I decided to enter some prints in the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) 8 X 10 Competition. This was my first time entering and I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

Today I received an email that one of my prints won the Accolade of Excellence!

From the accompanying press release:

And here's the winning photo of Selina and Steve:

Last weekend I had the pleasure of second shooting for the awesome Mark Harrelson. His clients Rob & Michelle are a super cool couple. I had so much fun photographing their romantic beach wedding held on the fourth anniversary of their first date.

I usually photograph the bride getting ready so it was fun to switch it around and start at the groom's place. It was hot inside and Rob stayed cool surfing in front of the fan.

I followed the guys to Hermosa Beach. As Michelle finishes getting ready, Rob anxiously waits.

Their ceremony was on the beach right in front of the gorgeous Beach House hotel. Guests were given cute beach towels personalized with the couple's names, wedding location and date.

Michelle touches up her make-up.

Jim, the father of the bride, walks her down the aisle. And yes, both are wearing sandals.

I love the way Rob and Michelle look at each other.

Michelle sliding the ring on Rob's finger.

The priest blesses the newlyweds as the sun starts to set on the water.

The new Mrs. gets a big hug from her father-in-law.

The newlyweds walk back to the strand and start walking towards the pier...

... passing by popular Hermosa Beach hangouts.

Rob and Michelle's first date was at Club Sushi, where they chose to have their first dinner as a married couple.

This is one of my favorite moments of the night. Michelle steals a kiss from Rob without noticing I'm there.

Congratulations Rob and Michelle! Many thanks to Mark for letting me second-shoot.

Our friends Kim and Denise were visiting so we decided to see a movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Guess which movie? Click on comments at the bottom of this post and add your guess. First three correct answers win a prize. Bonus prize if you also identify the director.

Leah and Oscar love the ocean. I took their engagement photos on a sailboat so it wasn't surprising they carried the tropical theme throughout their reception at The Beach House. The tables, decorated with seashells and sand dollars, were named after islands and the placecards were colorful cocktail umbrellas arranged in sand boxes. To top it off, a pair of glass seahorses crowned their wedding cake.

No 4th of July celebration is complete unless it includes fireworks. Some of my best memories from childhood were taking the train to the Chicago lakefront where we would listen to the orchestra perform Stars and Stripes Forever as the fireworks danced across the sky.

Michael & I decided to see the show tonight from the Marina del Rey bridge. Although we didn't hear the music, the pyrotechnic display was amazing. The fireworks lit the sky with dazzling colors as the crowd oohed and aahed. Here are my favorite red, white and blue: