jane d photography: Descanso Gardens Wedding...

Mike, Leyla and I headed up to Los Angeles after Sunday brunch this past weekend. Our destination? Sae Lee's studio! I had my portable hard drive in my hot little hands. It seriously felt like Christmas morning... I was about to acquire all of the photographs I'd taken so far. Oh the excitement!

As music played softly in the background, I literally sat on the edge of my seat as we reviewed the pictures on a glossy 27 inch monitor. I received priceless nuggets of advice, technical tips, and lots of encouragement... and with all these tools I move excitedly on to my next wedding this weekend. It's funny... my first two weddings went by in such a blur... but the images that we captured brought back each moment so vividly. Almost like we were reliving it. {SIGH} That's what I love about photography!

My goals as second or third shooter are as follows: to be creative and try to capture each moment from a different perspective than that of the principal photographer, get the "little details", and of course... actively support the principal photographer in any way he/she needs. Not an easy feat... however capturing all of the little details and stolen glances between the bride and groom is just so much fun. =)

I'm so excited to be sharing with you a few of my photos from my very first wedding coverage at Descanso Gardens. I learned so much from that experience. A few notes to self:

1. Don't be shy to ASK QUESTIONS! Asking what he meant earlier by "format your disc" 5 hours into coverage = NO BUENO! {HA!}
2. Pack band-aids in case your feet decide to carry out a mutiny
3. Energy bars are your friend, as are sympathetic bartenders who provide you with lots of Diet Coke
4. Stretch the morning of {I kid you not}
5. Last but not least... HAVE FUN! After all, we have the privilege of being a part of and documenting one of the most wonderful things in life: LOVE!

So, on to the best part.... The pictures! Enjoy!

The Dress... With a capital "D"... =)
As the ladies posed for a traditional portrait with Mr. Lee, I shot their reflection in the mirror...

The event coordinator's instructions to, "Be extremely careful! The stone smudges easily" made me really nervous. Luckily Mr. Lee handled the ring. He balanced the ring with a steady hand on the first try. =)

It was the perfect day for a garden wedding...
The bride and father as they wait for their cue... The rosy glow came from the stained glass door...

While Mr. Lee photographed the bride and groom after the ceremony, I waited in the parking lot where the bride's family had a little surprise waiting for them...