Aroha Photography

You gotta have a good wingman on the most important day of your life. And Brian certainly had a bunch of good blokes (kiwi for ‘guys’) at his side the day he wed Miss Jen.

Patricia and I haven’t laughed as hard or as long at a wedding as we did at the wedding of Jen and Brian (and also afterward when scrolling through the images). These blokes kept the whole company in stitches throughout the night. And from the stories they shared it was obvious they have been through thick and thin together with their friend, the groom.

Meet Brian, the groom.  His friends described him as determined and a winner. He certainly won an awesome prize in Jen.

The day -

A rousing game of hangman in the coolest bachelor/grooms room.

Grandpa helping the bestboy get ready

The groomsmen (formals…can you really call this much hilarity formals?)

Awaiting his lady – with his groomsmen. I love the smiles on the groomsmens face too, just as happy for their friend as he is for himself. The Pastor was also a dear friend.

 

and lets not forget about the gorgeous girls. There was a fair amount of laughter happening over in the bride’s parlor also! I love the naturalness of friends being together. It’s one of the things I love MOST about photographing a wedding.

Meet Jen, the bride. A school teacher and mother of 2 gorgeous kids. From the first time I talked to her on the phone.. I knew we were a good fit for each other. She’s as crazy as I am although much more fun!

And these are her girls. her wingmen… the wind beneath her wings.

but I have to say, it was the reception when the guys really held the show.

And the result was a room howling with laughter over and over again.

And the grooms reaction to his friends? well I think this image sums it up perfectly! Well done guys.. you were a lot of fun.

Check back for the “WEDDING” post in a couple of days.

 

When I think back on my wedding day I remember a lot of tears. It was the hardest thing I had ever done in my life, to make that leap of faith that meant “I do”, but I have to say I am so soooo glad I DID!

A couple of weekends ago Patricia and I photographed the wedding of Jen and Brian in Alameda, Oakland area. Thinking back on their wedding day and scanning my images from the day the one word that comes to mind is laughter.

Yes, there were the wiping of tears, the hand holding and I love you’s exchanged between family… and the quick hugs and loving embraces between bride, groom and guests. But there was an extraordinary amount of wild full-on belly laughs. And when it all comes down to it… that is a perfect way to spend your wedding day.

Just a little sneak peak

 

When my friend and fellow photographer Patricia of LulluLittle asked me to photograph her wedding to Rafael early July I was delighted. I just love to be around the kind of loving energy that happens during the day a couple decide to join their lives together and make a family.  Check out the details of this wedding HERE and all I have to say is….

Oh the people,
the colours,
the music,
the dancing,
the tears shed,
the smiles shared,
the sun
the language (Portuguese)
the hosts
the details
the styling
the happy couple
the butt slap
the bouquet flying
the howling laughter
the chit-chat
the food
the hugs
the dresses
the suit
the orange socks
the make-up
the hair
the beautiful Miss L
my fabulous assistant Marcy Diaz (smooches)
it was all wonderful.

and here is folks getting their dance moves on… I could have watched them samba all.night.long! ao vivo para dançar (I really hope that that says what google translate said it should)

arohanui my friends… you both made a wonderful day happen!

I like love, it makes me all gooey inside and it’s kinda cute and stuff. I like watching people in love, they do funny things, they look at each other a certain way with an expression reserved just for their lover.  They think about the person more than they ever thought possible, they daydream, plan and even practice signing their name with HIS last name over and over again. Or so I hear….like I said, it’s all cute and stuff. Last month I was so fortunate to assist and shoot with the fabulous Danielle owner of D.Lillian Photography in San Francisco. We photographed the stunningly  beautiful wedding of Tessa and Geno held at the Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Gilroy – just south of San Jose.

Danielle is a super talented photographer and I had a BLAST  hanging out with such a cool lady. You can view Danielle’s gorgeous blog write up and images from the day HERE. Thanks Danielle, you will forever be awesome! xoxo

*gush alert* It truly is an honour to photograph the celebration of a couple saying  ”I do”.  It makes me feel all twitterpatted inside, and reminds me of the love I have for my husband. Spending the day with this couple was delightful. It was a fabulously hot day, filled with many special moments and lots of laughter. (I even got to talk about rugby for a little bit. that right there sends the special moments thermometer to scorcing!). When I first walked into the hotel room where they were getting ready I could not believe how calm everyone was. Hair and make-up was being done and pizza and treats were being shared. I love to hear the interactions of long time friends and family as they each prepare for such a special time for someone they love. It’s kinda cute and adorable and stuff. Tessa is one of the most stunning brides I have ever had the pleasure of hanging out with – beauty inside and out. And I have to say she was totally surrounded in love – from her family and friends. (The perfect way to honour a bride on her special day). And how cool is it to be married by your Daddy?!!! above and beyond cool in my book. Geno seemed to be the calm in the storm of activity around him. I’ve never met a man so outwardly reserved and calm on his ‘ball and chain’ day. And even with being surrounded by brothers and friends to hassle him. Bravo to you Geno, I know you knew all the hassling would be worth it to marry the girl of your dreams.

Congratulations Tessa and Geno, may you both grow old together with all the fun and laughter possible. – arohanui xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

and finally, the cutest page boy on the face of the earth.