Anna Mae Lam Photography

Tina and Bobby eloped in Vegas a year ago so this was actually a vow renewal with a casual ceremony and reception for their children, friends and family.  Regardless of how non-traditional it was, I was honored to document this event and felt so blessed to be a part of their special day.  The wedding wasn’t about themselves at all.  It was about having each of their children present, involved and recognized throughout the day.

The day began with the gorgeous bride receiving a surprise wedding gift from her husband.  I love capturing moments like this because they are so sweet and unexpected.

I love the next set of photos because one of her bridesmaids was so emotional when she saw Tina opening the gift.  I think she was more touched than the bride!

Here’s Bobby waiting for his lovely wife to come down the aisle.

The reception took place at the historic Firehouse Museum in downtown San Diego which allows local firemen to utilize the space for weddings.  Bobby is a firefighter himself and comes from a long line of firemen in his family.  I absolutely loved shooting here!  There were so many details, dark spaces and spots for me to be creative.  Check out these details and bride and groom portraits.

Here is one of my favorite moments from the rest of evening.  One of Tina’s bridesmaids was actually throwing a football with the kids!  That’s how relaxed and casual this event was.

Congrats Tina & Bobby on your joyous marriage and beautiful new family!

Sometimes Shawn and I wonder how lucky we are to have gotten amazing clients like Van and Vince.  It didn’t feel like we were working at their wedding.  We felt like we were friends and part of the family.  It helped that I knew the culture and traditions of a Chinese tea ceremony and that I spoke Cantonese, but it was more than that.  It was a sense of belonging, camaraderie and knowing that we were all there to support and celebrate the marriage of two genuinely warm, kindhearted people.  I have always believed that a person is the reflection of the people they surround themselves with, and Van and Vince couldn’t have been surrounded by better individuals.  Their friends, family, bridal party and even the wedding coordinator were extensions of their generous and selfless personalities.  And Shawn and I were somehow fortunate enough to get mixed up into the fold.

The big day couldn’t have been pulled off without the wonderful work of Stephanie Yang (a brilliant up-and-coming wedding planner) and her team (Just Breathe Events) who coordinated and planned a spectacular event from start to finish.  Here are some moments from the beautiful day.

Doesn’t Van look gorgeous?  She was so calm, cool and collected.  I didn’t detect any signs of nerves or stress from her at all.

While Van was getting ready, Shawn got these sweet shots of Vince getting ready at his place before the tea ceremony.  I love this photo that Shawn got of Vince having a nice moment with his beloved dog.  I love dogs so this photo just melts me.

Then it was time for Vince to head over to Van’s parent’s home for the tea ceremony.  Since they weren’t going to have a traditional vow exchange or church ceremony I knew that we would have to do a “first look” instead of them just casually seeing each other.  So we staged it right outside of her house and I have to say it was a huge success.  I love the groom’s reaction when he sees his bride for the first time and Vince’s reaction didn’t disappoint.  Here he is waiting patiently for Van.

Then the Chinese tea ceremony took place where Van and Vince served tea their elders as a sign of respect and homage.  In turn, Van and Vince received lucky red envelopes and gold jewelry meant to be their first family heirlooms.

After the tea ceremony, we headed to the San Gabriel Mission for some bridal party and bride and groom portraits.  The bridal party consisted of seven fun and spunky gals and Van’s brother as his best man.  That said, the wedding party sure did know how to party and get down for the rest of the night!  Don’t these girls look great?!  I loved how the different styles and shades of their dresses blended together for a modern bridal party look.

Once again, big props to Stephanie Yang and her team for doing a fabulous job decorating the reception area and banquet hall at Mission 261 Inn in San Gabriel.  (Contact me directly for her info!!)  The details took my breath away!

The night started off with speeches from the maid of honor and best man.  I love toasts and these two did not fail at making the bride and groom laugh, cry and reminisce all at the same time.

Van’s brother John delivered a terrific speech.  The thing I remember the most was when he said Van and Vince were going to be great parents to their new baby boy.  I couldn’t agree more.  That baby is going to come into this world loved by the most sweetest, compassionate parents possible.

Van’s dad was so proud of his daughter.  He couldn’t stop smiling the entire night and even though some dads cry during the father-daughter dance, he was all smiles celebrating the joyous occasion.

The rest of the night was just one huge party!  Here are the photos to prove it. 

Congrats Van and Vince on your beautiful wedding and the soon-to-be new addition to your family!  Shawn and I adored working with you both.

Tara and Ben’s recent wedding was an absolute fairy tale, and Tara was the perfect princess bride.  They recently got married at Tivoli Terrace in Laguna Beach on a bright and gorgeous summer day.  The event was beautiful from start to finish.  Picking out favorites from their wedding was difficult because there were so many poignant and touching moments.  Here are just a couple of fleeting, happy snapshots from their magical day.

Look at her princess ball gown!

Love Ben’s reaction when he sees Tara for the first time down the aisle.  So sweet, every single time.

The first dance sequence and next couple of photos are probably my favorite from the entire day.   They are so in love and it just pours and shines from every photo.  Love this black and white one.