships that are created when Iwork with a couple at their wedding (that part comes from Maya, an artist).

See, photographing a couples’ wedding is an intimateexperience. I’m invited to witness, closer then any of their loved ones, everymoment of their day. I’m a true believer of ‘like attracts like’ and I oftenfind that when I hand over proofs and albums I’m sad. I’ve just spent so muchtime and energy learning about the newlyweds and getting to know them only tosay goodbye. Lucky for me ‘then comes the baby and the baby carriage!’

Corinne and Justin were married in 2009 at the Red Horse Barn in Huntington Beach (you can revisit their wedding post here). At my initial meeting with Corinne, before we realized it an hour had gone by andwe were in deep discussions over her travels as a journalist and my documentaryand educational work. Thankfully we veered back on track to wedding talk, and afew months later I captured a gorgeous day, a gorgeous couple, and anincredible love fest amongst their loved ones.

When I received baby Lily’s birth announcement a year laterI was smitten. I went back to her photo over and over again wonderingto myself how a newborn could possibly have a smile as contagious and hers. Iam SO happy to have witnessed this smile in person. She’s now six months old,and her smile is six times more contagious then before. As grandma Linda said‘now Maya, you’re about to see the cream of the crop’. Biased yes, but alsotrue.

Thank you Corinne for continuing our relationship andinviting me to witness and capture the little moments, from Champagne weddingtoasts to tea party picnics, and many more moments to come.

Going straight off of memory, in a different season, on a different time of day, I say we did pretty well in comparison. I'm thinking this is the beginning of a family tradition....

mmP would love to hear your comments! Please share below!!

Miranda and Chris's wedding at the Skirball Cultural Center

2011-09-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

Holy moly, I can’t believe I just spent almost a weekputting a wedding preview together. Ok ok, in my defense it is mid season and I had a few shoots andedits throughout, but I have grown to be totally obsessed with Miranda andChris’s images because I’m so in LOVE!!

Miranda and I met early in the year when hers and Chris’swedding day plans were just beginning to solidify. After ten minutes at lunch Iknew Miranda was the client for me. She’s honest, bold, she knows exactly whatshe wants, and it’s all held together with an appreciation for creativeexpression. All in all, I wasn’t surprised to love both Miranda and Chrisbecause they were referred to me by Brian and Heather who’s wedding Iphotographed a few years ago, and Brian and Heather already hold a speciallittle place in my heart.

Miranda and Chris’s wedding weekend began at the Daily Grillwith a casual rehearsal dinner full of laughter and the kind of energy thatarises only when you know there’s a deep history of memories and love betweeneveryone in the room. The wedding was held at the Skirball Cultural Center. I’mnot even going to try to describe the beauty of their location, I’m going tolet the photos speak for themselves.

What I would like to describe however is how impressed I waswith how Miranda and Chris’s wedding progressed both in style and energy throughout the day.Starting as early as the days’ preparations, the Luxe Sunset Blvd Hotel served as a modern backdropfor Miranda and Chris’s chic details (and anticipation moments of course). Theceremony, quaintly decorated with cherry blossoms by Tic Toc Couture Florals, connectedthe wedding to Miranda’s Chinese heritage and served as a serene backdrop toMiranda and Chris’s sweet vow exchange. The cocktail hour and welcomingreception foyer, were hinted with bits of red and gold which progressed to thelush reception, which was rich and bold and screamed ‘celebration!!’. Evenduring the reception, the amazing sounds of the LA All Stars band, graduated to DJ T-Wayne‘s beats.All of these incredible details were lawlessly coordinated by Michael Willms andhis team at Entertainment Design Events. I have to say, I am one impressedphotographer.

I want to thank Kris, my right arm, my third (and fourth)eye, my associate extraudinaire for her amazing energy and talents and toChristina, my newest team member for lugging, and plugging, and all the inbetweens through out the day.

Congratulations Miranda and Chris!! It was an honor towitness and capture your special day… onto the master edit!

Angie and Jason ~ Intimate wedding in Glendale CA

2011-09-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Angie and Jason,

I’ve decided to format this blog post differently then how Iusually do. I’ve decided to address this to you personally and whole heartedly,just like you did for each other at your intimate wedding vows ceremony atVerdugo Adobe Park in Glendale last Sunday evening. This is the first time I’vephotographed a wedding with a guest count of, well, one (me, can I say I was aguest?). Can I tell the world about your sweet gestures and honest promises toeach other? Can I tell the world about how Jason kept me laughing with hishysterical portrait suggestion (no I’m not posting your street sofa andport-o-potty shots here sorry!), and Angie bringing tears to my eyes with hersentimental gestures and adornments? I guess I just did, I just had to!

I adore you both, I have enjoyed so much spending time withyou over the past few years and Angie I you are one of theLos Angeles friendships I value the most. Having you invite me to capture yourvow exchange was not only flattering, but it reminded me that love like yours,and marriage, grows over years to a place that can be celebrated just as loudlyand vibrantly alone, just the two of you, as it would be if you had two hundredguests in the grandest of venues. To see that was just so sweet.

I congratulate you both. I am so proud to have been there tobear witness and capture.

Love,

maya

For those of you who have just fallen in love with thisfabulous coupel, Angie is a superb marketing executive at her own firm Lucky Marketing Firm, and Jason is the executive producer at Clear Channel Talk KFI -AM/LOS ANGELES. Look them up, it’s worth it!!

Destination Wedding Photography adventures with Hurricane Irene

2011-08-31T12:34:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday my associate Kris and I flew to Boston, MA fora little Cape Cod destination wedding on the coastal town of Falmouth, for an old college friend of mine. Whatstarted out as a well planned out summer beachy destination wedding assignment,quickly turned into a weather anticipating and nerve racking ‘will Irene hitus’, slash, prepare rain protection for our gear and selves to make sure that no matter what, the show will go onand we WILL achieve our shot list (including much requested beachy portraits).

We decided that since the storm was due to hit on Sunday andthe wedding was still in full force as planned for Saturday, we would focus allof our energies to photographing the wedding successfully and manage our‘escape route’ the following day. This means, Sunday morning in a mostlydeserted Inn with live weather coverage on every television, computer, ipad,and phone screen: I needed to manage our getting off the storm surge threatenedisland safely, tracking our cancelled flight (downright impossible), ensuring proper accommodations for myself and my associate until we could flyback east, and of course, protecting all those precious photographs.

This was an adventure. I have to say that in no major waywere we in real danger and in the grand scheme of things we are EXTREMELY luckyto not have been. My heart goes out to anyone and everyone who was impacted bythe storm. But we did face travel obstacles, accommodations mishaps, and thesimple fact that we’d been living and breathing each other’s space for sixdays, if any of my fellow wedding photographer friends are reading this, youknow that coupled with the exhaustion of shooting a wedding, this is no easy challenge.

Through it all however, the most present moments were filledwith laughter. Like, uncontrollable giggles laughter, the ridiculous kind thatmakes no sense and leaves your cheeks aching. I repeatedly found myself excitedat the fact that I get to have these adventures.I got to try and grocery shop in 40 mile winds with a defunct poncho thatserved mostly as a necklace (or noose depending on my direction). I gotto travel and meet fascinating people, and witness milestones to people’s lives who were at some point a part of my life. I got to become better friends withmy associate. I got to scroll down my Boston contacts list and reconnectwith a former client whom I adore. Most of all, I got to enjoy my work. I gotto ‘make the most’ of a situation that was in natures hands.
And, I got to Let Go.

Nicole John ~ Engagement session in Downtown Los Angeles

2011-08-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

Well folks it’s official, Nicole and John have kissed theirway through downtown LA, and I was there to bear witness, or capture. And whata FUN evening it was!

No matter how many times I’ve made my way through this partof town (shooting or no shooting, kisses or no kisses), I’m amazed with howdifferent it can look. There are so many great spots that within just two and ahalf hours, an engagement session can look as if we spent all day travelingbetween towns and cities. This is one of the many things I love about LosAngeles. I could go on and on about my findings… but lets get back to Nicoleand John, this is their moment Maya! We started the evening at the Exposition Park Rose Garden where they had their first date almost ten years ago (insertsweet smile). Then with a quick yet dramatic outfit change (ladies you have GOTto check out Nicole’s jacket!), onto Walt Disney Concert Hall for a touch of architectureand the ‘like no other city’ feel. One of the things I love most about bringingcouples to a location I’ve shot at before is seeing how I ‘see’ the place differently and how personalities canshape the session into a brand new scene. This was definitely the case here.Last, we found a few little hidden treasures while en route to Casa, forcelebratory margaritas and a few last canoodles to capture. All in all, a fabulous session.

Nicole and John, you are vibrant with love and life. I canpicture your bold colors and pumping wedding dance beats and I am SOOOO lookingforward to your October wedding!! You guys are awesome (seriously, I mean that, we're totally hanging out for Margaritas again)!!

mmP image for Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS)

2011-08-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I photographed Human Rights Watch's annual Voices for Justice, a star studded performance at the Broad Stage Theater in Santa Monica, where human rights heros were recognized and honored. One of the honorees was Rachel Lloyd, founder and executive director of GEMS.
I was instantly drawn to hear more about her work and more so instantly drawn to donating however I can to her mission. When her team contacted me a few weeks later about using one of my images on their site I jumped at the chance, and doors were opened to what I hope will be a growing relationship and empowering support to helping girls across our country (yes, our very own) survive an epidemic of sexual exploitation for a billion dollar trafficking industry.

Girls Educational &amp; Mentoring Services (GEMS) is the only organization in New York State specifically designed to serve girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking. GEMS was founded in 1998 by Rachel Lloyd, a young woman who had been commercially sexually exploited as a teenager. GEMS has helped hundreds of young women and girls, ages 12–24, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and develop to their full potential. GEMS provides young women with empathetic, consistent support and viable opportunities for positive change.

To join their campaign of 'Girls Are Not For Sale' please click here.

Location Scout ~ Bella Victorian Vineyard

2011-08-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

'Happiness is like a butterfly;

the more you chase it,

the more it will elude you,

but you turn your attention to other things, it will

come and sit softly on your shoulder ...' (Thoreau)

... or on a barrel of flowers while you're location scouting Bella Victorian Vineyards

Holga Camera ~ and Meditation

2011-08-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

This for meditation. This is for anyone who like me, likes to take a break from the screen.

Miriam and Ed Married at Buerge Chapel

2011-07-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Miriam and Ed were married last week at Buerge Chapel inPacific Palisades and they couldn’t have hand picked a more beautiful Julyafternoon to do so. With an ocean breeze and bright blue skies, sunlighttwinkled through the tree-lined grounds in perfection. One would never guess wewere a three-minute walk from Sunset Blvd, or ten from the ocean.

Miriam and Ed reserved me early in the year online and I didn’tmeet Miriam in person until two weeks before their wedding. She showed suchpassion with her preparation and planning stories and her daughter/maid ofhonor’s involvement that when she left my studio I felt sure I was just as passionateabout their wedding day as she and Ed did. To no surprise I saw the passion unfold through Miriam's custom made dress by Danielle D'Marie Designs and home made cake and topper from Lily, Miriam's daughter. Because Miriam wanted to surprise Ed with her dress, he decided to surprise her by wearing a tux, how sweet is that!? The love they showed for eachother at the wedding was strong and serene, and the numerous speeches (andsongs!) echoed a village of support. These are elements I love documentingthe most.

I want to thank Miriam and Ed for trusting me to capturetheir day and tell their story through my camera. Congratulations to you and Ihope you enjoy the previews!!

Monte Carlo Celebration at 9577 Sunset Blvd

2011-07-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

It’s official, my love for all things gold and luxurious,has officially, been replenished. Not that it was in the least bit depletedprior.

Last week I photographed a private event and one of the mostbeautiful mansions I’ve ever seen, 9577 Sunset Blvd. The Monte Carlothemed celebration was filled with some of the best-looking (and fantasticallyfun!) crowd I’ve captured and they couldn’t have picked a better setting. Withmodel servers of Runway Waiters and incredible dance tracks this was animpeccable event and I am still gushing with all the photographers’ eye candyof décor and guests.

I want to thank Allison Ross for such flawless coordinationthroughout the night and of course, give a ‘private’ thank you to my client,who invited me to document such a fantastic party. It was such a pleasure and Icannot WAIT for more!

Kristen and Matt's Engagement session at El Matador Beach, Malibu

2011-06-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ok can I please scream to the world that I am in LOVE with Kristen and Matt?! I mean I know that when two people have spent as long as they have together (since high school!) they begin to finish each other’s sentences. But by the middle of an engagement session for us to do so with ideas for shots and scenes, now THAT is a match made in heaven between photographer and client.

I knew that El Matador Beach was a major hot spot for engagement shoots so I suggested to K + M for us to do the e-session on Monday. Little did I know, so did at least four other photographers. I found it quite amusing though to be floating around each other bustling to catch the golden hour in the perfect spots. We seemed to be the busiest floaters though, changing locations multiple times and of course the last ones standing, or laying down, in the water, soaking wet…

Oh, and just to add the sweetest note, the two hearts they’re holding (towards the middle/bottom of the post) are from Valentines Day during High School. If that doesn’t shout commitment and adornment then I don’t know what does.

Kristen and Matt, I say at every engagement preview post, but every time with renewed excitement. I cannot WAIT to document your wedding day this fall!!

Family Session, On Jersey's side of town

2011-06-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

The last time I believe I saw Kristina was at her High School graduation, which was my sophomore year. I probably gave her a huge hug and thanked her for all of her support as a mentor (or dorm leader as we called it), and thought to myself ‘I hope we have the chance to see each other again, I really love her’.

Now I won’t mention exactly how many years it’s been since that day but it’s been quite a few, and my admiration for Kristina never stayed too far from my memory banks, but I never thought I’d have the chance to re-unite by spending the morning chasing bubbles and giggles with her and her husband Rich, and their adorable little girls Sonia and Anna.

All the colors in the rainbow (which Sonia knew so well!) couldn’t express how colorful and vivacious Sonia and Anna are. I can’t think of a better activity in prep for nap time, which every one of us needed by the end of the session (!), then a picnic with Cheerios and kisses, swings and slides, and best of all… a bubble machine!

mmP wedding featured on Style Me Pretty!!

2011-06-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Now THIS is an exciting day. I am delighted to have Rebecca and Jamie's destination wedding at the Healdsburg country gardens from last august published on Style Me Pretty's California Blog. If you don't recall my gushing post over incredible details and love filled setting for the wedding here's a little refresher (click!).

Or, you can visit Style Me Pretty's touching post filled with many inspiring images.

Thank you Rebecca and Jamie for sharing your intimate stories with me and all of the readers. You are so talented and so warm hearted and so much FUN to be around!!

Kelly and Brian ~ Engagement in NYC !!!

2011-06-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest perks of my job is that every so often I get the opportunity to reunite with an old school friend, and I couldn’t think of a better way to do so other then by documenting one of the most important experiences in their lives.

Brian and I went to Alfred University together and although we stayed connected through our circle of mutual friends, I feel closer to him now as I ever did before and really, I feel like I’ve known Kelly, his fiancé, as long as I’ve known him! They complete each other in the truest sense of the saying and spending an afternoon with them frolicking through central park and the upper east side of New York, Thinking of their affectionate gestures and flirtatious jokes just makes me smile. I had such a blast!!

Kelly and Brian will be married this coming August in Cape Cod, I am squirming with excitement and I cannot WAIT to see all of their plans unfold to what will be a spectacular destination wedding. I look forward to hearing Kelly’s contagious laugh and to witness and document the beginning of their lives together. Here are a few previews from our afternoon in the big apple!

Michelle and Ryan Married in Culver City!!

2011-06-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

The first time I met Michelle and Ryan was while I was photographing their friends LaRue and Kevin’s wedding. This was three years ago. Now as it turns out, it was the first time they met each other as well!!

As I learned their story throughout their wedding preparations and more so through their touching ceremony, I grew to adore them and their love story. I am touched as I’m reminded how much fate is all around us and if we just let it ride it’s course, beautiful things happen and we end up right where we’re supposed to be, with love.

Michelle and Ryan exchanged vows at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in my own neck of the woods, Culver City! This just happens to be the very spot I treck to a few mornings a week for some muscle movement and meditation. This alone gave my wedding excitement a jump-start. Michelle’s Mother and Stepfather at their beautiful home just around the corner hosted their reception. Their living room and back yard were so beautifully arranged with detail that I could have easily guessed we were at an event venue, I swear I’m not exaggerating!

The last, and certainly not least, perk of my day was having Elyse, whose wedding I photographed also, by my side. The idea for the day was for her to shadow me, but she instantly became my right hand and I am so incredibly grateful, thank you Elyse!!

Human Rights Watch: Cries From the Heart at the Broad Stage Theater

2011-05-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

For the second consecutive year I’ve photographed the Human Rights Watch: Cries From the Heart, star studded and heart warming performance artistically directed by Jonathan Feldman at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica. This years incredible talent included Shohreh Aghdashloo, Annette Bening, Keith David, Greg Germann, Taraji P. Henson, Vincent Kartheiser, Anna Khaja, Julian Sands and Featured musical performances by A Fine Frenzy, Mia Doi Todd, and Terra Naomi.

As I carried my (heavy) sound blimp covered equipment, running from one side of the stage to the other from the foyer, up and down the stairs to the balcony, just so I can get every view from every side of each scene, all the while trying to listen to the heart felt stories, poetry and music, I chanted to myself ‘I love my job, I love my job’. And I do, it’s these events, honoring our human rights heros, that remind me that we all have a duty to protect our fellow citizens.

Please support Human Rights Watch in their incredible worldly movements in protecting the citizens of our international community. Whether it be purchasing tickets to or volunteering at their events, or a simple donation, it’ll make your day when you do, I promise.

http://www.hrw.org/

Shohreh Aghdashloo

Greg Germann

A Fine Frenzy

Annette Bening

Terra Naomi

http://www.gems-girls.org/about

Annette Bening

Weekend at Big Bear Lake and The San Bernardino Forest

2011-04-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to my younger brother, who lives in the mountains of Colorado and has forever called me his ‘city slicker sister’. It is also partially dedicated to my father, who if he could, would live alone in a cabin in the middle of nowhere for the rest of his days (and only drive down once a year to stock up with groceries as I remember, or as my twelve year-old imagination recalls).

This past weekend reminded me of my consistent need for breath, whether it comes from within during my morning meditations (when I remember to do them!), or from the vast wilderness that lies outside every city’s doorstep. For three days we nestled into a cozy cottage (Sleepy Forest Cottages) a block from Big Bear Lake at the San Bernardino National Forest. At every moment, whether eating breakfast amongst the squirrels and pine trees just outside our cottage, or at the height of a day hike, or even at the local smoke house (well, maybe not there but I had to throw it in because when have I ever gone to a local meat smoke-house!), I was overwhelmed with breath, and calm, and most of all, with gratitude.

Rebecca's Bat Mitvah ~ Beverly Hills and Hollywood!!

2011-04-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

Mazal Tov Rebecca!!

Wow what a day last Saturday was. I’ve seen Rebecca at several occasions over the past few years and every time I am amazed both by her maturity and her height!! Well, to no surprise Rebecca had once again grown about a foot, but to my awe she performed her Bat Mitzvah service with grace and pose that would impress just about anyone. Her voice resonated with the strength of a professional singer and the only reminders of her youth were those cute little smirks in between verses and songs. It was surely to no surprise to see how proud her mentors at Temple Emanuel were, as was I!

Rebecca’s reception was held at the Bungalow Club in Hollywood and I couldn’t have thought of a more perfect setting for such a cool crowd of kids. I swear if I didn’t know I was photographing a Bat Mitzvah, I’d have thought I was amongst peers, ok, maybe peers ten years ago (without dating myself too much!).

Rebecca you are so loved and it’s so obvious why by so many. You are kind and bubbly and a pure joy to be around. I’m so excited I was there to document your Bat Mitzvah and I can’t wait to capture more exiting milestones in your life!

Details and Kidlets ~ Wedding aboard The Destiny Yacht, Newport Beach

2011-04-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

Every wedding has the big moments I know to anticipate, and it’s always exciting to see how each wedding day unfolds to present those moments. There’s the look on a brides face when her veil is placed, or the one her on future husband when he first sees her. There’s the first kiss as husband and wife, reactions to a funny toast, or a tear-jerking one... and SO many more. It’s the little moments and details of the day however that bring each wedding to a place of personal stories and a unique place that belongs to the couple and only them. This is what I enjoy seeking the most at a weddings. These are the elements that tie the day together in a sweet, sweet LOVE story.

I want to thank the fantastic team at Electra Cruises in Newport Beach, to Mike McCaleb of Mission Visual and of course my fabulously talented second shooter Monika. There's a magic that happens 'behind the scenes' when everyone flows together in sync and at C and K's wedding it surely did!!

Most of all I want to thank C and K for their sweet wedding day, it was such a pleasure to document it!!

Congratulations to you both and I look forward to making your full gallery live!

Alanna and Tom - Camping Wedding at El Capitan Canyon

2011-03-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

I’m not so sure how to begin this post about Alanna and Tom’s wedding weekend other then by stating how pure it was. Pure I mean, by the sense of lightness, fun, and total presence throughout their wedding day.

Alanna and Tom married each other at the El Capitan Canyon Resort, on a (planned) camping weekend!! I am totally booking my next local vacation there, as this up-scale camping site is the perfect setting for this nature loving city girl. What was unique about their wedding day was first, their wedding details. Now I’m not talking about Alanna’s sweet bouquet, or the hand made cloth flowers and the few planned touches who were created with such love and creativity, I’m talking about the wedding day details that came out of nature and the incredible beauty of the grounds which accented the day to perfection. Thanks to my incredibly talented associate Kris, so much of it was captured with ease.

Alanna and Tom kept the emphasis of their wedding at the playful laidback ‘camping trip like’ feel. At the ceremony from the live performances or their talented friends and Buddhist officiant, onto the reception of home-made bunt cakes (which were delicious!!!) to the square dancing instruction and multi-musical- river-dance-talented band who blew us all away. I know, I had trouble catching my breath after that one too. It was mind blowing I’ll say it again!

Well done Alanna and Tom. Well done for showing even us photographic witnesses a fabulous time. You are both SUCH incredible people. Alanna I’ve enjoyed knowing you professionally over the past five years and I am so incredibly grateful to have been invited to share and document your wedding day with Tom. It was a blessed day, to its purest sense.

The Importance of Solitude

2011-03-01T22:23:00.000-08:00

Photographers play a tricky role when it comes to the idea of ‘self’.

We are constantly observing the outside world. We are looking at expressions and at light. We are listening for stories and constantly seeking out moments that should be captured. I believe most photographers do this all the time, whether a camera in had or otherwise. I do at least.

At the same time, we are standing alone on the other side of the lens. We play a conversation of observance and it’s so easy to forget to look at our own existence and moments of self.

I often forget the importance of Solitude and thankfully it finds me when I need it most. In this case, on a Sunday drive to a wedding location to ‘check out the light’ I’d be working with the coming week. I went with the intension of a scout (which indeed I did) and what I found was an afternoon in child like exploration. Sifting through nature without a timeline and in complete simple thought.

It was so nice, and it was just what I needed.

Celebrating LOVE!!

2011-02-14T19:25:00.000-08:00

What a perfect day to post these previews, it's Valentines Day!! I couldn't help but choose the images that spoke of love for this little preview... but that wasn't so hard to do with this bunch!
Jennifer and Erik, you sure know how to celebrate. Sunshine, friends, and Tommy's burgers to me, equals LOVE. Congratulations to the both of you. It was such a pleasure to capture your wedding celebration at your parents' beautiful home!
ENJOY!

Kimora. Life in the Fab Lane! and Dress For Success host 100 makeovers for 100 women .. and mmP documents it!

2011-02-11T19:28:00.000-08:00

Documenting the Partnership of Kimora, Life in the Fab Lane and Dress For Success' 100 Makeovers for 100 Women' was an exhilarating experience. To witness the transformation and empowerment of so many women in one room was empowering in itself. And now folks, you can witness it too!!

So, tune in this Sunday night on MyStyle, and maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the event photographer, yours truly and talented assistant Robby.

Style Network (check your local listings for channel - LA Time Warner Channel 130)

9pm PST / 8pm C

Why I Photograph Weddings

2011-02-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

About a month ago, when I was working with Pretty Lovely Design on my new blog design I was searching endlessly for a quote that would best describe my philosophies as a documentary photographer, or ‘wedding photojournalist’.

And then it came so simply to me. I came across a line from one of the greatest documentary photographers in modern history, Arthur Fellig aka ‘Weeegee’. He said:

“When you find yourself beginning to feel a bond between yourself and the people you photograph, when you laugh and cry with their laughter and tears, you will know you are on the right track”.

The second I read this I knew that this was my way to share my passion for photographing weddings. My clients don’t see me much during their wedding day (unless we’re working on family portraits). They might catch a glimpse of my slithering in and out of scenes and moments but they don’t see the tears that well up in my eyes, or the laughter that blends in with their loved ones’, or even the beat of their music that I’m moving to while I shoot. But it’s all those elements of the day I love so much that enable to me to put myself into their shoes and capture the day as they experience it, and even as I write this I’m feeling the very same sensation I get when I know ‘I got the shot’.

The secret to capturing 'moments' is compassion. Anyone can pick up a camera and learn how to use it. I’ve been making photographs since I was a teenager, but it was only when I really learned my personal strengths through my documentary work, educational projects and my first weddings, that I realized where the gift that I can give really lies.

The greatest joy I receive when I deliver images is hearing the words ‘when I look at these I can feel how I felt on my wedding day’.

This is why I photograph weddings.

Andrea and Joaquin married at Buerge Chapel

2011-02-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Andrea and Joaquin!! They were married at one of my favorite locations, Buerge Chapel, which is nestled in Pacific Palisades and could be missed with a blink of an eye (so I have to share my love for it over and over again!).

What I especially loved about their wedding was that even though their gathering was intimate in size, their details were so beautifully planned and presented. Their color pallet of rich orange and blue were vibrant and fit perfectly with the earth tones that The Buerge grounds provide. The flower arrangements were designed by Flowers by Margot, who I always enjoy working with!!

It feels like family at Buerge Chapel, and it felt like family with Andrea and Joaquin. With their exuberant niece and nephew who just LOVED the camera and their sweet little moments during our romantics session, it was truly a special afternoon (well, naturally for them! but I'm referring to my own experience).

Congratulations again to you both, It was such an honor to document your wedding day and I hope you enjoy these previews!

Baby Baby!! Monica and Jon's Baby Shower in Newbury Park

2011-01-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing Monica and Jon’s co-ed baby shower at a beautiful (and I mean Gorgeous!!) home in Newbury Park. My pleasure as well was in meeting the gracious and fun-loving group of YPO members of the Santa Monica Bay Chapter. The afternoon was beautiful with touches of arranged bouquets and catered hor devours by my good friend and shower co-host Sooryun. The atmosphere was sophisticated with accents of Monica and Jon’s baby girls’ arrival to the world, and in the words of Sooryun ‘Men, we took it easy on you with the games!’ It’s a completely different ball game when there’s men involved… there was no drinking cocktails out of baby bottles, or dressing in diapers, just a few glasses on wine and a lot of ‘co-ed’ laughter.

Thank you Sooryun for inviting me to document this special day you put together for the expecting parents along with your friends, and of course thank you to all of the friends who made this afternoon so pleasurable not only for the expecting parents but for the photographer as well!

Congratulations Monica and Jon!

Drucker Business Forum event in association with the Step Up Women's Network

2011-01-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

I finally get what the fuss is about .... Thank you Step Up for once again adding to my growth as a woman, as a professional, and as a human being.

My Best Friends Wedding (in Las Vegas!!)

2010-12-27T16:57:00.000-08:00

Sarah and I have been friends since we were twelve years old. We have grown together through every corner life has taken us, and I couldn’t be more grateful for our friendship. When she told me she’d be eloping, my heart sank a little bit. I mean, I am a wedding photographer after all. Since I knew my chances of being a bridesmaid might be slim (she has three sisters!), I had my speech prepared years ago! But when she informed me she’d be eloping in Las Vegas and ‘can I come’, I was elated, I was going to see my best friend marry her love.

I am so glad to have spent the two days with Sarah and Joe in Las Vegas. Their love is sweet, real, and I can’t wait for our friendship to grow even more in this new stage of life.

I wasn’t allowed to photograph the ceremony at the Bellagio chapel so we’ll just have to wait to see what the in-house photographer captured for us (He didn’t appreciate my assistance during the family portraits, hey if uncle is wearing his ear piece and Joe’s jacket is bunched, they need to know!), but here are a few details and moments from the day that I captured.

Again, I can’t express how special is to me to have witnessed your wedding Sarah and Joe. Sarah, you are my family and I love you.

the ride home.... after six days of rain, this is what the desert gives us.... ahh.

captured with love...

Cyber-week Giveaway - Revisiting the Bains in Silverlake

2010-12-07T12:05:00.001-08:00

I am so SO happy that Elyse was the first to ‘click’ for my Cyber-Week session giveaway, as meeting and photographing hers and RJ's little Everett was such joy after having photographed their sweet wedding in 2008. Documenting the steps and milestones of a couples’ life together is one of the things I love most of being a ‘wedding photographer’. I want to send a special thank you to Janet Hansen in Silverlake for letting us 'picnic' on her lawn Saturday afternoon. Everett wasn't too keen with crawling on the grass.. but I sure was!

Elyse and RJ, you are such loving, FUN parents! Everett is a lucky little guy and his happiness shows through his contagious and gurgly smile. Enjoy Enjoy!!

a glimpse into Elyse and RJ's wedding in 2008 at the Saddle Rock Ranch in Malibu, CA.