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Our first wedding this year was great one. Creative Consultant Nili Stevens’ vision of an environment very different from a typical wedding reception was stunning! The ballroom at the Island Hotel was transformed into an elegant modern lounge where no detail was overlooked. Larissa of Inviting Occasion did an amazing job with the florals and decor and the food was unique and original. The guests were able to choose among various food stations that took them all around the world.
We started the night before with the rehearsal dinner at the Bride’s home. They had a catered event for their closest friends and family. Everyone had a wonderfully relaxed time and we enjoyed the funny and heartfelt speeches of the Best Man, Maid and Matron of honor.
The next day we started bright and early while Erin and her 10 Bridesmaids got ready. Erin looked absolutely gorgeous. We had lots of fun photographing them at the house before taking off to San Joachim’s Church. The ceremony was conducted by the priest who married Erin’s parents and baptized Erin. His words were very touching and the ceremony was beautiful.
After the ceremony it was off to the Island Hotel for the celebration. Wayne Foster greeted the guests with their non stop music and entertainment complete with plethora of party favors. The guests danced all night and everyone had a great time.
We wish Erin and Jack all the happiness in the world as they start their new life together.
It’s been very busy since the beginning of the year and we’ve not been able to blog until now. We have quite a few posts coming up so we’ll start with a very cool (pun intended) engagement session in the picturesque winter setting of Lake Arrowhead. Bri and Kent wanted a woodsy winter look, reminiscent of Canada, where Kent grew up. Kent plays hockey for the NHL’s San Jose Sharks and had a break from his busy schedule while some of his teammates were competing at the Winter Olympics. Lake Arrowhead was perfect and we were lucky it was a sunny day (no chains required). It’s not everyday we shoot at over 5,000 feet elevation. By the end of the session, Joe was fine but I was beat! I had a chance to rest on the drive home and some very unique images waiting to be processed once we got there. Here are a few of our favorites. We look forward to their wedding coming up in July. Bri is going to make a gorgeous bride.
After a very busy November, Joe and I ended our wedding season with a blast. Mariam and Afshin planned an incredible wedding at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach. The day was pure adrenaline, from the minute we got there until well past 1 AM and wedding planner Mary Dann made sure everything ran smoothly. When we got to the hotel room, Dana of Design Visage was putting the finishing touches on Mariam’s hair. She wore it partially up for the ceremony and decided to put all her hair up for the celebration. Both looks were amazing! Make up artist Berit also did an incredible job, enhancing Mariam’s natural beauty. All in all, Mariam was absolutely stunning.
Alex of Square Root and his team worked with a palette of sultry burgundy and warm dark chocolate to transform the ballroom into an exclusive night club, complete with couches, disco ball and impressive centerpieces. Even their sweetheart tablewas a sofa and low table. Since the ceremony was going to be after sundown, they decided to see each other before so we could take advantage of the gorgeous day. A big rainstorm was predicted and we lucky it never came. A limo took us and Sheri from Ashley Video to the Newport Coast arches for some dramatic images. We had a blast and the time flew!
When we got back, it was time for their beautiful Persian ceremony. The candlelit Sofreh shimmered and gleamed with traditional wedding symbolism. After the ceremony, the guests were treated to a sumptuous feast. Everything from the abundant fruit display and the Tea platform with servers in traditional attire, to the delicious dinner was provided by House of Kabob. They not only do a fanatastic job, they are super nice people. Joe and I can’t wait to try their restaurant in Laguna Hills!
The grand entrance was like no other. It started with entertainment from Layla and the Lotus Dancers. Then the bride and groom magically appeared on the dance floor and brought the celebration to a whole new level. Everyone had a great time as they danced the night away to music by the 4th Dimension. We wish Mariam and Afshin a great life together. They are truly a great couple and we’re honored to have been a small part of their special day.
I took this photo as we were driving back to the hotel for the ceremony. I was all the way in the front of the limo and noticed their reflection in the mirrored ceiling. It was a beautiful moment.
Well… We’re a little late with this post… We just photographed Mariam and Afshin’s incredible wedding at the Island Hotel in Newport beach, that will be coming up soon. We did 2 engagement sessions with this great couple, the first one was at the San Juan Capistrano Mission and at the beach, click here to see it. Before the wedding we did the second e-session in their home town of Las Vegas. We had a great time and we got some incredible images!
We started early on a cold, cloudy, windy morning at the “Neon Sign Bone Yard” What a great place! Mariam was a real trooper with those 30+ mph winds. This was the only time available to us and we were told that right after our session the Bone Yard was closing for renovations. It’s going to be made into a “visitor friendly place” and the old signs will be made safer to be around. Landscape and irrigation will be installed, etc. I’m sure it will look great and more people will be able to admire the huge old signs Vegas was known for… Still, I’m glad we were able to take with us images of the old place as it has been for years.
This next image and the very last one with Mirta were done in the exclusive Foundation Room of the House of Blues a top of the Mandalay Bay Hotel. What a view!
We were waiting for the elevator at Mix Restaurant on the top floor of ”The Hotel” headed back to the lobby after trying to no avail to go out on the terrace for some “Vegas at night views” it was too windy and not “safe” so the area was closed… We still got a great shot thanks to the spot light on the ceiling. It doesn’t take much to get these two to get into it…
The next four images are in the lobby of “The Hotel” we love the walls and the light there, very dark and dramatic. This was after 1:00 am and the end of a very long fun day…
After doing two long engagement sessions and just recently their wedding, I’m sure we’re going to have Mariam and Afshin withdrawal. They were a joy to work with, full of life, always exited about the images we were creating and all around a great couple. We hope to get the opportunity to go out to Vegas for some “Family Portraits” soon
December 8, 2009 - 8:54 amRafael - WOW beautiful images! love the neon graveyard session.
December 25, 2009 - 11:09 pmMeggie - I love the photograph with the joker's smile mirroring Mariam's smile! I am sure it is a reflection of the laughter and enthusiasm in their relationship. Great work!!
January 3, 2010 - 5:47 pmcourtney bowlden - i love that first photo! what a beautiful couple. you guys did great!!!
We had a blast in New York City with Steve and Angela. Their wedding will be here in Los Angeles next year but they wanted their engagement session photographed in the city where they met, fell in love and live. It was a gorgeous Fall day as we went all the way from Central park to the Brooklyn Bridge and a few places in between. Luckily we arrived at the bridge exactly at sunset and what a sunset! The pink clouds against the deep blue sky looked like a painting! Later that evening we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with Angela and Steve. We love spending time with our clients and getting to know them before the wedding. We are looking forward to their big day and working with wedding coordinator Melody Walker.
Here we are with Angela and Steve in Times Square at the end of our shoot. It was a long day and we walked all over New York, but it was worth every step.
Ali and Doug’s wedding was held at beautiful Seaport Village in San Diego. The day was a mix of sun, clouds, light rain and rainbows. Not often do we get rain on a wedding day, but, as rains go, this one was delightful. There were parasols for the sunshine provided for the guests but they came in very handy for keeping dry. It sprinkled lightly just before the ceremony and a little bit during, but by the time Doug and Ali were pronounced husband and wife, there was a beautiful rainbow in the sky. Kim Bradford put together a great team which included florals by Square Root, video by Elysium’s Love Bug and music by DJ Christopher Lee. After the ceremony, the guests were shuttled to the Manchester Grand Hyatt for an evening of great food and celebration. We wish Ali and Doug all the best as they start their new life together.
October 23, 2009 - 12:50 pmCatherine Mayer - Beautiful, inspirational work Joe and Mirta!
November 6, 2009 - 12:46 amcorina shauntele - love the details :) you inspire me ;) xoxoxoxoxo
December 1, 2009 - 5:09 pmLukas VanDyke - Nice, I love the color on the dress blowing one! =)
December 28, 2009 - 7:56 pmTemecula Photographer Theresa Minnette - Joe and Mirta, You're true masters of lighting. I love all of these, but the image above of the elderly lady with arms in the air is awesome! People stare at a good picture, but the feel a great picture. This one make me laugh aloud....
Margaret and James came all the way from the East coast to celebrate the happy occasion of their wedding at the St. Regis Resort in Dana Point. Working with wedding planner Kimberly Bradford they put together an intimate yet very elegant affair. Kimberly assembled a great team including Makeup artist Lisa Heil, Hair stylist Ona, florist Square Root, videography by Love Bug from Elysium and DJ Mark Hicks. The ceremony took place at the gazebo and the reception was just down the way at Club 19. We love this area of the hotel because it is so private and has a lovely resort feeling. Square Root did a beautiful job with the decor using a white and lightly colored forals. The flower girl and ring bearer were two of the cutest children we’ve seen and they walked down the aisle like true pros. The indoor outdoor dining area was decorated with a modern elegance as Square root continued the look from the ceremony site with clear vases of varying sizes filled with roses, tulips and orchids. We loved working with Margaret and James and their families and we wish them all the best in the years to come.
October 6, 2009 - 5:01 pmLina Luong - What a beautiful wedding, and of course beautiful images!!
October 6, 2009 - 5:11 pmLinda - Saw your link on Facebook and came here to look. The pic on the stairway is beautiful. My opinion is that you captured the day and its events beautifully.
October 8, 2009 - 4:25 pmJeremiah Klein - You know how to take advantage of the location. The one on the stair well is special. If you ever need another assistant please look me up...
It’s not often we get the opportunity to photograph a wedding at someone’s home and this was spectacular. It was totally custom built from the sand up, complete with waterfalls, jacuzzi’s built into the landscape and a mini movie theatre. Heather Bazarsky and her team did a fabulous job orchestrating the millions of details involved in making this wedding a complete success. Even the wine bottle favors were personalized. Niki and Kellan used an image from their engagement session at the San Juan Capistrano Mission. Niki looked incredible in her gown by Jim Hjelm and the lace detail was just gorgeous. She could not have picked a better dress to compliment her grace and elegance. Richelle of The Flower Girl created the bouquet that was a mixture of white and creme roses, green hydrangea, white freesia and luscious green orchids. The centerpieces carried the theme along with the addition of succulents, which was such a cool idea.
The ceremony took place on the terrace level overlooking the ocean; it felt like we were at the edge of earth. After the ceremony, Donatella and Pino of Nello Cucina served appetizers including risotto cones, wood fired pizza, crab legs and the cutest mini sliders I have ever seen. And in proper Italian style, everything was made from scratch in the beautiful gourmet kitchen. For dinner, the guests started with a shaved parmesean spinach salad sprinkled with pine nuts. The main course was a combination of pesto and marinara ravioli, a tender filet, melt-in-your mouth mashed potatoes and fresh baked Italian flatbread. For dessert it was sprinkles cupcakes for everyone! Heather and her team created a wedding cake using 6 layers of cupcakes topped off with a mini cake that the bride and groom actually cut. Later, the guests danced the night away in flip flops provided by the bride and groom to the great music of Atmosphere Entertainment. We wish Niki and Kellan all the best as they start their new life together.
October 6, 2009 - 2:32 pmBrooke Stevens-Patrick - These are so amazingly gorgeous! I love the details you have captured. Lovely, just lovely!
October 6, 2009 - 3:27 pmCarrie Vines - Breathtaking!!
October 6, 2009 - 3:48 pmHeather Bazarsky - All I can say is WOW! You guys did such an amazing job capturing the beautiful day! Thanks so much and I hope to work together again soon!
Mariam and Afshin have been anxiously awaiting to see images from their incredible engagement session. Here’s a little taste of our faves. We had such a wonderful time with them! Their upbeat energy, laughter and fun were contagious. I was having so much fun that even I went into the water (but only up to my knees). It was a warm balmy day with gorgeous puffy white clouds against a dramatic blue sky. When we got to the San Juan Capistrano Mission they were in the middle of setting up for their annual fundraising event. The place was abuzz with all sorts of crews…lighting, sound, floral, linens, and Ritz Carlton staff. With those challenges before us, Joe and I were forced to get creative. We couldn’t use many of our favorite spots so we found some new ones. I especially liked the low angle through the grass. After the Mission, we headed up to the Beach for a different look. We are so glad they were brave enough to have fun in the water! We couldn’t believe how warm and blue the water was; almost like Miami Beach. Next month we have the pleasure of photographing them in their home town of Las Vegas. We’ll have a totally different look including the neon sign boneyard and some of their favorite club spots. Be sure to keep an eye out for round two.
September 25, 2009 - 12:46 pmMarissa Rodriguez - Wow! Your work is beautiful! These are so clean and sharp! Beautiful!
September 25, 2009 - 12:52 pmArmin - These are stunning! No doubt they'll love the results!
September 25, 2009 - 1:54 pmDavid Acuna - Wow! really amazing job... my favorite is the last in sunset.
September 25, 2009 - 3:19 pmApresh Chavda - Absolutely loving these images!
December 1, 2009 - 8:57 pmDan Fields - Absolutely stunning images.....love the light.....color.....comp....but more importantly I love how you get these beautiful people so relaxed and having fun in the moment....what a talent you both have.
December 7, 2009 - 12:00 pmMariam and Afshin’s Vegas e-session » Barnet Photography - [...] with this great couple, the first one was at the San Juan Capistrano Mission and at the beach, click here to see it. Before the wedding we did the second e-session in their home town of Las Vegas. We had a great [...]
What a pleasure it was to work again with Kevin Covey, his team and the delightful Natasha and Ed. We started the day at the beautiful St. Regis Hotel. That’s where Natasha got ready for her ceremony which took place at Rancho La Lomas. Natasha looked stunning in her gorgeous bridal attire. Her veil was especially intricate with hand sewn sequins in swirly designs. It sparkled and shined in the warm September sun. When we got to Rancho Las Lomas, we were greeted by the innovative florals of Jenny B Floral Design. She used cheerful yellow and elegant white blossoms on the upper level and continued the theme downstairs. The monks for the Buddhist ceremony came all the way from Hsi Lai Temple. It was a very beautiful ceremony complete with chanting and incense. When the ceremony was finished, the guests went upstairs while the staff of 24 Carrots transformed the wedding area for the reception. In just one hour they made it all happen. They not only serve amazing food, their staff knows how to move! As we arrived to photograph the reception area, we caught Kevin putting the finishing touches on the sweetheart table. We loved how the yellow and white florals contrasted against the tropical blue linens.
After dinner, the guests went upstairs for cake and dancing. And what a beautiful cake it was! Let Them Eat Cake carried the yellow and blue theme in their cake design and gave the masterpiece a modern flair. The cake was perfectly presented on a gorgeous cake stand created by Kathy Jo of Raise the Cake. The entire cake cutting was filmed for Amazing Wedding Cakes and we can’t wait to see the episode. Everyone we worked with that day was great, including videographers Wolf and Eisen from Lumitone. They are based in San Francisco and did a same day edit which they showed during dinner. The guest loved it. Natasha and Ed’s special day went off without a hitch. We wish all the best to the Bride and Groom as they start their new lift together.
Scroll down to the bottom to see a slide show of more images from the wedding.
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