Mac and Karen: Wedding

October 18, 2008
The Basilica of San Sebastian
Baluarte de San Diego

Apparently, people still don't know that I do weddings as well. It's partly my fault though, because I haven't been posting enough of them here. In fact, I still have a few weddings from last year that I haven't gotten around to posting yet. Oops.

Anyway, here is one wedding that I photographed from a few months ago. I met Mac and Karen just a few days before their big day when we did their engagement pictorial. These guys fell in love back when they were in college. And although Mac has been working overseas for many years now while Karen has to stay behind, neither time nor distance could stop them from finally being husband and wife.

The wedding itself was so full of delicious details. From a magnificent church and a scenic reception venue to the dainty bridal bouquet. Of course, it didn't hurt that the couple had radiant smiles the whole day, either. My camera had a feast!

Check out some of the photos from that day...




I loved Karen's handbag. It had the same lovely brooch that was also on her dress.


Details on the dress.


Pretty shoes!


Here's Mac getting ready.


And here he is posing for some portraits.


The lovely bride.

Karen's mom looked so young and pretty. Here she is looking at her daughter getting ready to get married.


Some more bridal shots.

A couple of shots we did on the way out of the hotel.




Just before the kiss. I love how they look so happy.


When we got to the reception venue, the light was just perfect for outdoor portraits!




Details from the reception...


And the fun begins...






More pictures HERE!!!

The Sto. Domingos: Family portrait session

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today I wanted to post something a bit more personal that I hope everyone can appreciate as well.

Pete's dad has been working in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for about 30 years now and for the past 13 years or so (before that the whole family was based in Jeddah), he only gets to come home and be with the whole family once or twice (if he's lucky) in a year. Ever since Pete and I got together over a decade ago, and I started spending time with his family, I have always noticed how the family home seems a little brighter, the air around just a tad bit merrier when Daddy Elmer is around. I wanted to capture that happiness, so I suggested to Pete that we do a family portrait session this year. I made a portrait album of my favorite shots from the session, and we gave it as a birthday gift for Daddy Elmer. They all loved it. We'll also be having some of the photos framed to hang in the family home.

I am a big believer in having nice family photos. (I've been doing this for a couple of years now with my side of the family.) It's a great way to record a moment. Your family will not always look the same--kids grow up too fast, and new members come along, and of course every member changes physically. Plus, it can also be a nice bonding activity for the family.:)

Here are some of my favorites from the session. We were very lucky with the weather that day. We got this really awesome bright sunlight, and the air was cool and not humid at all.:)

These are my parents-in-law, Daddy Elmer and Mama Guy.

And this is Niña, my sister-in-law. She's posed for me a few times before so she's a familiar face in this blog. (One of her photos is on the header.) ;)


Pete's niece and nephew, Pia and Joaqi.


Pete's brother, Kuya Sony and his wife, Ate Judee.




The whole family.


Then we changed into dressier clothes. Here's a cool telenovela shot. ;)


Yes, we do have this kind of light here in Pinas. You just have to know how to use it.;)

I love these family photos. LOVE.

The biggest challenge during the shoot was getting Joaqi to stay still long enough for the camera. We still managed to get good shots of him though. This was my favorite shot of the siblings.

Every since Ate Judee wore this dress to my sister's wedding, I have been wanting to photograph her in it. Luckily, we were able to convince her to wear it to the pictorial. Lahveet! :D


Sweet no?:D

One of my favorite models. Hehehe.


Big thanks to my sister Pie for helping take all the photos from here on (also including the family photos above). It's quite difficult directing and "starring" in your own pictorial but she made it so much easier for me. Hehehe.






Pete and I had no plans of getting our photo taken that day. But we're glad we did it.

Maia: Baptism and 1st birthday party

January 11, 2009
Christ the King Church
Valle Verde 4 Clubhouse

Here are photos from Maia's baptism and 1st birthday party. Mommy Jen and I never got the chance to meet up before the event. When I saw them, I couldn't help but notice what a cute family they make. We didn't get the chance to talk before the baptismal ceremony either, because they came just as the priest was starting. Luckily, things just got smoother from there.:)



They say that tall guy is a PBA player.




The party was just a few blocks from the church.


They had more guests than the venue could normally hold, so more tables were set up outside. I loved it!


Colorful venue set-up by Kidstar Kastles!:)




The kids enjoying the games hosted by Flooch.

See? I told you they were cute.;)






More photos from Maia's party HERE!