Leyla is Lydia & Gordon’s lovable, rambunctious pup, who came along for the shoot. I love this how Leyla is looking at her mum and pop in this image.

There’s a story behind these t-shirts: Lydia loves friends and Gordon loves Chick fil-A. I’ve never tried Chick fil-A, so on the drive back up to SF from LA, I stopped by one, excited to find out what I’ve been missing out on. Unfortunately, it was still under construction, so I never did get to try it; there aren’t any Chick fil-A restaurants up in SF. I guess I’ll have to try it when I’m in LA to shoot their wedding in October.

I’ll leave you with a picture from my last trip to Europe two years ago, taken in Versailles (the palace).

Here’s a teaser from Sunday’s mini-session that involved five-month old baby Ronin, a cutie-patootie who was an angel for the camera. Funny moment of the day: Ronin got hungry midway through his shoot, and as I was holding him, he turned toward me and made a beeline towards my chest. I believe he was looking for his dinner. Hehe.

More to come soon!

I LOVE the pennant banner that Vir made for Kaelyn’s name.

Check out the cute little bees buzzing around a gorgeous flower-topped cake! The details truly make this spread.

Yellow whirly pops. Even the name is adorable.

And the best part? Vir secretly told me all of the goods were store bought and many of the platters were borrowed. Wow! Presentation really makes a HUGE impact.

Below are a few more pictures from the party… I wish I took more photos but I was having so much fun talking to all the guests. I came by myself, a little self-conscious about not knowing anyone, but Jess & Vir’s family and friends were so sweet, I had nothing to worry about.

Vir and Jess displayed some of the photos from Kaelyn’s baby session. I especially love how the gatorfoam print turned out.  These are a great, inexpensive alternative to canvas wraps. I really like the clean black border around the foam core.

Last but not least, the sunny party invitation designed by Vir. I’m not exaggerating when I say that she is the best graphic designer that I know. I wish she would start a stationery line because I’d be her best customer.

If I ever host a party and I coincidentally happen to do the EXACT SAME dessert buffet spread, you can just pretend you never saw it on my blog.

Kaelyn has the cutest baby nursery ever, and you’d never guess it was decorated on a budget. Vir and Jess painted it the color of warm sunshine, accented with touches of fresh sea spray.

Vir ordered a precious tutu from Etsy especially for the photo session. How unbearably cute does Kaelyn look wearing it? Be still, my aching ovaries.

I loved watching Vir’s gentle nature with Kaelyn. She changed her several times throughout the session, each time comforting baby Kaelyn with her sweet voice.

Kaelyn is going to be the best dressed baby in history. I especially loved her yellow and white polka-dotted swimsuit. Why are baby clothes so much cuter than adult clothes?

Darling little Kaelyn isn’t much bigger than her beloved plushy Bear-Bear.

Jess and Vir obviously love baby Kaelyn with everything they have. It was such a privilege to document their family for an afternoon. And if I didn’t tell you that they made me want a baby of my own, I’d be lying.

Curled little baby fists: quite possibly the cutest things on the planet.

Last but not least, one picture of Jess & Vir’s firstborn: Wicket the Ewok Maltese-Yorkie.

To Vir & Jess: Thanks for letting us be a part of your family for an afternoon! We love baby Kaelyn and we can’t wait to watch her grow up.

Why am I a photographer?

If things had worked out the way I wanted, I would have my own photography gallery in the heart of SF. Unfortunately, the words “art school” and traditional Chinese-American parents don’t mesh well together. Who knew?

My husband bought me my first DSLR years ago and predicted that I would be a photographer one day. Of course, I didn’t believe him. Sometimes I still don’t believe him now. I took the camera with us on a vacation to Europe, and as I fumbled relentlessly with the buttons and functions, something clicked (pun intended). I shot my first wedding with a friend–a scary, exhilarating experience–and I was hooked. I fell in love with storytelling through a lens.

I’ll be honest with you–when I admire the works of famous artists like Annie Leibovitz and Richard Avedon, I feel like a wannabe toting around a digital toy. Yet I’m still here, relentlessly pursuing the craft. Why? I’m not in it for the money–building a business correctly is a LOT more intense than one could imagine. I never had any delusions that it would be easy to be a photographer. I’m not in it for the cool factor. Photography seems like a glamorous profession. But, after tallying up the hours, dollars, and sweat invested, suddenly the cool factor isn’t so cool anymore. So, why am I a photographer…?

I am a photographer because the art has helped me know myself. Before I snap a photo, I ask myself, “What am I trying to say with this image?” As I’ve been developing my personal style, I’ve had to ask deeper questions: What am I trying to communicate with my body of work? What perspective can I offer? What is my personal vision? How can I articulate it? In wrestling with the answers to these questions, I’ve formed a stronger knowledge of my personal identity. Photography has forced me to look–really look–into my heart and ponder tough questions. In the process, I’ve discovered who I am–and more importantly, who I am not.

I am a photographer because it challenges me. There are lots of things that I could challenge myself with. Climbing Mount Everest, for one. But, I am a timid person by nature. I don’t like stepping out of my comfort zone. For most of my years, I’ve been coasting along and taking what falls into my lap, too timid to take any risks. Photography has changed me. As an artist, I want to improve. I want the pictures on my screen to consistently look like the pictures I think up in my head and I’m willing to do what it takes to get there. I have never been so willing to work so hard for anything in my life.

I am a photographer because it inspires me. The art has breathed life into me. I feel inspired like I’ve never felt before. My husband sees it. My friends notice it. I feel it. For years, I’ve regretted not applying to art school over a regular university. I’ve always been a creative person, but I wouldn’t call myself an artist. I don’t draw, paint, or use any of the typical mediums. Having a creative mind without an outlet to express myself is completely frustrating. With photography, I’ve found my outlet. The camera is my brush and light is my paint.

I am a photographer because I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve tried to talk myself out of pursuing photography professionally. Photography was my hobby. And when you take a hobby and attach a monetary value to it, well, it’s no longer a hobby. It turns into a job with expectations and deliverables. Sometimes money can suck the life out of art. But, photography consumes me. I wake up and think about it. When I’m driving, I see the highway in image frames. When I open my mouth, I talk about it. The word obsessed would be phrasing it lightly. It’s deeper than an emotional response and I want to share what I feel with others. With a camera in my hand, I’ve finally found where I fit in this world.

Finally, I am a photographer because it draws me closer to God. I don’t talk about my faith publicly because it’s an extremely personal subject. But, I can’t write this post without acknowledging the main reason I’m pursuing this craft. It is the only reason I know I am moving in the right direction. I view everything in my life as either drawing me closer to God or pulling me away. With photography, I’ve gained humility, discipline, and vision. It has been a tool to refine my character and I’ve had to depend on His guidance more than ever.

Perhaps my time as a photographer will be a season in my life. For right now, I know I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Last October, my little brother Jesse (who is not so little anymore) got married to lovely Christina at the Bridges Golf Club in San Ramon, and I gained a sister! I was in the wedding party, so the camera only came out at the beginning of the day and at the reception.

We all had our makeup done by Jira and her team at Wow Pretty.

We made these lovely bouquets the night before the wedding.

We also made these pomander balls, but they didn’t make it to the ceremony.

I have a special affection for the details because we designed them together and put a lot of sweat and labor into them.

Most emotional father-daughter dance ever! I love the expression on Christina’s dad’s face. He definitely loves his baby girl.

Jesse and Christina played the infamous shoe game. It’s amazing how much they matched up in answers. They know each other inside and out!

Onto the photos:

Have a wonderful week!