CJ and Norman is a down-to-earth and happy couple full of joyful silliness. I feel thankful that since the first day we met, they are not only my clients, but friends who have total trust in one another. Ricky and I got together with these two in San Juan Capistrano to love, laugh, walk on train tracks and then get yelled at. Yes, we did. It’s a sin and I’m confessing! Don’t blame them because they hesitated for a bit to get on the tracks. Their hearts are filled with total pureness.

If working means to laugh and to have fun, I LOVE my job! CJ and Norman, I can’t wait to call you Mr. and Mrs. in a couple of months.

She saw him when they were hanging out with their own friends at a bar. She went up to him and tried to match him up with her girl friend. But he had his eyes on her instead. And then they started going out. That was the beginning of Dominique and Jeremiah’s love story.

Now meet this beautiful couple. It was a gorgeous day in Orange County and I had a blast shooting their engagement session. I first met them at the Lab in Costa Mesa, and this was the same place they decided to have their engagement photos taken. I love the Lab. The much desired colorful, textured and earthy elements are all present in this small shopping mall.

Life is not easy sometimes, but they have committed to walking their life journey together. Dominique and Jeremiah, I completely adore you two. I can’t wait to hang out with you again at your wedding next month…bring it on!

They surprised me by bringing their baby Gringo to meet with me. He is such a darling, and photogenic! He definitely scored high by posing for me. Look at him…

The three of them look so CUTE together!

We took a quick drive down to the Newport back bay where the light was sweet and lovely.

Here’s my fav of the session, as I always adore true moments…

Only one month before her wedding, Marie landed the United State from her homeland Japan. About a year ago, she has decided to leave her job, her friends and family in Tokyo, to marry the guy whom God has designated to be her future husband. Tony met Marie in Japan when he was on a mission trip. He has been crazy about her ever since. There is a sparkle in Tony’s eyes when he looks at her. I read their love story on their wedding site the second time today and my eyes were blurred out again. Their story and their love for each other touch my heart.

I had an awesome time shooting their engagement session last week. They are a fun, playful, lovable, passionate and kind couple. I just love being around them. They have those infectious personalities that draw you in. It’s hard not to love them. As much as I had looked forward to their engagement shoot, I am so excited about seeing them again at their wedding next month.

This is the spark in his eyes that I was talking about…

Beautiful sky. Gorgeous couple. What else could I have asked for?

Last week, I photographed the most intimate wedding I have ever attended. I felt so special and honored because I got to play three roles at Kristen and Klaus’ wedding. Not only that I was there to document their ceremony, I also happened to be their official witness who signed on their marriage license application, and the only guest.

Okay, enough about me. It really was THEIR civil wedding ceremony at the Laguna Hills Civic Center. The wedding might be fast and simple, but their commitment is big. Kristen was beyond nervous as she stood in front of Klaus and the officiant. I could hear Kristen’s heart beating from across the room when their 4-minute ceremony was over. Then we hung out together for a few more photos.

When I first saw David last Sunday, I was scared and nervous. He looked so serious and greeted me with no smile. Then I found out that he works in a prison. No wonder he needs that no-smile look. However, this impression had only lasted for 30 seconds. I think Sonia was right.  He was actually very compassionate. Especially towards her. I think because Sonia has this God given cheerfulness that makes all things and people around her become lively.

I was so glad to meet these two wonderful people and to listen to their love stories, their long and short distance relationships, and their ups and downs. Did I tell you I love what I do?

They are active members of the Starbucks fan club…

I know Joyce and Terry from my church. Joyce to me is simple, sweet and easy going, like an innocent little girl with a heart of gold. While finishing her master degree on marriage and counseling, she found her own soul mate, Terry. He, who is a funny guy, always makes Joyce happy. In fact, they are both good at making each other laugh. I think God paired them up perfectly.

Joyce uses “boss and secretary” to describe her relationship with Terry. She is the one who does the research and gives him the information. He is the one who says yay or nay. I know Joyce enjoys being Terry’s secretary, for life.

We spent some time in Balboa Island for their engagement session. They thought of themselves as “trees” in front of my camera, but I actually thought they did great after a little bit of warm-up. Unlike my kids who always ask “why”, they would do anything I asked them to. No question asked. They are tying their knot next year. I feel so blessed to be able to have fun with them and to document their big day.

Believe it or not, there was a big crowd of people having picnic and playing balls right behind them in this photo.  They are down there below the horizon…

I love spending time with clients at their engagement sessions. As opposed to the portrait time on a stressful wedding day when every tick on the clock counts, an engagement session is much more relaxing and fun. Honestly. This is the time when I bond with my clients and laugh with them just about anything.

I still remember how much fun we had at Kristina & Eric’s engagement session.This was the scene that made me laugh. They found a booger fell on the ground and tried to examine it.

Here’s me in action. Ricky said the way I hold my camera looks so uncool. I KNOW! But what can I do about it? I’m like one of those old ladies who feel most comfortable wearing ankle length slacks because if I’m comfortable, then I won’t change. So don’t scream next time if you see me walking around with a pair of ankle length trousers.

Just if you’re curious, this is what I was looking at…

Kristina and Eric are two of a kind total awesomeness. No kidding. Kristina has the traits of a girl that I envy…playful…funny…AND beautiful. Eric is authentic; has the sweetest smile that a big and tall guy can have. At the start of our session, Eric said they preferred me to give them posing directions. Sure, no problem. But after I shot for approximately 30 seconds, they started putting on their own show. These two totally rocked the session as we strolled through the streets of Old Towne Orange and Chapman University. I absolutely love them together.  Six more months until their wedding and I simply can’t wait to laugh with them again.

I met Emilie and Edwin when His Torch Music Ministry came to my church for an evangelistic music event. That night, they sang and shared their testimonies on stage but I did not know they were an engageed couple. Soon after I posted photos for the night on my blog, Emilie and Edwin contacted me and asked me to be their wedding photographer. Throughout the past year, we learned about each other on facebook and became friends.

Last week, Ricky and I had the chance to spent an afternoon with them in Santa Monica for an e-session. I was surrounded by nothing but — love. laugh. love. laugh, the entire afternoon.

Emilie and Edwin, I look forward to another round of – love. laugh. love. laugh, at your wedding next month.

See more photos on this slideshow.

A couple days before the session, Hanns called me to confirm about the session detail and our trip arrangements. Before he hung up, he said to me, “Oh, by the way, Winnie has no right hand. So you don’t need to ask her to pose with her right hand.” I had question marks all over my head and didn’t quite get it. “What do you mean she has no hand?” I have met Winnie a few times during the past three years that we knew each other, but I had not noticed about her hand.  Not until two days before her engagement session, I learned that she was born without a right hand.

After spending an afternoon with Winnie and Hanns, I noticed Winnie has the most cheerful and optimistic personalities. As I see her living a life no different than anyone else, I will probably never understand the challenges and emotions she has been through. And here is her story to share with you…

Winnie is the only one in her family with a physical challenge. When she was young, her elementary school classmates laughed at her. She then had questions about her existence. She asked God why He had created her like this. She doubted if her existence would bring troubles to her family and people around her. She didn’t want to be a burden to them. Then at the age of 17, her life was changed when she formally proclaimed and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord. Through God’s words and encouragements from brothers and sisters, God started His healing process. As she started learning about who God was, she also became more clear about who she was.  In her words, “He is my creator, and I am His creation, His chosen one, and His object of love.” She shared with me her favorite bible verse from Psalms 139:14,  “I praise you for I am wonderfully and fearfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Now Winnie is comfortable using her right hand to glorify the Lord.

I am so happy to know that she found God, and Hanns, to be part of her life. She is in good hands.

One of the biggest rewards I get out of my photography job is the closer relationship that I can build with other people. I truly enjoy learning about their stories, their personalities, and their testimonies. Ricky and I spent a wonderful afternoon with Hanns and Winnie in San Fransisco. We walked, talked, laughed, learned about each other, and grew our friendships. And I can’t tell you how stoked I was to see all these beautiful places when we were walking around town.

Special thanks to Anna for doing Winnie’s hair and makeup! I am excited about documenting their wedding in April.  And here are a few favorites from their engagement shoot…

He is thoughful.  She is cheerful.  He takes care of her, and she reminds him to smile.  Isn’t God a great match maker?

We all laughed as Winnie retold the story of how Hanns flirted with her on the phone when he first asked her out.  “It was not the typical serious him.”  She revealed.  It must be the magic of love.

To see more photos, click here for the slideshow.