Sometimes people come into our lives and we know right away that they were meant to be there, they serve some sort of purpose, teach us a lesson, or help figure out who we are and who we want to become. We never know who these people may be: they can be our neighbor, child, long lost friend, lover, or even complete stranger who, when we lock eyes with them, we know at that very moment that they will affect our lives in some profound way.

I was at my church brother Kenny’s memorial service last Saturday. I was touched by the outpouring of good vibes from those who gave an eulogy or who shared in the memory book. It amazed me how Kenny led a life that has influenced so many along the way, slowly but deeply. Now I stop on each day to thank God for each person who comes into my life to influence me in every different way. And I look at myself in the mirror, asking how I could make a difference in other people’s lives.  As Abraham Lincoln has said, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

I went to photograph Dominique and Jeremiah’s wedding after the service. They are not only my clients, but friends who came into my life. I had a great time being around them. And here is a teaser for now.

I love watching Giada’s cooking shows. Not so because of her cooking, but I just enjoy looking at a modern and beautiful cook.  I am not born to be a cook. I lack the patience and love for it. As Ricky used to tell me after eating my food, “Food tastes better if you put your heart in it”. I humbly accept what he was implying.

Although I enjoy making quite and easy treats once in a while, food is not where you can find my heart. If an entree takes more than 30 minutes to prepare and cook, I’m dropping it from my menu. Even Rachael Ray’s 30-minute meals are not fast enough for me. Sad. So I use her recipes as a starting point and personalize them with my own short cuts. I am collecting these magazines so that when my mom has to move back to Hong Kong, we won’t have to order pizza every night.

You know how some people just make you smile? Well, Marie & Tony are like that – you can’t help but smile when you are with them. It is close to impossible to find anything that you don’t like about them. They bring such amazing energy to the room. You may remember them from their engagement session last month. Well, they got married on Labor Day at the Hilton Waterfront Resort in Huntington Beach. Sometimes love takes a lot of labor work, but for these two, it is harder for them not to fall in love.

It was definitely a fun day for Ricky and I to be part of. My favorite part was when we watched the video that Tony made for Marie. He talked about his long list of reasons why Marie is the perfect girl for him. Everyone was laughing and rolling, and yet it was extremely touching for they have the most beautiful kind of love for each other. Another special thing that touched my heart was when Tony extended a sincere thank you to his photographers and other vendors. That was not expected and made me cry. Marie and Tony, thank you for welcoming us into your lives and treating us like friends. Your families are equally as fantastic.  Thank you for being wonderfully you!

Tony’s mom is in love with Marie almost just as much as Tony does…

Ken gave one of the most awesome bestman’s speech and here’s why – he came prepared.

The first look…

When Ricky broke the sad news to me that our friend Kenny passed away in a tragic diving accident, I was confused. Yes, confused. “Which Kenny?” I don’t know of too many Kennys but it can’t be that Kenny because he is OUR FRIEND Kenny and we were just chatting two days ago. Yes, it’s our dear friend Kenny. I still think it is too crazy to be true. It almost seems like I just learned that our friends and our loved ones have the permission to leave this world without saying goodbye, ANYTIME.

Kenny is a brilliant architect, a wise man who thinks deep. A logical person but have his artistic side through the love for photography, art and music. We attend the same church fellowship; we serve together in our church’s photography team. I always enjoy talking photography with him. He gives me insights especially on the technical side of photography. I treasure the times we worked together at church retreats for the past two years. I won’t forget how we scouted for group photo location and staying late to do the slideshow. I learned from him to never settle for a mediocre job but always strive to do the best, for the Lord and for others. Because he once said, “Even if others don’t know, I cannot face myself.”

When I think of his wife and his two lovely girls, both I have taught in Sunday School, my heart is torn apart. I cry until I suffocate myself. Even when my tears dry out for a moment, that pukey feeling in my stomach does not go away. I can never fully understand the extend that his family misses him. I can only guess that it’s a million times worse than how I feel.

Kenny, I didn’t know that when Ricky and I said goodbye to you last Friday, it was our last. But I thank our Lord that we shall see you again in heaven someday and we won’t have to part again. In the meanwhile, you are always being remembered in our hearts. I am grateful that I had the chance to capture the happiness of your lovely family. This photo of your family is pure joy. The love you have for one another, so strong and beautiful, will live forever!

Kenny, thank you for taking this family photo for us last November. It means so much to us!

Lorena and Serbando (aka Jessy) had a wonderful Mexican themed wedding last week. It was definitely an eye-opener for Ricky and I to learn all about the Mexican wedding traditions. Their wedding day was a perfect celebration of their love for one another. There was wonderful music playing throughout the day by an amazing Mariachi band. And the fiesta ended with everybody dancing the night away. I am not kidding! It amazed me that every guest was born to be a dancer. We were so excited & honored to be a part of their big day. Cheers to you Lore and Jessy!

A lasso of rosary beads was placed around their neck to symbolize unity and protection of the marriage.

As Ricky and I were standing there waiting for the bouquet toss, I saw Lorena and Jessy climbed up on the chairs and I had no idea what they were doing. So I asked one of the girls standing next to me and she explained that in Mexican tradition, the bride and groom stand on chairs with a veil between them like a bridge. Before the bouquet toss, all the girls form a line and dance around the room and always go under the veil when they pass by. It was so much fun and I think this should be done at every wedding!

Enjoy the slideshow!

Ricky and I just came back from two weddings this past Labor Day weekend. I am so proud of myself for making this BIG accomplishment – my toes did not cramp a single time at both weddings! Round of applause please. In truth, Gatorade deserves the credit. I used to drink Monster thinking that it would give me all the energy that a monster needs, but I was still getting toe cramps at every wedding. Given how athletic I am, when I have to reach up and down by tip-toeing and squatting all day, my feet sometimes blacks out on me. Now forget Monster and bananas, I’m sticking with Gatorade because my toes like it.

While I’m working on the images from those weddings, here are my favorites from the photo booth, compliments of Mebo Photo.

There are moments in your life when you wish you could just stop, and remember always what you just experienced. After Yoko and George’s ceremony and reception, we had a moment to rest before we headed out for more photos. While George was trying to catch his breath, he said, “What just happened?” It’s not unusual for newlyweds to feel this way. Everything happens so fast on a wedding day that it feels like you just wake up from a dream. Sometimes you remember bits and pieces of it. But soon after, the memory becomes blurrier and blurrier.

Yoko and George, your wedding, your vows, and your love, are all too beautiful to be forgotten. I hope these photos will give you a lifetime of sweet memories!

Many thanks to An All Inclusive Event who made every detail beautiful.

Enjoy more photos in this slideshow!