Today one of our weddings, from the Four Seasons in Westlake, was featured on the Style Unveiled Blog. Take a look to see more to the beautiful images from this wedding!!!
Miki and Sonja Photography Blog » Miki and Sonja Photography Blog
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  The weather isn’t always perfect in sunny Southern California. And even though most people think you have to have perfect weather for perfect wedding photos– it isn’t true. Stunning images can be created anywhere! It did rain during Jenna and Howard’s wedding, in fact it poured. But, everything still turned out beautiful. We started out the day at the Ritz in Laguna Niguel before heading over to Laguna Beach Presbyterian. Jenna and Howard did a first look before the wedding at the Ritz. As photographers, we have to be prepared for any circumstance. I guess this is where our experience comes in. We have photographed at the Ritz before, but never in the rain. It took a couple minutes, but we were able to find the perfect spot for their first look. It was done in a hallway with beautiful light coming in on either side but, more importantly, was secluded from other guests. Picking a spot away from a crowded area is essential. I always want that first moment to be as private as possible. (Considering there was a 400+ Indian wedding there that day as well… there were plenty of people around!) I know Jenna put a lot of work into planning her wedding and finding all the right little details to make her day unique. It was great to see everything come together, which also made photographing it so much fun. On top of all the “standard” wedding elements, there were a couple out of the ordinary surprises. Since Jenna is Chinese, there was a Lion Dance (those lions had to be careful not to hit the ceiling chandeliers!). And Howard had his own little surprise for Jenna and all the guests. He brought in one of the finalist groups from a reality singing competition to perform. The coordinator Jenna chose was Katherine from Events by Katherine, who did a fabulous job making sure everything was set up just the way it was planned. And the dessert table by Chubbi Cakes looked so yummy! Jenna and Howard, Miki and I wish you the best of luck in any type of weather!!! You two know how to have fun and we had a great time capturing all the moments.
 Today Miki and I had a feature go up on Style Me Pretty. Take a look!!! It was a beautiful event with a great team of talented vendors.
Wedding Photography: Miki and Sonja Photography / Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Santa Barbara, California / Reception Venue: Four Seasons The Biltmore in Santa Barbara, California / Wedding Planning + Design: Sonia Hopkins of XOXO BRIDE / Wedding Cinematography: You’re The Star Video / Floral Design: Modern Day Design / Wedding Catering + Cake: Four Seasons The Biltmore / Wedding Ceremony Music: Val Underwood / Wedding Cocktail Music: Sam Adams / Wedding Reception Music: Earl Alexander Band of De Bois Entertainment / Wedding Lighting: LBPS Events / Wedding Linens: Cloth Connection / Wedding Rentals: Star Event Production / Wedding Transportation: SB Trolley 9 / Wedding Hair + Makeup: TEAM Hair & Make-up
They had originally thought of going to Vegas, but after getting out here decided they wanted something a little more romantic… good decision! Jarat and Veronika chose Terrena as their wedding location. What could be more romantic that a beachside resort? Even with only a few days to plan, the day could have not been more perfect. It wasn’t our typical full day of shooting, but we were there long enough to get all the coverage they needed. Miki and I started out with pictures of the two of them, which was more of a fashion shoot! There was plenty of time to hit all of the spots around the resort – including the beach. The pictures of the two of them together was very important and they gave us the time we needed! The ceremony was held on the lawn of Mar’sel – one of Terrena’s restaurants. It was very private, somewhat secluded from the rest of the resort. The setting was perfect for the intimate ceremony with ten of their closest friends. Drinks and h’ordourves were served around a fire pit and allowed friends to mingle easily. Before going into dinner, Jarat and Veronika cut their cake and thanked everyone for making it to Terrena. Then they all headed into a private room for dinner and enjoyed the rest of the evening together. Veronika and Jarat, thanks for giving us the opportunity to capture your day. We are so glad we were able to give you the romantic images you envisioned!!!
Jessica and Christopher are so nice, calm and relaxed! Miki and I photograph a wide range of personalities. Everyone is so different – it keeps our job fun! We got to know Jessica and Christopher a bit more when we did their engagement session. Engagement sessions are nice because we get to see how comfortable couples are in front of the camera. It’s a unique situation though, and very different from what it will be like at a wedding. An engagement session is all about the engaged couple and the camera, there is no way couples can be unaware of us. At a wedding however, there are so many other things going on and all the activity is a nice distraction. Other than the formal portraits, Miki and I are pretty much invisible. The best compliment is always – I didn’t even know you were there. For Jessica and Christopher, their calm nature made them very easy to photograph. They didn’t get hung up on little details and approached their wedding a little differently than most. For instance, they got ready together and Christopher walked Jessica down the aisle for the ceremony instead of her father. This couple is definitely united!!! The guests consisted of immediate family and their closest friends. The Herb Garden at Ojai Valley Inn and Spa was the perfect spot for the reception. Jennifer from Fiore Designs lined the feasting table with white and purple flowers, and since it was the Herb Garden, sprigs of rosemary and lavender were placed at each place setting. Amber, from Amber Wier Events, even brought in the perfect burlap runner for the table. It was an ideal evening under the stars. Jessica and Christopher, it was a perfect day! It was so nice to witness and document your wedding. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for both of you.
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