15 Year Anniversary Session | San Clemente, Ca

Last week I had the opportunity to meet the Tivadar Family. This particular Session is unlike any other Session we have ever done because Anca and Dan just celebrated 15 years of marriage! They expressed to me that they were both young when they got married and didn't have an official Wedding photographer to document their Big Day. They decided that after 15 years of marriage, it was time to invest in a photographer and document their 15 years of marriage! Well, after 15 years, quite a few things have changed... they have also added 2 more members to their Love: their son Aaron and their daughter Alyssa.

"Dan and I have been married for 15 wonderful years. We have been inseperable since the first day we spent together in April 1996! We married March of the following year and in 1998, we welcomed Aaron into our family. A couple years later, in 2000, Alyssa graced us with her presence! Through the years, we moved many times, finding new adventures along the way and becoming a closer family because of it. We have dinner together every night, enjoy each other's company immencely, and love watching the kids run at their track meets or perform in their school or church plays. Aaron enjoys praising the Lord with his guitar on the worship team at church, and Alyssa loves to love on her dog, Maya, and win first place in the 1500 meter run. It's our faith and walk with our Lord Jesus Christ that has kept us so tightly knit together. We give all glory and credit to Him for allowing us to be faithful to one another all these years. Dan and I are more in love than ever before! And not only have we been partners and parents, but true best friends. We are looking forward to many more years and adventures together!"

The first portion of this blog is dedicated to Anca and Dan's beautiful love. We were able to squeeze in a mini "15-Year Anniversary Session" while Aaron and Alyssa were distracted by their snacks, haha. I witnessed Anca and Dan's interaction first-hand, and Anca is right in saying that they are more in love now than ever before. It was so awesome to see that after 15 years of marriage, they were having so much fun together and just loved being in each other's arms. The second portion of the blog is dedicated to the Tivadar family. First of all, this family is HILARIOUS. They are such a goofy bunch. I was laughing the entire time behind my camera at all the fun behind-the-scenes stuff going on. Just a few hours with these 4, and I was already placing them on top of my "Coolest Family" list. With parents as young and energetic as Anca and Dan, one would only expect that their children would also be full of vibrant life and personality.

Below are a few of my favorite shots from their Session in beautiful San Clemente, California. Congratulations Anca and Dan on 15 years of marriage! May God bless you both with many, many more!

Blessings,

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15

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Charlotte + David Married | Sierra Madre, Ca

Charlotte and David first met in Seoul, Korea in 2009. Oddly enough, they were both raised 15 minutes away from each other in Southern California, but only met 4,500 miles away in a foreign country! They wanted their Wedding Day to be shared with their close family and friends back home in Southern California, all the while planning their entire Wedding from Korea. They certainly pulled it off - their special Day could not have gone more perfectly. Charlotte and David both have calm demeanors and uplifting spirits. The entire Wedding was filled with lots of joy, tons of laughter, and an abundance of genuine love. It was such an honor for Natalia and I to be a part of such an incredible Day at this Villa del sol D’oro Wedding in Sierra Madre. It is one of our favorite Wedding venues in Southern California, and we were so grateful to have been given the opportunity to photograph such a meaningful event at such a beautiful venue.

Below are some of our favorite photographs from Charlotte and David's Big Day. Enjoy!

Blessings,
 

 

 

 

 

 "A father's love, a wedding dance
New Year's dreams, a toast with friends
A soldier coming home from war
The faith the hope of so much more
A brand new life, a mother's prayer
Shooting stars, ocean air
These are things that make us feel alive
These are the times that make us realize... Life is beautiful"
The Afters: "Life is Beautiful" 

Venue
Villa del sol D’oro 
Sierra Madra, CA

Dessert bar
Cake Creamery
http://cakecreamery.com/ 

Videography
New Classic Films
www.newclassicfilms.com

Photography
Closer to Love Photography
www.closertolovephotography.com 

Classical Guitar
Brandt Jacobus –Guitar Ambiance
www.guitarambiance.com 

Custom Designed Wedding Dress Rental
Shinbu Bridal

Groom’s Suit
Theory
www.theory.com

Bridesmaids Dresses
J.crew
http://www.jcrew.com/wedding.jsp

Hair & Makeup
Hills Beauty Club
http://hillsbeauty.com/

Table Decor
Ribbons & Rust
http://ribbonsandrust.com/index2.php#/home/

Florist
Cerritos Hills Florist

Linens/Chivari Chairs
Lindburgh

Dinner Buffet
Santa Anita Catering
http://www.sagardens.com/

FROM THE BRIDE:
We first met in Seoul, Korea in 2009. Even now, it’s still mind boggling to us that we were both born and raised about 15 minutes away from each other in SoCal but bumped into each other 4,500 miles away in a foreign country. Before we knew it we were best friends and in love, ready to explore an inspiring and vibrant city together. When we got engaged in Seoul, we had been living abroad for over three years so it was no question we would hold the wedding back in California where all our close friends and family were. 

We consider ourselves to be a pretty low-key and practical couple (i.e. sent our save-the-dates and invites via paperless post) and naturally we wanted to be conservative with the wedding budget. We were also really excited to be reunited with our friends and family so we put priority on the elements that would ensure everyone had a great time. A few must haves on our checklist: an open bar, photobooth photos (a memorable party favor), and good food!

Dave let me take the lead on the décor, which I was thankful for because I always had a thing for vintage anything and he was very supportive of the direction I wanted to go. When we stumbled upon our venue Villa del sol D’oro we didn’t have to look further. It was a gorgeous vintage home, rich in colors, architecture and history. It only took a few burlap runners, a beautiful collection of antique vases and simple flowers to make our reception absolutely stunning!

We didn’t really have a specific color palette, though I was open to a lot of pastels and pursued a more wildflower type of feel. The bridesmaids were stunning in their j. crew soft chiffon grey dresses and nude pumps, and the groomsmen looked sharp in their black suits and light grey ties. Dave chose to stand out as the groom by wearing a fitted navy Theory suit, which was romantic yet casual. I was also really happy with my dress. It was really elegant and couture, especially when I added a black sash during the reception.

Putting a wedding together in seven months and halfway across the world was a daunting task. We literally were in town for a week to pick out the venue, dress, caterer, etc seven months prior and a week before the actual wedding to tie the loose ends, so if you can imagine-- it was a bit chaotic. 

We were incredibly lucky to have known and picked professional and talented vendors who were very supportive from day one. From skype sessions to allowing multiple changes in our guest count very last minute, we were overwhelmed by their kindness and effort that made an internationally planned wedding possible.

Everything fell into place beautifully (weather included)! We truly had the time of our lives celebrating our union with the people we love. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Now we’re back in Seoul and relishing in the fact that we never have to plan another wedding again. :)