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STELLA + DANIEL ENGAGED - PART 2

2012-02-22T19:27:57Z

From the soon-to-be Bride, Stella:
I just love anything girly, romantic, vintage and pink!! I knew our Wedding and Engagement Shoot needed to involve all the things I love!! We also wanted to include our 3 dogs Louis, Garu and Pomi since we just love them so much and they are literally like our babies! We were worried about how we would handle them during the shoot but thankfully my maid of honor Jane, brother HeeJae and his girlfriend Irene came along to help. Not too long ago Daniel and I went to Laguna Beach and discovered this cozy cove and immediately knew that this was a location we wanted to take our Engagement Shoot. Another scene that we always imagined was a field-like area with lots of trees where we wanted to set up vintage props and Willow Canyon was the perfect location for this. Daniel and I started flea market shopping ever since we started planning our Wedding and the items used during our E-Session are some of our great finds. I also love decorating, doing arts and crafts and floral arrangements, so this was a great time for me to practice my skills since we are planning to do tons of DIY for our Wedding Day decor. The results were fabulous!!

Vintage Props: Rose Bowl Flea Market and Craigslist
Florals: Flowers bought at the Los Angeles Downtown Flower Mart and put together by us
Mason Jars: K-Mart
Desserts: Bottega Louie
Save the Date banner: DIY
Dog's Bow tie: Amazon.com
Dog's tutu: Etsy.com

"To love another person is to see the face of God."

All images are copyright of Closer to Love Photography & Design.
Please don't copy, screen-cap,  or alter any images without our permission.
If you use these photos for social sites such as  Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook, please make
a note that the photographs were taken by  Closer to Love, and a link to
http://www.closertolovephotography.com or 
http://www.closertoloveblog.com.
Thank you.

Stella + Daniel Engaged - Part 1

2012-02-21T14:55:02Z

Stella and Daniel first met in 2008 and were introduced to each other by mutual friends. They started dating for a few months and quickly fell in love. Daniel had the ring to propose for quite some time but was waiting for the just the right moment to pop the question. It was on a Sunday that Stella and Daniel had just been to a church service, and the sermon that day happened to be on Marriage. Convinced that the time was right, Daniel asked Stella to be his bride. They are now happily engaged and planning for their July Wedding!

These two are one of the most creative couples we have ever worked with. We had to split their Engagement Session into 2 Blog posts because we photographed at 2 separate locations, and the outcomes are drastically different! There's too much goodness to share in just 1 post! Below is part 1 of their Laguna Beach E-Session that we started off at the beach with their 3 dogs. It was a bright, sunny Saturday afternoon, perfect for a light-hearted, candid-styled Session. We absolutely love the outcome of these raw photos. We know that most of the world is experiencing a REAL winter, so we hope that these photos bring a little warmth to your day.

Enjoy!

"Perfect love casts out fear, so we must be
complete in love like God above, who cares for you & me.
We can learn a lesson on love from a little child.
And love each other from the heart - with love that's pure & mild."
- Cynthia Becker and Grace Straley

Jody + Travis Engaged - San Clemente, CA

2012-02-16T15:19:51Z

I began corresponding in September with Jody. She loved our work and expressed how important photography was to her and her fiancé Travis on their Wedding Day. After writing through email and getting to know each other, they booked Closer to Love for their Stevinson, CA Wedding! From all of their emails, we knew that they were an amazing couple. Jody and Travis have dated for 7 years and have a little Yorkie named Daisy (whom Jody confesses is like their child!) They love camping, fishing, wine tasting and traveling anywhere.

Jody and Travis traveled from Turlock (about 2 hours south east of San Francisco) for their Engagement Session! We met at the beautiful shores of San Clemente just before sunset and the scenery was nothing short of amazing. Meeting them for the first time in San Clemente was a real treat. They were so friendly, warm-hearted, and humble in their demeanor. We had such a great time together and I can truly say that Natalia and I gained 2 great new friends. Right after their Session, they hopped in their car and drove all the way back home to Turlock (about a 5 hour drive from Orange County!)

Below are the final results from their Engagement Session. We hope you enjoy viewing these photos as much as I did capturing their timeless moments together.

Blessings,

"As God by creation made two of one, so again
by marriage He made one of two."
Thomas Adams

All images are copyright of Closer to Love Photography & Design.
Please don't copy, screen-cap,  or alter any images without our permission.
If you use these photos for social sites such as  Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook, please make
a note that the photographs were taken by  Closer to Love, and a link to
http://www.closertolovephotography.com or 
http://www.closertoloveblog.com.
Thank you.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T19:00:57Z

Happy Valentine's Day! Auntie Christina always gets our daughter Saylah a new outfit when she is another month older. This month, we celebrated Saylah's 7-month birthday and Christina gave Saylah a red Valentine's dress. Recently, we decided to go to Laguna Beach and dressed Saylah up in her new dress, and captured her on our adventurous beach day. Today, whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day with a loved one or alone, we hope these photos of Saylah bring a smile to your face. She is growing up so quickly and we are enjoying every laugh, every smile, every new accomplishment that she makes. She has a tiny tooth coming in and just a few days ago she began crawling FORWARD! (A huge accomplishment! She's been crawling backwards for a while, haha). We love her with all our hearts and cannot imagine life without her!

Today, we also celebrate another accomplishment: Closer to Love turns 2 years old!! Exactly 2 years ago today, Natalia and I launched "Closer to Love Photography & Design"... Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine we would be doing what we love to do, full-time! We are so thankful every moment of every day!!

Happy Valentine's Day, Happy 7 months to our beautiful daughter Saylah, and Happy 2nd Birthday to us!

If you are Married, Dating, or Single, the Greatest Love story of all
is the story of of God's Love for you!
(John 3:16)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Justine + Brian Engaged | Costa Mesa, CA

2012-02-07T18:46:01Z

We love trying things that we've never done before. Justine and Brian asked us to push the envelope a bit and create an Editorial-styled Engagement Session. They wanted their Session to reflect something that they would see straight out of a magazine. Brian is an extremely talented graphic designer, and he along with Justine knew exactly what they wanted. WE WERE UP FOR THE CHALLENGE! And we were beyond excited.

This Engagement Session was split into two series: The first series was a "A Day In The Life Of Justine & Brian" - They envisioned a normal, casual life at home, and we would capture the candid moments. The second series was to be a bit more urban and edgy at The Camp in Costa Mesa. The day unfolded perfectly and below is the final outcome of our Session! I truly had such a blast on this Session. Justine and Brian were up FOR EVERYTHING, even risking their lives on a very unstable hammock (I confessed it was probably the most dangerous thing I ever had someone do on a shoot! Sorry guys!), pillow-fighting, and having a blast just being themselves.

I refer to Justine and Brian as our "cool couple." Everything about them says: "cool." From attire to personality, they are just plain cool. With that said, they are extremely humble, kind, down-to-earth, and just an amazing couple to be with. We had such a blast on their Session and can only imagine what their Wedding Day will be like. We are so blessed for the opportunity and look forward to creating even more memories and laughter along the way with Justine and Brian.

Blessings,

"A heart that loves, is always young."
Greek Proverb

All images are copyright of Closer to Love Photography & Design.
Please don't copy, screen-cap,  or alter any images without our permission.
If you use these photos for social sites such as  Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook, please make
a note that the photographs were taken by  Closer to Love, and a link to
http://www.closertolovephotography.com or 
http://www.closertoloveblog.com.
Thank you.

Natasha + Andrew Engaged - Los Angeles, CA

2012-02-03T14:30:27Z

Natasha was a girl from Lancaster and Andrew was a guy from Rialto. In January of 2007 they met for the first time, both working as servers at Mimi’s Cafe. A friendship was born instantly. Whether it was being in the break room at the same time or going to a co-workers’ house for a BBQ, they always enjoyed being around each other. Andrew would always find ways to make Natasha laugh and smile, and Natasha was the easiest girl to talk to, even if it was about sports. They are so different but so similar. They both love music, movies, the beach, the Los Angeles Kings, and especially Disneyland. They appreciate history and enjoy trying new and exciting things.

Andrew is currently working for Coca Cola as a large accounts Manager and Natasha just graduated with her BSN in nursing and is working as an ICU nurse. During their friendship, Natasha told Andrew that she hopes to marry a guy just like him. Andrew thought he was stuck in the “friend zone” (he didn't notice her subtle hints that she wanted to be more than friends.) On November 19th of 2007 they knew it was time to take their friendship to the next level. They told each other they loved each other while watching the fireworks at Disneyland.

From Andrew – “When I met Natasha at Mimi’s I was at a hard time in my life. I remember she was so funny and outgoing and I knew she would be a great friend. However, it did not take long for our friendship to grow into much more. As friends I remember telling her that I felt LOVE was great for some people and heartbreak for others. I really thought that LOVE was not meant for a person like me. Natasha has changed my whole outlook on life. I love her more than life itself. Here I was never thinking I could fall in love and now I fall in love over and over again every single day that I see her. I really cannot even remember what my life was like before I met Natasha. I thank God everyday that I have met my soul mate, my best friend, and my wife.”

Last week Natalia and I photographed their incredible Engagement Session. We began shooting in Los Angeles at the Villa Del Sol D'oro for the classic, 1940’s inspired Session. Accompanying Natasha and Andrew was a classic 1940’s Chevrolet, Master 85 Four Door Sedan, also known as “Elegant '40.” From there we drove to the Griffith Observatory and finished off the Session beneath the Los Angeles sky. Andrew proposed at the Griffith Observatory and they will be celebrating their Wedding at the Villa Del Sol D'oro. They wanted their Engagement Session to incorporate both locations and tell a story of an old fashioned, classic love that they know they share. Below are a few of our favorite photographs from their Session. Enjoy!

Blessings,

"I found the one my heart loves."
Song of Solomon 3:4

Nika + Mark Married - Anaheim, CA

2012-02-01T20:49:29Z

Nika and Mark are one in a million. Nika first met Mark in Sunday School… She was 9, Mark was 10. From the first time they met each other in that tiny classroom, the innocent crush began. Mark confessed that at the age of 13, he had already begun praying for Nika, knowing deep in his heart that one day he would marry her. Young and very much in love at age 18 and 19, they shared their very first kiss at the alter, and we feel privileged and honored to have been given the opportunity to capture it.

Nika and Mark’s Wedding was filled with so much fun, laughter and… donuts! Haha. Nika and Mark not only pulled off a fun and unique Wedding, but they did it perfectly!! They had over 300 guests and opted to have a “Dessert Reception” instead of the traditional 3-course meal. Everyone loved it. There was ice cream, every imaginable sweets and toppings, and of course – donuts! Their Wedding cake was made out of Krispy Kreme Donuts – Mark’s favorite. Their Big Day was also very personal and intimate, with black and white photos plastered all over the reception walls, documenting years of timeless memories.

Nika and Mark’s Wedding was one of the most relaxed, fun, and memorable events we have ever been able to document. We know God has great things in store for this amazing couple, and we cannot wait to see where their love for each other and for the Lord takes them. Below are a few of our favorite photos from their Wedding Day. Enjoy!

Blessings,

"...May you rejoice in the wife of your youth...
May you ever be captivated by her love."
Proverbs 5:18-19

Introducing: Q B O O T H

2012-01-26T22:43:11Z

Q B O O T H is a photo booth, re-engineered. It is a portable studio where instead of a computer, there's a professional photographer running the show, sparking interaction, creating real moments instead of 'pose-and-smile.' The background comes in any color, and accommodates 1-8 people. In addition to getting all your images on a disc, they are also viewable online in a gallery where your guests can view, share, download, and make prints of their own.

We'd like to officially introduce you to the newest member of the Closer to Love family, Nick Wisda! A great friend and extremely talented Photographer, Nick has partnered with us to introduce our clients to the newest and greatest feature - the new exclusive Studio Booth - also known as... Q B O O T H!

Watch the Q B O O T H Promo Video below:

If you are interested in booking the Q B O O T H for your Wedding or event,
be sure to send us an email at photography@closertolovestudio.com for Packages and Pricing!

Day After Session - San Juan Capistrano

2012-01-26T19:17:51Z

The San Juan Capistrano Mission in Southern California has quickly become one of my favorite locations to shoot, and a major reason for that is because of Eunice and Adrian's Session. They decided to have a "Day After/Bridal Session" after their Wedding Day to add even more timeless photos to their collection. Below are just a few of my favorites from their incredible Session!

Enjoy!

We are the Anchor Family

2012-01-24T19:40:41Z

We are the Anchor Family, it’s a pleasure to meet you:) It all began in 2008 with a song, THE song. My favorite band, Telecast, recorded one of the most amazing songs I have ever heard called “Anchor of my Soul.” It spoke to me on a very deep level. During that time, in our early dating stage, I would make Natalia compilation CD’s of some of my favorite songs. Natalia wasn’t as big as a music enthusiast as I was, so I promised to make her a new CD with some of my favorite songs every season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) and introduce her to some of my favorite artists.

It was Christmas 2008 and I decided to buy Natalia an “Anchor” necklace to reflect my favorite song. My favorite song soon became her favorite, too. I knew anything anchor-related would always bring us back to the meaning of the song along with the memories of the beginning of our relationship. She wore that anchor necklace on our Wedding Day and I will never forget the emotion it brought when I first saw her walking down the aisle, wearing a meaningful piece of jewelry I bought her.

Since then, we’ve compiled all-things-anchors in our home. Even our close friends bought us a big anchor to put on our living room wall! We both own anchor t-shirts, and already started Saylah early with anchor beanies. You can call it an obsession, but we’ll always love it!

And since this post is all about anchors, I thought we could do a quick little history lesson. The anchor was actually an early Christian symbol commonly found in the Roman catacombs as a symbol of the hope we have in Christ beyond this life, and is a fitting inscription for a Christian tomb. The symbol comes from this verse:

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19)

"When the early Christians did represent the sign of the cross on their monuments, nearly all sepulchral in character, they felt obliged to disguise it in some artistic and symbolical way. One of the oldest of the symbols of the cross is the anchor. Originally a symbol of hope in general, the anchor takes on in this way a much higher meaning: that of hope based on the Cross of Christ. The similarity of the anchor to the cross made the former an admirable Christian symbol." (Orazio Marucchi, "Archology of the Cross and Crucifix," (1908), Vol. 4)

When it came time to choose the branding for Closer to Love, we knew we wanted it to reflect us. So, of course, an anchor had to be involved. That is why you see anchors throughout our website & blog, and social media sites.

The anchor will never get old for us.

The main reason is because the meaning and the message of the an anchor is timeless. Jesus is our anchor. Our hope. And our help, forever. His Word is our anchor. He keeps us from being crashed into the rocks and storms of this uncertain life. Sometimes it may feel like you are in a terrible storm, and you are holding on by a very thin line; but remember, the size of the line is not as important as what it is attached to. If you are attached to Jesus, THE ANCHOR, then He will hold you steady and secure. You can trust in Him! Our anchor is Hope. Jesus is the Rock that keeps our anchor steadfast, sure, and immovable, so that when those waves begin to crash down, we don't lose hope and drift away.

Our prayer and hope is that you would be secure in Him today, as your Anchor.

Every time you stop by our website and blog, you’ll be sure to see an anchor. And we wouldn’t have it any other way:)