Sweet Surprise

Often times when I'm preparing to upload images to Pictage for one of my couples, I find a "sweet surprise," a photo that speaks to me in a new way. I love it when this happens.

So rather than selfishly keeping the moment I thought I'd begin to share those moments with you, in blog posts titled "Sweet Surprise." Hope you enjoy...

If you like what you see, leave a sweet comment. ;)



Image Specs:
Exposure: 1/800 at f/1.2
ISO: 640
Camera: Canon 5D
Lens: 85mm f/1.2

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Nick & Heather's Wedding

Nick & Heather are married!

If you like what you see, leave a comment! They make my day. :)

Nick & Heather, and their adorable daughter Maddison, tied the knot this weekend down in San Clemente, CA at the Ole Hanson Beach Club.

The girls started their day at the amazing Casa Tropicana. In their room was a just awesome old "shabby chic'd" piano which made for an awesome detail backdrop.




Jennifer Aguilar, talented makeup artist, did the girl's makeup - which was just lovely. So natural, but present enough for photographs.





Their ceremony was held out on the venue's lawn and it was simply perfect...















Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Sep & Jenn's Malibu Wedding!

YEA! SEP & JENN ARE MARRIED!



What a day! These two had the most amazing wedding. It was beautiful, simple and filled with lots of love and laughter. If you like what you see, leave a comment!

Sep & Jenn got married at a luxury Malibu beach house that they rented off PCH; it was lovely and provided an excellent backdrop for all of the photos we took that day.

Jenn was just stunning. All smiles all day and gorgeous. It was so much fun starting the day taking pictures while she and her bridesmaids were getting ready in the upstairs master bedroom overlooking the ocean.





Nicole Walpert did an amazing job with the girls' hair and makeup.





The guys were super fun and pulled out all their crazy and handsomeness for the camera during their pre-ceremony photos.


Photograph above by 2nd Photographer Emily Engle

Once we headed down for their Persian and non-denominational ceremonies me and Emily, who was shooting with me, took note of all the amazing and fun details they had! Chalk board program signs, a fabric square guest book, and apple and orange seating cards. How fun!





Photograph above by 2nd Photographer Emily Engle


Photograph above by 2nd Photographer Emily Engle

Photograph above by 2nd Photographer Emily Engle

Photograph above by 2nd Photographer Emily Engle



By the way, if you think Jenn's flowers are as gorgeous as I do - get this - she did them all herself. Amazing talent. She's now thinking of going into business, so if you're interested let me know. :)



And of course the super fun bridal party...



I had a lot of fun photographing Sep & Jenn after the ceremony and family formals. These two are just comfortable with each other and allowed for a lot of time to take photos. We weren't rushed, were in a beautiful landscape and the three of us just relaxed and enjoyed the mini-photo session!





Their reception on the lawn was just super fun! From a sparkler grand entrance, a special slide show to Persian dancers, it was a lot of fun!


Photograph above by 2nd Photographer Emily Engle





Congratulations you two!

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Todd & Kelsey's Wedding

Todd & Kelsey are married! Friday, August 7 the wed at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, which was a destination wedding for this couple and their friends and family - most of whom are from Colorado.

Todd & Kelsey did an excellent job of choosing excellent vendors to help them plan and prepare from afar, and the result the day of was a unique, fun and lovely wedding!

Jeannie Ward of Wedding Jeannie, who coordinated the day, was a super star and did an excellent job of pre-day preparations as well as day-of coordination. She kept everything on the move!

Todd & Kelsey also hired an artist to paint a landscape painting of their reception while at the reception. Artist Karen Winters created a beautiful piece of art for this couple (see the last photo posted).

DJ Charles Kerr and his assistant of Music on the Move were a fabulous emcee and DJ team. Super professional guys with a great dance play list.

All in all it was a simply beautiful day. If you like what you see, please leave a comment!


I simply loved the colors combination Kelsey chose - coral with a leaf gray/green mix was simple, unexpected and beautiful.


The girls were like, "We want a picture in the tub!" How could you not with such an exquisite claw footed tub! The beautiful Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club is home to the luxurious accommodations where Kelsey, her mom and bridesmaids got ready on the wedding day.





Todd wowed Kelsey (and everyone else in the room!) with a stunning extra long necklace of Tiffany's pearls, which she wore wrapped three times instead of a veil.


Above photographed by 2nd Photographer Emily Engle.





Above photographed by 2nd Photographer Emily Engle.




Above photographed by 2nd Photographer Emily Engle.




Kelsey's dad handmade the ribbon wand - hand cut and stylized with four types of coral and white ribbon.



Above photographed by 2nd Photographer Emily Engle.




Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith