Last Saturday, my sister-in-law, Carrie, married her British sweetheart in San Diego. I had lots of help shooting it, as I was also Maid of Honor and, it turns out, it's quite hard to shoot in a strapless dress and heels, while holding the bride's bouquet :) My husband, Doug, was the main shooter for the day, and we had the help of Nic of Tamarack Studios, who I am lucky enough to have shoot with me quite often. It was sort of surreal to be working a wedding, where you know all the people there... very strange indeed. But, with the help of Doug and Nic, we got some really lovely images that I know Carrie and Adam will cherish.
Love this shot of Carrie getting ready (courtesy of Nic) -
Since it's my blog, I get to post a pic of me and the bride! -
Carrie and our Dad, walking her down the aisle -
The bridal party -
After my MOH duties were over, I got to shoot some portraits of the happy couple -
A little TS-E action -
And Nic's take on the same shot -
I love this shot of Carrie -
My first dance shot -
And Doug's shot of Carrie dancing with her dad -
To Carrie and Adam: Congrats on your beautiful day! Move home soon :)
delightfully,
Chenin
Love this shot of Carrie getting ready (courtesy of Nic) -
Since it's my blog, I get to post a pic of me and the bride! -
Carrie and our Dad, walking her down the aisle -
The bridal party -
After my MOH duties were over, I got to shoot some portraits of the happy couple -
A little TS-E action -
And Nic's take on the same shot -
I love this shot of Carrie -
My first dance shot -
And Doug's shot of Carrie dancing with her dad -
To Carrie and Adam: Congrats on your beautiful day! Move home soon :)
delightfully,
Chenin
Carrie Young said:
Carrie you look totally amazing! I would expect nothing less from such a beautifully named woman ;o)
Great job again Chenin, Doug & Nic! Chenin you look fantastic also! What a beautiful thing to welcome someone in to your family that you obviously get along with so well :o)
Congratulations & all the best.x
(08.19.08 @ 11:36 PM)
vanessa H said:
It is crazy to be on the other side of the camera!!! I feel like I have nervous system failure when people are trying to shoot me!!! Love the pic of you shooting your little dress!!!
Cute wedding!!!
(08.20.08 @ 08:41 AM)
Kelley Lee Gin said:
Hi Chenin! You look so beautiful! I love the flower accent in your hair. I was a MOH and Planner for my friends' wedding...you are right...strapless dress + working does not equal an easy task! KLG
(08.20.08 @ 02:52 PM)
Laurel Housden said:
Hi Chenin....just stunning. It's so nice to actually SEE you. What a beautiful lady...and the bride ain't that bad either.
(08.21.08 @ 06:15 AM)
ali said:
These are beautiful! Chenin, you're adorable. I have a question--what sort of strap do you have on your 5D? I've seen something like that at B&H, but I think it's for use only with a grip attached and I'm not a grip kind of girl.
(08.21.08 @ 10:39 AM)
Orbie Pullen said:
Rockin Chenin! You even got Doug back in action.
(08.21.08 @ 01:26 PM)
Lucy M said:
Nice work! I love your stuff! I read you're working on a new site...me too! I can't wait to see it! Have a lovely day!
Lucy :-)
(08.25.08 @ 11:41 AM)
Melissa said:
Fabulous shots! Love them!
(08.27.08 @ 07:38 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Carrie + Adam in San Diego, CA
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I spent 08/08/08 with the lovely Robin and Steve. Their wedding was a gorgeous reflection of their cool, laid-back style. Kary H of Kary H Events did a fantastic job as always, and brought her classic, but edgy design to the perfect day. Square Root didn't disappoint with awesome florals, including one of my favorite ceremony set-ups I've ever seen. Overall, it was a perfect day, with great vendors and a lovely couple.
A couple of bridal details -
I loved the ceremony florals, and especially loved the little bunny that wouldn't leave them alone ;) -
Robin had a great veil -
Special thanks to my second shooter, John, who ran all the way up to the lobby for this shot -
After the ceremony, we went down to the beach for a couple of shots of the newlyweds -
The ballroom looked gorgeous and so chic -
Robin and Steve's grand entrance -
Robin and Steve kept their guests busy with a hand-rolled cigar station, a yummy dessert buffet and midnight munchies, including mini burgers, fries and the cutest little milkshakes I've ever seen -
And one last little shot -
To Robin and Steve: Thanks for a lovely, laid-back day. It was a pleasure to share in your special day!
delightfully,
Chenin
I loved the ceremony florals, and especially loved the little bunny that wouldn't leave them alone ;) -
Robin had a great veil -
Special thanks to my second shooter, John, who ran all the way up to the lobby for this shot -
After the ceremony, we went down to the beach for a couple of shots of the newlyweds -
The ballroom looked gorgeous and so chic -
Robin and Steve's grand entrance -
Robin and Steve kept their guests busy with a hand-rolled cigar station, a yummy dessert buffet and midnight munchies, including mini burgers, fries and the cutest little milkshakes I've ever seen -
And one last little shot -
To Robin and Steve: Thanks for a lovely, laid-back day. It was a pleasure to share in your special day!
delightfully,
Chenin
Chung Nguyen said:
What a beautiful and lovely event! And I'm loving John's shot, as an occasional second-shooter myself. (:
(08.13.08 @ 12:48 PM)
joshua gene photographer said:
Amazing! What a fabulous event, and wonderful photos to document it all.
(08.13.08 @ 02:32 PM)
Kary Heimbach said:
Your lens is pure magic! Thank you for capturing the day perfectly! Can't wait to work with you again!
(08.13.08 @ 02:35 PM)
vanessa H said:
Wow how beautiful!!!! That full shot is out of this world!! I love how the veil is in wind on some many shots!! Great job!!! I am FO real.... all you reception shots and protraits look like they should be in a magazine!!!!
(08.14.08 @ 07:10 AM)
Megan Robbins said:
Beautiful! And John running up for that shot from the lobby was well worth it, its amazing!
(08.14.08 @ 11:26 AM)
Orbie Pullen said:
Finally get a shot of you in action, great shots as always Chenin.
(08.14.08 @ 01:09 PM)
Tina Shropshire said:
I love you work! Especially the last image. Were you using any extra lighting on the bride and groom to keep them looking so great and then keeping the beautiful color in the back ground? Something about this shot really draws me in. Thanks!
(08.14.08 @ 07:25 PM)
Scott Anderson said:
Stunning iamgery...lovin' the veil backlit by the sun. The Montage is such a spectacular venue. Very nice work!
(08.14.08 @ 09:42 PM)
Sarah in Ladera said:
Man, I am totally jealous of that ceremony setup. And the bunny!
(08.15.08 @ 12:06 PM)
Paper Monkey said:
Wow, that ceremony set up is stunning. Love the picture that was taken of the whole scene. Amazing!
(08.15.08 @ 02:18 PM)
Heather @ Southern Weddings said:
The ceremony site is gorgeous! I love the way the flowers are set up down the aisle.
(08.15.08 @ 06:59 PM)
joyful weddings and events said:
Wow! I love that ceremony setup and that veil! Beautiful shots!
(08.15.08 @ 09:43 PM)
Laura E @ Southern Weddings said:
I am so jealous of this wedding. The venue is perfect - did you see the flowers? The reception looked like a ton of fun and delicious. Plus, I love the photos of the couple on the beach - stunning!
(08.18.08 @ 07:48 AM)
eliesa Johnson said:
Chenin! This is an amazing wedding - those flowers are KILLER!
(08.18.08 @ 05:11 PM)
ben + laura said:
awesome work once again ... what an amazing location and details ... we don't typically get locations like that in the midwest ... haha
(08.19.08 @ 06:53 AM)
Ang said:
Amazing photos!! Love the bunny. Do you have any idea where she found her dress?? If you do, could you email me. I need a dress like that for an upcoming event. Thanks!
angrobts at gmail dot com
(08.22.08 @ 09:11 AM)
Annie said:
These are phenomenal. Your work is always great, but I like these even more than usual. What a gorgeous setting and a fantastic couple! = )
(08.25.08 @ 10:21 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Robin + Steve @ The Montage Resort, Laguna Beach, CA
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http://cheninboutwell.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/401
Sarah and Robyn were married at the Disneyland Hotel on Saturday and I was lucky enough to be their photographer. These two ladies are madly in love, have great chemistry and incredible families. It was really a fun day - you just can't beat a madly in love couple, a super-fun venue and carte blanch to shoot whatever you want :)
Don't attempt to adjust your monitors! Sarah's dress was fabulous and red -
She looked radiant getting ready -
I love this photo of dad looking on as Sarah gets a little misty -
Robyn, waiting for her bride -
I was really feeling the back-lit foliage that day -
They had a great first dance, and I was enjoying the 85mm 1.2 again -
And my favorite shot of the day -
To Sarah and Robyn: Thank you for an incredible day! I am so happy for you! Enjoy Disneyworld!
delightfully,
Chenin
She looked radiant getting ready -
I love this photo of dad looking on as Sarah gets a little misty -
Robyn, waiting for her bride -
I was really feeling the back-lit foliage that day -
They had a great first dance, and I was enjoying the 85mm 1.2 again -
And my favorite shot of the day -
To Sarah and Robyn: Thank you for an incredible day! I am so happy for you! Enjoy Disneyworld!
delightfully,
Chenin
Ryan said:
Great shots. That dress is gorgeous!
(08.06.08 @ 12:44 PM)
Paper Monkey said:
Those look great! Her dress is very gorgeous. The Disneyland Hotel has such great scenery around it. Looks like they had a beautiful day!
(08.06.08 @ 01:04 PM)
Sabrina said:
Love that dress!
(08.06.08 @ 01:37 PM)
Cynthia said:
How lovely! The femme stole my idea - I was planning to wear red! Oh well...I guess I'll have to be a late adopter.
What beautiful photography and what a beautiful couple - I'm totally diggin' the Cinderella carriage.
(08.06.08 @ 06:41 PM)
Deborah Wolfe said:
How wonderful. What a fabulously attractive butch-femme couple. I gotta tell ya, it's so nice to see this rare and often misunderstood dynamic photographed so beautifully. Thank you so much for featuring them on your blog!
(08.06.08 @ 06:43 PM)
Jackie said:
First of all, beautiful and captivating images! Second, I think it's so amazing that you photograph couples of all kinds no matter what and it's very admirable! Great job!
(08.06.08 @ 07:08 PM)
Heather said:
Beautiful! Just wonderful.
Very recently I was reading a photography forum where many unabashedly said they would deny their services to gay couples, or if they "Allowed" it would not share any images because it was "bad for business". I was incredibly saddened and angry to see such a blatant show of hate.
Seeing this relieves me: I'm happy to see some tolerance. You can tell by these images that there is no difference when it comes to love, and after such a blow to my spirit seeing those messages, this makes me smile. :)
- a fellow queer. ;)
(08.06.08 @ 08:11 PM)
Eric said:
Thank you, Chenin, for featuring this couple in your blog! I am a close follower of many wedding photographers and this is the first time I've seen anyone feature a gay couple! It's very exciting! I could only hope to see more. Btw, LOVE TRA2!
(08.07.08 @ 12:19 AM)
Khara Plicanic said:
What a fabulous post for oh-so-many reasons! Thank you for featuring it on your blog. Gorgeous job. :)
(08.07.08 @ 06:59 AM)
Deborah Wolfe said:
Oh Chenin, I just keep staring at these images. I'm so proud of you for posting them. I ought NOT to have to say that, because it ought to be 'no big'. But it is. I can't tell you how much this warms and gladdens my heart.
Signed,
The butch half of a butch-femme couple
(08.07.08 @ 08:11 AM)
courtney said:
Okay so these pictures are phe-nom. Seriously love them and that dress!
I'm glad to see that you posted this entry. A while ago i did a family portrait session and posted them on my blog of one of my closest friends for the past 8 years. It included her 4 year old daughter and her girlfriend of a year and a half along with her girlfriend's nephew. I was very proud of the pictures and then got some personal emails regarding the post. Well, I for one wasn't ashamed to blog the pictures, and I also can't wait to photograph their wedding whenever that may be :) and you bet your booties I'll be blogging those picturse. :)
(08.07.08 @ 01:02 PM)
Jeffrey Neal said:
Chenin you Rock! Always love your work. I love that I see Doug shooting in their. Rock on!
(08.07.08 @ 08:49 PM)
Paulo Jordao Photography said:
Wow... What a great dress. For what I could see was not just the dress, it looks like that the whole wedding was great. Just one question... Is marriage of same sex legal in California? I don't think that is legal here in Florida yet.
(08.07.08 @ 11:02 PM)
Donavan Freberg said:
Chenin, these pictures are GORGEOUS! So glad to see love like this. What a beautiful couple and how fun to be married at Disneyland!
(08.09.08 @ 12:25 AM)
Laura E @ Southern Weddings said:
Love the setting- straight out of a fairy tale. Sarah's dress is fabulous. Chenin, awesome images and I especially enjoyed the one of Sarah getting ready - amazing.
(08.10.08 @ 12:36 PM)
Charlotte Geary said:
How beautiful! What a fun setting for a gorgeous wedding!
(08.12.08 @ 02:46 PM)
ronnie said:
love the photos, I just did a live engagement at Disneyland and we looked at this site afterwards.
(08.12.08 @ 07:17 PM)
Margo said:
Chenin, these are gorgeous! I have a weird question, though - when I use the scroll wheel on my mouse, it looks like their first dance picture reverts to color for a split second and then goes back to black and white, as if the browser builds the picture and then converts it to black and white. Am I just imagining this?
(08.13.08 @ 04:21 PM)
Debbie Hogshead said:
Disney weddings are such fun! Wonderful photos. Great job of hiding the hideous bridal dressing room. The blue and yellow striped walls have to go.
P.S. I think it's just great that you are taking and showing photos of people in love of all kinds. This world needs more tolerance all around. Way to go! (that's coming from a straight, married gal!)
(08.14.08 @ 07:31 PM)
Julie said:
Holy Cow Chenin... can you say GOOSEBUMPS??? These photos are beyond amazing!!! Alex of course had a great time working with you (so jealous it wasn't me) but I just wanted to let you know how awesome you are :)
(08.17.08 @ 11:44 AM)
Rob and Sarah (Bride of Rob) said:
You are so awesome! Thanks for capturing our fantastic day!!!!
(08.20.08 @ 11:08 AM)
Katrina said:
Absolutely gorgeous! That pic of Dad looking so proudly at his daughter and with such love...I swear I got all teary-eyed! Weddings always do that to me, and these two look so in love! Congrats!
(08.21.08 @ 05:32 AM)
Christie said:
Absolutely beautiful -- thanks for posting so we can all enjoy the historic day. Congratulations, Rob and Sarah!
(08.22.08 @ 10:17 PM)
James said:
Hooray for equality!! :-)
What a gorgeous wedding! Everyone looks so happy! Great photos and congrats to the happy couple too!!
(08.23.08 @ 11:33 AM)
bigbrian-nc.com said:
I followed the link here from Broke Hoedown, and while the occasion is "historic" in a way, what REALLY impresses me is how wonderfully you captured such a beautiful and special day in photographs, fantastic shots!
(08.28.08 @ 04:52 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Sarah + Robyn @ Disneyland
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07.31.08
So, with the busy wedding season comes lots of time in front of my computer. Which means that I absolutely have to listen to music and my old stuff gets a little, well, old. How many time can you listen to "Destroy What Destroys You" - really? So, I've been poking around on my new and latest obsession - Pandora Radio - and have discovered some pretty interesting stuff. I'd love to know what stations you are all listening to - here's some of mine:
-The first and absolute most awesome discovery I've made is Captain Bringdown and the Buzzkillers. Not only do they have the most kick-ass name in band history, their music rocks. It's a little Operation Ivy and a little Big D and the Kids Table. Delightful indeed....
-Speaking of Big D, I went to see them play last weekend and, honestly, I was disappointed. I can't figure out if they suck all the time, or if the lead singer was so trashed out of his head that he couldn't keep up. Either way, it was like watching a male Amy Winehouse sing Ska songs and it was t-r-a-g-i-c. I was so bummed.
-What didn't disappoint was Goldfinger. I have seen a lot of punk shows in my life, but Goldfinger is by far the best show I've ever seen. John is a total maniac when he performs. They got a good hundred attendees on stage for one song and even did a little diddy where the drummer shoved a Twinkie up his you-know-what and a fan had to eat it. I wish I was kidding. But even if you don't love Ska and Punk, it's worth seeing the show just for that. They are on tour right now and you can find out more information here - Shout it Loud Tour. If anyone does go, please report back and let me know whether Big D sucked at your show too.
-Another recent discovery - The Submarines. I know it makes no sense that I occasionally abandon my hard-core roots to listen to campy little ditties by Coconut Records or The Submarines... but I like it. So there. I highly recommend you check them out.
-On another note, have y'all heard the latest Snoop Dogg single, called "My Medicine?" My goodness. I don't know if it's Country or Western, but it's definitely not straight out of the LBC. Still deciding if I like it.....
Now for stuff you might actually be interested in...
-I still have a couple spots open at the Image X Workshop in New Orleans. Get 'em while they're hot.
-My adorable husband and the evil mastermind behind Totally Rad Stuff for Photographers will be speaking at the August PPA in Dallas, TX. He's sort of cute and really smart, so you should go see him :)
-Don't forget we are having a Totally Rad Sale, through Sunday!
That's it! Thanks for checking in!
delightfully,
chenin
-The first and absolute most awesome discovery I've made is Captain Bringdown and the Buzzkillers. Not only do they have the most kick-ass name in band history, their music rocks. It's a little Operation Ivy and a little Big D and the Kids Table. Delightful indeed....
-Speaking of Big D, I went to see them play last weekend and, honestly, I was disappointed. I can't figure out if they suck all the time, or if the lead singer was so trashed out of his head that he couldn't keep up. Either way, it was like watching a male Amy Winehouse sing Ska songs and it was t-r-a-g-i-c. I was so bummed.
-What didn't disappoint was Goldfinger. I have seen a lot of punk shows in my life, but Goldfinger is by far the best show I've ever seen. John is a total maniac when he performs. They got a good hundred attendees on stage for one song and even did a little diddy where the drummer shoved a Twinkie up his you-know-what and a fan had to eat it. I wish I was kidding. But even if you don't love Ska and Punk, it's worth seeing the show just for that. They are on tour right now and you can find out more information here - Shout it Loud Tour. If anyone does go, please report back and let me know whether Big D sucked at your show too.
-Another recent discovery - The Submarines. I know it makes no sense that I occasionally abandon my hard-core roots to listen to campy little ditties by Coconut Records or The Submarines... but I like it. So there. I highly recommend you check them out.
-On another note, have y'all heard the latest Snoop Dogg single, called "My Medicine?" My goodness. I don't know if it's Country or Western, but it's definitely not straight out of the LBC. Still deciding if I like it.....
Now for stuff you might actually be interested in...
-I still have a couple spots open at the Image X Workshop in New Orleans. Get 'em while they're hot.
-My adorable husband and the evil mastermind behind Totally Rad Stuff for Photographers will be speaking at the August PPA in Dallas, TX. He's sort of cute and really smart, so you should go see him :)
-Don't forget we are having a Totally Rad Sale, through Sunday!
That's it! Thanks for checking in!
delightfully,
chenin
chipgillespie said:
I think the twinkie incident would determine whether or not I ever went to a punk show again. That's crazy! :)
(07.31.08 @ 01:39 PM)
Erin Youngren said:
Soooo I've recently discovered Pandora as well and I really think it was invented by someone who works from home. Its seriously a miracle living on my computer! Although I think our tastes are a bit different - my favorite stations are named "Carrie Underwood" and "Michael Jackson"! HA!
(07.31.08 @ 02:40 PM)
danielchin. said:
Thanks, Chenin! I love finding new music, and this world wide web thing is really quite amazing.
(07.31.08 @ 04:48 PM)
ben + laura said:
try "mirah" "pink martini" and "mum" radio ... those are a few we've been rockin and with your choices I think you may likey!
(07.31.08 @ 07:39 PM)
fed said:
I haven't seen Big D play in years but I did notice they have went way down in their performances plus I don't know about the newer stuff. I've seen them at some total dives and they rocked along with Kicked in the Head who's lead singer was doing backflips on a stage that was probably only big enough for 3 band members not something built for a Ska show.
Goldfinger has always rocked the stage. I love that they are still going strong.
(08.01.08 @ 06:05 AM)
gilcelia said:
chenin!
pandora is the best thing since sliced bread
i LOVE it.
i'm not a cool punk chick such as yourself, but among my pandora stations are:
-regina spektor
-sonya kitchell
-radiohead
-madeleine peyroux
-joni mitchell
etc
p.s. i bought all of the soundtracks albums you recommended a while back (some of which i already had)... love them!
cheers!
(08.01.08 @ 07:37 AM)
Orbie Pullen said:
Pandora is so sick! Now with my new iPhone I can stream it where ever I go.
(08.01.08 @ 12:09 PM)
robert said:
Thanks for turning me on to Pandora ... it's nice to bring back some artists that I once listened to like Dave Mason.
robert
(08.04.08 @ 01:10 PM)
Sabrina said:
I went to a Goldfinger concert probably 8 years ago and they used a hot dog for the same deal. Still makes me sick thinking about it. It was an awesome show other than that.
(08.04.08 @ 02:04 PM)
robin dini said:
WOW! you just brough me back to circa 1998. My husband and I had gone to a few Big D shows but we got more into Drexel than Big D. If you haven't heard them yet, check them out indeed! You won't be dissappointed with them except that they don't play shows anymore :(
(09.25.08 @ 05:28 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Random Things: The Music Edition (and a couple of things you might *actually* be interested in…)
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
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Yay! We just found out that the nice folks at Bludomain held a contest for Best Actions of the Year and we won!
There was some seriously formidable competition, so we feel very loved! And to share the love, WE ARE HAVING A SALE! That's right! From now until midnight PST on Sunday, August 3, get $20 bucks off all Totally Rad Products. It's just our little way of saying *thanks*
So, if you've been lusting over TRA2 or have yet to delve in to our Totally Rad World, click the banner below and save yourself some cash!
delightfully,
Chenin
There was some seriously formidable competition, so we feel very loved! And to share the love, WE ARE HAVING A SALE! That's right! From now until midnight PST on Sunday, August 3, get $20 bucks off all Totally Rad Products. It's just our little way of saying *thanks*
So, if you've been lusting over TRA2 or have yet to delve in to our Totally Rad World, click the banner below and save yourself some cash!
delightfully,
Chenin
Katie said:
YAY! I voted for Totally Rad Actions! There was some good competition, but these actions are the best! Congratulations!
(07.29.08 @ 11:22 AM)
Jenna said:
YAY!!! Congrats. I voted for you. You deserve this title for SURE!!!
I love TRA!!! and I've been lusting over TRA2, so I better go get 'em. Thanks!!! :)
(07.29.08 @ 01:28 PM)
laura said:
congrats, WTG! :-)
(07.30.08 @ 09:42 AM)
terri z said:
congratulations !!!
i have both sets and they ROCK !!!!!
terri z
(07.30.08 @ 05:19 PM)
Kristin said:
Are there even any others out there that compare? I love my TRA and TRA revenge! You are so cute by the way, your blog is so charming!
(07.31.08 @ 06:46 PM)
ben + laura said:
So ... can doug officially be called "sensei boutwell" yet? (has he made you call him that yet chenin?) haha ... congrats you two!
(07.31.08 @ 07:45 PM)
Teresa said:
Congratulations on the win! Your actions are definitely the best.
I know this going to sound extremely pathetic, but I've been trying to get the Totally Rad Actions site to load for almost 30 minutes (in the 11th hour before the end of the sale, of course). :) Is there a possibility you'll extend the sale? I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd contact me (email above).
Thank you very much!!
(08.03.08 @ 09:00 PM)
Casey Karbowski said:
Congrats and well done...I keep wondering if I should invest in the TRA's...
(08.04.08 @ 01:30 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
TOTALLY RAD SALE! (plus, we win Actions of the Year!)
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://cheninboutwell.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/398