Iris Cheung Photography Blog » Wedding

Christina & Andrew: Orange County Wedding

IRIS — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:14:21 +0000

This wedding season was nicely wrapped up with the sweet wedding of Christina and Andrew. They are down to earth, easy going, and sweet people who love the Lord. We had such a blast working with them. I was especially proud of Andrew when he shared his faith in Christ during the reception. No wonder they got the blessing of sunshine in La Mirada where they got married, while it was pouring rain in Irvine. We felt so honored to be a part of this lovely lovely day!

Play the slideshow to see more photos from this wedding…

Laguna Beach Wedding: Jade & Christian

IRIS — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 05:08:42 +0000

Jade and Christian had an intimate wedding at the Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. On a beautiful cliff overlooking the pacific ocean, they vowed they love for each other in front of the closest friends and family. Thank you, Jade and Christian, for including me in your special celebration. I wish you every happiness as you deepen and strengthen your relationship in the years to come.

Orange County Wedding: Joyce & Terry

IRIS — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 03:50:35 +0000

He said his green lovey jacket has been with him for the past seven years. On the day that Terry vowed to love Joyce forever, he brought his green jacket to witness his love. That was the cutest wedding story.

Joyce and Terry got married at a very special place, my home church in Irvine. It was the most fun and enjoyable wedding that I’ve got to shoot. One reason being that I was friends with most of the guests who attended the wedding since we all go to the same church and see each other every Sunday. I felt at home and at ease.

Their day started when Terry and his groomsmen went to pick up the bride, according to Chinese traditions. They got through the games and challenges prepared by the bridesmaids. I always enjoy this part of the day. In fact, I either laughed so much that I forgot to shoot, or I shot too much that I missed some funny things.

After Terry had successful passed through the door, the rest of the day unfolded perfectly, with drops of happy tears and hearty laughs all along. Great friends and family were buzzing around all day to make things perfect for Joyce and Terry. They were so loved by everyone who surrounded them and shared their joy.

Joyce and Terry, it was a great honor for Ricky and I to document your love. We enjoyed every moment of the day and feel soooooo happy to see you start your own family. Cheers to your newly married life!

These guys were trying the break in.

Helloooo…that’s illegal!

Who’s the groom here?

The last challenge was to sing a love song to Joyce in the tune of Amazing Grace. Terry did an awesome job and earned lots of applause…

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The reflection of light at this spot was killing me! I would stay here and shoot all day if I could. The beam of light was at the perfect position, making this photo nothing short of PER-FEC-TION!

Awesome bridesmaids, good job copying the newlyweds’ poses! You did exactly what I asked them to, except you missed the kissing…

I love this moment – Joyce walked away for a quick change and Terry clanked the glass himself so that Joyce would come back for a kiss.

So here’s the green lovey jacket that Joyce didn’t know she also got married to…

Play this slideshow to see more photos from Joyce and Terry’s wedding.

Amy & Andrew Wedding

IRIS — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 22:22:28 +0000

He stood at the front of the aisle, anxiously waiting for the moment long anticipated. The moment that he had dreamed of. I was about five feet away from him and I could almost hear his heart pounding out loud. I could tell the few minutes that he was standing there were the longest minutes in his life. He was so nervous and couldn’t wait to find out it was not just a dream. But a dream came true.

Amy and Andrew got married on a day of perfect weather in Orange County. Surrounded by the people they love most in this world. They promised forever and you couldn’t help but know it was true. A big giant congrats to Amy and Andrew as they enter their next phase of life as a married couple!

Play this slideshow to see more photos from the wedding:

Napa Valley Auberge Du Soleil wedding: Phoenix & David

IRIS — Tue, 10 May 2011 02:58:32 +0000

The reason why they wanted to wed in Napa was obvious. They are addicted to food and wine. Napa Valley was the place where Dave and Phoenix had enjoyed traveling to together, but more importantly, that’s where the proposal took place.

The wedding ceremony and reception were held at the beautiful Auberge Du Soleil on top of a hill overlooking the lush vines of Napa Valley. This venue is well known for it’s good food. The day went by in a relaxing pace, and I enjoyed the time I got to spend with Phoenix and Dave. Both of them are extraordinarily easy going and funny. They took good care of their guests and everyone around them. Phoenix even offered me a back massage because she is so good at it. Trust me, she was serious.

Cheers to your newly married life!

Great shot by Ricky…

Phoenix and Dave held a vow competition for themselves. They wanted to see who could write a better vow. As you see in the photo below, Dave wrote it in the morning of the wedding day. Even though good ideas come last minute according to him, I always believe the better prepared wins. Phoenix surprised Dave with an amazingly sweet, touching and funny vow. She won the game.

I walked by and saw Phoenix fixing the tie for her future father-in-law before the ceremony. What a beautiful moment!

These guys were getting excited for the big time…

Awww…I’m melted.

See more photos in the slideshow…

2010 in review.

IRIS — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:29:15 +0000

I’m not sure where to begin. But ah, 2010…one of the hardest, best years. This is the year that I began the real adventure to my dream. The year that I realized I’m strong enough to stand if I first kneel on my knees. I have gained some incredible memories and friendships. I’ve grown from not so much of a people person, to one who truly enjoy making friends. These experiences have prepared me for bigger things that God has in store for me and in ways that I can serve Him. All in the past 12 months.

There are new and exciting things that I plan on doing next year. But I guess I won’t be so stubborn about meeting my goals. My mindset has changed. Now it’s all about following God’s lead and recalibrating if I start to get off track. I’m excited about 2011. Are you?

A big thank you to all my 2010 clients. Each one of you are so special to me. You made my year 2010 a remarkably thrilling year. Love you all!

Kristina + Eric: Dana Point Chart House Wedding

IRIS — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:29:30 +0000

How often do we need to pray for sun in Southern California? It has been raining and drizzling the week before Kristina and Eric’s wedding. God heard their prayers, and better yet, reminded me not to take sunshine for granted.

Kristina and Eric are salt of the earth, amazing, amazing people! They are clients whom I feel thankful to call friends. Kristina is hands down the sweetest and funnest girl I have met in my life. She is not just a doll, she is a cheerful and entertaining doll that can make you laugh and melt your heart. From the first email to the last good-bye hug, Kristina made me feel warm and special deep inside. Eric is super gentle and kind-hearted. Together, these two are a perfect match by God.

Kristina and Eric have been dating since junior high. After so many years, they were happy and so excited to be getting married. The day was a blast! They got married at the Chart House Restaurant in Dana Point. Their wedding was beautiful at many different levels. And they are so in tune with one another it was really a gift to be able to capture love like theirs. It is honest, deep, emotional and vulnerable. They bear it all to one another. It’s really beautiful to see in a couple and very fun to capture.

$6 lego cuff link from ebay makes Eric a happy man!

Kristina graduated from art school and has great taste. She made every little detail so gorgeous!

Oh yes, pretty cupcakes please!

Play the slideshow to see more photos from Kristina and Eric’s Dana Point wedding. Enjoy!

CJ + Norman: Mariners Church Wedding

IRIS — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:32:39 +0000

CJ and Norman are sugar cookies double dipped in chocolate syrup. They’re incredibly sweet! They’re the kind of people who laugh through life and are absolutely 100% authentic, always wear a sincere smile on their face. They made me feel so comfortable being with them, even for the first time we met. Although they seem a bit reserved at times, they definitely know how to have fun and go wild at the right moments.

Ricky and I shot their wedding at the Mariners Church right here in my backyard in Irvine. This church is amazingly blessed. If I weren’t told that it was a church, I would think it’s a university. The chapel and the campus are beautiful. I am so happy to see a couple with two beautiful hearts starting their whole new life journey together. Congratulations and love you both!

Minutes after I arrived at the hotel, I saw CJ brushing her teeth in front of a roomful of people. CJ, I told you I was blogging this. Since you didn’t object, here it is…

Girls in curlers are simply cute…

She totally made me laugh!

Isn’t she adorable?

Here’s Norman waiting, waiting, and waiting, for his bride…

Precious emotional moments…

I love long ceremonies which allows me plenty of time to walk around and have some fun…

Norman played the piano and sang a song to CJ during the ceremony. It was so impressive and touching that made everyone cry.

Then it’s party time…

This bridal party went wild at the playground on the church campus. They were unstoppable!

Enjoy more photos in the slideshow:

Dominique + Jeremiah: Costa Mesa & Newport Beach Wedding

IRIS — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:05:48 +0000

When I saw Dominique’s dress, I almost called Ricky to tell him that I wanted to marry him again. IN THAT DRESS. But wait until I saw her shoes. I screamed my eyeballs out. They were so gorgeous! While Dominique and her bridesmaids were getting their make up done at a salon, I had a whole lot of fun hunting for beautiful details in her hotel room like in a treasure hunt. What a way to start a day packed full of beauty and goodness.

Dominique and Jeremiah have become my friends through this process of working with them. At the start of the day, Dominique said to me, “If you need me to do something, just yell at me.” Towards the end of the day, I told her this, “If you need a picture of you and your guests, just yell at me like how I yelled at you.” Our friendship built upon our yelling at each other.

One thing that I have to mention is how much I loved being around the entire bridal party. The bridesmaids are the fumiest girls and you will never run out of laughter when you’re with them. They’ll always put on a great show for you.

D and J, I consider it a blessing to have known the two of you. May God bless you with as many children as you want!

Oh this bracelet, I want to swallow it…

Dominique, I think you glowed and brightened up the whole room…

Since Ricky was the pallbearer at my friend Kenny’s memorial service (you may read about the story here), he had to join us later in the day. I was so thankful for my friend, Edward Lee, who came out to help take the guys’ getting ready photos. He did a wonderful job!

The first look…

Then we took some more pictures right outside the venue at the Harborside Restaurant and Grand Ballroom in the Balboa Pavilion…

For a guy who gave up his scholarship to play football, I had no doubt that Jeremiah could throw!

So I will end my post with this photo of the happy couple, who are just starting their whole new life journey together…

To see more photos, play the slideshow:

Marie + Tony: Huntington Beach Wedding

IRIS — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 05:06:03 +0000

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…