Out from behind the camera, I finally had the opportunity to experience being photographed at my own wedding! My beautiful wife and I were married at Wente Vineyards and Winery in Livermore. Simpson Yiu and Manus Chau were our photographers. We chose them because of their unique photography style and because we knew they would produce great work, since Simpson happens to be my frequent second shooter. Although it rained most of the day (boooo…), we did our best to work around the weather conditions. Luckily the rain broke just long enough for some bridal portraits and the ceremony. With the rain, we had to move the ceremony from the beautiful garden to the Tirage wine cellar. It was a beautiful and unique alternative. We received lots of compliments from our guest on the ceremony location.

The experience of being a groom helped me better understand the emotions that my clients feel from the magnitude of the day. It is not easy being in front of the camera, especially with all the distractions around. I now know how hectic it can be to run around the whole day and still manage to look perfect for the camera! It was a great worthwhile experience that will surely help me when I photograph other weddings from now on.

My Best Maid, Irene, was my wedding planner and she did an amazing job, from designing the overall decor to coordinating the logistical details. Everyone enjoyed Frankie and the Fabletones, an Oldies Doo Wop band as our musical entertainment. They had a lot of energy and were very interactive with our guests. My favorite part is definitely their IZ ukele performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as my Bride walked down the aisle. In place of the traditional first dance, we did the Hokey Pokey which got our guests up and out of their seats.

Our florist, Carole of Flower Bandit also did a great job with the flowers. The Manzanita branch centerpieces turned out lovely as you can see below. Another thanks also goes to HJK Imports and MTC Mans Trading for the vases, centerpiece decoration supplies, and the tissue paper for the pom poms. Last and not least, my friend Joey of JBeautique did an awesome job with the hair and makup for the bride and groomsmaids. Joey really listened to each lady’s requests and opinions.  They were extremely happy with the looks which lasted beautifully through the weather to the last dance.

Also check our portrait session with David Gene, our Man of Honor, another talented photographer.

Thank you to everyone for making our day so special.  We are truly lucky to have such great people in our lives.

Groomsmaid’s Bouquet

Thanks Ed for being our officiant!

Our bridal party consisted of a Man of Honor, bridesman, Best Maid, and Groomsmaid.

The amazing Mazanita branches with orchids centerpiece and floral arrangement used for the ceremony.

Simple and elegant wedding cake made by Wente plus floral gum paste flowers by the awesome Sandra Lew.

We gave out Snuggies as our wedding favors!

Frankie and the Fabletones did a great job

Us with the kids after our Hokey Pokey first dance

Group shot!