Tina and Jordan's relationship started in Australia and became more then long distance when he returned to Los Angeles and she to Germany. But that is the power of love. It can bind you across any number of ocean's and continent's. And when they decided to get married, the rejoicing didn't stop with the Las Vegas nuptials. It will take many celebrations with these two, as they share their love with family and friends around the world. I was fortunate enough to capture their Los Angeles backyard reception at Jordan's grandparents home. In the very backyard that his parents got married in... and were there celebrating their own anniversary!
It was an intimate get together, carrying over the Las Vegas theme from their ceremony, and filled with immediate family and friends. The 100 degree weather didn't effect the fun outdoor festivities either, although one little guy had his eye on the pool most of the afternoon!
http://karenard.com/blog/2010/10/backyard-wedding-reception.html
I just found out that the fabulous Wedding Chicks did a floral feature on Helena and Richards Santa Barbara summer wedding! This blog is so amazing and chock full of delicious wedding yumminess. I'm thrilled to be a part of it. You can see the whole post here.
http://karenard.com/blog/2010/10/featured-wedding-chicks.html
Nicole and Freddie booked me for their wedding about 15 months ago. I thought it would never get here! Although we had kept in touch, it was great seeing them back in June when we shot their engagement session. But there was nothing like seeing Nicole's excitement on her wedding day at the Westlake Village Inn. Or Freddie's nervousness... so sweet.
This beautiful, outdoor summer wedding was filled with friends and generations of love in a location that my own mother and stepdad married at. Nicole and Freddie, I wish you all the love and joy my parents shared throughout the years. Thanks for making me feel like family!
I loved the subtle bling on Nicole's Bridal Collection dress and Lauren Jones shoes...
I couldn't get enough of the smell of gardenia's from her Flowers by Leah bouquet.
The very handsome groom and their son...
Delicious cake by Skiff's Cakes...
Other fabulous vendors:
makeup artist: Solana
Video: Carlos Chavez
If you'd like to see more images from the wedding, please watch the slideshow below...
http://karenard.com/blog/2010/10/westlake-village-wedding-photography.html
What's a girl to do when you're being winked at? Normally she wouldn't have responded but Catherine says his warm smile and gentle eyes won her over. And when he proposed, Michael was sneaky enough to video tape the whole thing. But of course he's romantic. He composes beautiful romantic music for a living. And after seeing how radiant Catherine was on her wedding day, there is no doubt that she is his muse.
Catherine and Michael's Ventura wedding was my personal cup of tea. The closest feel to my own beach wedding eleven years back. And although they didn't actually get married on the beach, the whole beachy, Tommy Bahama theme was just perfect for this intimate, laid back wedding.
This will now be the third wedding this year that I've photographed were the bride and groom help each other get ready. I'm seeing a new wedding trend emerge and I love it. It's so sweet to see the tender moments of preparing together. They had rented a beach house for the week, a place for out of town family to come and share before the big day and lucky me the light was fantastic.
I was excited to open the closet to find this flirty little Tommy Bahama dress and Aldo sandals.
This stunning bride's maid bouquet, as well as the bride's, was created by Greenwich Floral Design. I love the color and textures that she used to create these.
Catherine was glowing the whole day, her eyes and smile full of joy for what was about to come...
Because they saw each other before the ceremony we had plenty of time for great portraits so off to the beach we went...
The blended family...
The ceremony and reception took place at Tutti's Off Main. They had the whole courtyard to themselves, which was perfect for this intimate affair.
This may be my favorite wedding topper ever. I almost wanted to slip it into my camera bag but I thought they may have noticed it was missing. And I loved the way Jana's Creative Cakes carried the whole theme.
They had an amazing singer/acoustic guitarist, Mike West, that set the tone perfectly. I had to keep looking over at him because I'd forget it was a live person. His wife Meg was the event planner and this girl didn't stop moving all night!
For more of their wedding, please check out the slideshow below. The music was composed by Michael and if you are a creative professional that purchases licensed music, please check out Michael's songs over at Triple Scoop Music.
Meg West Says:
The pictures are wonderful, you are fantastically talented! It was such a pleasure working with you, thanks for the sneak peek! =) Michael & Catherine are going to be overjoyed with their wedding album. :-)
(09.02.10 - 06:41 PM)
MIchael Maina Says:
We are overjoyed by the photos. Karen is fantastic with her photography. Thank you! thank you! thank you!!!
(09.07.10 - 07:44 AM)
Catherine Maina Says:
I absolutely LOVE the photos! You captured every special moment, glace, smile, and embrace. You are a true artist behind the lens. I couldn't be more thrilled. Thank you, Karen!!!
(09.07.10 - 05:47 PM)
Irina Feldman Says:
Just beatiful !!!!! May this flow of love and beauty be always present in your life! Happy Holidays to a wonderful family!
(12.06.10 - 12:06 PM)
http://karenard.com/blog/2010/09/ventura-wedding-catherine-and-michael.html
Elisha and Gideon have been together for a long time. When a mutual friend called them over to console him after a break up, the two of them ended up talking all night. That was ten years ago. When you see them together you can tell that the connection between them runs deep. And they are funny. So funny. There is so much affection and joy between them, I felt it was my honor to be there to record their marriage. For another reason as well. You may have recalled me talking about my connection to Elisha here. Seeing her aunt at her wedding, my childhood friend, made me feel like part of the family.
Elisha and Gideon, it's been wonderful becoming friends with you. Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I hope you have a chance for this sneak peak (or this one! my fav!) on your honeymoon... or maybe not! ;-)
The two of them, with the help of family, did a great job pulling together this DIY wedding at the Knollwood Country Club.
I love these place cards. The hearts are recycled-flower-seed-paper! And instead of table numbers, each table had a photo with a title. So cute!
Elisha's family had two pages of notes on how to get her into her beautiful dress.
Hilarious...
Thanks to the following vendors for making it a great day:
Venue: Knollwood Country Club, Granada Hills
Florist: Exotic Green Garden
Cupcakes: Vanilla Bake Shop
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Shoes: Report
Suit: Calvin Klein
For more of their wedding day, check out the video:
Carol Ricklin Says:
I think those cupcakes are from Enjoy Cupcakes from Los Olivos? If so, they are the amazing Blackberry Chocolate Syrah cupcakes! Oh, those lucky guests!!!!
(09.04.10 - 08:14 AM)
http://karenard.com/blog/2010/08/granada-hills-wedding-photography.html