"Let's talk about preparing for your engagement session, shall we?" I asked my soon-to-be-wed clients on our latest call. "I'll guide you through the process, but I also want your input. After all, these photos are your story." The couple's excitement was evident in their voices. They were eager to get started, and I was just as eager to help them create beautiful memories. Choosing the perfect outfits for an engagement session can be a daunting task. The key here is to be comfortable and feel like yourselves. Sure, you want to look your best, but don't let that mean changing who you are. If you're a jeans-and-tee kind of couple, don't feel pressured into a three-piece suit or ballgown. Stay true to your style. Your photos will reflect this authenticity. When it comes to colors, I suggest avoiding overly bright, flashy hues. Instead, opt for soft, complimentary colors. If you're unsure, neutrals are always a safe bet. Also, try to coordinate your outfits without being too matchy-matchy. It's about creating harmony, not uniformity. Next, we have the integral task of choosing your photo shoot location. This, too, should be very personal. Think of places that hold special meaning to your relationship. Maybe the park where you had your first date? Or the coffee shop where you spend lazy Sunday mornings? These locations will not only add a touch of personal sentiment to your photos but also make you feel more comfortable and relaxed during the shoot. If no particular place comes to mind, don&rsquo;t worry. We can always go for a scenic locale, like a beautiful garden or a rustic barn. In the end, the backdrop should complement your love story, not overshadow it. Now, let's talk about posing. This is where many couples feel the most nervous. But let me reassure you, it's not about striking the perfect pose. It's about capturing your genuine connection and emotion. I'm here to guide you, but I want you to interact with each other naturally. Laugh, play, hug, kiss. These are the moments that make for the most beautiful and memorable photos. Finally, it's also essential to approach the session with the right mindset. This is a celebration of your love and the beautiful journey you're about to embark on together. It's not just a photo shoot; it's a fun and intimate experience to share. Your joy and excitement will shine through in your photos, so relax and enjoy the moment. As I ended the call, I felt a familiar rush of emotion. The opportunity to be part of their journey, to help them create these precious memories, was an honor I never took lightly. This was their story, and I was just there to help them tell it. Every year, I meet dozens of couples, each with their unique love story. I've learned, grown, and yes, even made some mistakes along the way. But it's these experiences, these shared moments, that make my job so incredibly rewarding. As I look forward to the year ahead, I can't help but feel excited about the new stories I'll help create, the new memories I'll help capture. Here's to another year of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Your Guide to a Perfect Engagement Session

There is something incredibly special about a wedding in Pasadena. The city itself, a harmonious blend of history and modernity, sets the stage for love stories that are as unique as they are timeless. Today, I'm sharing with you the top 5 wedding venues in Pasadena that, in my humble opinion, are the pi&egrave;ce de r&eacute;sistance of wedding venues. Each one will offer an experience that's unique to the couple, their guests, and, in a way, to me as well. 1. <a href="https://pasadenahistory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Pasadena Museum of History</a>: Steeped in history, this venue brings an old-world charm that's hard to find elsewhere. The Fenyes Mansion, with its grand Beaux-Arts architecture, offers the perfect backdrop for those timeless wedding photos. The best time to get married here is in the spring when the lush gardens are in full bloom, offering a vibrant setting for both large weddings and more intimate celebrations. It's a venue that cries out for elegant, traditional weddings, where every moment feels like a step back in time. 2.<a href="https://huntington.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens:</a> This iconic venue is perfect for couples seeking a combination of culture, nature, and elegance. With its expansive botanical gardens, serene koi ponds, and classic architecture, it provides a variety of stunning backdrops for both ceremony and reception. Spring and fall are the most magical times here when the gardens are at their peak, creating an enchanting environment for a wedding. Whether you choose a more formal affair or a laid-back celebration surrounded by the beauty of nature, The Huntington offers an unforgettable experience. 3. <a href="https://www.maxwellhousepasadena.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Maxwell House</a>: A historic landmark, this art deco venue exudes an aura of timeless sophistication. The grand ballroom with its intricate moldings and stunning chandeliers is perfect for a classic, formal wedding. The best time to get married here would be in the winter when the venue is all decked up for the holidays, adding to its charm. It&rsquo;s a venue that&rsquo;s perfect for grand, opulent weddings, where every moment feels like a scene from a classic Hollywood romance. 4. <a href="https://www.brooksidegc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Brookside Golf &amp; Country Club</a>: Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, this venue offers breathtaking views, making it perfect for a scenic outdoor wedding. The sprawling lawns and the serene lake create a serene setting for both the ceremony and the reception. Summers are ideal for a wedding here when the venue is bathed in a warm, golden glow. It&rsquo;s a venue that&rsquo;s perfect for lavish, large-scale weddings, where every moment feels like a grand celebration amidst nature. 5. <a href="https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Pasadena Playhouse</a>: For the couple that loves the theatre, there's no better venue than the Pasadena Playhouse. This Spanish Colonial Revival style theatre, with its red velvet seats and dramatic stage, offers a unique and vibrant setting for a wedding. Autumn is the perfect time to get married here, when the seasonal productions add an extra dash of excitement to the venue. It&rsquo;s a venue that&rsquo;s perfect for eclectic, theme-based weddings, where every moment feels like a performance that celebrates love. As I write this, I can't help but feel a twinge of excitement, imagining the beautiful moments that will be created in these venues in the years to come. I am grateful to the couples who have trusted me to capture their special day, and I look forward to the stories that are yet to unfold. Here's to the weddings of 2024 - may they be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. And remember, wherever your wedding may be, it's the genuine moments, the authentic emotions, the real connections that make it special. That's what I'm here for - to capture your love story, in all its raw, beautiful glory. I can't wait to see where our journey takes us.

Top 5 Wedding Venues in Pasadena

Let’s set the scene. You're at the heart of the dance floor, surrounded by your loved ones, all awash in the warm, soft glow of the fairy lights. You're swaying to the rhythm of your favorite song, lost in the eyes of your newly wedded partner. And there, in the midst of it all, is your professional wedding photographer, capturing every magical, unrepeatable moment.A professional photographer is much more than simply a person behind the camera. They're a part of your story, a silent observer, a secret keeper, an artist painting your love story frame by frame. They are there to document every detail, every emotion, every tear shed, and every laughter shared, ensuring you can relive these moments for generations to come.The value of professional wedding photography lies not only in the stunning photos you receive. It's also in the calming presence of a professional who can make you feel at ease in front of a lens. Their experience allows them to put you at ease, coaxing authentic emotions and connections into the light, ensuring your photographs tell a tale of love that is uniquely yours.In the whirlwind of a wedding day, moments fly by in a blink. The nervous anticipation of getting ready, the emotional exchange of vows, the joyous celebration on the dance floor - these are times you'll want to remember. A professional photographer has the knack for being in the right place at the right time, the ability to capture the fleeting glances, the soft whispers, the tender touches, that might otherwise be missed.Their expertise in manipulating light, location, and pose brings out the best in you. They understand how to make you comfortable, to let your personality shine through. They value genuine emotions over perfect poses, authenticity over staged smiles. The end result is a collection of images that truly reflect you, your partner, and the love you share.Hiring a professional photographer for your wedding is an investment in memories. It's more than just ticking off a box on a to-do list. It's about entrusting someone to hold a mirror to your love story, to capture it in all its raw, beautiful, and intimate glory. As you embark on this new journey, remember the importance of having a professional by your side, not just to take pictures, but to document your love story in a way that will be cherished for generations.As we move into the future, let's celebrate the magic of love, the beauty of commitment, and the art of professional wedding photography. Here's to creating, capturing, and cherishing your love story together.

Why Hiring a Professional Photographer for Your Wedding is Essential

I often find myself standing behind the camera, lost in the pure, unfiltered joy etched on the faces of the people I photograph. The click of the shutter, the flash of the lens, the captured moment immortalized in pixels and print &ndash; that's what I live for. I feel incredibly lucky to call this my job. I am not just a photographer, I am a storyteller.
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The beauty of photography is in its honesty. A well-shot photograph doesn't just capture the visual representation of a moment, it also captures the emotions, the feelings, the essence. It's the sparkle in the eyes, the laugh lines around the mouth, the blush on the cheeks &ndash; all of these translate into a story, a story that is unique to each individual, a story that is real.
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As a photographer, my focus is not on the perfect pose or the ideal lighting. Instead, I concentrate on the authenticity of the emotions, the genuineness of the connections. I strive to make you feel seen, celebrated and beautiful in the most unpretentious and sincere way possible. The images that I create are not just photographs, they are moments, memories that tell a story. A story that can be cherished and passed down for generations.
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I am often asked what inspires me as a photographer. The answer is simple &ndash; pure, unadulterated joy. The kind of joy that lights up a person's face, the kind of joy that is contagious, the kind of joy that makes you want to be a part of the moment. And when I manage to capture such moments, I feel a sense of fulfillment that is indescribable.
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I am honoured to create a story with and for you, to be a part of your joyous moments, to help you immortalize them. With every click of the shutter, I am reminded of why I chose this path. The joy, the emotions, the authentic connections &ndash; these are not just elements of a photograph, they are the essence of my job. And capturing them, creating stories out of them, is what makes me feel truly lucky.
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So the next time you see a photograph, look beyond the pose, look beyond the lighting. Look at the story it tells, the emotions it captures, the joy it immortalizes. Because at the end of the day, that's what photography is all about &ndash; capturing the essence of the moment, the raw, unfiltered, pure joy.

The Joy of Capturing Genuine Emotions: A Photographer's Tale

The love story of Rachel and Thompson is one that transcends the ordinary, a tale of two souls intertwining in a dance of love. Their wedding was more than just a ceremony; it was a vibe&mdash;an intimate, emotion-filled elopement at the iconic Pasadena City Hall that left all present spellbound.
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From the moment you stepped into the grandeur of Pasadena City Hall, you could feel the energy in the air. The usually bustling building was transformed into a quiet sanctuary, filled with the soft whispers of anticipation and the gentle hum of love. The architecture's grandeur only added to the unique charm that Rachel and Thompson's wedding exuded.
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The magic in the air was palpable as Rachel and Thompson exchanged vows, promising to navigate the ups and downs of life hand in hand. It was a moment that captured the essence of their love&mdash;a love that was intentionally nurtured, a love that was authentic, a love that was as wild as their hearts. The raw emotion that resonated in their voices as they declared their love for each other was a testament to their journey so far and the adventure that lay ahead.
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As a Southern California wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing numerous weddings. Still, Rachel and Thompson's intimate elopement stood out with its unique vibe. The simplicity of their wedding was what made it truly beautiful. It wasn't about the extravagant decor or the grand guest list; it was about two people deeply in love, promising to spend their lives together.
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The hashtags #socalweddingphotographer, #weddingvibes, #loveintentionally, #californiaweddings, #elopementphotographer, and #justalittleloveinspo perfectly encapsulate the spirit of this wedding. This intimate elopement was not just another wedding&mdash;it was a story of love, a story of commitment, and above all, a story of two people choosing each other, over and over again.
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In the end, the most important part of a wedding isn't the venue or the dress. It's the love that the couple shares, the promises they make to each other, and the joy of starting a new journey together. Rachel and Thompson's wedding was a beautiful reminder of this, a celebration of love that was purely their own. An elopement that was a vibe, a vibe that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were a part of it.

A Magical Elopement: Rachel + Thompson's Intimate Wedding at Pasadena City Hall

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As a storyteller, I am privileged to witness and document many beautiful moments. Recently, I had the honor of capturing the wedding of Kristen and Ulysses &ndash; a day filled with elegance, effortlessness, and laidback vibes. The intimate and emotional moments shared between the couple were indeed a powerful reminder of the beauty and depth of love, stirring a sense of deep gratitude within me.
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The wedding was held at the breathtaking Agape 1928, with every detail meticulously planned and executed by All in the Detail Design. The talented team of professionals brought Kristen and Ulysses&rsquo;s vision to life, creating a day filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
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The delightful catering was handled by 24 Carrots, serving up mouthwatering cuisine that added to the joy of the day. The stunning floral designs were the handiwork of Wildflower Florist, adding a touch of nature's elegance to the event. Jenny Chou Photography, the associate photographer, worked alongside me, helping capture the day's beauty and emotion from every angle.
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The atmosphere was kept lively and vibrant by the skilled DJ from Second Song. The beauty team from Salon Muse made sure the bride and her party looked their best. Signature Party Rentals provided the essential elements that made the venue even more special. The heart-touching music was played by violinist Brooksley Bishop.
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The delicious wedding cake was a creation of Simply Sweet Cakery. The beautiful invitations, paper goods, and signage were crafted by Seaside Papery. The convenient valet service was provided by Cedars Parking Service.
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The bride looked stunning in a dress designed by Newhite - Modern Love Story, sourced from The White Flower boutique. She was adorned with exquisite jewelry from Twigs and Honey by Myra Callan, and her elegant shoes were from Loeffler Randall. The men were dressed in stylish attire from Friar Tux. The bridal party, beautifully dressed by Bella Bridesmaids, added to the charm of the event.
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As a wedding photographer, capturing the essence and emotion of such moments is a blessing. Kristen and Ulysses's wedding was a testament to love, companionship, and the joy of togetherness. I am grateful for the opportunity to document such intimate and beautiful moments, adding to my journey as a storyteller.

Capturing the Magic: The Elegant and Effortless Wedding of Kristen and Ulysses

I’ve tried to write this review over and over again, but words cannot describe how amazing Yin is. He really sets out to tell a story and completely nails it.

We had booked him for my engagement photos and from the beginning he takes the time to get to know you, your partner, and your vision. Even remembers the little details, for me it was that my favorite memory with my partner was waiting out the rain. It so happened that we had a rooftop photoshoot and it started raining on us, and he stayed out there in the rain to capture my new favorite moments. Everything just felt right.

I booked him for my small wedding ceremony and can’t wait to see the memories we create this time!

Mani & Will

Yin is an incredibly talented photographer and a genuinely great human being. We had our engagement photos done by him, and couldn't be happier. I can't count the number of compliments we've gotten on them! Yin spent time site researching and gave us guidance on the best time and place for what we were looking for. Being that neither of us had any "modeling" experience, he did a great job putting our minds at ease and really captured the true essence of our love and connection.

Sasha & Adrian

From start to finish Yin remains the standard for professionalism, kindness, creativity and service second to none. On shoot days, he was top notch, performed exceedingly well and delivered a product well beyond what we could ever ask for.



He gives a three star Michelin experience and I firmly believe you will not be disappointed. Our friends and family are amazed at the photos and how beautiful they came out as well. Thanks again Yin for everything!

Yuria & Nha

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For your wedding day, I offer 8 hours of comprehensive photography coverage with the help of a second photographer, ensuring every special moment is captured from multiple angles. You’ll receive 700 high-resolution images, along with timeline assistance to keep things running smoothly. I’ll also help curate a list of key people and moments to prioritize, so nothing is overlooked. Your package includes a complimentary engagement session, a custom online gallery for easy viewing and sharing, unlimited downloads, and personal printing rights to enjoy your photos however you wish.

Wedding Photography (8 Hours, 2 Photographers)

For your micro wedding, I offer 4 hours of photography coverage to capture all the special moments. You’ll receive 400 high-resolution images, delivered through a custom online gallery for easy access and sharing. Plus, you’ll have full personal printing rights, so you can print your photos however you’d like. Let me help you preserve your day with beautiful, timeless images!

Micro Wedding Photography (4 Hours, 1 Photographer)

For your wedding, I offer a full-day package with 8 hours of coverage, featuring 2 photographers to capture every moment, delivering 800 high-resolution images. You’ll also receive a complimentary engagement session, a custom online gallery, and personal printing rights, so you can enjoy your photos in any way you choose.Alongside the photography, I provide 2 cinematographers to create stunning films of your day. You’ll receive a 3-5 minute cinematic wedding film, a 1-minute teaser, and a 20-minute documentary-style film, all shot in 4K UHD resolution with professional audio. If permitted, we’ll also include breathtaking drone footage. This package is designed to preserve every aspect of your day in both photos and video, so you can relive the magic forever.

Wedding Photography & Videography (8 Hours, 2 Photographers, 2 Videographers)

In this one-hour session, we will capture the key moments of your love story. You’ll receive 50 professionally edited images, beautifully highlighting your relationship. I’ll travel within Southern California to any location that feels meaningful to you, and I’m happy to provide outfit consultation to help you feel your best. After our session, all images will be delivered via a custom online gallery, and you’ll also have access to a personalized print shop to bring your favorite moments to life. This session is perfect for those looking to preserve a few meaningful memories in a simple, yet beautiful way.

Engagement - Essential Session (1 Hour)

This is a session where we will spend the entire morning or afternoon going on a photography adventure. It is a photography experience that's custom tailored for you. We will document the beautiful moments and emotions as they unfold and as you two soak up the experience. Together, we will create a story that reflects your relationship — whether that’s affectionate, sweet, tender, or vulnerable.&nbsp; You’ll receive 150+ (often way more) professionally edited images, beautifully highlighting your connection. I’ll travel within Southern California to any location that feels meaningful to you, and I’m happy to provide outfit consultation to help you feel your best. After our session, all images will be delivered via a custom online gallery, and you’ll also have access to a personalized print shop to bring your favorite moments to life. This session is designed to reflect the unique connection of your bond, giving you images you'll cherish for a lifetime.

Engagement - Narrative Session (3 Hours)

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Photographs capture a moment that’s gone forever, that's impossible to reproduce.

Video Title

“Yin, we want your assistant to take a picture of you taking a picture of us.”
 Said one of my brides on our wedding planning call. Unique request, I thought.

“You shot all of our major life events. But we never got to see you in our photos. We want to see you in our wedding album. You are part of the journey. We want to remember you as our photographer.”

I got teary-eyed. 

From the surprise proposal, to surprise engagement party, to personal branding session, and to the engagement session, Y + N’s special day marked the 5th time we created art together in one year. 

The wedding was as much a celebration for Y + N as it was for me. As they got ready with whiskey shots in hand, exchanged vows under the palm trees, and danced the night away with loved ones, I savored the day moment by moment. I felt an immense amount of gratitude to my couples, who, amid the stress of wedding planning, 

Thank you for inviting me back to document your life. There is no greater honor. 

I strive to make sure you always feel seen, celebrated and beautiful. I want to create images and moments that tell a story, that will be cherished and passed down for generations.

I’m going to be blunt. I care about authentic emotions and genuine connections. If the emotion and intimacy feel right, I’m much less concerned about the perfect pose, location, or light.

I’m creating a story with and for you, and that is a huge honor.

I am not exactly a sentimental person. But as I sit here and bid farewell to 2023, l become teary-eyed. Flicking through these videos lets me relive the emotions and memories we shared together. 

This year —

I’ve met some incredibly inspirational and encouraging mentors whom have taught me invaluable lessons, whom I am blessed to call friends. 

I’ve made mistakes. I’ve panicked. And with some newly grown grey hair, I am still here. I’ve leveled up. 

My health took a toll. My friend jokingly said I should get a monthly IV injection membership, since I take it so often

And most importantly, y’all made 2023 an unforgettable chapter in my photography journey. 

Here’s to new stories and adventures together