The Suitcase Studio Blog » Orange County Wedding Photographer

Mike & Vivian {wedding}

Michelle — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:29:38 +0000

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of working along-side John Dinh at the wedding of Vivian & Mike. It was a wonderful experience to work with John. His “go-with-the-flow” attitude put me completely at ease, and our shooting styles were very similar, so we weren’t stepping on any toes. It was like a beautiful dance… he’d move here, so I’d position myself there. Move and circle some more, and we had all angles covered.

And then, the wedding itself… WOW. It was amazingly beautiful, made even more so by the awesomeness of the people involved. Seriously, these were some fantastic people… from the bride & groom to their wedding party and family… and even the other vendors involved… it was simply a wonderful day.

Mike and Vivian’s wedding was an all-day event. And when I say “all day,” I mean ALL DAY. These people were troopers.
My coverage of the event began bright & early at 7:00 a.m. at the hotel, where I got shots of the groom & his guys.

These next few pictures were taken at what would later become the ceremony site.

By 7:45 the guys left the hotel and headed to the bride’s home for the formal tea ceremony and luncheon.
I didn’t attend that portion of the day’s event, but you can click here to see some of those images as captured by John Dinh.

I met back up with everyone around 1:00 pm, and we commenced with the picture-taking for the bride & groom and their bridal party.

Time flew by… and before we knew it, the final touches were being made to the ceremony site.

Everyone was tucked away out of sight. Just enough time left for hair & make-up touch-ups… and bubbles.
Time should ALWAYS be made for blowing bubbles.

I have to admit, I almost cried during the ceremony. Mike & Vivian had written their own vows. And even though the vows had been written separately, they both said pretty much the same exact thing… even starting out with calling the other person by the pet name they share. And as I captured images of their union, I knew that I was documenting something special. Hearing the words spoken, and knowing that they were both “on the same page” in their lives, and seeing how they looked at one another… it was just so amazingly touching. Mike & Vivian had been strangers to me before this morning… and yet they tapped into a place in my heart as if I had known them my whole life.

Time to par-TAY! The cocktails were flowing outside at the ceremony site, while the ballroom’s decor was being finalized. And check out that CAKE!

Again… I almost cried as the bride and groom were announced. You could totally feel the LOVE in the room.
Not just between the 2 of them, but also from the 200+ family members and friends who were all gathered there to celebrate this union.

Here are my favorite shots from the evening…

Vendors:

Venue: Hilton Hotel, Costa Mesa
Wedding Planner: Stacie Tran, Lifetime Wedding and Events
Florist: Lifetime Wedding and Events
Hair and Makeup: Ly Duy Nguyen
Entertainment: DJ Icy Ice
Rentals and Linens: Lifetime Wedding and Events
Cake: Lifetime Wedding and Events
Main Photographer: John Dinh

Susan & Erik {wedded bliss…}

Michelle — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:04:10 +0000

Susan and Erik were wonderful to be around. Their love and adoration for one another was completely obvious, as was their close friendship, too. One moment they’d be staring at each other lovingly, and the next moment they’d be sticking out their tongues at one another and laughing out loud. Their energy was contagious, and it totally kept me smiling.

I’ve already posted a sneak peek of their session in the park, but here are a few more favorites of mine:

After the park, it was on to the reception, held at King Harbor Seafood. WOW… all the different foods. It was a full banquet, served family-style. I was ushered to a seat by a family member, and when an auntie asks you to eat, you EAT. Here was the menu for the night:

The couple served tea to the family members who weren’t able to attend the tea ceremony earlier in the day:

And Susan’s father visited each of the tables, giving his blessings/well-wishes.

It was a beautiful celebration, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. (Thanks, you two…)

Susan & Erik {sneak peek}

Michelle — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:49:47 +0000

Susan and Erik were married on October 3rd in a private tea ceremony. I met up with them at a nearby park afterwards, to take the formal family portraits… and then the not-so-formal pics of the two of them. Here is a sneak peek of a few favorites so far… more to come soon.

Erin + Justin {married!}

Michelle — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:22:32 +0000

Erin & Justin were married on Saturday, August 8th at the Aliso Viejo Country Club. It was a fabulous day overall… family and friends came together to celebrate in the beautiful southern California sunshine.

Here are a few of my favorite moments captured from the day:

Before “giving her away,” the father of the bride made the gesture for “I’m watching you…” Classic moment!

Erin and Justin were lucky in that they got to take a golf cart out for a spin… we headed to this area on the green that was next to their picturesque waterfall and lake. And thank goodness that things were running on schedule, because the coordinator told me that they would be turning off the waterfall in about 8 minutes. Go, go, go!

Gotta love the guy who was leaping across the floor. Hah! He did this several times, actually. Maybe he REALLY wants to be next in line to get married, you think?

Some of the details of the day:

Venue: Aliso Viejo Country Club (Coordinator: Gina)

D.J.: Manny, from DJ Connection

Florist: A to Z Floral Wholesalers

Officiant: Rev. Bruce Danzara