The first image below has officially qualified as one of our most favorite pictures of all time. If you only knew to what length we had to go to to get the shot. Behind the garbage can there was a homeless man asleep, which is no big deal in downtown LA, except that moments later he decided to urinate in front of all of us. That was quite a scene, and it actually solved a question that none of us could answer – why did it smell so bad in that little alley? I thought it was the pigeons -it seems I was mistaken.

Anyway, Allie and I cannot express in words how much fun we had with Morgan and Simon! From his desire to be photographed in his underwear on 6th Street, to their asking a young gentleman with a mohawk for a quick shot – these two were on fire! Thanks you guys!

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Debbie and Ernest’s stylized engagement shoot was inspired by their favorite movie: a Chinese thriller called In the Mood for Love. Although the movie was released in 2000, it is a period piece, taking place in 1962 Hong Kong. Debbie and Ernest nailed every detail, from their wardrobe (look at her Chinese dresses) to hair, makeup and props (Ernest doesn’t really smoke, or does he?). Debbie has asked us to transform a few of the images into old movie posters in the style of the original In the Mood for Love posters – complete with text, decay and frames. So stay tuned for that result when they are married late next year.

It should be noted that Debbie and Ernest absolutely killed their engagement session. They came up with an amazing theme that was personally poignant and artistically and culturally significant. They invested in their wardrobe, makeup and hair (which we feel is one of the biggest keys to outstanding engagement photography). They did their research, supplying us with inspiration boards and props. They came ready, and I would even bet that they had rehearsed, because they didn’t waste a second when we arrived.

Some notes on the photography: the outdoor shots were photographed in an alley in downtown Los Angeles. The interior photos were taken in the beautiful art deco Oviatt Penthouse close by, and the really dark interior photos were taken downstairs at Cicada. We used a combination of off-camera strobes, reflectors and natural light.

Special thanks to Adelmo from Cicada for opening up his doors for the four of us. Please contact him if you are looking for a wedding venue that is truly one of a kind.

Debbie and Ernest, thank you for finding us. Your passion, enthusiasm and dedication to each other and this shoot was contagious. We enjoyed every second and cannot wait to make the posters Stay tuned!

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Have you ever wondered how a guy approaches his own wedding planning, or if a guy actually cares about the wedding day planning? Well if you thought that a guy does not get involved, then you have not read the hilarious blog, Temple of Groom. As David, the writer, puts it: "Written by a straight man that actually cares about wedding planning. Join him on his journey, and laugh along the way."

Well now it is time to meet David and his fiancee Rebecca. David and Rebecca are all about healthy and organic food, and their dog Ernie. We started the shoot at the Studio City Farmer's Market (actually we started in the Farmer's Market parking lot) where they shopped for produce. Then we wrapped it up at their house for some shots with their dog, and a dip in the pool! Allie and I love this shoot because it celebrates David and Rebecca's life perfectly, and that's what we are always aiming for. We also love this shoot because we love David and Rebecca. Their wedding in Cayucos is coming up soon, we cannot wait!

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The W Hollywood Engagement Photography – PART TWO

The second part of Nicole and Matt's engagement was a dream for Allison as she has been dying to shoot an engagement session inspired by those sexy Calvin Klein ads: white bed and sheets, white shirts, and jeans, maybe a little less. When Nicole and Matt’s GTKY questionnaires came back repeatedly peppered with words like sexy, seductive, fun, intimate, etc., Allie and I both knew, we had our Calvin Klein couple.

From a photographer’s perspective it is important to note that this is a big departure from normal engagement shoots that are photographed outside, taking advantage of natural light and the ever-changing outdoor scenes. This engagement session was photographed entirely in a hotel suite with little room to maneuver, and was 100% lit by us with multiple remote flashes and modifiers (4 580EXii’s, softboxes, grids, snoots, gels, an umbrella and the always helpful human lightstand.) Check out the third picture from the bottom, there is even a flash in the lamp shade.

Allison is the creative genius behind this shoot, and Nicole, Matt and myself are so stoked that this Extended Engagement at The W Hollywood Hotel was a perfect celebration of Nicole and Matt as individuals and as a couple. Stay tuned for their wedding on 10.10.10. Again, special thanks to our dear friend Kristi Blake, Marketing Manager at The W Hollywood and Jaimi Fiori of Fiori Beauty.

PART  ONE is here.

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Nathaniel is the highly successful business owner of Contemporary Catering, one of the top full-service catering and event production companies in Southern California. Nace, as he is more familiarly known, and I have much in common, including a love and passion for our respective businesses that seems to permeate our conversations. Why I am I telling you this? The man is an inspiration.We showed up unannounced at The Oviatt Penthouse to see if we could shoot Nace and Rachel's engagement in the Penthouse. After talking to the manager for a few minutes, Nace quickly surmised that they may need a new caterer. Half an hour later, we had secured access to the Penthouse and Nace had secured a solid new lead. Now that was awesome.

The Art Deco inspired Oviatt Penthouse in downtown Los Angeles was built for James Oviatt, a haberdasher whose luxurious shop once occupied the ground floor of his namesake building. It is now a truly unique event space. We started the photography there, and then moved onto the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, which as Rachel puts it, is "where she grew up."

Why is there a surfboard in the last shot? Nace and Rachel were going to get into the fountain in their tuxedo and evening gown, with the surfboard. How awesome! Rachel was in a stunning evening gown that she was willing to get soaked. She joked that she had to get her dry cleaner's approval before signing off on the shot with Nace. This would have been an epic photo, except the fountain was broken for the first time in decades, further complicated by a really zealous security guard who had delusions of public property ownership when he stated, "Get out of my fountain."

Allie and I really enjoyed our time with the Mooks (their pet name). Their love for each other is infectious, and Rachel is absolutely beautiful. We cannot wait for their wedding this weekend. We love you Mooks!

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The W Hollywood Engagement Photography – PART ONE

Last Monday, Allie and I photographed an Extended/Stylized Engagement Session for our 10-10-10 wedding clients Nicole and Matt at The W Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles. We have split this into two posts because there are such a wide variety of photos, and two themes. The main difference being: Part I is super, sexy outside their hotel suite, and Part II is super, super, super sexy inside their suite.

For now, here are Nicole and Matt—photographed in the lobby and hallways of The W, and outside on Hollywood Blvd. Special thanks to our dear friend Kristi Blake, Marketing Manager at The W Hollywood and Jaimi Fiori of Fiori Beauty. Kristi and Jaimi came to our rescue last minute and we are totally grateful.

PART TWO is here.

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One of the things Allie and I love to do with our clients is to send them a Getting to Know You (GTKY) Questionnaire in which we ask them all sorts of personal questions about their hobbies, likes and dislikes and little things about each other. The primary reason we do this is simple: we want to get to know our clients better because we love what we do and we love our clients! When we receive the responses, Allie and I go over the entries and then begin to brainstorm ideas for their engagement shoot.

This is important with David and Melissa. When we initially spoke with these two about their engagement, they wanted to shoot somewhere in nature, or by the beach. When Allie and I reviewed the GTKY responses, Melissa mentioned that David’s most proud accomplishment was that he was getting his pilot’s license. So, I suggested an airport theme, and they JUMPED at the idea! Especially when you consider that they are are also avid travelers and have lived abroad frequently for months at a time. (another questionnaire tidbit). I couldn’t imagine a better environment for these two than the Santa Monica Airport!

But, how the heck were we going to get access?? Luckily our groom was one of those few people who can sell ice to Eskimos. On the day of our shoot, he actually drove around the airport and walked into random buildings, asking anyone who was around if he could shoot his engagement photos in a hangar or on the tarmac. And would you believe it, several people HAPPILY obliged. By the time Allie and I arrived, the red carpet was rolled out and we were on a first name basis with the proprietors! HAHA!

Melissa and David, Allie and I genuinely had such a blast with you guys. We can’t wait for you to see these pictures and we can’t wait to travel with you to Mexico to photograph your beautiful wedding next year!

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Carrie and Michael’s engagement photographs were taken  in downtown Los Angeles and in a little-known nearby neighborhood which dates back to the late 1800′s. It was a perfect backdrop for a couple who have a love for Los Angeles architecture and all things vintage. Allie brought the old newspapers and made the paper-cut-outs; Carrie and Michael brought their suitcases, wardrobe and camera. We can’t wait to see what they bring to their Union Station wedding in July!

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Allie and I had such a great time shooting this downtown Los Angeles engagement session of Bekki and Ian. These two are the perfect example of how humor and silliness are the keys to a healthy relationship, and pretty soon, marriage. Their wedding is coming up in a few weeks in Temecula, CA, so stay tuned. They have been working on tons of personal details to incorporate into their day!

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Note: This is the second post in a two-part series. The first post may be found here.

Stephan and Amanda have a love for all things Americana: the open road, cowboy boots, and the great outdoors.  When you combine that with Amanda’s profession: a film actress, there is only one place in Los Angeles that will suffice for a themed engagement: Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills.

Paramount Ranch is now an old ghost town located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It used to be the hub of Hollywood film-making. Hundreds of features and television were shot here including The Cisco Kid, Zane Grey Theatre, and recently, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.

This was the perfect setting to put on some duds and kick up some dirt. Yee-Haw! Later we played with the idea of juxtaposing Hollywood glamour with the outdoors. And somewhere along the way, Allie and I thought it would be fun to throw a picture frame into the mix.

Special thanks to their wedding coordinator, Alexandra Rembac of Sterling Engagements, for her stylizing collaboration!

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