Jackie & Joe's Engagement Photoshoot

Talk about two little love birds!  It was fun to hang with Jackie and Joe today in Los Gatos.  The weather was perfect and they were both in a very fun mood.  We were all excited for their wedding in Half Moon Bay in 2009.  Joe was a hoot and I have a feeling we're all going to have a blast on their wedding day.

Amy & Scott's Wedding - Seascape Resort in Aptos

Wow, this was a day where weather was totally touch and go. One minute it was raining and five minutes later, it stopped. The wedding coordinator at Seascape absolutely made the right call by holding the wedding indoors, since it started to rain 2 minutes before the scheduled ceremony time. What was amazing were Amy & Scott's positive attitudes! Rain or shine, they were both just as excited to officially become husband and wife. Luckily, the clouds parted and the rain stopped just long enough for us to get some amazing post wedding photos. Here are a few of the images we captured from their beautiful wedding. Congrats guys!! 

Gemini Multiples Halloween Event

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love kids.  I am married to a kindergarten teacher and having the opportunity to come visit her class is always a treat.  So when the coordinators of the local "Gemini Multiples Parent's Group" asked me to help photograph their Halloween event (ie: twins, triplets, etc), I just couldn't say no.  The requested a simple background so I brought a white backdrop.  This allowed for the different costumes to stand out without a distracting background.  Here are a couple of my favorite photos from that event.

Ashley & Dave's Wedding - Saratoga Country Club

Ashley & Dave's wedding was straight out of a fairy tale!   The entire day went perfectly and there were many emotion-filled moments which I had the honor of capturing.  I was very excited we were able to use Ashley's mother's room for the pre-wedding photos.  We couldn't have asked for better lighting.  I really appreciated the sincere kindness from their family and friends.   I have to also thank the folks at the Saratoga Country Club for all their hard work.  Ashley & Dave, I wish you both the best.  And yes, I swear I was listening to the "Aggie War Hymn" while I posted this blog - GO AGGIES!

Welcome baby Kjersten

Congratulations you guys!!  Wow, Kjersten is just the most precious little baby.  And she was right on cue, as she peed on mom and pooped on dad.  hehe   I wish you both the best and thank you for allowing me into your home.  You both will be amazing parents.  Have fun!!

Michelle & Jason's Wedding - Los Altos United Methodist Church / Sunnyvale Sheraton

Thank you guys and to both your families! After everything was said and done, I felt more like a guest than a vendor. I loveD the sincerity of their wedding and how great it was to have the opportunity to help document this very special & beautiful day. I can't wait for them to see their photos from the church ceremony and the intimate reception. I wish them both the best in their new life here on the west coast and in their marriage. Enjoy the slideshow and a few photos from Michelle & Jason's wedding day!

Lotus & Kuan's Wedding - Saratoga Country Club

So I think Lotus and Kuan win the nicest couple of the year award (that's not to say all my couples weren't super nice also).  Lotus had her 20-page "Game Plan," book in hand to help prepare for their special day which meant they were both able to relax and enjoy every moment of their wedding.  Don't let their quiet personalities fool you - these two know how to have fun!  I learned to appreciate Kuan's subtle sense of humor and the sweet way Lotus looks at him.  These two will definitely live happily, ever after.   Enjoy the slideshow and photos from their wedding.

Accolade Photography - 2008 Highlights Slideshow

Wow, I'm so excited that I finished up this slideshow.  Most the photos from this slideshow are from recent weddings we've shot the past few months.  This will give new clients a good idea of our photography style and how much fun we'll have working together.   I hope you all enjoy it!

Cheers!

~Tom 

A Day with Gene and Jose

Wow, I had the honor to spend the day with two of the ten top photographers. No really, they were named two of the "Top Ten Photographers of 2008" by Popular Photography Magazine. My wife and I actually met Gene in 2004 when he shot our wedding down in Aptos. Since then, we've kept in touch with Gene as he took the photography world by storm. As for Jose, I met him for the first time at this workshop and discovered that he is as amazing as his work.

This workshop was something I couldn't wait to be a part of. I walked away with a ton of new ideas and the continued inspiration to do what I am most passionate about, photography. I also met a bunch of wonderful people and really connected with Danica, Kenny, Lisa and Lili. We had the chance to watch both Gene and Jose in action with 2 beautiful models and then had the opportunity to shoot with the models ourselves. Here are some of the folks that made this amazing workshop possible, along with some shots I took during the workshop. :)

Gene Higa Blog http://www.genehiga.net/, Assistant: Ann Hamilton

Jose Villa Blog http://josevilla.bigfolioblog.com/, Assistant: Cameron Ingalls

Bouquet Provided by Mandy Scott, San Francisco, http://www.mandyscottflowers.com/

Gown Provided by: Amy Kuschel, San Francisco, http://www.amykuschel.com/

Makeup for models by Maria Chang (Professional Makeup Artisty PMA), San Francisco

http://www.professionalmakeupartistry.com/

Models: Tyria and Caroline