Friday, February 26, 2010

Elyse Reuben Custom Couture + Runway Show + Pechanga Casino + Temecula

Last week I had an amazing opportunity to come out with a good friend of mine Alicia and be guests for Jaime of Elyse Reuben Custom Couture. Jaime's 2010 collection was the featured runway at the Pechanga Bridal Show.  I wouldn't be me if I didn't say how nervous I was, but truly excited all bundled into one. You see this was a generous honor to be asked to be a part of this event, one that I am sincerely greatful for. This day couldn't of been more perfect with 10 talented and beautiful models, amazing bouquets by Annette of Murrieta V.I.P. Florist, Tuxedos by Class Act, hair and make-up team from Tanya Gray Salon, and lastly the fabulous gowns designed by Jaime of Elyse Reuben. In between the runway, Alicia and I did a full on shoot with the girls on location. What really helped was that we visited the venue the day before, and scouted what spots we wanted to shoot at. Luckily we met a manager of the venue who gave us access to Eagles Nest Club, were Alicia and I split apart and started shooting. The great thing with working with models is that as a photographer you can work together and try different things and get even more creative. Here are a few of my favorites from the day.  Don't forget to take  a peak of the slideshow to see more of the day!

Click on this link to view the slideshow.

Make-up - Tanya Gray Salon ( Jessica Hale, Jessica Pacheco, an Audrey West)
Florist- Murrieta VIP Florist (Annette LaRocque)
Tuxedo- Class Act Tuxedo (Sal Vargas)
Models - Casey, Justine, Michelle, Sue, Tristyn, Alexie, Kaylie, Brooke, Alex, Rebecca, and Evan.





































Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez + San Juan Capistrano Basilica Mission Wedding Photographer



You know the saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." How true are these words that breathe's life into this couple. Their story begins when they fell in love at a young age, with the timing not being right,  they broke apart. They ended up starting new beginnings apart from each other for over 18 years. Then came a place in their lives for them to reconnect. With the power of computer and networking forums they found each other. It wasn't long before these two rekindled what they left behind. This is when the newest and most beautiful love story begins. For many months they traveled between California and Arizona to see each other. Karla being such a funny girl seems to always get the surprises out of Ray.  Ray knew he didn't want to live the rest of his life without Karla so he planned  a  surprise getaway. When the planning didn't work, he blurted over the phone," I want to marry you Karla! I want to propose to you! I've been waiting for the right time that financially I will be able to support you, and give you the wedding you've always dreamed of." Not but a few weeks later he started a new job in Iraq, training the new police force for the country. This job required a lot of time apart, but his promise to Karla was true, as her wedding of her dreams came to life.  
 
Ray and Karla, you both make my heart smile to see how in love you two are. All the phone calls with Karla whether it was to look at jewelry, shoes, or visit you at your home. I was more than happy to help you on this special day. Bill and I are so honored to be their to capture this beautiful time of your lives.

To see more of their love story please click on the link, I promise this is a slideshow you don't want to miss! http://cliftonphotography.myshowit.com/rayandkarla-1/index.html

A quick note for my brides and future brides. Karla and Ray made special arrangements for us to have 2 hours of shooting time for their portrait session. I know not everyone has this flexability, but the positive is having more portraits and more creativity for your albums. 

This picture I just adore! If you can see in the mirror a young girl who is Karla's daughter watching her mother getting ready.
Ray looking a little GQ!
The mission is such a photographer's dream, I could of been there all day! The venue only allows you a total of 20 minutes to shoot, but we worked our charm and had 40 minutes! 
Karla you are gorgeous!

My husband Bill was the second photographer at the wedding so while I was capturing the left photo he captured the photo on the right.