Alexa Stephanie: 1st birthday party

June 7, 2009
Corinthian Gardens Clubhouse

As you can see, I'm still trying to catch up on my blogging. I thought I was doing pretty well, but then I realized I skipped Alexa's birthday when I was posting all my June kiddie events.:D And it would have been a shame if I didn't post this one because Mommy Alpha is one of the sweetest clients I've ever worked with. I first met Alexa when I photographed her baptism last year. She was only a few months old then. When I saw her again on her birthday party though, she had grown a lot. And she now LOVES to dance!:)

Here are some shots from the party...



Colorful cake and cupcakes!

Alexa looking cute in her costume.:)



With Mommy and Daddy.


Doing what she loves to do. Dancing!

Beautiful venue set-up by Kidstar Kastles.

My 3-year-old nephew Liam (with his mom) came to pick me up after the party and Mommy Alpha handed him one of these. He loved it.:)




The light was perfect outside, so I asked the family for a short pictorial. The photos turned out great!:)




Alexa just wanted to go back to her party though. But she still looked pretty cute.


Cute expression on Alexa here.:)



One of my favorites. Party host/magician Ruther.

This was right before Alexa blew out her candle, when the kids were asked to close their eyes and make a special birthday wish for Alexa.:D

Harrod Trevor: Baptism and 1st birthday party

I know, it's been a week since my last blog entry. I went on a short trip with my family the past weekend, and when we got back, I had to recuperate from all the walking that we did in Hong Kong. I had a lot of fun, of course, but walking around for 3 whole days with the camera on my neck and my camera bag on my shoulder was just a bit too much for me I guess. I had to go to the doctor last Monday, and she ordered bed rest and double dose of vitamin C. I finally got to do my emails yesterday, and now, I am feeling well enough to go back to blogging (and I hope I get some work done as well).:)

August 30, 2009
Shrine of Jesus
Century Sheraton Ballroom

Harrod's party was my last event for August. Mommy Gennet contacted me early to book the event, but since she turned over the planning to Kathleen of Hi5 Parties, we never got to meet up until the day of the event itself.

We started early at their home to take a few shots of the birthday family. Gennet was initially worried that our call time might be too early for Harrod. But when Pie and I got there, he was all up and about and ready for his pictorial.:)

Boys' shoes aren't usually as interesting as girls' shoes, but I love this shot of Harrod's shoes.


The first thing I look for when I go into a new place is good natural light. And the family home was like a dream for me.

Harrod was also such a great model. It wasn't difficult photographing him at all.


Some family shots.

I love this one.


Some shots during the baptismal ceremony.




Love love love the details!




Harrod with his grandma before the party started.

While the guests enjoyed their Chinese Lauriat, Harrod was enjoying his own lunch.





Blowing the candle with the help of Mommy, Daddy, his grandparents, the ninongs and ninangs, and all the kids.

There were a lot of different activities for all the kids. The bigger kids had arts and krafts on the side.


While a team from Gymboree was there to entertain the smaller kids.

Caitlin: 1st birthday party

August 23, 2009
Rustica Restaurant

I had already blocked this date about a year ago when my friend Lyra told me not to take any bookings on my inaanak Sam's birthday because she wanted me to be there as a guest. Considering I rarely get to enjoy parties as I guest, I was really looking forward to it. However, when Lyra and family decided to move to Vietnam earlier this year, and it wasn't clear if they could celebrate Sam's birthday here, I inadvertently cleared the date and got a booking. I was so sad to realize that I was going to be missing another big event in Sam's (and Lyra's) life (I also had to work during Sam's baptism last year). When I got to Rustica however, and I saw that I was going to be working with Jhoanne Alon (Polkadots Events), and I saw the simple yet beautiful decorations and the pretty little details, I knew it wasn't going to be so bad. When I found out this was going to be a very intimate party with just close friends and families, and I knew I was going to enjoy it. And although I missed my inaanak's party, I was so glad it was so I could work with such wonderful clients. Caitlin, Mommy Grace, Daddy Fred, and their families were such a joy to work with. I'm glad I got the chance to be at Caitlin's party that day.

Some of my favorites from the party:


I love this shot of the dress. This might be one of my favorite dress shots so far.:)



Silver shoes!





I loved taking photos of the cake and cupcakes. If you leaned in just a little bit, you could already smell their yumminess!



Lovely set-up by Polkadots.






We took some outdoor photos of the family before most of the guests arrived. I loved working with these guys because I felt that they trusted me. They are also photography enthusiasts so they understood how I work. And Grace knows and likes my style, so she was very open to my suggestions.

Some solo shots of Caitlin.


I had to follow her around for a bit, but she finally warmed up to me.

My favorite shot of Caitlin.:)

When she got into her party dress, I tried taking more solo photos of her, but she wouldn't keep still long enough. I love this shot though.

Wanlu is Grace's uncle. So, naturally he was there to perform.

Everyone enjoyed the cupcakes.