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One Person’s Trash…

Not a Treasure

Playa del Rey, California
I was going to blog about how beautiful the beach looks after it rains. I can see all the way to Santa Monica and Malibu on one side, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula on the other. The views are sharp and crisp. Even the palm trees seem brighter against the blue skies.
Many people think photos, unretouched photos that is, don’t lie. The truth is, every time you point your camera you are choosing what to show, and what not to show. As many of you know, I went to school for photojournalism and freelanced for several newspapers. A photojournalist’s job is to tell the story truthfully. As a wedding photographer, my goal is to tell the story of your day honestly, but also beautifully. So if your wedding location is undergoing renovations and there’s a construction-orange fence on one side (which did happen last year), I will choose the pretty trees as the background for your ceremony photos.
I could’ve done the same thing with this post, but instead I thought I’d share what I really saw on the beach.
Los Angeles rains storms Dockweiler Beach Playa del Rey ocean waves washed up sand junk water bottles motor oil photographer

The waves were massive, crashing to the shore.

Dockweiler Beach Playa del Rey ocean waves

I wondered if the ocean was mad as it spit out all the junk people threw into it.

Nestled in the kelp were pieces of paper, styrofoam, dozens of water bottle caps, and water bottles…

junk washed-up Dockweiler Beach Los Angeles

and labels…

and no less than 3 motor oil containers within ten feet of me. How much of that oil ended up in the ocean? One gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water.

Is this the great future in plastics?

Maybe you’re sick of looking at photos of all this junk. So am I. And so are other Angelenos like the volunteers for Heal the Bay’s Nothin’ But Sand cleanups. Next clean-up for Dockweiler Beach is March 20. Anyone want to join me?

FL&R

Denise - Eye-opening photos. Thanks!

Can You Stop the Rain?

Playa del Rey, California

There’s something refreshing about the rain in Los Angeles. It washes away all the grime, clears the air, forces us all to slow down just a little bit. After three days of rain, it gets scary. Flooding, lots of accidents, potential mudslides. Maybe it’s time for the rain to go away, and come back another day?

rain weather Los Angeles California wedding photographer
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That’s Amore!

Huntington Beach, California

I met my husband a week after the start of the new millennium. We celebrated ten years (!!!) of knowing each other with a romantic and relaxing gondola ride through the canals of Huntington Harbour. Thank you to our awesome gondolier and to Sunset Gondola.

Sunset Gondola photographer

Sunset Gondola imports their vessels direct from Venice, Italy. This gondola was crafted by hand. The details, like this seahorse, are gorgeous.

It’s a bit surreal floating in a boat that could have been made centuries ago, passing by modern day cruisers.

Happy Anniversary to us!

If you’re interested, Sunset Gondola can be hired for proposals, weddings and vow renewals. And of course anniversaries!
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denisempls - Congrats you two!

Congratulations Roxana & Claudiu!

Anaheim, California

Fall weddings are different in Southern California. For one, the days are often still sunny. And warm. Roxana and Claudiu had just such a day for their nuptials.

Orange County wedding photographer

But I’m getting ahead of myself. First things first. In this case, that would be the getting ready.

Claudiu makes sure his bowtie is just right.

Roxana holds in her dress as her mom and bridesmaid tie the corset back.

Almost done…

Roxana’s mom puts in the bride’s veil. Both the bride and her mom look so serious in this picture.

The couple said their vows in an outdoor ceremony at Kindred Community Church.

Roxana’s mom and stepdad share a laugh before escorting her down the aisle.

He returned to walk Roxana down the aisle.

The ringbearer

The flowergirl is so focused!
Love the polka dot dress.
Michael went around the side to get another view of the ceremony.

Then he took this photo of me.

The ring

Sand ceremony
Prayer
First Kiss
More…
The new Mr. & Mrs.

Now it’s on to the reception…
The bride requested a quick stop at her parent’s house. She wanted a photo in front of the American flag. Both she and Claudiu emigrated here from Ireland, although they are originally from Romania. Their friends and family traveled from all over to attend their wedding.

And of course we had to include Winston the dog.

Then we went running to the reception at Anaheim Hills Golf Course.
Quick touch-ups before their grand entrance.
Roxana’s mom toasts the happy couple, and all the attending family and friends.

The flowergirl’s sister took photos all night long.

This salad looks so pretty!

But cake is my true weakness.
Mmmm cake!
First Dance

It’s party time!

The ringbearer is getting sleeeeepy.

This is my favorite photo moment of the night. The bride and groom steal a kiss on the dance floor as if no one’s watching.
Many thanks to Roxana and Claudiu and your families! We had a great time at your wedding and you made us feel like family. All the best to you both in your new life together.
FL&R