Joe+Kathrina Photography Blog

Friday We're In Love: Haircuts + Chewbacca

2012-01-27T08:27:00.000-08:00

Joe goes to the hair salon more frequently than I do. Oh hair salon? Yes, he doesn't go to the barber. My hair is really hard to shape. That and he thinks his hair stylist is cute (I do too, Laura's a friend) and he likes the candy in the reception area.

He also likes to make hair appointments without telling me--so when I see him next he likes to test if I notice his haircut. I notice it every time. Last week I made a hair appointment without telling him and as we hung out all day on his birthday, I was busy flipping my hair in front of his face and asking if my hair looked okay. Finally when my neck started to crane I told him I said Hi to Laura...Ohhh your hair looks so good!

And to think, my newly trimmed hair and I took him to the Star Wars exhibit and hung out with Star Wars fanatics without notice.

With that, let's do a Friday We're In Love post...

+ While watching the movie trailer for Safe House, I exhaled, I love Denzel. Which Joe responded to, Oh I love YOU.
+ He looked at me funny, I think you have something on your nose. It didn't come off. Huh, I never noticed a mole there before...oh wait, it came off. Stuff on your face? Cute.
+ As we walked through H&M just to touch everything, I pointed out the mannequin who wore layers so well. I think styling like that is really cute, I told him. Yeah me too but I'd be sweating bullets with that many layers! I compared that with girls wearing heels--Do it for fashion! He told me that was different. Pretty sure at that moment I almost spiked his foot with my tired, blistered but oh-so-cute black heel, toe peep, ankle booties wearing foot.
+ As we sat in the back of the room listening about sales tax, use tax, county tax, fun tax--Joe made a joke that made me laugh so hard I almost forget we were listening to a man talk about t.a.x. See, I'm funny! We should hang out more. I patted him on the back, Yes honey. You're funny.

And THIS has nothing to do with us or love but it kind of does because it turned our world upside down. Now we have to learn how to make the "z" sound again. CraZy.

Happy Friday!

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Santa Barbara Montecito Country Club Wedding: Dan + Julie

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

He paced around downstairs waiting for his groomsmen to arrive. They had enjoyed one too many drinks the night before after the dinner rehearsal and needed to get food. He fiddled with his tie and wondered how much longer.

She sat upstairs in the makeup chair with the sun streaming in through the windows. Her bridesmaids pranced around her, playing with their dresses, reapplying lip gloss and making sure their hair was just right. She sat there with her hands folded, time was running late but she wanted to be sure everything was perfect.

They stood together on the grass holding hands, surrounded by friends and family with the ocean breeze coming through. The Pastor shared what each of them had said they would like for the other to work on, including cooking, cleaning up, watching less reality television and becoming a better dancer. He then shared what each had vowed for the other, which ironically included her to watch less reality television and him to start cleaning up his mess. So they aren't perfect, but together, they're just right.

It was a great pleasure working with Ethan Yang for this gorgeous wedding--thank you so much for having us!

We hadn't shot a wedding in Santa Barbara before and Montecito Country Club did not disappoint...

Here's Julie looking down towards Dan right before the First Look. Technically she cheated...

The look on Dan's face says it all.

The light coming in through Montecito was so beautiful.

After a few photos at the country club, we headed towards the beach which Dan + Julie requested...

Julie worried about getting her dress wet but the photos were definitely worth it. And we all walked away dry.

We then headed back towards Montecito where the ceremony and reception were held...

Julie's veil couldn't have been more perfect catching wind!

Love this.

Married.

And then came the reception...

Both Dan + Julie were from Chicago, so their favors were Chicago Bears cookies and table names based on Chicago hotspots.

The settings were simply beautiful!

Tickled us pink...

And we'll leave you with this because no one would've guess what they had planned for their first dance...

Oh yeah, a choreographed dance. Looks like Dan does have some dance moves...

Hope you enjoyed! Happy Wednesday!

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The Usual Today

2012-01-24T10:19:00.000-08:00

Three weeks into the New Year and we still haven't finished sharing our goals with each other. We've started but haven't finished. It's officially made it on the goals list: Finish sharing goals with each other before 2013.

Besides having had the opportunity to collaborate on this project, a goal that we had been able to share, we are one step closer to accomplishing a LIFE long goal of ours...being called by name at our local Coffee Bean.

You know the dream...you walk into the coffee shop, the little bell on the door rings, there's a few people in line, some people sitting around reading the newspaper, the workers look up from hearing the bell, and suddenly their faces brighten up and say, Hi Joe! Hi Kathrina! The usual today? We'll get that started for you...

Admit it, you get super jealous of those people called by name. Just us? Well, after many Sunday mornings of lurking around, smiling extra big to each happy coffee barista and looking at their name tag taking note, then making sure to tell them ours extra loud for all of them to hear and spelling it out J-O-E...one of them, Kathy, finally said to us, See you soon. See. You. Soon. I mean, that only means that they know we go there often right? Because they wouldn't say that to just anyone right?

Afterward we gave each other a high five.

We even bought a tumbler to get on their good side...plus you get twenty cents off your coffee when you bring it in! (You're welcome.)

So if you see us lurking at a Coffee Bean, make sure to say Hi Joe! Hi Kathrina! Extra loud so the happy baristas can hear it too.

Happy Tuesday!

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Happy Birthday Joe.

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Joe Joe...Today is your birthday. Not like I needed to remind you of that considering you've requested me to call you Birthday Boy all week. Technically I haven't gotten you a present and technically I haven't really planned out all your birthday activities today. But I know all that doesn't matter to you. We could lay on the floor and fall asleep and after waking up you'd tell me that was the best birthday ever. Don't worry though, that's not on the celebrations list today.

Today I plan on letting you drink all the soda you want, eat as much rice as your inner Asian heart desires, talk as much car as your breath allows, and making you laugh--but I do that everyday, right? RiiiighT?

Thank you letting me dream with you, for never letting me give up, for keeping me grounded, and for making everything an adventure. Thank you for always pausing to take a picture. Thank you for always letting the inner kid in both of us play. Let's be honest, sometimes you make me want to pull my hair out, shake my head until it bobbles and scream at the top of my lungs but the most important thing you do is make me love you. Yeah, you're pretty good at that.

And because I want to be able to look back on us and remember the way we were, here are the photos I asked to take of you--on your last days of being twenty something before turning twenty something...Happy Birthday Joe.

When I first asked to take photos of him, he didn't question why, he just started to worry about what to wear...

Who would've known THIS boy would've grown up with a curly fro and freckles.

His old man dance...definitely didn't get these moves from me...but it certainly made him happy.

And one last photo... Thank you for always laughing with me.

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Orange County Engagement: Chris + Donna

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

She asks him for his opinion and only says, Whatever you think hun. He asks her something and she responds with the long version--she doesn't even know the short version. The short version of how they met was he liked her, she didn't want a long distance relationship and he never gave up. But in between all that is years of online chats, telephone calls, miles and a persistent love.

She moved into his neighborhood in the Philippines and instantly became friends with his sister. She kept busy studying and reading and didn't take much note of him--he had long hair, habits she could care less for and friends she knew her mother would disapprove of. She soon moved to the States and throughout the years kept in touch with his sister. After Chris and his family moved to Canada, him and Donna started to talk through the internet--with shorter hair and a new attitude, he wondered if she was interested in him then. Her response was simple, I don't do long distance relationships.

And so they continued their long distance friendship. Until one year his sister planned a trip to California to visit Donna and he decided to tag along. It was during that trip he knew he had to be with her. With an adamant attitude still against a long distance relationship Chris gave her the long version of his feelings. And finally after years of friendship, they started a relationship. And after days, months, years of a long distance relationship, he asked her to marry him, as they sat in a car no less, and all she could get out were four words, Is this for real?!

There were a few things Chris+Donna were sure they wanted to include for their session--to tell the story of their long distance and many miles traveled; and their dogs Princess and Forrest.

Special thanks to Erick for helping out and hanging out with the dogs after! We can't wait to see you at the wedding :)

We love this.

Donna, Donna, Donna. It's no wonder Chris fought for you, you are simply beautiful.

When we first met with Chris+Donna, it was after he had traveled from Peru for work and they had met up in the East Coast to be with friends. They had just gotten back with jet lag and little sleep and to say Chris was tired would've been an understatement. So we were pretty excited to see Chris again...rested and happy.

Chris+Donna really wanted to shoot at an airport, but with a little problem called, um security, we scoured different locations to find something that would tell their story.

We were even more excited when Donna had rented these beautiful suitcases from Found Vintage Rentals...

Who needs real airplanes when you can make paper airplanes?!

To see more from their session make sure to CLICK HERE for the slideshow....

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Except When We're On Rainbow Road.

2012-01-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

As we passed by Camelot Golfland he kidded that we should make a stop and play. I breezily responded, Why so you can lose against me? Of course that would be my first thought. If there was one thing I was better at than you, it's that. Although I was talking about miniature golf, he was thinking about video games--and before we realized we were talking about two different things, the car almost made a u-turn to see who would win. Joe tried to remedy the fact that he was actually giving me a semi compliment, Let me at least be better at video games--Oh please, I've beaten you in Mario Kart before!

It's a wonder how we're able to work so well together without trying to beat each other for the better angle...

Although we love to have our friendly competitions, we also know that we are each others' biggest fan. It's our way of bettering ourselves and pushing us for more. Yes even with video games. Just recently during a session as I struggled to get in the flow, I stepped back as Joe was on top of his game. I couldn't have been more proud and although I was disappointed in myself he knew I had it in me and during a moment alone he asked what he could do to help me. That moment was more important than beating each other at something. His support and trust in me is all that I could ask for and at times when he needs help I'm right there as well. Except of course when we're on Rainbow Road and he just hit me with a red shell. Yes that was a Mario Kart reference.

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Love. Out Loud.

2012-01-17T08:58:00.000-08:00

We told them to walk towards each other and high five, jump on each other, hug or do a little dance. Whatever you feel like doing.

They felt like kissing.

And then we fell in love with them more.

Happy Tuesday!

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Wedding Lookbook 2011

2012-01-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

Two years ago we dived in. Something pulled us towards it and without any inhibition, or arm floaties, we started our photography business. It's been an indescribable experience of growth, learning, pushing our limits and love. We had a dream and went for it. Sometimes that still baffles our mind.

Two thousand eleven was our second full wedding season and looking back baffles our mind more. We really went for it.

We had a great experience shooting our own weddings and second shooting for other photographers, including Chris Austin, Ala Cortez, Rob Nicholson, Julia Williams, Ian Andrews, Ethan Yang and Chaz Cruz. Thank you, thank you, thank you, to our couples who trusted us without arm floaties and allowed us to be part of their day. Our 2012 season has officially started and we can't wait for what it holds.

Here's a look at our Weddings from 2011...

Happy Monday!

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Baby Nursery: Pink + Gray

2012-01-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

It started off as just a coffee date. Well first, us squealing in the parking lot after not having seen each other in a year and then walking into The Lost Bean already talking a mile a minute. That's what her and I (K) always did when we got together, talk. We went to interior design school together and one too many times got shushed by teachers--and other classmates.

So as we sat down with our coffee while splitting a quiche, we were conscious to keep our voices down.

Tammie has always been an inspiration to me. Her creative wheels never stop turning and although to some she may seem crazy, which she very well is, to me her ideas make my eyes go wild. Just last year she went to Paris searching for creative inspiration--she signed up for a study abroad program without telling anyone and next thing she knew she was standing next to the Eiffel Tower. Before she left she took up a screen printing class just for fun which completely turned into a new passion of hers.

So when talk suddenly turned into her telling me about a nursery she was designing, suddenly my eyes went wild. And our voices went up. Just like Tammie, Joe and I are constantly trying to push ourselves creatively. With weddings and photography in general. We had talked before about wanting to photograph interiors and mixing in more lifestyle photography so when Tammie mentioned building her design portfolio, suddenly a collaboration was formed.

Here is the nursery Tammie designed for baby girl Audrey born just a week before we took these photos. Working on this project together was a dream and we hope we brought Tammie's vision through these photos...

Let's just get it out right now--we did not have nurseries like this growing up!

The crib, drawers and changing station were all from Room and Board.

We absolutely loved the mix of modern, clean design with a side of pink girliness.

The Audrey letters are hand made by Tammie and the cute wood blocks are from when she went to Paris.

The My Love and My Sunshine artwork were custom designed by A.mish+Shrimp...

And in case you're wondering, it is a 1 of 1 art piece :)

Even the clock matched perfectly with the room! Tammie painted the tip of the hour hand pink to tie it all together.

And this custom designed pink ottoman was to die for!

The custom armchair also serves as a rocking chair. Yep Audrey is the luckiest baby!

Special thanks goes to Vic+Rita for opening their GORGEOUS home to us, allowing us to laugh and work all the while baby Audrey slept.

And here's one more of Tammie, the master mind behind this design. Make sure to check out her blog too!

Nursery Design: Tammie Le of InterScene Studio; email: tammie(at)interscenestudio.com
Furniture: Room and Board
Artwork: A.mish+Shrimp
Photograhy: Joe+Kathrina

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Making Friends Along The Way.

2012-01-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

We've come to the realization that we use our photography business to connect with old friends and make new ones. Admitting this also apparently shows we have no shame. Call us cool, smart, or plant an "L" on our forehead, we don't mind, we have friends!

The opportunity to reconnect with old friends to shoot their wedding or even work on an exciting project has been such a blessing to us. We've been able to reconnect with friends from college and old high school friends, some we barely talked to back then, and now we're part of a such an important day of their life. We never knew making friends would become a job perk but now we wouldn't have it any other way. Every new person, couple, we meet along the way we can't help but imagine what it'd be like to hang out, braid each other's hair and have a giggle fest. Okay, okay so Joe has to hold me back from asking someone we just met to be their BFF. I have a problem. But truly, we love calling our couples, anyone we work with, Friend. That's how we do it around here.

That's Tammie. Someone we recently worked on a project together. And we call Friend.

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Bold Colors + The Jordan Family

2012-01-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we say things but don't really think we're being heard. Like wanting a monkey as a pet or buying a new Xbox 360 (we'll leave you to decide who dropped both those hints. Numerous times. What? Sorry I can't hear you.) So when we make suggestions to our clients about what to do or what to wear, and they show up wearing "bold, solid colors" like we suggested we're absolutely floored that they listened to us. Being heard becomes a problem though when we're saying things and they're looking at us like we're speaking another language. That's okay, we actually do speak our own language.

Meet the Jordan family. Originally we were only shooting the kids but once the parents and aunt heard about photos, they wanted in too. The more the merrier. We don't always shoot family sessions but when we do we always learn something new--like people do listen to us and that we make sometimes sense no at all (no that wasn't a typo).

We've actually shot Libby as a bridesmaid twice before and have had the whole family as guests to the weddings. So basically we had too much fun with this session.

Yes we'll admit it can be nerve racking shooting friends sometimes but then we just laugh through it.

Sometimes it's the moments in between photos that are the best to capture...

One more of the three because we love you guys.

And thanks to Mikey for reminding us to always jump. With our tongues sticking out.

Happy Tuesday!

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More Days Like This

2012-01-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

There are some weekends that we just never want to forget. Like that one weekend when I admitted to Joe he was right and he wrote it down for the books, or another weekend when we said we didn't want to any more Chinese food. Short lived but unforgettable nonetheless.

On Saturday we had two shoots, both unrelated to weddings and both completely refreshing and leaving us happy. The day started off with a few ruffled feathers of running later than what was planned, which was quickly pacified with a legitimate reason, but once we started working we couldn't stop smiling. We were shooting something we had never done before, more on that later, and as we collaborated and figured things out, we couldn't shake off the feeling of our heart growing ten times bigger. Please picture the cartoon version of Grinch with his cartoon heart growing and filling the hole inside him. That was us, and we didn't even have to steal Christmas.

After coming home from the second shoot and a long day, we couldn't help but wish for more days like this.

This sweet handmade card was given to us by our client, and more importantly, friend. We couldn't not take a photo of it and share it because it's made by her sister, all done by hand including the stitching, writing and paper shapes (cute right?!). Seriously, thank you for letting us do something we absolutely love.

Happy Monday!

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Friday We're In Love: Ryan Gosling + Ryan Gosling Movies

2012-01-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

We've noticed it's starting to become a trend--and we don't like trends, unless of course when we do--the last week of the year I come down with a fever/flu/sickness. And according to Joe, I become the biggest baby--but what does he know. If you didn't notice me falling off the face of the earth between December 27th through the 30th then Oh my gosh, I thought we were friends! Maybe it wasn't biggest baby but drama queen instead, whatever doesn't matter.

All I asked was for him to make me feel better. So after two days of being in and out of sleep on my DEATH BED, we gathered on the sofa to watch a few movies. Our Idiot Brother or Crazy Stupid Love first? Of course I wanted to see ~~Ryan Gosling without his shirt off~~ a romantic comedy first. He promised Our Idiot Brother was good, he had seen it already and liked it a lot, thought it was funny. After the first thirty minutes of not laughing I thought, Ryan Gosling was much funnier and he did it wearing suits.

Not sure where this was going...

Guess we'll just move along to a Friday We're In Love post...

+ Asked if he needed any office supplies. A mouse pad. You want it with the wrist cushion or not? You have one with cushion right? Yeah, you want black or silver? Black. Boy, if these are the conversations we're having now, watch out 10 years, we are going to have a par-tay!

+ I came out of the hallway asking, Can you do me a huge favor? And he just started laughing. A few weeks ago I shared this video on Twitter--apparently I really do say all this and apparently Joe thought it was hilarious.

+ New Years Eve we had an enjoyable evening with friends, chatting, laughing, playing games...when whack Joe knocks down our camera and just as quickly whack he knocks a cup full of beer all over...wait for it...my black sequin skirt with the cute satin bow on the side! And all that came out of my mouth? Ahhhh. It wasn't even capital letters or with exclamation points! I completely blame getting over a sickness for my under reaction.

+ Watching Ryan Gosling movies together. And having him ask if he can pull off wearing suits every day.

Happy Friday friends!

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On Holiday

2012-01-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

Whenever you hear someone, typically not an American, say "On holiday" it always sounds way cooler or more traveled than vacation or going on a trip. It may be the new year but that doesn't mean we can't fill you in on what we did over the holiday. There is always the big build up to the holidays and then it's done. Lucky for one of us another holiday is coming up soon...

My family had been wanting to spend the holiday in Lake Tahoe so we finally made that happen. I mean how far could it be really? "We'll just drive straight up and get there in the afternoon. Oh wait, why did I think Tahoe was only about 6hrs away?" So, our morning started early. Setting out at 6am to head up the beautiful 5 freeway and the nothingness that it offers.

Just about sums up the 530+ mile drive.

On of my cousins two dogs

The feverish scratching to see if anyone actually won something, it happens every year.

Tons of movies and some tasty beverages.

100% natural, what are the odds?

Weather proof.

The perfect tree topper, right?

I'd never been to the state capitol before and I figured it was a must so we made a little detour.

I took more pictures with my phone than with the actual camera, terrible I know.

At least the drive home only took about 11 hours.

We hope to go on Holiday again soon. Happy Thursday!

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Behind The Lens 2011

2012-01-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

Wow we are silly. What do you mean? We're just working.

Apparently this is how we look like when we work. Awesome? Professional? Graceful? Hilarious? You be the judge. Or not. Maybe you shouldn't judge us at all. We're only working...

And we'll start with this because, I am King of all the land and you will listen to me. Anyone? Anyone?

Giving our couple their moment after the first look and strategizing. Whatever is being said Joe looks enthused.

No your hair is prettier...No your hair is prettier...No your hair is prettier!

Joe likes his time alone with the wedding dress.

Fell asleep behind the camera.

Oh that looks really cute...Thanks now keep walking up the stairs...

In another life Joe would make a perfect posed bride.

A penny for each one of their thoughts.

The looks brides give Joe are classic.

Oops. Fell asleep again.

Hey Joe! Move out of my shot...Oh how do I look? Good?

Staring contest in 1...2...3...

Hi my name is Joe. And I like to be in your photo.

I like to match all my bags, computer, clothing and cell phone.

Quit laughing at the maid of honor's speech and work!

Either that look says get away from me or WhatIsGoingOnWithYourHair?!

Joe swears he was on the beaches of Fiji working...

I hope people don't notice my sweat...I wonder what we're having for dinner...

We like to practice our dance moves before the reception starts.

Lisa's face: Get.Off.The.Bench. I don't want any more photos with you in it.

And this face says...

Oh let's take a photo together.

Oh goodness. There's more?! Feel free to click the slideshow below for more of us behind the lens.

Have a great Tuesday!

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Top Eleven.

2012-01-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

We were focusing so much on what we hadn't accomplished--we hardly looked at what we did accomplish. On what we dreamed and made happen. So we started to focus on that and make a list. As we're making our goals for the new year (yes we realize it's already the 2nd day of the new year, whatever), this is a reminder to us to keep dreaming big.

Our top eleven moments in 2011, both personal and professional, in no particular order...

+ Met through a friend of a friend of a friends' wedding we shot, we had the great opportunity to shoot a lifestyle portraiture with Mikal on a rooftop in LA. The setting, the style, this was a different creative opportunity we just loved.

Later we got to join Mikal and his band (formerly 4th and Dock) Damn Indians and watch them record a song. The time they spent perfecting one note made us appreciate the song more--and had us looking at our work to do the same.

+ First Lakers game together. And it won't be the last.

+ To be creative, is to be vulnerable. And we definitely got vulnerable when we FINALLY launched our website. That was a process we never ever want to take for granted and one of our biggest goals accomplished.

We love having a little spot on the interweb...JoeKathrina.com

+ Brad+Sabrina's Outdoor DIY Wedding. This is a wedding that will always have a great personal meaning to us.

+ A major goal for us in 2011 was to get featured online...which, we'll be honest, did not and has not come easy for us. We were blessed to be featured for the first time on HeyGorg.com for Jack+Lisa's Villa Del Sol Wedding...

That very same week we found out Brad+Sabrina's Wedding was going to be featured on The Loveliest Day.

+ For Jake+Jenn's Wedding we were part of a flash mob wedding in the Orange Circle...we felt like such rebels.

+ Our trip to San Diego.

+ That one time when we were a guest, a friend, a best man and the photographers... This wedding we learned more about ourselves than ever before.

+ This fashion shoot was a dream. We had pushed to do this and it was an experience we hope to have many more of.

+ We met some great photographers and creatives this year whom we got to work with and get to know better. Besides their knowledge, we were so fortunate to gain friendships as well. And that is what counts the most.

+ Our mistakes. Yes that makes our list. Because without our many, many, many mistakes we would've never learned. We would've never pushed ourselves to dream bigger. And for that, we never want to take our mistakes for granted.

We're ready to make this an even greater year. And kick some booty. Starting with today. Happy 2012 friends!

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New Year Jitters

2011-12-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

Seems just like yesterday we were excited for 2011 to begin. Just like yesterday we were dreaming of something more in our lives and went after it.

In the coming year we'll be starting our 3rd season.

There's a longing in our hearts that is indescribable right now. We are excited for the new year. An excitement that's being paired with hope that this will be a good year. But on the side is worry . Worry that we're being too optimistic. Is that such a bad thing? To be too optimistic? We are ready for a good year.

There's a longing in our hearts that is indescribable right now. We're ready.

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Pieces Of Wood

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

It was a goal to get creative with our presents this year for Christmas--aside from 1st grade inspirations of homemade paper ornaments with globs of glue and glitter surrounding a picture of us or handmade snow globes that leaked--thanks to some unused bed frame slats, we thought of something better. Plus we got to spend a day playing with sharp objects and electric machines, Look ma we still have our fingers!

If you follow us on our Facebook page we talked about working on some presents and now since Christmas has passed we wanted to share with you some of the man crafts we did to make some picture frames from a few pieces of wood.

Tools, a bucket, some wires and a Monster drink. All the things you need to do man crafts.

Although Joe did most of the cutting I did get behind the blade a few times. I will admit the first time I did it, I took one last loving look at my pink painted fingernails before bringing down the blade...

By the time we finished cutting all the wood pieces we needed, another future project idea started to form (photo on the right), which we can't wait to create!

We spent all afternoon cutting and worked into the cold evening gluing and putting our frames together. Maybe it was our frozen fingers that was aligning some of the pieces wrong, obviously it wasn't our master cutting skills, but we decided each were one of a kind and Hey, it adds character.

We sent all our prints through our gallery to Bay Photo and after seeing the faces of our family open their present, we knew we did good. Even had us consider making frames for a living...for anyone looking for some ~~slightly crooked~~ character frames.

Hope you all have a wonderful week ahead!

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On A School Bus, Wearing The Same Exact Shirt

2011-12-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

You won't believe me but I noticed you that first day we were all loading up the bus to leave...No you did not...Told you...I didn't notice you until you started to make fun of me...It was all part of my plan...Oh puh-lease...It worked didn't it...Not really...

Over ten years ago today we met for the first time. The summer of senior year. Heading off to ASB camp, wearing the same exact shirt with our own names embroidered on them. It wasn't love at first sight, well if you believe one of us it might've been, but nine years later here we are. This was one of our first photos together. On a school bus, wearing the same exact shirt.

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Engagement Lookbook 2011

2011-12-22T10:38:00.000-08:00

Call us crazy but we love our job. If we could even call it that. Any opportunity to take photos swells up our heart. So when couples ask, Do we need to do an engagement session? No...but we hold our breaths and wonder why not? We include engagement sessions with all our packages. It's a gift for us to take photos and we want to share it. Engagement sessions is a time when we get to know our couples before the wedding, when they get to know our language, get comfortable in front of our cameras and share laughs. Lots of them.

Enjoy our Engagement Lookbook from 2011....

Keith+Lindsey Huntington Harbor Engagement Session

Sam+Paige Crystal Cove Engagement Session

Jack+Lisa Orange County Engagement Session

Corey+Shawntee Balboa Park Engagement Session

Chris+Anna San Juan Capistrano Engagement Session

Hilario+Liz Costa Mesa Engagement Session

We hope for many more photos in the coming year... Happy Thursday!

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The Scent Of Coffee + Old Books

2011-12-21T10:19:00.000-08:00

I should create a scent made of coffee and old books and spray it all over me. That's what he told me as I hugged my book and said I wanted to snuggle with it. Apparently he gets jealous of my relationships with books. I'll admit it, sometimes I get carried away with a book and take it everywhere I go--to dinner, to the gas station, to parties, Do you think it'd be rude if I read instead of mingle? I'm kidding about that last part. Kind of.

I never thought I had a problem until after finishing the Hunger Games series when I started to have withdrawals. I imagined how I would be using the bow and arrow, if I could've survived The Games and how I would've told Peeta I chose him over Gale. I missed my late night rendezvous dates and reading until my eyes fell over. When I told Joe this, he blamed it on me, I told you you were reading it too fast. I blinked and you were done with all three books!

I stuck with nonfictional books while I worked on weening off from my Katniss and Peeta addiction. But then my friend Emilee sent me a little snail mail package with a handmade bookmark...WITH MY INITIAL ON IT! I had to use it. No sooner had I sent in an order for used books from Amazon when I saw Joe send in an order too. For some camera gear accessories. Which makes me think I should create a scent made of cars and camera gear...but then I don't think that would smell as nice as coffee and books.

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The Wedding Party

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we attended a holiday party with friends where we argued through a game of Cranium, fought for pairs of Forever Lazy presents and laughed throughout the entire night. It was then we were reminded how great friends are. Whether or not they try to steal your Forever Lazy from you.

That's why we love wedding parties. We realize these people are important to our couples, otherwise they wouldn't have asked them to be part of such a big day. It's always refreshing to see our couples surrounded by friends because they're an extension of who our couple is, together and as individuals.

As soon as we start shooting, the wedding party is there. So we try to make friends fast.

We always try to set at least 30 minutes to take formal photos with the wedding party. Half the time is usually used asking to hold up two fingers if they can hear us.

We always take a mix of formal photos and fun, relaxed photos...

And a grooms maid? Love it.

Wedding parties usually remind us that we're not funny--when ten people aren't laughing at your jokes, you turn to the flower girls for help.

The best part is when we become friends with some of the wedding party. And when we've shot more than one wedding where they've been part of the wedding--Libby, we're calling on you to be next! :)

We can't wait to meet the wedding parties for 2012...because we've been brushing up on our jokes...

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But I Was Head Of The Card Committee...

2011-12-16T09:26:00.000-08:00

That's what I told him when everything was going wrong. The printer didn't center our text, the size was wrong, the glitter pack wasn't coming out the way dreams were made of at night and Oh who decided I would be head of the card committee anyway?! I didn't know there was a committee...Well we made up for majority.

It was then we started to make executive decisions, envisioned something else, made the best of things we couldn't change, It adds character, and threw one heck of a card making party with our committee. Of two.

We had quite a line up.

He takes his crafting seriously.

Yes, all cards were hand addressed. Yes, I'm wearing a snowman shirt. Yes, I'm part Chinese but seriously...

After everything was signed and sealed we realized we needed to be sure one stamp was enough--we love getting mail but not returned mail. You need to add twenty more cents, the nice postal worker told me, It's rigid. No, I kindly told him, it's glitter! After that he didn't answer me if they had anything more holiday related besides George Washington.

So after revising our original plan with the card, we honestly didn't think it would spread so much cheer. Literally. When a friend posted this photo of our card after receiving it in the mail, we thought Uh oh. So far the only people that have complained of the mess are my sisters, naturally, but everyone else has seemed to enjoy it. We hope nobody gets too upset with us but instead whenever they see a sparkle on the floor, on their keyboard, on their clothes...that they think of us and smile :)

Promise this is the last time this year we mention glitter. There is after all only 15 more days left of 2011! Hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

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Shedding Purple + Feeling Like Banksy

2011-12-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

To Do:
+ Take hours hole punching tissue paper to make confetti (I only ordered 10 packs of 4 sheets...You know how small those holes are?!)
+ Make bow tie and matching hair ribbon (This not big enough? Um, no think that's pretty big)
+ Figure out what to wear (I'm thinking something shiny, how about you?)
+ Bring a towel (Why? Just in case, to wipe off the glitter. You really think we need it? Okay...)

If you remember last year we thought it was a great idea to shoot our Christmas card early in the morning when it was about 40 degrees. Well this year our grand idea was to play with glitter. Sounds fun huh--we'll admit it, after throwing up handfuls into the air we chased after it in the alley watching it dance. It was a lot of fun. Until we got home and realized our scalp was purple. That's okay, we can just shake it off. No, apparently glitter likes to stick. Then leave traces of it everywhere. And we mean, e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. It was stuck to our clothes, our shoes, our camera, car and anything we touched turned to purple glitter. Trust me, I've always dreamed of this, but after scrubbing our skin for days and vacuuming any area we were around, there was still glitter. So we were left to wonder only one thing...

HOW DOES KE$HA DO THIS?!

Before playing with glitter we took some photos. Because you know, that's what we do.

Yes, the bow tie and hair bow were handmade. And it won't be the last time you see us wearing them!

Then came the confetti and glitter...

This is the third year we've taken our own Christmas card photos. Maybe one day we'll have someone else take them but you know, it's what we do.

Seriously, we have way too much fun. (Thank goodness this photo is out of focus--it would not have been pretty)

Obviously these photos weren't planned for the card but we just couldn't resist.

As we walked away from the scene of the crime, we turned around and could see the ground glowing purple. It was like we left our mark. We felt a little like Banksy. Except way less controversial.

Happy Thursday friends!

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Before We Knew

2011-12-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

I asked him for his mileage and some receipts. Suddenly it hit me, Oh my gosh we own a business together! He looked at me like I was ~~the smartest~~, ~~most beautiful woman ever~~ and said, You're just realizing this now. Probably should've thought about that two years ago.

Okay so thinking isn't always my forte but then we got to talking and neither one of us really thought we'd start a business, let alone together. If it weren't for Joe I would've never picked up a camera that required me to use M mode. And if it weren't for me, well, Joe wouldn't have such cool hair--but that's a whole other blog post.

We've recently been contacted by a few friends from high school getting married and we can't help but smile. Who would've ever known the girl that we passed by during lunch and didn't really talk to, that one day we'd be shooting her wedding? The girl that I played soccer with and the girl that Joe's known since 5 years old. Let's just say, it's a good thing we didn't trip them in the hallway!

Honestly, we feel tremendously lucky. In high school we had no idea we'd be photographers. Last they saw of us was Joe with boring hair and me with braces (both thankfully not shown in the photo); and now to be able to meet up with old friends and be part of such a big day in their lives, it is such a gift to us. Sometimes we can't believe the path that we've taken, together--but we wouldn't change it for the world.

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Friday We're In Love: Clean Ears + Family Guy

2011-12-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

The sun was out shining. Wind was blowing through our hair. Birds were chirping in the trees. I turned around to look back at him and felt everything move in slow motion as I saw him throw his arms out wide without abandon and heard his voice yell in proclamation, You're really adorable. BUT SOMETIMES YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY!

That right there? Is love.

It's Friday party people! Time for a Friday We're In Love post...

+ As I sang about Santa kissing, noses shining and the j-i-n-g-l-e bells I suddenly felt a little pitchy, Gosh that didn't sound too good...No, no, you just need to clean your ears, you sounded perfect. Sometimes I do agree with him, his middle name must be Smooth.

+ Another day and, Boo it's your song playing. I didn't feel like singing (gasp), I just wanted to listen--but he insisted, Maybe they want to hear you sing. That's twice, pretty sure he's telling me he loves to hear me sing.

+ Joe is a fan of Family Guy. And Star Wars. And Family Guy Star Wars. I unfortunately don't get it. Please don't judge, I get humor but sometimes I just.don't.get.it. He is now planning on having a marathon day of all things Family Guy and Star Wars, "So I have someone to talk to about it with." Fact: he has many friends to talk to about it with, not sure why he needs another. The other night he started to laugh out of nowhere, I was just thinking of one of my favorite scenes, it's short but it's about a porcupine meeting a pineapple... Afterwards he couldn't breathe between his laughs. I just.don't.get.it.

+ I questioned what he was doing. And he shook his head, I swear sometimes you think I'm crazy. Well, I do.

+ Got a surprise package in the mail last week ordered by Joe. In it was a note from the shop owner, "Joe was sweet enough to order this for you! He's a keeper." I suppose. If I don't drive him crazy first.

Happy Friday friends! Hope it's filled with singing and maybe some Family Guy. If you're into that sort of thing.

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Shimmy, Shaking, Sequin

2011-12-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

She liked the sound she made. Then she wouldn't stop. Almost like no one was even there.

She thought I was taking a photo. I thought this was funnier...

Notice she was having so much fun she almost fell over. Afterward all we had to hear was that sound and we just started laughing. Hopefully this video makes you smile as much as it made our day.

Happy Thursday!

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We Promise.

2011-12-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

She walked in, tall and fit, with long, straight pink highlighted hair. Instantly a crush happened. Then we saw her abs and as my eyes widened I told Joe to look away. As we learned more about her we liked her more, a physician turned fitness trainer who smiled while telling us to give her more pushups. Beauty and brains...and she was nice?! Maybe she had a big thumb like Megan Fox.

In between her bouncing around, singing to the music, asking us to give her more, the one thing that always stuck was when she'd tell us how to do something, she'd follow it with: I promise. Do this and I promise this will happen. She didn't promise her abs, which if she did we'd call her a liar, but she promised that if we followed what she did, we would do it right. Just hearing those two words always seemed reassuring, it was building a trust and we believed her. I promise.

We're always asking for trust from our couples. Trust us this graffiti covered, banged up wall is going to look awesome! Trust us your outfits aren't going to get dirty if you lay on the road. Trust us, we promise we're making a photo you are going to love. Making a promise like that isn't always easy. We have to believe in ourselves first, and believe you me, we couldn't make that promise before.

After they came back from their honeymoon and they received their photos, Sam + Paige told us they questioned our choice of location in the photo above. A dark lounge...with red walls? A red chair and goodness awful carpet? With a few furniture arrangements, flash set up and making a photo happen, we got it. After they saw the photo they realized what we saw--and gave us two, regular sized, thumps up. We promise.

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A Fair Trade Off

2011-12-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

There are some car shows this weekend I wanted to go to...Oh, yeah, there's this new place I wanted to check out too. And there a trade off happened.

On Sunday after church and coffee we did a little extra Christmas shopping and when we saw the bustling streets caused by the car show, he knew he had to feed me beforehand, Don't want to make it a quick car show if you're hungry. Always so thoughtful. With our tummies full we set out, me with a bottle of sparkling water and him with a camera. While I searched for purple cars and pointed at ones decorated with wreaths, Joe ran around like a kid at Disneyland, taking photos of shiny things, sharing facts about exhausts and uh other shiny things and testing me on What year is that Bel Air? I tried really hard not to drag my feet too early but Joe must have an internal sense about me because before I knew it we were off to our next stop. The OC Mart Mix.

As soon as we got there, I turned into the kid at Disneyland. Literally, Joe had to close my mouth at one point, it wasn't cute.

First order of business was to find the restroom--that sparkling water. "Water closet. Is that the restroom?"

The OC Mart Mix is situated in a design center and set up as almost a design showroom with different vendors. Unique vendors. All the stores were each creatively designed and their products are just as diverse.

Coming from a design background I just couldn't stop gawking at everything. And I'm never alone because Joe just loves studying things and making blue prints in his brain on how to make them. We found ourselves one too many times dreaming of how we would add that to our home.

Salvage Design Company was a favorite. What was even more amazing was that each store was so welcoming and we were even able to talk to a few of the store owners to learn more about their business.

How did we find this place? Well our friend Eva from The Pantry just moved her store here and when I started to read more about the OC Mart Mix, I just knew we had to visit.

The Pantry carries specialty items for weddings and parties...aka cute, unique stuff!

There was so much more there, including Portola Coffee Lab, a wine bar, vintage finds, a sewing classroom...such fun and unique stores! Seriously making sure to keep my mouth closed as I write this.

Hope the photos were half as enjoyable as the place was for us. Happy Tuesday!

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Riley's Farm Wedding: Paul + Danielle

2011-12-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

The sun was shining and it was a crisp clear day out in the valley. A great day and an even better location for a wedding. Paul and Danielle met while serving in the Military doing medical and veterinary work. They have been all over the world serving the people and their country. It was fitting that of all days they would get married on Veterans Day in front of their families, friends and fellow service members. Most of whom were from Louisiana and the surrounding area.

There were no nerves, they were just anxious to be able to see one another. While the girls were getting ready they guys walked around and made sure Paul was ready. And he was. He had been waiting for this day since the day he met Danielle.

Riley's Farm was where their special day was going to take place. It is such a large place and it was all theirs. There were chickens walking around, hay bails, pumpkins and a bull that made sure you knew it was there. Riley Farm was the perfect place to add your own touches and have everything the way you envisioned it.

A big thanks to our friend Rob of Humbled Eyes Photography for being back on the west coast and needing someone to shoot his wedding with him. To say we had fun shooting together would be an understatement.

Didn't I tell you it was a beautiful day?

Paul patiently waiting to see Danielle for the first time.

What is a farm without a hay ride? This was how guests got up to the ceremony site.

Riley Farm was overflowing with goodness everywhere you turned.

Trees enclosing the ceremony.

Now you know what Paul had his eyes on.

How amazing is this?

Then it was time to head over to the barn. So many great personal touches and creativity.

A small sitting area with photos from their world travels as vets once out of the military.

Oh and they were dancers! But it was more like a dance off competition in there. I think they practiced.

Goodnight.

Happy Friday everyone! We can't believe it's December already.

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Jab, Jab, Child Pose

2011-12-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

At first he only went as a filler for the pregnant sister. Then she became pregnant again. Then the instructor started to call him by name, Good job Joe. After 5 years she still thought my sister and I were one person, Hey Leslie, where's Joe?

I thought it would be good for his neck and back pains, You should come to yoga with me. Kickboxing beforehand. It'll be fun. No response. There are other guys that go too.

Now every Monday evening we regularly go to kickboxing class and yoga right after. He isn't always the most motivational partner, if there is a Niners game on he will happily skip class, Uh I have to wash my hair tonight. Sometimes he complains about being hungry and always thinks boba after class is a good idea. When the instructor says Child Pose he always exclaims Yesss as he gets into position. And then he tries to hold my hand. He forgets to bring his towel and loves giving sweaty hugs even after I squeal No. We make funny faces at each other in the mirror, dance when we get little lost and laugh for extra ab work.

He still has neck and back pains but when I contemplated about not going to these classes anymore he frowned, But it's sort of our thing now on Mondays. Yeah, except when the Niners are playing.

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Remember, They're Family. You Love Them.

2011-11-29T11:38:00.000-08:00

It's the same every year...

Wait family photos are today?!
I have no idea what to wear.
The boys didn't take a nap.
She's kind of grumpy grumps today.
What time is it at?
We're going to be a little late.
Where is it at?
Do I look okay?
Who are we missing?
Over here! Look over here!
Cracker? You want a cracker?
Smiiile.
The sun is going down.
We need to hurry.
Why is no one listening to me?!
Everybody! Look! At Joe!

And we dare put Joe through the ringer every year.

The usual suspects.

Meet Kathrina's family. My parents, aren't they cute, and the grandsons. (Are you as weirded out as I am that I just talked in third person then in first person all in five words?)

He goes by Daddy and she goes by Mama, Mother, Mommy. Mom!

Penny the oldest sister, the motherly one, the goofy one, and her husband Troy. It took awhile for Troy to get used the to craziness of this family but he's fitting in quite nicely.

Ty, the oldest grandchild, our first nephew.

Brothers.

The brother, Hardy. Second eldest, only boy. That's right. And that's me, the youngest. That's right.

Much too cute.

Leslie, the third. The middle child...don't get her started ;) And Marc, her husband. He usually smiles.

Their growing family.

Grandchildren + siblings.

It's been questioned repeatedly how my brother ever put up with three girls growing up. You know he wouldn't have had it any other way. At least that's what we say.

The family. No this isn't a perfect photo--someone's missing a shoe, not everyone is looking at the camera, my brother wouldn't stay still, one of us isn't smiling...but they're family. And we love them. Even if they're crazy.

Joe usually stays behind the camera pulling his hair when we take family holiday photos. Joe, get in the photo... Oh darn, I forgot the tripod... Actually think he purposefully forgets to bring it. Next year I'll remember to pack it. Oh yeah, every year.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

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Three Pounds Of Necessity

2011-11-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

It was sent to him through email. With capital letters, red flags and an over abundant use of exclamation points. Subject: 3 pounds of necessity. Message: WE MUST GET THIS.

Glitter. So much glitter.

It was being sold on ebay, starting bid at $0.99. I picked up my jaw from the floor and stopped squealing in time to explain why it was crucial for us to purchase this: 3 pounds! They sell 1 ounce at $10! It's purple! It's beauuutiful. It's 3 pounds! It's the thing of my dreams! Don't.you.want.me.to.be.happy?!

The first time he lost the bid. I tried so hard to conceal my sadness and silently said goodbye to glitter dreams. But Joe, Joe doesn't quit at, "Sorry you've been outbid." He kept an eye out for it and sure enough they were selling the 3 pounds of glittery happiness once again. I told him to bid as fast as his slender fingers could go and promised glitter kisses after. He silently sat in a corner and watched the seconds go by. Then BAM, "You are the winner of 3 pounds of necessity."

Happy Cyber Monday friends!

P.s. It must be shared that we purchased this for a total of $8.20. More than six dollars went towards shipping. Glitter for everyone!

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Giving Thanks.

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Standing still. Standing in the middle of the street. Looking up to the scattered clouds painted across the light blue skies. The air was quiet but if you listened you could hear the winds blowing through the tree tops. Thank you.

Yesterday we received a wedding email inquiry whom two of our previous brides referred us to. Thank you.

Last week Joe's brother participated in a 3 day walk raising money for breast cancer. Joe's mom is now 10 years cancer free. Thank you.

It was my uncle's birthday yesterday. He lives in the Philippines and within seconds on Facebook I was able to wish him a happy birthday. Thank you.

Joe still sounds like Lindsay Lohan and I'm starting to feeling like a stuffed turkey head. But we're still able to smile and do a little dance. Thank you.

Last night we held hands. Thank you.

Today we'll be with family. Eating, talking, laughing. On repeat. Thank you.

We have much to be thankful for. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. And if you're reading this... Thank you.

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Family Wedding Portraits

2011-11-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

Just yesterday we were eating purple peeps and knocking down our nephew for Easter eggs (oh just us?) then we dared to blink and BAM tomorrow we'll be feasting with family, having ten different conversations going on all at once and wondering when our family became so crazy (oh you know that's not just us) . 'Tis the season for family...so we figured we'd share some thoughts on family wedding portraits.

Let's be honest here, wedding days are stressful. But probably the most stressful part of the day is during family portraits. So much excitement going on, a lot of different personalities coming together, and nobody is listening to the voice trying to yell above everyone else, Look over here! It feels just like Thanksgiving.

For our ideal wedding day schedule we would get all portraits, including family, done before the ceremony--that is of course if the bride and groom decide to do a First Look. Schedules don't always pan out the way you like and we always leave extra time to do family portraits after the ceremony. Regardless if our couple decides to do a First Look or not, we try to have at least 30 minutes for family portraits. We already know we want to do the traditional combinations of parents, siblings, both families combined, etc. but we always ask our couple if there are any other groups and or special notes we should take, such as step families, parents are divorced or a family member can't be on their feet for too long so we need to shoot them first.

However stressful this half hour may be for us we know how important family wedding portraits are to our couple. We also know it can be overwhelming for our couple so we always take great care in getting all the photos they want but also moving as quickly as possible.

Extended family? We know you're all important too.

And just because we're on a time schedule, it never ever means we don't allow moments to go by. Love this moment between Shawntee and her mom.

Who says all family portraits need to be formal? Be the family that you are.

And sometimes you might find one of us in your family portrait. We apologize beforehand but don't say you didn't ask us ;)

Happy Wednesday friends!

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The Simple Things.

2011-11-21T11:39:00.000-08:00

This weekend we enjoyed the simple things.

On Saturday we went to Cars and Coffee--where Joe ran around the parking lot taking photos of cars while I followed along holding my cup of coffee and sneaking sips from his. It started to rain and while other people huddled under trees, we stayed out in the open and watched water drops collect on tops of the cars and the ground become wet. Afterwards we headed to a garage sale, where we looked and Oooh-ed more than we bought.

On Sunday, feeling the effects from standing out under the rain, we made soup and watched a movie. As the clouds became dark we opened the window and listened to the rain play music.

This weekend we enjoyed the simple things.

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Friday We're In Love: The Head Shake + Cray Heaven

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

There's a certain way he shakes his head at me, small short movements back and forth, that tells me one of three things: he's frustrated at me, he thinks I'm crazy, or he has no idea what's coming out of my mouth and doesn't know how to stop me from talking. I wish I could say he hardly does this head shake but I'd be lying if I didn't admit I see it happen too often from the side of my eye. But usually only because he thinks I'm crazy, certainly not because I'm frustrating. Never.

Like when Jay-Z and Kanye West's new song came on the radio (whoa, call me segue way extraordinaire) and he told me he liked this song only because they play a clip from the movie Blades of Glory, I asked what they were saying in the song. Cray. Like cray-cray, it means crazy...Oh I know what cray-cray is, I use that word all the time...No you don't, I've never heard you say that before...Yes I have...You've never said that word before... Boo you cray-cray! See how that just rolled off my tongue. Don't make me go cray-cray on you. And then...oh...yep...there goes the head shake.

We took a quick snap shot of the artwork by Doug Aitken above during a session. We thought it was really unique...and dare we say cray?

Let's see how many times we can use cray-cray in this blog post. It'll be so much fun.

Only a Friday We're In Love post will bring out all this cray, so shall we...

+ Joe was looking over his phone one day and decided he didn't need an app so he went to delete it. Then he said, Oh man, now I have to find a new one. I continued to watch him as he searched for a new app--a completely random, pointless app only to fill that empty space. As I snapped out of my awe confusion I asked if he was serious, Oh yeah, all my pages have to be perfectly filled with apps. Your phone drives me crazy, I don't know how you do it. I'm sorry, I like to color coordinate mine, not just add pointless apps to fill space. And I'm supposed to be the cray-cray one?

+ As we were driving together and entering the freeway, Joe started to make car sounds as he followed the curve of the ramp. So is this what you usually do when you're driving by yourself? Oh yes, but I usually go faster. I make up dance moves when driving alone and he makes car sounds. We're a match made in cray heaven.

+ I was busy pulling something up on the computer as Joe sat next to me waiting with his eyes wandering over my bookshelf. Suddenly he looked at me smiling and said I was cute. I knew it wasn't a compliment but rather something I did, so when I saw that he was looking at my jars of of crafts perfectly labeled I knew he was really making fun of me. What so I like labels, they really help, I mean I wouldn't have known those were round acrylic jewels in that clear glass jar if it wasn't labeled! Leave me alone.

+ Joe has been flaunting this magazine cover one too many times now. So this weekend I plan on buying People's newest Sexiest Man Alive issue with Bradley Cooper and read it in front him while watching every single Ryan Gosling movie. What now Jessica Biel!

We hope you have great a weekend friends. Don't get too cray-cray (see wasn't that fun?) Happy Friday!

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Orange County Photography: Rich + Jen

2011-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's been over a month since our wedding season officially ended but it definitely doesn't mean we've put down our cameras. It's actually been a perfect time for us to try new things, get more creative and learn more. Although weddings is the focus of our business sometimes we get different opportunities like family sessions that we couldn't be more happy to be a part of.

With Rich and Jen we already knew we liked them when they told us, "We're going to wear blues and purples." Instantly sparks flew. Then when we actually met, and saw the purple in person, we found out they met in high school too, are kababayan and have two boys that liked us...and we liked them too. Tristan might have warmed up to Joe a bit more but we're happy to share that Jen just emailed us yesterday calling us his new Tito and Tita. Instantly more sparks flew.

Seriously how cute is this family?!

A sweet moment with sweet Reese.

Reese is just a little over 2 months and he was such a trooper during the whole shoot, look at that smile. Tristan took a bit to warm up at first but enter Tito Joe and Tita Kathrina...with a little bit of chasing and feet stomping, we got him to crack.

If you've connected with us on Facebook, this background might look familiar...

We really wanted to try something different with the photo below. It's still something to practice but we love being able to push ourselves.

Love this.

Did we mention how much we loved their outfits? So cute.

And we'll end with a favorite.

Happy Thursday!

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The Conversations We Have

2011-11-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

K: Hey, what are you doing?
J: Nothing, just eating my Corn Pops. [Munch, munch] "Gotta have my pops."
K: Oh! I was trying to think of their slogan.
J: You know, they never really show those commercials anymore.
K: That's because Corn Pops are so 1990s.
J: No but they never show any cereal commercials anymore.
K: Yeah they do. I still see Cheerios commercials, Honey Bunches of Oats, Special K. Corn Pops are just so 1990s.
J: Oh whatever.
K: Like Frosted Flakes, they don't show those anymore. Why? Because they're so 1990s too.
J: Oh whatever, what were you calling about anyway.
K: Uh I don't remember, so what are you doing?

Have a wonderful Wednesday friends!

***Edited to add: And then after looking over the post together, the conversation continued: But they do still have Frosted Flake commercials...Yeah, on Cartoon Network...Watch it...

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Fashion Photography: Glam Me Over

2011-11-15T10:08:00.000-08:00

We knew her in high school--well considering she remembered Joe as a basketball player, which he wasn't, they didn't really know each other--but her and I had a few classes together. So when the wonderful world of Facebook reconnected us and I saw that she was starting her own business of becoming a stylist, the wheels started to turn. We have been wanting to do some fashion photography, actually dying to do it, so we thought Michelle was the perfect person to approach for the first time about it. That way if she said No, we were okay that. But no, she didn't say no, she said Yes!

Michelle doesn't really follow trends, magazines or blogs. She's just a natural at finding what works for her and for her clients. We won't lie and say that I didn't ask about almost every single item where she got it from, lucky majority are from Express which made it easy to remember. Make sure to check Michelle's blog Glam Me Over. We hope you guys enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed the session!

This is her day office look that can easily turn into an outfit for after work hours...

With the holidays coming up she wanted to be sure to add some Holiday fun into the shoot.

Warning horn tootage ahead, we love this photo.

Isn't Michelle beautiful? She told us she wasn't a natural in front of the camera but please! She worked it!

When we were talking about what outfits she wanted to wear, she definitely knew she wanted to wear this sparkly number. Love it!

If you've connected with us on Facebook you saw us post a behind the lens photo in front of this wall. Getting this shot was too much fun.

Love. Love. Love.

Special shout out to Michelle's friend Grace for coming along for moral support. And psst, don't forget to ask Michelle to borrow this outfit :)

We always tell clients that the first 5 minutes are the most awkward when we're getting into the groove of things and when they are just getting comfortable in front of the camera and understanding our language. By the end of our session Michelle understood us. And even laughed at our jokes, oh yeah.

We ended the session with a winter look and this cozy jacket, which sadly for those inquiring she bought in Korea.

Happy Tuesday!

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The Heater Wars + Bean Bunny

2011-11-11T10:05:00.000-08:00

He says I'm like Bean Bunny from Muppet Christmas Carol (seen here at the 4:55 mark) during winter--what, cute? No. Apparently when I'm cold I shiver just like him. Well Joe does think it's cute...that is until we get into the car and I ask for the heater to be turned on full blast. He complains his feet burns next to the pedal and sweat starts dripping down his face--he wonders if I feel the same way but when he turns to check on me I couldn't look more content. Still wearing my jacket, on top of my two sweaters.

So we couldn't be more complete opposites during winter. I love wearing layers, where wearing only one sweater makes Joe sweat just thinking about it. He likes to wait for his coffee to cool a bit, sometimes even ordering it at "kid's temperature" while I prefer mine piping hot. He's learned to start bringing a jacket though just to amuse me and when he thinks he's being sneaky by turning down the heater, I let him.

We dream about living in Chicago or New York one day for just a little while, Can you imagine if we do ever live in New York? He just laughs at me and turns up the heater.

Happy Veteran's Day friends.

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Dream Bigger.

2011-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

We randomly ran into a friend on a dark street corner--it felt all West Side Story except we turned around to give hugs. We hadn't seen her in a few years, at least that's what we could remember, but after chatting for only a minute she said, I follow your guys' blog all the time. It was that moment right then we wanted to give her more than just a hug.

We know we're not doing science here, or changing the world but we never thought we'd share so much of ourselves online. So much of our dreams, fears, failures, insecurities, and imperfections. Yes we realize writing things down and sharing it on the internet holds us accountable, makes us more vulnerable and sometimes we look back on posts and wonder, Who wrote this?! Sometimes finding the words is like pulling teeth, which is probably how it feels like reading it too, but other times writing sets us free. We never really know who actually reads our blog--but to our friend Marissa and to you who's reading this right now, Thank you. You allow us to dream bigger. And hey, maybe one day we will change the world.

P.s. No, we're not wearing platforms in this picture...and that's a folded up reflector that Joe was holding, not a J.LO booty.

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Shady Canyon Photography: 3 sisters, 4 families, 5 grandkids

2011-11-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

When we first heard there was rain coming during the weekend we were dusting off our umbrellas, searching for purple rain boots (okay, that was only one of us) and making sure the car wasn't too dirty (okay, that was only one of us). Until we realized it might rain on Sunday. During a session with 7 adults, 2 kids, a set of triplets and a partridge and a pear tree. Oh wait, did we mention it was going to be outdoors too?

Thankfully with so many people involved they were able to think of a back up plan that worked perfectly. A special thank you to the Kamgars for letting us roam your marble halls and take up your space for a few hours. Also thank you to Robyn, John, Beverly, Kristen, Jim, Jordan, Avery, Katie and Sean...whew...for being so patient with us and bringing on the smiles!

When Robyn first told us she had triplets we thought nothing of it. We've had practice with our nieces and nephews, we'll be okay. Well let's just say they're lucky they're cute ;) And they wore red converse which warmed our hearts more.

Sisters.

And this family is growing by the year. Next year there will be another little one running around and Sean will officially be part of the family!

Having grandparents are the best. And Beverly is one lucky grandmother.

And one last one. With everyone together.

Happy Tuesday!

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Winter Food

2011-11-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

We'll admit it, this weekend was too much fun. As soon as we heard the forecast for rain on Friday we were already planning on something wintery to do...eating pho. For those that don't know what pho is, it's a Vietnamese soup made of rice noodles, basil, mint, bean sprouts, lime and served with either beef, chicken, or seafood. We also like to refer it as winter food--as soon as it started to get chilly Joe excitedly reminded me, It's Pho season! We love this stuff. We still look over the menu but it's always the same: two waters, a coke, spring rolls and two seafood bowls. I always add too much spicy sauce, my nose starts running, we get quiet eating, I finish before Joe, and afterwards we sit there with our stomachs out, watch the Asian man serve more bowls to others and appreciate that he's forgotten about us as he's busy--so that we can sit in silence just a little bit longer.

On Sunday we had some homemade pho thanks to my mom. And we're sure it won't be our last bowl for the season!

In between eating, we also played in the rain, dreamed bigger and had a couple of sessions. Yes, it was a good weekend. Happy Monday!

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Friday We're In Love: Choreography Moves + Freckles

2011-11-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

Is this the one you shimmy to the right and left? Nope, wrong song. Okay so what move do you do for this one? You put your arms up and circle around from left to right. Like this? Yep.

So awhile ago I divulged to Joe that I make up choreography for songs playing on the radio. What else are you supposed to do when you're driving by yourself? At first he just laughed and shook his head, This chick really is crazy. But then he started learning the dances. And would ask if I had choreography for this song and that. Wow, this guy must love me.

Then one day as we parked the car, it came out. So I'm thinking for this song we should shimmy to the right then kick the opposite leg out. Then shimmy to the left and kick the other leg out. Sweet moses, he made up his own choreography! So we got out of the car and as we sang the song to our own tune we watched our shadows on the concrete shimmy to the right and left. With the leg out. That right there, is crazy. Love.

You guys don't want photos of our dance moves, trust us.

So it's a snuggly, rainy day...perfect for a Friday We're in Love post...

+ On Sunday we watched a double matinee. When was the last time you've done that? Fun. Anyway, we watched In Time and Ides of March. One for him and one for her...

+ Upon examining Joe's arm freckles one day I pointed out that one of them looked like a heart--I made it for you. Cheesy goodness.

+ It's true, both of us do not enjoy Justin Bieber. It's a shame he likes purple so much. Anyhow, we got a glimpse of a performance of his yesterday and as Joe was backing out of the room ready to save his ears I decided to be *sweet and sing the song to him so he didn't miss it. I will never say never! He appreciated it so much that I kept singing. The one line I knew. By the time I was going to bed I was still singing the song. See what happens when I'm being sweet.

Hope you have a fantastic weekend friends! We're excited to enjoy the chilly weather together. Happy Friday!

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Almost There.

2011-11-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

In the dark of the room with green light casting shadows, we were surrounded by the 80's, an insurance agent, a dead president, Lady Gaga and a banana. We stood next to a spider web, which had it been real would've been too close for comfort. We rubbed temples from the tight rubber bands in our hair, wondered if our makeup was smeared and scratched our heads wishing it was time to take off the wig. We talked above the music and laughed, much out of our costume's character. And in the middle of catching up on what's new, Nothing much how about you, she threw up her hands and looked to the high heavens having her voice heard above the chatter, I feel like you guys are almost there! Our eyes followed her gestures and we stared back at her smiling. Well she done gone drank the koolaid...and she must have shared it with us because hearing that made us believe. Amen!

Maybe it's just us yearning for some motivation--from anywhere, anyone--but hearing someone say that out loud made us think, don't give up. We're not even sure where "There" is but hey if we're almost there we better be sure to enjoy the ride.

Just a few things we're working on right now...as we sip on the koolaid.

Happy Wednesday...and if you're in Southern California, don't get blown away today!

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How Do You Choose Your Photographer?

2011-11-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Since we shared our thoughts about when do you book your photographer, we figured we'd talk about how you choose your photographer. We've been asked before by friends whose cousin just got engaged or their friend is looking for a photographer--how they should choose one. Although we'd love to be quick to raise our hand and say, Well we're photographers, we keep our hands down and share our thoughts. There is no concrete answer to that question and this is only our opinion.

The first thing would be to definitely set a budget. Know what your budget is but also know what the average wedding photographer costs. Just like shopping for a wedding dress, you don't go into Vera Wang with a $500 wedding dress budget--know what you're working with and what you're expecting. Obviously we think photography is important, the photos are all you have at the end of the wedding, so if you value photography as much we hope know what your budget is getting you.

Once you know your budget you can start looking at different photographers. Figure out what style you want: modern, clean, classic, vintage, fun, photojournalism, editorial. There are so many photographers out there it's daunting (trust us, we know) but once you start looking at different portfolios, you'll start understanding what you're looking for in a photographer and your photos.

After deciding which photographer(s) you're both interested in, the research part is over but now is probably one of the most important decision--make sure you like your photographer. We tell every couple we meet with, we are there with you all.day.long. You turn around and you'll see us. You look up and we're right there. You think we've disappeared but no we're just climbing the walls getting a different angle. Again, know that your photographer is with you all.day.long. We see you without your makeup done, we see you getting dressed, we see you crying, we see you dancing, we see you happy.

Whenever we receive an inquiry from a couple we give the basic information through email and always always ask to meet in order to talk more about the wedding plans, photography and to make sure we are the right fit. We've never turned down a wedding before because we didn't feel like we clicked...usually the couple realizes it themselves and doesn't hire us. Those are the times when we are disappointed but walk away knowing it was for the better. Every single one of our couples we've built friendships after the wedding and we know it's because they liked us and we liked them.

Again, this is just our opinion. From a girl who wears pink tights and a boy who likes to talk with his eyes closed. If you have anything to add, feel free to leave a comment, we'd love to hear them!

Happy first day of November!!

**SIDENOTE: We realize the Comment link isn't showing on our blog's homepage...our tech guys we are trying to fix that. But if you want to leave a comment click on the blog post title and the comment system will show below the post. We love reading your comments, so thank you! All fixed! But we still love your comments so go ahead :)

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Traditions, Stage Parents + Pumpkins

2011-10-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

The first year we had started dating we made it a tradition to go to the pumpkin patch. Back then I was embarrassed to admit to Joe that I had never been to one before. To cut my parents some slack, they didn't even know about pumpkin patches until a few years ago--we always got our pumpkins from the grocery store. Hey, we're from the Philippines, we have fish markets not pumpkin patches.

Typically we spend way too much time picking out pumpkins. It has to have the perfect front to carve on, it has to have a good base to sit on, the stem has to be long enough to grab and have a nice curve. No funky gashes are allowed and it has to call our name. All of these are arguable, and yes we usually stand in the middle of a pumpkin patch lining up our options, looking them up and down, and debating about which has the straighter grooves. We'd be a shoe in for stage parents.

Sadly, this year we went to the pumpkin patch...and left without any pumpkins. Crazy talk. Mainly because Joe had no energy to argue with me but also because we went with the nephew who was busy playing in the bounce house and riding tractors, by the time we started looking for pumpkins it was getting dark. And you can't see their imperfections in the dark.

Aww, look at the cute little monster...

Hopefully we can make another trip this weekend...because it is also tradition to have a better carved pumpkin than Joe. And he's slowly feeling better so I won't feel so bad beating him ;)

Happy Friday friends. We hope your weekend is full of pumpkins, Halloween festivities, and food!

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Green Really Isn't Our Color

2011-10-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

We really haven't been ready to admit that we shot our last wedding of the season a few weeks ago. Mostly because we've found ourselves wrapped up in other photographers' busy schedules wishing they were ours and looking through their photos with green eyes.

But green really isn't our color.

Although we're not quite ready to look back on our 2011 goals that we set in the beginning of the year or even start our 2012 goals, we are trying to focus on who we are--as a business, as a photographer, a partner, a person. We've been discussing who our ideal client would be, what changes we can do, what we need to learn more of, what we want to achieve. We're focusing on who we are, not what others are or what others are doing.

Sometimes shiny things distract us, but that's okay, as long as it's not green.

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Rice + Jim Carrey

2011-10-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

Food poisoning. Take two of these with food and one of these daily. She was talking to him but kept looking at me sitting in a waiting chair listening in the background--oh, guess that was my cue that I should be standing next to him. He was told to drink Gatorade, 7 Up, and cold water. And eat rice. Oh I can do that! The way he perked up hearing that, you thought the doctor said he could have candy and ice cream all day.

I set him up on the sofa in front of the tv, fluffed his pillow, covered him with a blanket, heated up some rice and made sure he took his medicine. When he said he wanted to watch some movies I knew just the options to give him: Jim Carrey, Jim Carrey, or Jim Carrey. He went with Jim Carrey. (Not pictured: Joe's favorite, Ace Ventura)

I patted myself on the back for taking care of him so well (I'll show that nurse I was listening to her!)--that is until he asked to move to another sofa because his neck hurt from turning, then he asked for ice in his already cold water, then he hinted more about his sore neck coughMassagecough... THEN he threatened to fire me as his nurse. If I ever had hopes and dreams of becoming a nurse (which I scratched off my list long ago when I found out you can't have your nails painted) they would've been crushed.

At the end of the day he thanked me profusely for taking care of him. And all I want is for my healthy, smiling, big appetite Joe back again. Because really it's much funner singing Elvis Presley's Blue Christmas to him when he has energy to laugh at me.

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No Thanks

2011-10-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

You hungry? You want some food? No thanks, I'm good. What's wrong? What's with Joe today?

This weekend Joe came down with some sort of stomach flu. A weekend I decided to bake some goodies and we had some family festivities--which always consists of food. Let's back up for a minute and be honest here, one of the reasons Joe has fit in so perfectly with my family is because he loves to eat. Yes Joe will add that his charms played a major role in their love for him, but deep down in our little bellies, we know it's because his answer to Do you want to eat? Are you hungry? Do you want to try some of this? is always D: Yes.

So with Joe's No thank you response, it was immediately and quickly followed with what's wrong. They know him so well. Here's hoping he's back on his feet, eating, filling his belly and smiling...because oh let's be honest again, he wasn't so happy saying No thanks.

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A Coffee Mug, Seeing Eye To Eye + Art

2011-10-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

I pointed towards a mug...I would love a pretty one like that to drink my coffee from! Mmm. Had me feeling all warm and cozy just thinking about it--that is until I realized he was looking at me like I was crazy, That's not a coffee mug! That's for cereal! I'm sorry, I don't drink from a bowl. Obviously he didn't watch Friends and joined their conversations at Central Perk... Hopefully you did--this is the blog post where we don't always see eye to eye.

Last night we went to a little gallery warming party of some friends of ours who are collaborating on a new business, The Coco Gallery. After a few U turns and questioning the love of cats, we found it. The space is near other art galleries where we were free to roam and listen to live music. We were so taken with everything...

Dia de los muertos art...and a fuzzy pink chair? It was a party!

We absolutely loved what they did with the Coco Gallery space. We didn't take too many photos but we had to snap some of the books...

Seeing their space lead us to talking about how we would design our own office space one day...complete with oversized coffee mugs...

Happy Friday amigos! (That dia de los muertos art...has us talking Spanish now.)

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Boutonnieres + High School Dances

2011-10-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

~~boutinere~~
~~boutonnere~~
~~boutinnere~~
boutonniere

Let's be honest, the only way I spell that word correctly is by spelling it incorrectly. And then spell checking. I mean really, asking for it in a sentence won't help spelling that right!

Remember high school dances? I think the worst part for me (k) was when my date came to pick me up. And I think the worst part for my date was...when they came to pick me up. Joe would know, we went to Senior prom together. One of my sisters would take pictures, while my parents studied how close we stood next to each other, and my other sister would tell us to Get closer! Of course it had to get more awkward when my mom would look at him straight in the eye and say, You better bring my baby back by 10pm...but mom the dance doesn't end until 10...Okay, 10:30. Oh wait, then I had to put on the ~~boutinere~~ ~~boutonnere~~ ~~boutinnere~~ boutonniere. Which if I can't spell the word, of course I had no idea how to put it on. So then my sister would come help and pin it on him. As I watched the boy count the seconds until he was back outside.

After all these years I still can't pin one of those things. Luckily Joe is better at it than I am and if he has to, we leave the pinning to him...the grooms never mind...

We love how each one is so different. They're a tiny detail to your wedding but can add so much flair to a groom's (and groomsmen) attire.

Sometimes shiny things take place of flowers...

Or the bride gets crafty--like the succulents on the left were made by the bride herself...and the one on the right are golf tees that were spray painted and handmade by the bride. Love it when our couples add some DIY touches!

Whatever you pin on your jacket though, the best accessory is still your bride. Don't you agree? Get a little closer...

Happy Thursday!

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Another.

2011-10-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

It hovered over us all day like a gray cloud turning darker and darker by the minute. We smiled but we knew something was wrong. We knew what was wrong, but he asked anyway, What's wrong? He wanted to hear me say it. But all that came out was I'm just so frustrated. I'm just so disappointed. And then the cloud broke.

We knew what was wrong but he asked anyway. Frustrated and disappointed. That's all I could really get out before he stood up and wrapped me in his arms. He said it was something that we could learn from, something that, next time hopefully won't happen. Honestly at that moment I didn't know what it was that we needed to learn, we've experienced it enough and another lesson on rejection really didn't need to happen. But it did.

Blogging about this was debated, only because we're sure you don't want to read another post about our failures. Finding the words to write this is never easy either. But everything isn't always purple, white and smiles. And we're okay with that. We'll take another lesson and learn from our mistakes and pick ourselves back up.

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Silence, Catalina Island, Shadow Peace Signs + LA

2011-10-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Joe gets worried about me when I'm in a car--he peers over me and with a soft spoken voice asks Are you okay?...Yeah of course why?...You just got really quiet and haven't said anything. Cars do three things to me, it either makes me fall asleep in 10 minutes flat, lulls me into silence or has me filling ears with my voice. Either way I take his concern as another way of telling me he loves listening to me talk incessantly and sing along to every song. I always knew behind his head shaking that he was asking for more.

So I suppose boats do the same to me--lull me into silence that is. But probably more because I'm busy focusing on something steady (who knew mountain peaks would be so interesting to watch) and hoping I don't get seasick. Joe never questioned my silence on the boat though, but I'm sure the big grin he wore on his face was his way of saying how much he longed to hear my voice.

This past Friday we boarded a ferry and headed over to Catalina Island with the family. It was great to get away--even though we had to cut the vacation short and were only able to go for the day, we enjoyed every minute of silence and fun.

When we left Newport Beach the sun was out and shining but as soon as we were halfway to Catalina Island, the fog surrounded us and mist was in the air...

We hadn't been to Catalina Island for over 5 years now so as soon as we started walking around we ran wild with our camera...

We had a couple once suggest doing their engagement session at Catalina Island...unfortunately with scheduling and everything it didn't work out but after visiting there again, we would absolutely DIE to do a session there! Seriously every little street was so photogenic. So hey, if you want to do a session at Catalina Island...holler!

The Island really reminded us of the Philippines. The small streets, the smells of gas and sea, the musky air, and even this picture Joe took on his phone...at first glance I actually thought it was from our trip to the Philippines.

Slowly the sun started to come through the fog...and allowed for shadow peace signs on the sand...

Newsflash: Joe loves cars. And taking photos of cars. Normally my comments are only limited on the color or how shiny the car looks. But I love this Mini Cooper...the mustard color is so pretty.

After 7 hours on the Island, the sun finally came out. But of course after we boarded the boat to head back home, the fog came rolling in again and completely covered us. It was a little rough ride--the mist was heavy and more like rain and the wind was pretty strong. We huddled under a blanket, stayed on the top level that had cleared to only a handful of us, and we allowed the boat to lull us both to sleep.

The next day, we were on the streets of LA for a wedding...

Hope you enjoyed the photos. Happy Tuesday!

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Friday We're In Love: Foil Made Objects + Ironing

2011-10-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Where do you want to go eat? I don't know what do you feel like having? It doesn't matter, what do you feel like? Whatever, how about you?

I got it!

Where...You'll see. Have we eaten there before...No. Is it close by...Yes. Have we talked about going there before...Yes. Where...You'll see.

It was our first time eating at Freebirds--it's sort of like Chipotle and coincidentally we first heard about the place when we ate at Chipotle and found a flyer on our car that it was opening up. It was fun to go a new place, we were completely inspired by the branding and the design...

There were definitely some quirky things including foil made objects displayed everywhere by customers. So after we ate Joe was determined to make one--a camera, naturally. There may have been some slight huffiness when it wasn't working out but hey it was our first attempt.

We were supposed to go to a car show and only ate out to pass time and traffic but by the time we finished foil making Joe decided it was too late. So we held hands and stared at foil made objects instead.

It's been a few weeks so we figured it's time for a Friday We're In Love post...

+ Football season is back in full swing. Which means Joe's Sports Center app likes to play music and give him updates on scores for every play. Which means I threaten the life of Joe's iphone if he doesn't silence it.

+ Fact: Joe likes to iron. Pleats and crisp creases make him happy. He already promised that he'll be doing the ironing when I become a Mrs. But for now I do my own, even though he assumes when I say I need to iron my dress that I mean him. Whatever, it makes him happy.

+ What else did I need to tell you...moves like Jagger, I got moves like Jagger...Oh we really need to get this done...boom da boom boom boom da boom boom I got that super bass...What was I saying... Apparently I like to break out into song during mid conversation. I'm sure Joe loves it. I'm sure it doesn't annoy him one bit.

Happy Friday friends! Make it count, make it a good one...thanks for stopping by!

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A Purple-Over

2011-10-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Joe got to second shoot with Chaz Cruz again while I got to relax a bit. Joe complains that I'm not very good at sitting down and not doing anything--so on Saturday morning I sat down. And sipped some coffee while watching HGTV. After watching one DIY project I was up and running.

A few weeks ago a friend told me about this extra filing cabinet she had. They had gotten three and already had plenty for their business so there was one just sitting in their garage. At first I declined and said we didn't need it. But then, oh then she used the magic word, You can paint it purple. (Please hear: angels rejoicing) I still played it cool and left it at maybe. Of course for days after that I had nightmares that that poor, boring, regular ol' filing cabinet would never feel happiness. So it was decided, Joe, we're getting a filing cabinet!

When I asked him to help me pick it up from our friends' garage, he imagined the small two drawer file cabinet. I suppose I forgot to mention it was that, times two. To be honest it was actually bigger than what I remembered but oh when it saw me, I could almost hear it say thank you.

BEFORE:

See what I mean about the nightmares? But nothing some cans of spray paint can't fix!

AFTER: (Please hear: angels rejoicing)

Our JK color branding consists of gray, purple and white. Our favorite colors combined. However Joe often complains that there isn't enough white--don't get him started--so just for him I painted the handles and hardware white. The contrast was perfect!

So it's true, I didn't really relax at all because I was also busy organizing! I like to consider it a hobby.

When I remembered that filing cabinets are made of metal and that metal loves magnets I got even more excited! Yes the labels outside don't need magnets but it looks so cute. Two things: 1. that's another DIY project in the background there, that hopefully will turn out cute enough to share! and 2. That's a written note from Joe. Yes he has perfect "girly" writing that a lot people mistake our writing for each other--so no, I didn't write that to myself.

So I realized two things...I can't sit down and not do anything. And sadly, I can never become a graffiti artist...because I look like THIS when handling spray paint and my shooting finger was sore the next day. Bummer.

We had a discouraging morning today and working hard on staying positive--so make it a good Thursday.

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Write It Down

2011-10-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

When Joe and I had first started dating, he wrote down notes of what he wanted to tell me so he could remember what it was. It would happen in mid conversation when he would forget and he'd say, Hold on I wrote it down, he'd fumble through his pockets then he'd whip out a crumbled piece of torn paper with scribbles on it that made his eyes squint and held an awkward pause as he reviewed his notes. Yeeah, at first I thought his short term memory was endearing...until he kept forgetting to actually write down what it was he wanted to say.

In part of talking about making your wedding yours, we've noticed a lot of our couples have been writing their own vows. We love the traditional vows and believe it holds a heavy sentiment in the words but it's always fun when you hear the couple's own words of love.

We came across a copy of one of our couple's written vows--it made us laugh and smile so much that with their permission, we wanted to share part of Justin+Michelle's personal vows...

(Michelle)

I vow to always laugh with you, to cry with you and to always make time for you every single day.

I vow to cook fancy meals for you, to scratch you, to be faithful to you and to give you babies.

...

(Justin)

I vow to iron your wrinkly clothes, to clean for you and to always be faithful to you.

I vow, most of all, to always love you through the good times, and to love you even more through the tougher times.

Knowing both Justin and Michelle personally those words were a perfect pact of love between the two...no babies yet but we know it'll happen! Personally we would most likely stick to the traditional vows. Only because let's face it I know I'm going to be a crying mess who knows if I could even get out I Do and well Joe, well he might forget to write it down :)

Happy Wednesday!

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Western Duels, Matching + Being A Guest

2011-10-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

So we'll admit that when we attend weddings, we check out the photographers. Not in a sort of way where we want to duel and draw out our cameras western style--which oh my gosh sounds so much fun!--but more to see their technique. To look at what equipment they're using so we know what others use, to see their lighting setup and okay, to check out their camera bags and what they wear. This past Friday we attended a wedding and noticed that all the photographers (there were 4--one main, two assistants and one handling the photo booth) wore matching ties. Oh Joe wishes my eyes didn't go wide and turn to him pleading that we match next time.

Too bad he already indulged me by matching at the wedding and when people asked if we planned it, Oh gosh what a coincidence huh! Mind you I specifically planned on borrowing this dress from a friend ~~days~~ weeks ago and told him, Wear purple k!

It was really refreshing to attend a wedding because just as it's good for us to get on the other side of the camera to experience what it feels like to be photographed, it was good for us to sit down and enjoy a wedding and to realize, guests really miss a lot. As we sat in our seats and craned our necks to see the bride and groom at the altar, we got a great view of her veil. When it was time for the father daughter dance, we watched the column instead that blocked them. When it was time for the cake cutting, we were drooling over the cupcakes.

We've noticed the first thing people, that either attended or didn't, say after congratulations is "I can't wait to see the pictures!" And the first thing we thought afterwards, I can't wait to see the pictures.

So it was decided we should attend a wedding at least once a year just to remember how important photography is to guests as well. When we realized however that most of our friends are married already and that there might not be too many weddings left to attend...we decided there's always wedding crashing. Or just more practicing on our camera draw.

Happy Columbus Day!

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Don't Know How He Does It

2011-10-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

It came in hot: Sorry I'm running a little behind. It'll be more like 10:20. Sorry I'm hurrying. I'm on way. I'll be there by 10:30. It was 10:35, he wasn't there yet and I was still deciding between a wide belt or a skinny belt. It was okay, I told him, I added extra time. He told me I stress him out about time sometimes...Sometimes? I do that all time. So which belt?

We arrived at the location on time and scouted the area looking for possible photo locations. Then it came in hot again: We really need to find a spot. That's not going to work over there. We're running out of time, I need to go. What are we going to do. We need to find some areas. Finally I had enough, I stopped walking and looked at him, What's wrong with you?! You're sounding like ME today!

I don't know how he does it.

A guest at a recent wedding really wanted to take a photo of us. We tried giving him a quick tutorial and slowly handed him the camera. He snapped about 5 photos and his eyes grew big. He smiled at us and said we looked good. The above photo is what he took. One thing's for sure, we do look cool.

We hope y'all enjoy the weekend! We're attending a wedding today...without Mark or Sadie...which means only one thing... Happy Friday Friends!

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Orange County Wedding: Chris + Anna

2011-10-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

She lifted her dress to let her legs catch some wind. She looked at the path ahead of her and got nervous. He better not cry because I'll cry. With each step she took a deep breath and kept walking. She saw him from far, standing underneath a shady tree, hands in his pocket, waiting for her. She smiled and kept walking. Walking towards the man she was about to marry and to the future she dreamed about.

He was known as having a baby face, cute dimples and cuddly hugs. He talked about marrying a beautiful girl one day and having a sweet life--working on the business after a round of golf in the mornings. He met Anna and all things changed. He didn't just talk about his dreams, he made plans and dreamed of a life. With her.

When he saw her, he didn't cry. He smiled, with his cute dimples showing, and gave her a hug.

Bobie+Anna, we can't believe the day came and went! We always knew Bobie, that you would get married someday, but we didn't think someday would be this soon. And to a girl that we'd like as much as Anna. Thank you for letting us be a part of your day, thank you to your family who laughed with us and let us give out hugs, and thank you for letting us sneak a few dance moves at the end of the night ;) We hope as you're sipping on mai tais, wearing sunglasses, bathing under the Hawaiian sun and holding hands, you're reading this...because isn't that what you do in Hawaii? Love you both -jk

Two pairs of shoes, hairspray in the air, jewels flying and ten girls in one room. Have to enjoy the moment.

Just this year Anna's sister and cousin got married. They all wore this swan broach that was their Oma's.

Love this moment of Maddie helping her mom put her shoes on.

Meanwhile Chris was getting ready...

Yes Chris and Anna decided to do a first look and once again we heard them say, We are so happy we did that. We're happy too because we get to capture to sweet moments like this.

Anna's daughter watched from the side and as soon as they walked up to her she went towards Chris and started crying. We loved this moment.

Afterwards we roamed around the downtown area for some photos.

It was the first day of October and feeling more like summer. We were feeling the heat and searching for all shady areas--one near this winery, where they told us to come in for some cool air. Before we knew it they were giving us water and rearranging furniture for us to take photos. So, special shout out to Winery at Main Street!

How cute are the guys' boutonnieres?! Anna made them out of real golf tees, painted them and put them together. Loved it.

A few shots of the wedding party...and some fabulous footwear...

Then we were off to the ceremony at Alta Vista Country Club...

After they were married, it was a sea of blue ribbons in the air!

Special thanks to Celi of Victoria's Garden for all the florals.

A few details of the reception...

They also had a candy table with all things sweet and blue! And little to go containers...

First dance...

Because we thought it was fun, we'll end with this--their dancing shoes...

Make sure to watch the slideshow below or click HERE to see much more from their wedding!

Vendors:
Venue: Alta Vista Country Club
Dress: The Dresser
Hair: Amanda Alio, Salon 9
Makeup: Nora Frislie, Puresemblance
Flowers: Victoria's Garden
Cake: Rockwells Creative Cakes
Boutonnieres: Handmade by Bride
Paper Goods: Handmade by Bride
DJ: Jose, Muzik Factory
Photography: Joe+Kathrina Photography

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How Much Do You Love Me?

2011-10-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

To: Joe
Subject: How much do you love me?

Do you want to help me make a train cake for Ty tomorrow?

To: Kathrina
Subject: Re: How much do love me?

I would love to! Anything for you, you know I'm butter when it comes to you.
Oh, and I love you a whole lot.

So all it took was to ask him to make a cake with me...to know that he becomes butter. This has been recorded. I'll have to use this new found power carefully and really think of a good one to ask next time.

If you like our Facebook page you can see what it looked like! Our nephew was pretty excited.

Gotta go use my new power now...but somehow I can't find Joe. Happy Tuesday!

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Coming Full Circle

2011-10-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

He stopped us in mid stride and put his arms around both of us, I just wanted to tell you both how proud I am. I still remember 2 years ago when you guys told Jenny and I what you guys wanted to do, remember that? And now look at you, you guys are loving it, you're working your butts off and doing a dang good job at it. Right then we told him to stop, as I pretended to fidget with my camera settings, I blinked away my blurry vision and said, The wedding hasn't even started yet and you're going to make me cry...and as Joe added, She will too you know.

Later that evening as our bride wore out her dancing shoes she turned to us and said how happy she was to be married to Bobie, especially because through him she met us and made new friends.

At that moment we realized how lucky we were. We were surrounded by friends, some who had seen our journey from the very beginning and others that we had met through our journey. It was a reminder of how far we have come and a reminder that we have so much more ahead of us. Yeah, we do remember 2 years ago when we decided to make this jump...and we are happy.

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A Belated Holiday

2011-09-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was National Coffee Day...and Joe celebrated without me. Before you say How dare he! it's okay, I let him. Past few days I felt a little under the weather and you know I'm under the weather when I drink tea over coffee. Another sign? I took a nap. The only time I take a nap is on Sunday after a wedding, a car drive longer than 5 minutes (what? the car lulls me to sleep) and when I'm not feeling Kaliente Kathrina (what? only the Kardashians can make c-words into k-words?)

So after two days of doing natural remedies and tossing and turning for sleep, I brought out the big guns last night...Nyquil. That awful green goo knocks me out cold--Joe always laughs at how much I prep myself before taking it but he knows that I'm one of those people that the Warning label is talking to: may cause drowsiness.

This morning I called Joe and I was jumping and jiving again. Okay maybe because I finally drank a cup of coffee but hey I didn't get to celebrate yesterday!

This weekend we're shooting another friends' wedding and let's be honest, we're singing Reunited and it feels so good... (Thanks Marissa for taking a picture when we looked somewhat put together!)

But first up, today is one of my nephew's birthday and we might go to Chuck E. Cheese's later. When I first asked Joe if he wanted to go he said Maaaybe... That elongated answer totally means yes but he's using the excuse that I've never been to Chuck E. Cheese's to go. That's right I've never been--it's okay I've given my parents a hard enough time about it already.

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend friends...see you in October ;)

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Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Wedding: Sam + Paige

2011-09-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

She was determined to hold it together. There were moments when her forehead would crinkle, her hands would go up to her mouth and she'd take a small breath in making her shoulders go up and down. Paige knew she'd be a crying mess on her wedding day but she needed to hold it together. For herself and for Sam. He had always been the one to bring her at ease--one of the many reasons everyone knew he was the one--but right then he wasn't there.

He paced back and forth and fiddled with his cuffs. His hands shook as they normally do from staying caffeinated but this time they shook for another reason. You could see it in his eyes, he needed to see Paige, to put her at ease and to put himself at ease.

The moment Paige turned Sam around her forehead crinkled and her shoulders went up, and swiftly Sam went in to hug her. Instantly a smile broke out on her face and they were complete.

Sam+Paigey...we love you guys! This has been an adventure we will never forget. Thank you for trusting in us from, literally, day one and for giving us your friendship along the way. We can't wait for all of us to grow old together, with the boys still playing xbox, the girls talking until past midnight and the animals running a muck! Well maybe we can wait ;) Have a fantastic time in Hawaii, we'll look forward to getting the scoop when you guys get back :) Mahalo...-jk

Another special thanks to Marissa Rodriguez for playing a huge part in being our second eye while Joe played photographer and best man. We couldn't have pulled ourselves together without her! And excuse the longer than usual post but we hope you enjoy!

Pink heels, sparkling jewels and a gorgeous San Patrick dress...you just knew it was going to be a fabulous day!

Special thanks to Paige's maid of honor and bridesmaid, Kate and Brooke of Silly Sisters Stationery, for creating all the beautiful paper goods for the wedding.

When Paige's mom walked in, these were one of the moments...

Love this moment between Paige and her mom.

Meanwhile Marissa hung out with the boys...

Okay Marissa, we die over this photo. Calling GQ...

Sam+Paige opted to do a first look and we all know how much we pull for that to let you ease into the day and have your time together.

Right after Sam saw Paige, he told her he had never been more nervous to see her--love this.

Afterwards we roamed the Hyatt Regency for some photos...

Purple argyle and pink heels? We're in wedding heaven!

Love this angle that Marissa captured.

Huge thanks to Kelley and Lavenders Flowers for creating such scrumptious florals!

Later we headed into a lounge inside and played with some flash...

Please note we wanted this photo to be DRAMA...

We absolutely loved the style of the bridesmaids!

The ceremony...

Sam was looking a bit nervous at the altar, thank goodness his groomsmen got him to crack a smile.

The emotions were running high during the vows but when Paige broke into a laugh, it was just what everyone needed to hear.

Married!

Another thanks to Kapture Vision for creating the wedding Sam+Paige envisioned but couldn't pull through without your team!

Grand entrance...

Sam+Paige shared a few personal vows and then the speeches...had us all going.

The hora dance is always so much fun! Maybe not for the bride and groom being carried but we love capturing it!

So besides the candy table, they also had churros! Sam+Paige absolutely love churros and decided they wanted it as a treat at their wedding. We love adding character to weddings!

And we'll end with this.

Make sure to check out the slideshow below or click HERE for much more on their wedding...

Thank you to all the vendors for making this wedding simply fabulous...

Venue: Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach

Coordinator: Kapture Vision

Flowers: Lavenders Flowers
Cake: Tomgirl Baking Company

Paper Goods: Silly Sisters Stationery

Wedding Dress: San Patrick

Veil and Belt: The Wedding Day

Bride + Bridesmaids shoes: Steve Madden

Hair + Makeup: Amy Vasquez, Salon Shanti (714) 545-2100

DJ: DJ Peter G

Photobooth: iFoto Booth

Photography: Joe+Kathrina Photography

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Post Wedding Day Blues

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Wedding days are long. But more fun than they are to complain about how tiring it can be. The next day, usually a Sunday, we are pooped, craving naps and sad that the wedding is over. You can call it the post wedding day blues.

Regardless of when couples book us we are part of the planning process from day one. We always like to be in communication in between the planning months so we are up to date on everything and know what to expect come wedding day--and in all honesty we love hearing the juicy details about the dress, the shoes and the flowers. It's through these conversations though that we're really able to bond with our couples and that's the best part of our job, connecting with people we would've never met otherwise. It's also through these conversations however that leads us to get down after the wedding is over--after all those months and BAM one day it's over. We are Joe+Kathrina, and we are addicted to weddings.

Sometimes we even get to be part of more wedding activities than just the wedding itself--like the wedding dinner rehearsal! Really that just fuels our addiction more. Grant it, this situation Joe was best man and since we come as a package deal, I got to tag along for the activities!

We're never obligated to take photos but c'mon, we're Joe+Kathrina, we're addicted to photography. And how could we not take a photo of Paige with her mom walking down the aisle.

Afterwards we ate and were merry. Gah, we love weddings.

The exciting part about post wedding day though is looking through the photos. We can't wait to share Sam+Paige's wedding photos. We hope you're excited too..

Happy ~~Wedding~~ Wednesday!

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Two Steps Forward.

2011-09-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

It had been looming over our heads for almost a year. But it didn't really hit us until the day before--as I sat in a chair on the grass with a camera in my hand and watched Joe stand in front of the altar as a best man. The next day was going to be our friends' wedding and we were the photographers, as well as best man and friend. As I got ready on the morning of the wedding and curled each strand of my hair, butterflies flew in my stomach. There was no way of stopping the fluttering.

Both of us knew from the start that Joe would only shoot at certain parts of the day. Leaving us needing a third shooter. And leaving me wondering if I could do this, carry both of our weight for majority of the day. We wanted someone who we could rely on, who we could trust, who we felt comfortable with, who we knew could hold us up when we needed and who I could talk nail polish with. Marissa Rodriguez did that and more. Much more.

Before I even had to ask her to do something she had already done it. When I looked distressed (which was a lot) she asked what I needed. When I needed a moment to breath, she stepped up. When I thought about water, I blinked and she handed me a bottle. We know that we could not have gotten through the day without her--we were admittedly a mess at some points and she held us together. She was like the extra strength hold to Joe's hair cream and the no-chip-polish that keeps my nails intact.

Marissa, we told you a thousand times already Thank You and we'll never stop saying that to you. You have absolutely no idea how much you did for us--as a photographer and as our friend.

There was a lot we learned from this wedding--our limits, our weaknesses and our strengths. During the day there were moments of vulnerability where we felt like we had taken a step back, where we questioned our abilities and what we were doing. At the end of the night as we walked on tired feet, we pushed back our disheveled hair and talked about our day. The lessons we learned helped us grow together and left us taking two steps forward, and for that we are thankful.

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Friday We're In Love: Prime Timers + Instagram

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Literally as I started to type this post my lovely shuffled iTunes library played the song "Friday, I'm In Love". And then it played M.C. Hammer's "Too Legit To Quit". What? It's a classic.

Just some snapshots from our week using Instagram. If you're on it, find us! JoeMerrill and KathrinaSio.

So it's Friday, you know what's coming...

+ We went to the movies a couple of weeks ago and after we sat down I dropped one of my rings. It sounded like a brick and before I even got to yell at everyone in the theater DON'T MOVE! Joe jumped up out of his seat and grabbed it. I've never seen him move faster. I know how much you love your rings. He just didn't want me to make a scene.

+ Speaking of the movies, after watching The Help we now recite to each other: You is smart. You is kind. You is important. Then we give each other a high five.

+ While looking through the church bulletin I read about the first holiday event coming up and excitedly jabbed Joe on the side reading, There's going to be carolers! Festive Dancing! Christmas cheer! A bus ride! And... He stopped me and had me read the heading, Prime Timers Holiday Event. What? What does that mean? We're not prime timers, those are for older people. So we're not allowed?! But there's going to be carolers...

+ Joe likes to drink soda. A lot. I've tried limiting his soda intake to once a week and so when he told me he was craving a fountain drink, I told him he just had some soda the other day. Nuh, uh. Uh, yes huh, I saw it on your instagram feed. Oh the joys of the internet!

+ Driving home from LA one night I called Joe and went full speed ahead talking. When I finally paused for some air I heard clicking in the background. What's that sound? Are you...are you at Sam's playing Xbox right now? No wonder he was so quiet, I almost thought I was boring him. Almost.

We've got an exciting weekend of wedding festivities and we can't wait to share with you some stories and of course photos! We hope you have a great weekend ahead too. Happy First day of Fall Friday Friends! Say that 5 times fast.

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When Do You Book Your Photographer?

2011-09-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

Usually the first question after you've announced that you're engaged is: So when's the date? Which is pretty ironic considering you just got engaged yesterday. Choosing a wedding date is usually the first big step in wedding planning and always the first question asked from vendors. Typically couples set their date based on the availability of the venue they just fell in love with. Two big steps done and then they move on to the photographers and coordinators and florists. But what if the photographer you're really interested in is already booked? On the date that the venue set for you?

Earlier this week we had to turn down a referral because we received two inquiries for the same date and one couple beat the other to the punch. On one hand we're ecstatic for the first referral and we're beyond excited for booking a wedding but on the other hand we're sad to let go of the referral who was really interested in hiring us. Our business is heavily based on referrals and every inquiry we receive is like gold found on the beach--we work hard for them and they aren't always easy to come by.

The few times it has happened to us that we receive an inquiry and we're already booked, we always mention--with fingers, toes, arms, legs and eyes crossed--if they are not set on the date and open to change it, then we would love the opportunity...if not, we have a short list of trusted photographers we know, like and have worked with before whom we refer. Out of the many times we've mentioned changing the date for us, the score is still Us: 0. It's always heartbreaking but we completely understand.

We recently met with a couple whose wedding isn't until a year from now and they wondered if they were booking us too early. A year in advance is ideal, for us at least. The first wedding we ever booked was over a year from the wedding date but that's only because the bride was the perfect planner.

So we wonder out loud, when do you book your photographer? How important is photography to you? If you've fallen in love with a photographer and they're already booked, do you move on to the next or are you willing to possibly work with them?

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Yes, I Did It For You.

2011-09-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

I looked over at him and noticed "it" was skinnier. I lovingly looked at him and asked if he did that. He batted his eyelashes as if to tell me, Yes I did it for you.

"It" being the facial hair on the side of his face. Yes, his sideburns. When we first met we were friends and in high school. I wore tennis shoes with dresses, obviously I had no opinions about sideburns back then. And he definitely had sideburns. Sideburns that after we started dating I finally noticed and told him I didn't like them. Maybe you can just...hmmm, how about you just trim it all. To this day he still has them, even though he adamantly states they used to be a lot longer. And even widened at the ends. I'm sorry I didn't realize I was with Elvis Presley.

So at first I thought he had actually started listening to me and had made them skinnier, crossing my fingers that this was Phase I to a sideburn free face. No no, upon closer inspection, they weren't just skinnier, but longer. Oh no, I probably just missed that. On both sides?! How dare he bat his eyelashes at me.

Happy start of a new week!

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Which One Is More Creative?

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Recently we met with a couple and we were all busy having a great time talking until the groom, with no warning sign whatsoever, asked us, So which one of you is more creative?

Pause. Oh no he didn't.

Silence filled the air between us and the pause was long enough for us to turn towards each other, smile, look back at him, smile, look back at each other, smile, and think. We can neither confirm nor deny what went on in our heads but we can say our answer was a pretty good one. And the truth. We feed off each other for creativity. It's happened countless of times when one of us has an idea while the other needs to step back and have a moment to get their creative juices going. One of us may start an idea and the other just develops it from there. We don't keep a tally of whose idea was whose because ultimately it was both of ours, we worked on it. Together.

A photo taken isn't credited individually but as ours. Yes, we look at the photos we've taken individually to study what we can work on and what we need to fix but in the end our photos are for the Joe+Kathrina brand, aka us. A colleague recently told us that looking through our portfolio he could really see that we work well together and that there was a connection between the photos. Hearing that meant more than if he told us, Joe had a really good idea in this photo and Kathrina you got really creative with this one. So which one of is more creative? Joe is. And so is Kathrina.

So which one of us looks better holding a camera...well that's still up for debate.

Happy Friday friends! We hope you enjoy the weekend!

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Tie Shopping.

2011-09-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

So yesterday we went tie shopping. In less than two weeks we have a wedding coming up where Joe will be the best man. And yes, we're shooting the wedding. And yes, that's crazy talk but we're excited, nervous and Joe needed a tie. So we went scouring the mall for one. The first store we walked into we found the perfect yellow and gray combination. Perfect but the price. We'll never understand what makes a tie, something that uses less fabric than the $10 dress I was wearing, so expensive.

After the 5th store, it was decided that tie shopping makes me grumpy. Have you ever shopped ties with Joe before? No? Well let's take a glimpse shall we.

Ohhh I like this one!
Eh.
Why what's wrong with it?
I don't like the width of the stripes.
Too shiny. The dots are too far separated. I don't like the way it feels.
WHAT?!

Then finally, finally we found one that had the right sheen, the right amount of stripes, the right shade, Yeah I can see myself wearing this. Then we find out we were supposed to be looking for solids. WHAT?!

The real kicker was when, after finding a solid tie, we started to look for a matching pocket square and a nice lady came up to us and asked if we needed help. When she started to point to a printed pocket square we stopped her right there, No! Solids only. Soon she found out that it was for a wedding and Joe was a groomsman. So the groom allowed you choose your own tie? Yep, uh huh. So you guys aren't all going to match? Well, solids and colors, yeah. So you chose a yellow tie and you guys aren't going to match?

Right then I just about wanted to whip out my phone and show her our post about making a wedding yours and hand her our business card to have her look at how weddings are today. Doesn't she know tie shopping makes me grumpy?!

DISCLAIMER: We found a lot of great looking ties. And bow ties. But we needed a tie. A solid colored tie. The wedding colors is sunset and the groom is already wearing...purple.

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Where's the Tissue

2011-09-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

I read the last sentence, closed the book and let out a sigh. He peered over at me and asked if I liked the book. I nodded as I turned towards him and gave a little smile. Are those tears in your eyes? Were you crying? No! Maybe.

I had just finished reading The Help and was officially ready to watch the movie. Yes, I know that movie is so 3 weeks ago but I've decided I like to read the books before I watch a based-on-a-novel-movie. So I gave Joe a little hint that he could officially take me to watch the movie. And hints are always better when shared on Twitter.

As we sat there in the dark of the theater with my mascara smeared and nose running, Joe frantically searched for a tissue to hand me. I (sniffle) didn't (sniffle) bring any. You just finished the book--don't you remember how it went?! You should've known you needed tissue! Eh who am I kidding, Hallmark commercials get to me--I always need a tissue!

Recently we were talking with a photographer friend who said she had never gotten emotional during a wedding except this one time. Uh, yeah, us too.

You know that's a lie. There are quite a few moments throughout a wedding day that pull at our heart strings--yes, ours. Though Joe usually just mentions something was cute or sweet while I have to press the camera a bit closer to my face waiting for my eyes to clear up. More than once that's happened right before the bride and her dad walk down the aisle. In the photo above she had turned to her dad and said, "You look really handsome daddy. I love you." His hand shook as he held her arm, told her he loved her and this photo was taken.

Tissue!

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Seaside Scripps Forum San Diego Wedding: Elson + Aileen

2011-09-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

His broad shoulders straightened and squared off. He stared out onto the water and squinted into the sun playing peek a boo through the clouds. His face was serious as he waited.

One quick tap on the shoulder to turn him around and there she was. In an instant the tough exterior shed away and a smile was painted across his face. For this girl, that stood in front of him in her white dress and arms wide open wrapping her tiny frame around him. Suddenly he looked complete.

A huge, ginormous, exclamation filled Thank you! to Chaz Cruz for letting us be a part of this beautiful day. Chaz had a double header weekend and we felt so honored to be able to shoot alongside him. We don't want to lead him on even more, but we think he's pretty fantastic. And his photography skills aren't bad either ;)

Something white, something blue and definitely all sorts of gorgeous--a perfect start to the day.

Aileen looked so gorgeous...

Elson had a present for each of his groomsmen. Along with handkerchiefs embroidered with each of their initials...

Personal cufflinks of what each of them enjoyed to do were in the little black boxes. In traditional Filipino weddings it's customary for the men to wear a barong Tagalog. And they looked pretty dapper in them.

Elson and Aileen planned for a perfect First Look...at the very bench were he proposed to her!

With their whole wedding party there, this First Look series couldn't have been more perfect.

Afterward we headed towards Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala for the ceremony.

This church was so beautiful.

Want to just squeeze this ring bearer...

Married!

Then it was time to head to Scripps Seaside Forum...

We've never been to Scripps Seaside but oh this place was gorgeous. And Elson and Aileen made it that much better.

Love how much Elson turns into a teddy bear around Aileen.

Okay get ready for detail overload! Skybox Events did such a beautiful job and all the floral arrangements by Fancy That! Designs were all too gorgeous not to show you guys...

Not one single detail was overlooked--literally our heads were spinning.

And of course after their grand entrance, they boogied down.

We'll end with this happy note. Because how could you not smile for these two.

Hope you enjoyed this wedding as much as we did. Happy Thursday!

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Bad Experiences Optional

2011-09-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

We happened to be friends with her step brother through a friend...but somehow she also knew another friend of ours who was friends with him...we had met before through a friend at a friend's party and she also knew this other friend...they're friends of friends of her sister...

Trying to connect the dots on how we meet our couples can sometimes sound like a family tree project. Except we don't have to stand up in front of the class and hold up black and white pictures and pointing to hand drawn branches.

Most of the time the connections are complicatedly simple: a friend of a friend. With Hilario+Liz there was a slight twist to our meeting. They were indeed a friend of a friend...but that longtime friend happened to have a bad experience with their wedding photos and when we started our business they had us take their 5 year anniversary photos. Yes, that's Andy+Jodi, remember them? So at their expense we are "thankful" for their bad experience because if that never happened Hilario+Liz would've never known about us. Actually we think Hilario said "so happy" that happened, but eh, we're not one to quote ;)

Regardless, we are thankful. The biggest compliment to us is referrals from previous couples. And friends who simply believe in us. Bad experiences optional.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

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The Way We Were

2011-09-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

During the holiday weekend, between both of us second shooting (here and here) I decided to take on the project of reorganizing my photos and photo albums. Oh why yes! My middle is Lotsafun! Like it's lotsafun when you're halfway through filling an album and you realize some pages got stuck and there are two blank pages in the beginning of the album or like it's lotsafun when you realize you forgot to add some photos and now it's not in chronological order. Yes, Lotsafun.

Sorting through the photos of Joe and I from the past ten years...well not much has changed. Besides our sense of style for shoes, Joe's ever growing hair, my nail polish colors and I'm sure the length of our arms from our affinity for self portraits, we look pretty much the same. Nonetheless it was fun looking through them and remembering everything that we've done together. (iPhone photo below)

We're often asked how we got into photography and honestly neither one of us ever dreamed of being a photographer. Looking through our photos though, even when we were still just using our point and shoot, I was amazed at how many photos we took--of details, different angles, landscapes, candids--even back then. Even then when we had no idea we wanted to be photographers.

The memories are the best part of photos. One of Joe's favorite lines from the movie Just Married (yes, I just admitted for him that he likes that movie) is, You never see the hard days in a photo album, but those are the ones that get you from one happy snap shot to the next. So yes, hire a professional for your wedding day and even taking some after you're married...but take some photos so you remember the way you were.

Have a wonderful Tuesday friends!

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Friday We're In Love: Sunday Routine + The Pin

2011-09-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

So it's a routine every Sunday. We meet up at church, I'm usually running a couple minutes behind (I swear I blame the Devil for making me indecisive of what to wear!) and as we sit in church Joe leans over and asks if I've been good that week. Well, yeah! And of course I can't lie, I'm in God's house. So after church Joe treats me to coffee at Coffee Bean. Every Sunday.

This past Sunday was no different, but it wasn't just the fact that I was a good girl that I got coffee--I just needed coffee. Period. We had just shot a 10 hour wedding in the heat the day before and we were both beyond pooped. So after church we rushed over to Coffee Bean. We found a table in the corner, away from any human contact, and as soon as we got our coffee, before I even took a sip, I looked up and met eyes with an old friend from high school. What.are.the.odds. We gave hugs, met his fiance and of course had to catch up. The conversation was going so well--sure my eyelids felt like 100 pounds and I'm pretty sure I was slurring my words but everyone was smiling. Then, well then I had to go and correct Joe. He was talking about a new pancake house opening up in the area called Flappy Jack's, Uh no that doesn't make sense, no I think it's called Floppy Joe's. We all just continued to smile...and then they left and I took a sip of coffee. Floppy Joe's?! Like sloppy joe pancakes, that made sense?!

So it's Friday, it's a holiday weekend ahead, why not do a Friday We're in Love post...

+ I, Kathrina, say ridiculous things. But he, Joe, still loves me.

+ Joe bought a new phone case for my mom. He persuaded her to get purple and when she told him what a beautiful purple color it was I said, Duh Joe knows his purple! As he added, It only took 6 weeks of intense training. Personally I think it took longer than that but hey he does know his purple.

+ I was telling Joe how I'm too nice... He cut me off and said No, no you're not. (pause) No, you are but you can be tough too. Yeah, he's lucky for those pauses.

+ At the last wedding Joe dropped his "I heart Filipino Girls" pin. Thankfully a guest picked it up and assumed it was Joe's and gave it to him--but first he took a picture with it and his Filipino girl (below). As Joe clipped it back on his camera bag, I told him he was lucky that the guest found it--we don't have a backup! A couple hours later I saw that very pin in the bushes. I mean was he trying to tell me something because I know someone who would appreciate that pin and wear it proud!

***Edit: Davee just emailed us about this photo asking if we had it...Hi Davee! :)

We hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend! Do some labor, have some fun and enjoy it with loved ones!

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The French Estate Wedding: Hilario + Liz

2011-09-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

The sweat dripped on everyone's faces. They shielded the sun with one hand and waved the program for air on the other. It felt like we were in the deep south and the sound of the harmonica would play any minute. They felt the heat up on the stairs too and when Liz turned around during the ceremony to look at her friends and family, all she saw were empty seats. Little did she know they were all just standing under the shaded tree. By the time the reception started a breeze came through and suddenly everyone's feet were moving. It wasn't the sound of the harmonica that played but Mexican music. And no one was standing under the shade anymore but gathering around Hilario and Liz and celebrating their marriage. 9 years and a few hours old.

A week before their wedding they went out to dinner to celebrate. And outside with sweeping views of the city he got down on one knee and proposed. To his wife. You see, the first time around, over 9 years ago, he didn't give her a proper proposal or a proper wedding and he knew he had to make it up to her.

And when the day finally arrived, after Liz stepped into her gown, she took a deep breath. Nerves suddenly hit her as she realized this was the day she was marrying the man she loved. Again.

Hilario+Liz, you guys just had to get married on the hottest day in August huh? ;) Regardless, we'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. You guys have been so supportive and trusting of us from day one and we couldn't think more highly of you both. Now that you've had a proper wedding promise to do a proper honeymoon after work dies down will ya! Congratulations! Congratulations! ;) With Love -jk

When Hilario and Liz first looked at The French Estate they fell in love and now we know why...

The shoes Liz wore during her engagement session was supposed to also be her wedding shoes. But since everyone saw those photos...well it was a good excuse to get another one.

Liz absolutely radiated and looked beautiful!

They decided to do a First Look and just look at Hilario's face--definitely worth it.

To take some cover from the heat we headed back inside for more photos... Thanks to Oceanic Flowers for the beautiful arrangements!

Afterward we had the perfect amount of time for photos with the wedding party.

Ceremony. Who knew these programs that Liz made would come in handy as a fan too...

Hilario with his groomsmen and grooms maid. Love that!

Right after the ceremony we were able to take a few a more photos. We love when couples give plenty of time for photos!

Love love love.

A few reception details...

We just loved how these place cards were displayed! Loved them more because Liz crafted these herself!

A special thanks to Ellen of Stella Blue Dress for sweating it out there and making sure everything was done!

And then there was dancing. Lots of dancing.

To see much more from the wedding make sure to check out the slideshow below or click HERE:

Vendors:

Venue: The French Estate

Wedding Coordinator: Stella Blue Dress, Ellen

Florist: Oceanic Flowers

Cake: Rockwell’s Creative Cakes

Paper Goods: Crafted by Bride, Michaels and JoAnn

Wedding Dress: One Night Affair

Hair/Makeup: Olivia Robinson

Groom's Attire: Friar Tux

Wedding Photography: Joe+Kathrina

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A Creative Connection

2011-08-31T11:44:00.000-07:00

We have never hid the fact that starting our business has been difficult. Is difficult. Sometimes we wonder if we've made the right decisions, if we aren't doing enough and if we should quit now.

Last Thursday, I (Kathrina) attended a Creative Connection LA meet and was reminded that I love what I do and I don't want to give up. Creative Connection is for female creatives--hence why Joe wasn't there--and when I first heard I'd be surrounded by creatives I had the urge to wear handmade hair accessories, a hand sewn dress and bring homemade cupcakes, you know so I could fit in.

Joe and I are usually together when we attend any sort of industry gathering so going by myself was a bit daunting for me. But as soon as I walked in I made a new friend. I met Natalia who blogs about her new life in France, her cousin Marissa who's a makeup artist, Lizzie who has fought more than doubt to become a photographer, Kathy from The Vintage Table Co. who works double duty starting her own business, Samantha from Primary Petals whose business is picking up everyday. Talking with each and every single one of these ladies and others gave me such new inspiration. At one point I stepped back in the corner, looked around and listened. We sounded like chipmunks--creative looking chipmunks excited about what we do.

By far the highlight of the evening was meeting my Twitter BFF, Emilee of Tasteful Tatters. We have been talking online for months now--about movies like You've Got Mail and Water For Elephants, friendship bracelets, giving each other a boost and professing our love for each other. We hardly thought that was weird until we realized that we had never met in real life. Well that photo above by Christina Dely is proof that we're totally real and still totally love each other ;)

Don't worry, Joe wasn't left out because as soon as I left I called him and filled him in on every single detail down to the library card style name tags. I'm also pretty sure him and Emilee will soon be BFFs too.

If you're a female creative, make sure to check Creative Connection HERE. Happy Wednesday!

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The Tie Bar

2011-08-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

I handed him the little black box before we left for the wedding. I've been wanting one of these! I know. Why? Because I'm an awesome partner.

When we got to the venue he looked at himself in his car reflection and clipped it on. Too high...too low. I don't know, I've never had one of these before! After some final adjustments he leaned forward and said, Look! I don't have to hold it back anymore! That smile said it all--yes, I am an awesome partner.

And how do I know I'm an awesome partner? Because he announced it on our Facebook wall...twice.

Last week I ordered a tie bar from TheTieBar.com and if I had known all it took was a small piece of metal for him to tell everyone that I'm awesome I would've done it a lot sooner.

Here's Joe at the wedding on Saturday while we tested out the light...I don't know about you guys but I think that clip completed his outfit. I even think it helped him with his photography ninja skills. Hey what are awesome partners for.

Happy Tuesday friends!

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Make Your Wedding Yours

2011-08-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Awhile ago we were talking with a couple about their wedding and gave an idea to make the wedding more them. They sort of looked at us shocked, Can we do that? We eloquently responded, Uh yeah!

We are always trying to push our couples into making their wedding...well, theirs. We believe a wedding should represent who that couple is and following what should be done should be thrown out the window. Just because it's never been done doesn't mean it's not right and that you shouldn't or can't do it. We definitely believe in tradition but we also believe in making your own tradition.

Whether it's getting married at the least likely place, or doing a jig for your guests, or making all the decorations yourself...make your wedding yours.

This wedding wasn't our own, we 2nd shot for Emily James but like the bride's sister said, "Everything that you've planned is all coming together", and because it was unique to them, we felt like we did know them.

From the paper flower arches and details...

To the bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen socks...

We could see who they were. And that their wedding was theirs.

Click HERE to see more from the wedding. Remember it's your wedding, make it yours!

Happy Friday!

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The First Words He Said To Me

2011-08-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

It was the summer of 2001 when Joe and I first met. I still remember the first words he said to me...You're really quiet. Sweet huh. We were at our school's ASB summer camp, gathering together with other high schools to learn about leadership and working together. Joe was so good at the latter that he made a friend from another school, who also happened to be my room bunk mate, and together they made fun of how quiet I was. Why are you so quiet? What'd you say I didn't hear you? Aren't you in communications? You shouldn't be this quiet. I still remember the way her hair whipped around and her laugh was obnoxiously loud...but really, no hard feelings, during workshops I peered over at her notes and her penmanship was terrible. Plus her nails were chipped. I win.

Joe likes to think it was his smooth words that won me over years ago. I'd like to beg to differ.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, we were with some friends and as I innocently talked, one of them turned to Joe and said, Your girlfriend is really loud. I swear I was using my inside voice.

But Joe just smiled and nodded. And I'm pretty sure I saw his chest puff up with pride.

Obviously he had no idea what he was getting himself into ten years ago. Fooled him.

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What We Do When We're Not Shooting

2011-08-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

We don't gotta lie to kick it. Yes, that just came out of our mouths. It's been a little over a month since we've shot a wedding and we're starting to have wedding withdrawals. We're addicted and we don't care. But we haven't been twiddling our thumbs while our cameras have been resting and blisters are healing. Besides giving ourselves pep talks on the blog we've been...

+ doing research and flipping through wedding magazines. Yes that's research. For our next goal to accomplish--we've got a long way.

+ reading business books. Seth Godin makes us wish we had a bald head, only if it came with his Genius. We're business owners, these books push us to better our business.

+ speaking of business, we've been updating our business collateral. Bringing our brand together and making a presentation. We have been lucky enough to have a few meetings with new potential couples and happy to have these put together.

+ as far as our branding goes...we've been working on our packaging too. Probably the most exciting and also more frustrating. Hopefully one day we'll have it set and actually be able to blog about it. Right now it's a work in progress.

+ updating our Facebook Page (click HERE if you haven't given us the thumb yet!). Check out our new snazzy tab...we're pretty excited about it!

+ updating our website. She may be our 2nd child, after our blog, but we never neglect her! She is constantly being updated! Make sure to click here and peruse through...

+ and not to give our cameras too much rest, they throw fits when we ignore them (and yes we're one of those people that talk about our website, blog and cameras like they're people), we've definitely been practicing too! We're always taking photos...even if it's just of each other.

This weekend we're looking forward to shooting a wedding again! But for now we're off ~~twiddling our fingers~~ getting some work done.

Have a wonderful Monday!

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Refocus.

2011-08-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

This week online, on our blog, on our Facebook page...we have been the quietest ever. Seriously I don't think we've been this quiet since I got all four wisdom teeth pulled out and since Joe, well since he literally lost his voice.

But we needed this time to regroup, refocus and find inspiration. Next week we promise to have our voice back again, so much so we're sure you'll ask us to regroup again.

In talking about inspiration, when we were walking around San Diego we passed by this billboard. At first when we were approaching it it just looked like random stacks of bottle caps. Okay, that's neat. I guess. But as we kept walking, shadows started to form from the bottle caps. We noticed there was a light deliberately lighting the sign from the left and suddenly we saw the shadow take shape. We just stopped and stood there and said Woooooow.

We wish we would've gotten a picture of the first angle we saw but we were just in awe we weren't really thinking. It was probably one of the best billboards we've ever seen. And so inspiring.

We hope you get inspired this weekend, we definitely plan on it!

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We Think We Can, We Think We Can

2011-08-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

It's about that time. When we start questioning if we can do this. It's been awhile, sure you've missed us giving ourselves pep talks through our blog.

A good friend of ours received news this weekend that he is officially a teacher. He had been working so hard, being a substitute teacher, working at the least ideal classrooms, taking on extra side jobs that had nothing to do with teaching, and finally, finally this upcoming school year he'll have a classroom to call his own. We watched his perseverance, we watched each time there was hope for a job and watched when there was little hope left.

Right now we're on a slipping slope of hope and questioning everything--what are we doing? can we do this? will next year be better? That's when the chanting begins: We think we can, we think can.

Read this quote this morning and boy, did we need to hear it: Some people dream of great accomplishments, while others stay awake and do them.

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Friday We're In Love: Puffy Paint + Leftovers

2011-08-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

We stood in the middle of Walmart--and all I longed for were red aisles, red bullseye logos and Spot. Just as soon as we were about to line up our blue cart and run back into familiar territory, I asked if I should bake some treats. But then an even BETTER idea came to mind, I should make you boys tshirts! With puffy paint! He stood there holding onto the blue cart. He gave a smile and said it wasn't necessary. Oh and I can even add poms poms to them. It'll be so cute! He kept his smile, Really, it's okay, cupcakes might be better. And glitter! He inched his cart a bit forward. Can we just look at the shirts? Pleeeease.

You see, this weekend Joe is off to a bachelor party that he's been planning. If the planning process itself didn't turn his curls gray, I'm sure my crazy ideas of matching shirts, okay what about hats, well how about socks, pushed him over the edge. While he's off with the boys, I'll be off with the girls. Albeit sporting matching shirts, hats, socks, jewelry and hair!

So why not do a Friday We're In Love post before we head off for the weekend...

+ After a few weeks of using a new blush I had purchased I finally asked Joe if he liked it. I put it on a little bit heavier especially on wedding days...Yeah I like it but maybe sometimes it is a lot...So you think it's too much...Well I know after a few hours it sort of disappears but...So you don't like it...No I like it but...Yeah I only put a little more on because by the end of the day it's like I don't have any on...I know, I like it...So you do like it? Pshhh, chicks.

+ Whenever we get the chance to eat out, we love having leftovers and getting it boxed up to-go. We imagine eating it the next day for lunch and get really excited. So excited that we always end up leaving and forgetting the to-go box on the table. That.is.the.worst!

+ I got into Joe's car and as he closed my door I saw him wiping his side panel. Uh oh, I thought, he's going to say something to me. As soon as he gets in the car, I hold my breath as he says, "I have an OCD request for you. When you close the door, can you touch the handle instead? It leaves fingerprints when you touch the side." I smile and nod, he's so cute when he gets all OCD on me.

+ Joe's mom has a knack for finding the most interesting presents. She warned me that it will never stop but with presents like these solar powered hula dancers, I hope they never stop! Wait let's go back, they start to hula when the sun shines! Joe says it's us. If that's the case, they both need a lot more hair...

We hope you guys have a great Friday and fun filled weekend!

And p.s. guess what I got my grubby hands on last night...

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Let The Moment Be

2011-08-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes after saying a joke and realizing nobody else is laughing with us, we wonder, Should I say it again. And see if people laugh the second time around?

Please tell us we're not the only ones that think like that.

Thankfully, so far, we've had enough sense to stop ourselves and just let the moment be. Even if it is silent. Just like when we're documenting a wedding day, we let the moments be. This will all tie in together in a minute, promise. Right after you get into your wedding dress and your mom sees you in it for the first and she goes in for a hug, nothing ruins the moment more than us asking you to do it again. And oh, one more time because I missed it again. We just let the moment be and make sure to capture it the first time. During a wedding day, our photography takes on more of a photojournalist style--capturing the moments and letting them be.

We feel that asking you to do something again isn't genuine. Yes if we miss a moment we double kick ourselves over the head but we can never get that moment back. Trust us, if we miss something as big as the first kiss, shame on us and we shouldn't call ourselves wedding photographers. The moments that happen throughout the day, they can't be reenacted. But they can be captured...

Shawntee threw her arms up as soon as her dad saw her for the first time in her dress. This is by far a perfect photo but it was a moment and we let it be.

Kristin pinning the corsage on her grandmother.

A moment before this photo was taken, a kid passed by and called Kristin a beautiful princess. That smile and laughter on Kristin's face is genuine.

Chivalry. Sean picked up Christina's dress without being asked.

Be cool. Random moment walking towards the elevator but it was a moment and look at how GQ Sean looks.

Having Bre's sister clean the dirt of her feet before putting her shoes on. Love Bre's reaction.

This cute little ring bearer had a snack before the reception. The crumbs on his face, that look of How do I finish this without getting any mess on me, and uneven pants...all too cute.

The girls shared a laugh before putting Aileen's dress on. The smiles on their faces makes us smile.

And a first dance like no other...Elson and Aileen got their boogie on. We weren't about to stop them if we missed a dance move.

So now you know why we hide behind our cameras all day. Unless of course we put it down to laugh at our own jokes.

Have a wonderful Thursday friends!

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Doing Everything and Nothing. Together.

2011-08-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

It was the closest restaurant--that was open, within walking distance and it served food. We asked to sit outside and the hostess left us to choose from the pickings. We chose the corner table facing the street and quickly looked through the menu. As soon as we were served some drinks and an appetizer, we talked in between mouthfuls of pita and hummus. So what's on the agenda?! What are we going to do...I don't know, anything you had in mind...Not really...Me either...Eh, we're on vacation...We ARE on vacation! So we walked around downtown San Diego, ate at random cafes, took photos with our iPhones, took naps, read books, watched HGTV, went to the movies, and did everything and nothing. Together.

We tried remembering when the last time was when we took a little trip together, just us two, for a little getaway--we had no idea. It was a great little vacation and looking through the photos made us love it more. Here are some photos of us. Doing everything and nothing. Together.

We decided to try this crepes place because, well to be honest, if we checked in through Yelp we would get 20% off our order...for dinner. And we were there for breakfast. We were already too hungry to walk elsewhere so we settled, and it was delicious!

We walked around Little Italy and headed towards the area that Joe had gone to when he 2nd shot with Chaz Cruz a couple of months ago...

Afterwards we headed back towards our hotel and, well, took pictures.

Okay, so we're really not self-absorbed when we're excited to find a mirror. We just really wanted some photos together...

We were lucky to be able to stay at the W Hotel...and loved every detail there!

Before we left for our trip Joe asked if we should bring snacks for the hotel. My response--DUH! We definitely wouldn't have paid $5 for a sip of water and a chip. Although those gummi bears called our name. And all the labels were purple!

Our room had a window seat and this tray...let's be honest, I measured it to see if it could fit in my suitcase.

Every hotel we stay at we take the stationery. This hotel was no different.

Oh look, another photo in front of a mirror!

Thanks for letting us share some of our silly photos. Hope you all have a great Tuesday!

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A New Sippy Cup, Leisure Dives + A Tan

2011-08-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

I dropped my phone this morning on concrete and cracked my white phone case--which made me sad only because now Joe and I can't have matching phones. I know, we're totally one of those couples. That incident on top of the fact that it's Monday might've started my week off on the unhappy lane but I'm drinking from my new sippy cup and we're ready to make our to do list bleed purple today! Whoo! Let's go team! Did I also mention my sippy cup was full of coffee and the purple straw hasn't left my lips since I filled it up? Okay moving along.

This past weekend we enjoyed the sun, friends, food, family and the sun. And just in case our guilty conscience of all the food we ate won't remind us of the good times, we just wanted to recap some of the highlights. Because it's Monday, we didn't have a wedding this weekend, we don't have anything else to blog about and we just really want to share!

+ I finished Stieg Larsson's trilogy and am now ready to watch the movies!
+ We drove up to LA with friends for a friend's birthday party--thanks to LA traffic we got to talk about our life stories. And how much we love cats.
+ We were at the pool twice this weekend, which meant Joe got to practice his leisure dives. Still needs a lot of work.
+ Joe still has his "Toms shoes tan". Gotta love a man with a tan.
+ A stranger complimented my nail polish and Joe had to stop me from asking her to be my new best friend.
+ Joe saw my doppelganger at Target--almost came up to her and gave her a hug while showing her the cooler he wanted...until he remembered I was wearing shorts not a dress and my hair was up not down. Thank goodness for his memory.
+ We ran into some friends at Target. The best place to meet up!
+ We found out we're going to second shoot with one of the first friends we made in the photography business in a couple of weeks and are super excited.
+ Joe was running late Sunday morning for church so, "big hair it is." He showed up with a hat.
+ After 5 days and 19 hours I finally got to open my birthday presents from my family...

Okay my sippy cup is need of a refill and our to do list is waiting for us! Happy Monday!

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We're Not In Orange County Anymore

2011-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

We've been to San Diego numerous times for weddings, sessions and to visit family and friends. But we've never actually stayed a weekend there to fully enjoy the city, we're usually arriving there in the morning and leaving ready for bed. We knew it was a great city--you know great weather, lots of places to eat, beautiful beaches...uh wait, is that San Diego or Orange County? Really we didn't see much difference. That is until after 3 days staying in the downtown area, figuring our way around B Street, walking to get coffee, watching out for trolleys, having debates with the locals...I don't think we're in Orange County anymore Toto.

And we loved every minute of it.

Let's be honest--when we walked out of a grocery store and saw a kid get stopped by the security guard, we bent our backs trying to sneak a peak as we saw them pull out a big bottle of alcohol from the kid's backpack--that was pretty much the most exciting thing that has ever happened to us. And we didn't even do anything. And when we walked around The Gaslamp District on a Monday night, heading back to the hotel at 10pm, while many people were just starting their night, we wondered why they weren't yawning. Psshhhh, Orange County people.

We took a lot of photos but today we'll share the photos we took with our iPhones...starting from the top row:
+ The W Hotel, Our room 1408--we felt so fancy, Dinner
+ So fancy we looked at the Mac 'n Cheese section of the menu, First time eating at Karl Strauss, We couldn't decide if we were simply just starved or if the pita and hummus was really that good but we are officially fans of Karl
+ Coffee Bean within a block's walking distance, Toms, A way cool wall, Wait we thought we were in San Diego not Little Italy
+ Love, In an elevator--what? Where there's mirrors we will take pictures together
+ Oh look another picture in front of a mirror, Dinner at Mint Downtown Thai, Pre Birthday Celebration
+ Fresh Spring Rolls, Calamari, Tofu--oh my!

Looks like all we did was walk and eat! We're back in our bubble in Orange County, still eating and still loving. Hope you all have a great weekend!

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