What You See & What I See: Pema Osel Ling

Here's the start of new series of postings that will help give you some insight of what goes through my head as I scope out an area for wedding portraits. As a photographer I often envision the potential of seemingly common backgrounds. For example, during the rehearsal for Stephanie & Ken's wedding at Pema Osel Ling, I walked by the gift shop and noticed this pretty cool wall.

Instantly I created an image in my head of how this wall will help us with their wedding portraits. I'll make sure to crop out the flood lights above and random pot to keep the final image clutter free. So after their ceremony, we went back to the wall and together, we were able to create the following shot.

My style of photography is very simple and relaxed. And having the opportunity and ability to create photographs with everyday backdrops is what fuels my passion for wedding photography.

The Garcia Family Portraits Featuring Vinnie | Los Gatos Family Portrait

It's hard to call it work when you're walking around a park with such a sweet family on a perfect day. Tons of folks were out and the goal was to keep them out of our shot. Vinnie their rescue dog was super duper cooperative and stole the show. What a great birthday present for their dad.

Taking the Day Off | Bear Valley Ski Resort

I had a super busy weekend with a wedding on Saturday and a workshop on Sunday so I needed a mental break. I am a firm believer that you need to recharge your batteries from time to time so that you don't ever get burnt out. So with that said, I grabbed my board and my buddy brought his skis and we hit Bear Valley for a day trip. This was such an epic day on the slopes but I was one sore dude the next day. Check out some of the shots from our day at Bear.

Stephanie & Ken | Pema Osel Ling Wedding 3.20.10

Congratulations Steph & Ken! What a perfect day in the redwoods for a wedding! I had such a blast the entire day with you guys. I can't thank you both enough for the kindness you've shown me. I'd also like to thank Ariana from Pema Osel Ling for all her help. Pema Osel Ling is truly a hidden gem and we couldn't have done it without you & your amazing staff. To Steph & Ken, have a fantastic honeymoon in the land down under, you little love birds!

Wedding Venue: Pema Osel Ling

Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero

Makeup Artist: Lara Robinson

Hair Stylist: Patricia Diaz

Brides.com Photographers | San Jose Vendors

Yeah! We're officially part of the preferred vendors for Brides.com. This is exciting for us and will make it easier for brides to find us in 2010!! Cheers!!

Champagne Lilies | Bay Area Wedding Planners

I'd like to introduce the amazing team from Champagne Lilies. They are the Charlie's Angels of wedding planning here in the south bay. I met these ladies last week and let me just say, they definitely know that it takes to make their client's wedding perfect. I am sure you will be hearing more about them in the near future and I wish them the best of luck!

Baby Tristan | Los Gatos Infant Portraits

I love little halfie babies... you know like mixed race kids. They are soooo freakin' cute! Yeah, I am a definitely biased since my wife and I have a couple of them roaming around the house ourselvs. So after months of wet weather, we were able to get back outdoors with Jen and Jason and their super uber handsome dude Tristan. He was way cooperative and was digging the outdoors. It was neat to see him touch grass for the first time. You guys are going to have so much fun with little man!

Seascape Wedding Faire 2010 (Aptos Weddings)

I was invited by Seascape Resort to be a part of their Wedding Faire this year. It was an intimate event for many couples who were getting married there in 2010 & 2011. I absolutely love this resort and but it's hard not to be biased since this was where my wife and I were married. Needless to say it's not hard for me to brag about the natural beauty of Seascape Resort. The wedding ceremony takes place on a bluff that overlooks the ocean. And if you look hard enough into the ocean, you might even see dolphins swim by.