This journey, our passion - San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Photographer

A few months back, we asked if any couples wanted to volunteer for a practice session with myself and Marianne.  Practice makes better, and we want more than anything else to improve our craft.  We absolutely LOVE what we do, and we know that to get to full-time status will take a lot of hardwork, sacrifice, and making a lot of mistakes.  

Jeanette & Mike, and Melissa & Anthony were gracious enough to help us!  You see, we wanted the premise of our shoot to be sort of like an after-wedding session in the city, so we asked them to dress up in their wedding attire (yes, that meant the wedding gown).  

Jeanette & Melissa - thank YOU so much for braving the cold and for dressing up for us!!  This session helped us out SO much. Mike & Anthony - we know your wives jumped at the chance to help us, so thank you for volunteering with them!

Here a few teasers from the session!

Enjoy!

Jeff & Marianne

Jeanette & Mike - they actually had their 4-year wedding anniversary two days ago!  Congrats you two!

Melissa & Anthony

I made myself pretty uncomfortable in this shoot (and trust me, I felt REALLY uncomfortable) - I tried a few new things, some new poses, and used multiple flash set-ups, so a lot of the shots didn't turn as well as I wanted them to or how I envisioned them in my mind.  If you don't get uncomfortable, there's no growth.  And yes, I'm NOT afraid to talk about that here - this blog is a record of our journey!  Even though this past year has been a successful one for us, we strongly believe in pushing ourselves to get better.

Okay, before you go to the next image, if you don't know Jeanette & Melissa, they are pretty close friends.  So I wanted to take a shot of both of them in their wedding gowns!!

Jeremiah's 11th Birthday Teasers - San Francisco Bay Area Event Photographer

We wanted to share a few photos from Jeremiah's 11th birthday party that happened last month.  The theme was Angry Birds Rio and Jere's mom (Jazz, who also happens to be one of my besties) went all out with the theme! We loved all the details and the colors.  Oh and the cake was ah-mazing!!! It looked like a scene right out of the game. 

If you ever need help putting together an event/party she's the one to contact. She's so on top of everything that she already has a theme for Jere's 12th birthday next year. Now that's what you call advanced planning!! ;)

Jazz you really outdid yourself in planning and decorating for this party. We absolutely loved, loved, loved it!!!! 

Enjoy the photos!!! ♥m&j

Marili + Keo - Wedding Teasers - San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Photographer

M:  We absolutely loved capturing Marili & Keo's big day for many reasons.  The most obvious, we love weddings and I always say, "I love, LOVE!"

J:  A few days before we shot Marili and Keo's wedding, Marianne and I agreed that this wedding reminded us a lot about ours in many different ways.  Most importantly, we wanted everyone at our wedding to have FUN, and this was definitely the case with Marili and Keo.  The energy was high, it was loud, and the vibe was great.

Here are the teasers from their wedding.  Enjoy!

Jeff & Marianne



What's cooler than a Giants jersey?  A Giants garter..that's what's up!

J:  When I was hanging out with Keo and the guys before the ceremony, I couldn't help but laugh at Keo's shirt.  He told me that Marili was the one who got it for him!  Niiiice!

Jaymee's Debutante Ball - Teasers - San Francisco Bay Area Event Photographer

A cotillion or debutante ball is traditionally done when a girl turns 18 to present her as a young woman to the community.  This was definitely Jaymee's special day.  To be surrounded by great friends, family, and guests, there's nothing like it.  It's as close to an actual wedding as it'll get.

The day was pretty emotional to say the least.  From a parents' standpoint - having to reflect back on the past 18 years from the first day of holding your daughter in your arms to watching her grow up to a beautiful young lady, it brings a wide range of feelings and memories to the surface.  From a teenager's standpoint, it's time to party and have fun!!

Here are Jaymee's cotillion teasers!!  Enjoy!!

Jeff & Marianne

Glittery silver Toms??  Yes, those were her dancing shoes. =)

Maine had Jaymee at a very young age.  She was telling us at the end of the night how lucky she was to have Jaymee as a daughter, and how she never caused her any problems.  If any of you read our blog on her pre-cotillion session, she has definitely accomplished a lot during her years in high school and is very multi-talented.  A few weeks ago, Jaymee just started college at San Jose State.

The reception took place at the historic Del Monte Building in Sunnyvale.  The venue was beautifully decorated to reflect a masquerade ball theme.  Marianne and I LOVED it, especially with the personal touches that each table had.  Each table was labelled "Jaymee at 1, Jaymee at 2, etc." accompanied by a photo of her at that age.

The 18 candles are presented by the special women in Jaymee's life.  The first candle was her mom.

Each candle was presented with a personal story of Jaymee.  Mhalu shared a very personal story with the guests in attendance, and she even had a surprise for Jaymee which got a good laugh (you had to be there to get it)! =)

"Happy Birthday to you....."

The first rose of 18 roses, with her dad, Shawn.

Jaymee, thank you again for choosing us to capture your special day!  We had a LOT of fun with you and look forward to watching you continue to succeed and grow in life.