Herman Au Photography

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Wedding: Kristy & Rob – East meets West

I remember when I first met Kristy and Rob and we discussed about their wedding plans, and I could tell that they’re so deeply in love. Often times I come across interfaith and intercultural weddings, but I sensed something a little special in this one that got me really excited about their wedding.

Originally their wedding wasn’t set until 2010, but one day I received an email from Kristy telling me that they had a change of plans. They ended up organizing a smaller, intimate wedding instead of what they originally had in mind. I had another meeting with them and I was affirmed that this would be a special assignment. =)

I have photographed many tea ceremonies of different cultures – Chinese, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, but Kristy and Rob infused their Western background into the traditional Asian ceremony and made it very intimate, very touchy. I especially like how they had the person serving the tea introduce the guests prior to Kristy or Rob handing the tea over.

On top of the tea ceremony, the very creative Rob came up with a… Key Ceremony, accompanied with a a beautiful speech to explain how the key symbolizes their love and their journey together. The entire ceremony and reception is filled with “awws” and “ahhs”, laughter and tears of joy, and overflowing with emotions.

We then stopped by a small park nearby in Hollywood where Kristy found this tree that grows… kind of sideways. The sun was setting and we had no time to spare before the sun would be completely behind the hills, but we managed to pull together several shots that I really adore. At the end, I once again was reminded why I love what I do – capturing and preserving memories. Wedding goes by very quickly, my job is to preserve it from a different perspective in a way that will allows you to relive the moment, and to put that that smile on your face, again.

Herman Au is a Wedding Photographer located in Los Angeles, California
Service area includes LA, Orange County, and San Francisco Bay Area
Will also travel worldwide for destination weddings
http://www.hermanau.com

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Engagement: Ling & Huenjin @ Caltech

Two Caltech faculties heading to Caltech for an engagement shoot, that’s gotta be fun. :-) They know exactly where they could get a sip of water, how the shortest route from point A to B to C, and Ling’s sister could come back with soda in matter of minutes (which I’m sure I’d be lost in there struggling to find my way back)!

We started off the day taking a few shots on Mount Wilson, which is literally on fire at the moment. I hope they have it under containment soon… we then grabbed a quick bite from the Mediterranean Cafe, which was awesome by the way!

Then we went all around Caltech and found some amazingly beautiful light and settings, and these two love birds seem to be having a little too much fun. =)

The very awesome lamb kebob from the Mediterranean Cafe. Thanks Ling and Huenjin!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Wedding: Lisa & Erwin, Oneonta Congregational Church, South Pasadena

It’s a very hot summer day, but an absolute blast to work despite the heat because it’s finally Lisa & Erwin’s big day!

How often do you come across a bride who forgets her wedding bands before the wedding and would still smile about it? Yep that’s Lisa.. easily one of the cheerful, caring girls who’s marrying the love of her life. It’s definitely not my average day – 300 McDonald’s nuggets, groomsmen dancing around the groom, then watch them play tennis (don’t ask), having a dozen people jump at the Pasadena City Hall, watch the bridesmaids and kids dance around like you would back in pre-school. And after countless laughs and many drops of tears of joy, congratulations Lisa and Erwin! =)

Here’s a few pictures taken that day to share:

Big Thanks to the following vendors at the wedding who made everything go smoothly! :-)

The very experienced and talented Joyce Luck and her team who took care of makeup and hair
Jennifer Skinner @ Oneonta Congressional Church who made the ceremony go so smoothly
and of course, DJ Konrad with the stellar sound setup

Herman Au is a Wedding Photographer located in Los Angeles, California
http://www.hermanau.com

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

August… Wedding Season!

Boy, it’s HOT in SoCal the past couple of weeks. I’ve been a little overwhelmed lately with all the projects unwrapping in July, August, September.

I have a farmer’s (photographer’s) tan… and it’s getting more serious by the day
I bought an old Miata to reward myself and to save the earth (some gas), but the convertible driving is making my photographer’s tan even worse
This week marks the first time that I’ll be shooting 4 days a week
Helen & Alex’s album arrived along with Venetia & Steven’s and Forbeyon delivers once again, they never fail to impress! I am a proud photographer to deliver these quality albums to happy customers
I’ve been receiving prints from WHCC several times a week these days, and the UPS man is wondering what’s up with all the odd sized packages *grin*
WHCC prints are out of this world… for your reference that’s what I deliver if you order prints from the a la carte menu. Trust me, the print quality never fails to impress.
Totally out of context again, but I bought Wii Sports Resort and I’ve been getting e-exercise… the sword fight gave my wife a sore arm, and thanks to the Wii I’m getting some morning exercise every day to kick start the day!
A few weeks ago we went Segway Riding with Segwow. It’s F-U-N, and I think once of these days I’ll try to persuade my brides to do a segway engagement session! =)
Oh, and congratulations Lisa & Erwin, you guys are totally awesome and your wedding has been a blast to photograph! Keep an eye out for your pictures coming up very soon!

And… New blog design update should be on its way… :-)

Herman Au is a Wedding Photographer located in Los Angeles, California
http://www.hermanau.com

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Wedding: Helen & Danny, 7/18/2009

Helen and Danny had their e-session just a few months ago, and I still remember the worried look on Helen we she picked up her canvas print. It was one of the hottest days this summer, and we had more guests showing up at the Chapel of Roses that was packed! But then again, everything went smoothly and the sweet couple had a great and happy wedding day in the end.

I have to thank you two for getting us ahead of the line to give the photo booth a try, boy it sure was a hit that day with guests lining up in front of it all night long!