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Over the next several weeks, I’ll be unveiling a few changes around these parts. As for now, you’re probably noticing that my blog received a facelift. This is just one small piece of a rather large collaboration between Anne K. and myself, with the help of my techie husband, Mr. Masters.
If you happen to be waiting to receive information, images, or other products in the mail, it looks like you’ll be getting a sneak peak at my new packaging and stationary suite. In the meantime, everyone else will just have to wait for photos. 
Julieann and I have a special friendship. Over the years, we’ve drifted in and out of each others lives but recently we’ve done a lot more and have spent a lot of time chatting. Even more recently, she and I have been shooting together. I love that I can geek out with her and her husband Erik for an entire day and talk shop.
Over the years, Julieann had asked a few times to do a session with me but always found a way to put it off. When she and I were having coffee together one day, she mentioned that she would be going on her annual camping trip to El Capitan State Beach with Erik. My eyes lit up and I told her it was time. It was.
Camping at El Capitan has been a tradition in Erik’s family for years. Julieann is not new to the outdoors either. She and her family are also expert campers. When the two of them met back in 2001, one of the instant attractions they had to each other was because of their mutual appreciation for nature. A typical vacation for these two is one that enables them to surf everyday or takes them out of the busy city to enjoy the company of each other while soaking up the sun. These two were even married on the sand. Instead of a typical reception, their post-nuptual celebration came in the form of surfing. The prize gift to the Bride and Groom? A set of matching surfboards.
This year during their annual trip to El Capitan, Erik and Julieann would be celebrating their 2nd wedding Anniversary and I couldn’t wait to shoot it. I’ll admit we had ulterior motives. When these two got married, they had the misfortune of receiving wedding photos that were not exactly what they had paid for and not something they could be proud to display in their home. Part of the purpose of our session was to try and recapture the essence of their wedding day while tying in the present. It wasn’t difficult seeing as how these two keep each other on their feet. Erik is the one that keeps calm on the surface but has been known to burst out with even the most random of comments. Julieann, she wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s honest and loyal, and you always know what she’s thinking. She’s strong, she heals people (she’s a Nurse), and she’s been known to burst out into song and dance if the moment calls for it. One of my favorite memories of the two of them was a time when Erik asked Julieann to “Keep the crazy on the inside”, his wife lovingly glanced over at him, threw her head in the air and exploded into a fit of laughter. That’s what I love about these two. They bring balance to a chaotic world, but not without a sense of humor and kindred spirits.
Here’s Julieann’s take on our session:
“When Pamela came up with the idea of trashing the dress @ El Cap, it instantly made sense to the both of us! We both looked at each other as if to say “DUH why had we not realized the COMPLETE SENSE of that IDEA?”
This photo session meant more to us than pretty pictures. This meant a lifetime of memories. It meant taking a piece of us that means forever, and making it whole by emerging it into a place and an event that simply describes us. Erik and I could not live without nature, our camping trips, the outdoors, and just being free spirited. These elements are so deeply in our veins, so true to who we are. The fact that we were able to capture OUR LIVES and pieces of us as a couple means MORE than just amazing photography to display.”
So last Wednesday we met up at their campsite, bustled a 2 year old wedding gown, played in and around the ocean and shared some laughs over the proper way to fall off a tree. Here are my favorite images from the day:
I knew Juan & Perla’s wedding was going to be fun as I passed the Paul Frank beach cruiser while walking into the ballroom at the country club. I was even more certain when I saw that Perla had taken the time to bring some of her own fun props for their guests to use in the portrait booth.
Perla and Juan now hold the record for the most enthusiastic wedding guests….ever! I had so much fun with everyone! By the looks of it, everyone else had a great time too.
Click here or anywhere on the image below to launch Perla and Juan’s wedding portrait booth slideshow!
One fabulous couple, two fabulous dogs, and a fabulous setting = one completely stoked photographer! More to come!
George and Carmela had their wedding reception at La Venta Inn on Saturday evening. The sunset must have known it had a date with two lovebirds and their guests, as it was ready and waiting for their arrival!
I had the pleasure of providing a photo booth for the evening. It was a hit! Anne of The Paper Stylist designed the custom backdrop. Each guest was given a 4×6 print and Carmela was so sweet to provide them with paper sleeves to protect their photos.
As guests entered the courtyard for cocktail hour, they were greeted by Dave and I. We didn’t even have to ask, the booth was a big hit and so much fun! Even Sarah K. Chen, her husband, and Jason Q Tran had a chance to try it out during their quick break. If you watch closely, you can catch Anne and Paola as well!
Special thanks to Paola of Just Chic Events for flawlessly and effortlessly pulling everything together. La Venta Inn was a gorgeous location, and I can’t wait to see what the other Photographers captured!
Without further ado, I present to you The Carmela and George Photo Booth slideshow!
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