A week after their Asian ceremony, Sorina and David Highfield exchanged vows at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA. We had a long day, but it was an eventful one. The reception was crazy fun: so many people! Some familiar faces were a sight for sore eyes [Pamela, Melissa, Veronica, Edith, Keith, Dennis and Sekla]… It’s been too long since.

To the happy couple, it was a pleasure. I wish you both nothing but the best.

[*passage shown below]

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” [John 13:34-35]

I graduated from Hallmark Institute of Photography and walked away not only with a great education but some wonderful friends. We just finished a workshop in Balboa, CA and it was amazing. Having my colleagues around was an aphrodisiac and I took so many photos. Everyday that I held my camera, I looked at my environment differently. Nothing was normal anymore.

Following are some of my favorite takes.

December 30th, 2007, my sister Elena gave birth to Garrick Josh Lo. He’s adorable.

January 22nd, 2008, my other sister Ella gave birth to Maribelle Kayleene Quintos. She’s a beauty.

I was there for that long night on January 21st. I thought I’d stay for an hour or so, but then I couldn’t leave. I had to see it through. Though I didn’t get home until 4am, I didn’t feel any exhaustion. My fatigue was nothing compared to my sister’s.

It’s truly a wonder seeing a new person be brought into this world…

Maribelle Kayleene Quintos [First Day]

I got a pleasant call from a high school friend when she told me she was getting married. I hadn’t seen Sorina for a good five years though we’ve known each other since we were in middle school. Besides being a guest, Rina asked if I’d photograph her wedding. Oh, and that there would be two ceremonies: an Asian ceremony and a Christian ceremony the following weekend. I was taken aback when I realized that the Asian Ceremony was going to kickoff the next day. No pressure, right?

With a bit of schedule rearranging, I was able to cover the Asian Ceremony the next day. The intricate preparation for the bride and her ladies, from the clothing to the jewelry–tiara, earrings, bracelets, etc–was beyond anything that I have ever seen. I walked away from the event realizing that though a wedding is a joining of two individuals, it was also about bringing families together.

Sorina and David, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding. It was a great way to end 2007 and start off 2008.

NOTE: I’m doing some final edits but will be posting some of the Christian ceremony photos soon. So, stay tuned for my next post…

Todd Cooper Barnes was home for the holidays and asked if I wanted to do a shoot with his nieces and nephew. Of course, I couldn’t say no. :o) Our other friend Chaz Cruz also drove up from San Diego, CA. Here’s a look behind-the-scene as Chaz photographs:

Some of my favorite takes:

Go to Gallery > Feature Portraits for more photos.