Wedding Photography | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer | Orange County Photojournalist | Destination Wedding Photographer

New York, ahh yes, I think Alecia put it best when she said, “These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you.” It was both Justin and my first time to New York, and I have to say it was exactly that. It was inspiring, exhilarating, and oh man is it a fast paced city.

To illustrate, let me say that at 6 foot and 1 inch I would say that I am on the taller side of the average person’s height. Thus my legs are fairly long giving me what I thought was quite a brisk average walking speed. So, I thought. Within 30 seconds of getting off the subway that landed us in the middle of Manhattan, I heard a women from behind me say in her strong Brooklyn accent, “Hey hurry it up, I’m walkin here!” I turned back to see who this speedy person was only to find that it was a fairly fit pregnant women probably 7 months along, pushing a stroller with a 2 year old in it! Seriously, was I really being told by a pregnant women pushing a stroller that I was walking too slow!

After, picking up what was left of my shattered confidence from off the concrete floor of the subway station. Justin and I headed out to experience New York LJP style the day before our big wedding. Don’t worry, there will be more stories in full on LJP New York article soon enough!

Anyway, so on Sunday, we headed to Bassem and Lauren’s wedding which held in the Allegria Hotel in Long Beach, New York. Yeah, New York has a Long Beach too, I know, I was confused as well. The Allegria hotel is a gorgeous new boutique hotel that used to be old apartments which were restored and renovated. Now the Allegria is simply stunning, and we couldn’t have asked for a better venue.

Shortly after arriving, we were introduced to Bassem and Lauren’s family and friends, and let me just tell you that I don’t think Justin or I have ever laughed so much during a wedding. Lauren’s family (in particular her two brothers Paul and David) have to be two of the funniest guys I have ever met. Along with Bassem’s hilarious groomsmen, we had non-stop laughs from preparation, through the ceremony (yeah, even while the Father was talking, lol), through the toasts and up through when we said our good byes. Just check out the pictures below and you will see what we mean.

It is rare to be surrounded by such fun, outgoing and genuinely kind people. But, Lauren and Bassem, you guys have done it. From both of your families, to all of your friends, we were touched by how kind and sincere they were to us in welcoming us and making us feel as if we were a part of your family for the day. We hope you both recognize that you are truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful, supportive and uplifting people. Congratulations, we would wish you all the best life has to offer. But in seeing you two together, surrounded by your amazing families and friends, we think you have already found it!

Before we get on to the photos, we wish to also give a special thanks to Ryan Connick of Above and Beyond Events. Ryan was simply amazing in her planning and coordinating of Lauren and Bassem’s wedding. Not only did Ryan make sure every detail of the wedding beautiful and perfect, Ryan was also right along side with us helping us through out the day. In fact, she even gave us a ride back to our hotel when we couldn’t find a taxi! Ryan, you are truly first class, and we hope to work with you again. To see all of the other vendors we recommend from this wedding, please check out the credits at the end of this post.

– Pye and Justin

Lauren’s earrings were breathtaking.

So, here is what I was saying to Lauren to get this little sequence, “Lauren, give me Blue Steel.. Now Magnum! Oh yeah, that’s hawt baby!”

Justin got a little creative with a cool white wicker box that was in the prep room. With a little fisheye, and some daylight blue white balancing, I would say it turned out quite great!

“Mirror, mirror on the wall.” There was a fabulous multi-facited mirror in the prep room which I just couldn’t get enough of.

Mya did an amazing job with Lauren’s hair, the rest of us worked on keeping Lauren relaxed before her big moment ; )

Lauren’s brother David along with his beautiful wife. She was simply asking for a bit of help, and possibly some comforting words as to how pretty she looked. David felt that this would be what she “really” wanted, playing the air guitar right behind her in the mirror. I am glad we guys understand girls so well. Don’t fret though my dear, you did look quite stunning!

Bassem and his hilarious crew. Seriously, do they put something in the water in New York? Why is everyone so funny? They were good enough to work with me for this handsome shot of the foursome looking quite debonair. Don’t worry, they didn’t inhale!

Bassem seeing his beautiful wife coming down the isle for the first time. Definitely has to be one of my favorite moment in a wedding. By the way, let me just say that it isn’t easy trying to frame and snap this shot between the bride and her father while they are cruising down the isle!

It’s official, time to party!

So, this was Justin’s attempt at family “formals” with Lauren’s family. It’s a good thing there are no captions to each of these pictures. Oh, and by the way, these were the “tame” shots that were actually appropriate enough to post, lol! You guys rocked!!! Both Justin and I are truly envious of your family.

Wedding Reception Location: 80 West Broadway, Long Beach, New Y‎ork – (516) 889-1300‎

Vendors:

Ryan Connick of Above and Beyond Events - Ryan@aboveandbeyondli.com

Cosmetic Artistry by Mya – 631-897-4034

If you are interested in booking Lin and Jirsa Photography for your wedding, please visit our Contact Page or call our studio manager at 714.323.5536

Part Two of Lauren Bassem’s post continues into the couple session and reception. For the full story and vendor information please see Part One of their blog entry by clicking here.

For Lauren and Bassem’s wedding, both Justin and I (Pye) shot the wedding. The great part of having two partner photographers shoot together is that one of us focuses on capturing primary images, while the second focuses on capturing and creating more artistic images.

Jerry Ghionis has always been a big inspiration to our studio in his ability to turn ordinary into extraordinary. We have focused on training ourselves to be able to create amazing shots regardless of where we are.

While we are probably still a ways away from Jerry’s level. But, I do think that we are worthy students and future heirs of his style in turning the ordinary into the stunning.

For the first time, and from here on out, we are going to start showing you some befores and afters in our blog posts. We hope you all enjoy!

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Before – While Justin and I were doing a quick walk through of the venue, we noticed this cool wine room. We put it on our list of cool spots to create shots for the day. Later that night, while Justin was covering the dance floor, I snuck out and set up the scene lighting. For you photographers, I will just tell you that I used 2 strobes and 2 hot lights =).

After – Here are the next two shots we got. Oh, and by the way these are virtually straight from the camera. Aside from a bit of contrast/levels, there is no post production Photoshop trickery here.

The hotel staff at the Allegria was kind enough to let us do pretty much whatever we wanted at the venue. So they took us up to the roof top which was under construction. But, it did afford some great views!

Outside on the beach at Long Beach, there was a nice little levy of rocks coming out from the beach. So, we had our couple climb up, and with two hot lights and a fish-eye we snapped off this shot during dusk.

While the bar area wasn’t necessarily the best place for photos, some cool stuff could be achieved by taking the right angles with the right crops. Oh, and of course with the right lighting! =)

Back to the reception, it is time to get our photojournalism on, LJP style of course! =)

The mother of the bride, gorgeous and classy. Of course she has a hilarious sense of humor too to be able to put up with her crazy boys!

The father daughter dance, another one of my favorite wedding moments.

Well, our shoot time was up. So, David and Justin decided to get down on the dance floor!

Wedding Reception Location: 80 West Broadway, Long Beach, New Y‎ork – (516) 889-1300‎

If you are interested in booking Lin and Jirsa Photography for your wedding, please visit our Contact Page or call our studio manager at 714.323.5536

This may be cheesy, but I love my job…

I love it because my office consists of the sun and the sky…

I love it because I am inspired each and everyday at the unnoticed beauty surrounding us…

I love it because it challenges me to be uniquely creative even when it seems entirely impossible…

But most of all, I love it because of all the amazing people I get to meet, work with and become friends with.

So, when my friends Matthew and Nadya came back after their wedding and said they wanted to do a day after shoot. I was stoked, and did everything I could to make sure it happened. You may remember Matthew and Nadya from their wedding and engagement posts which you can check out by clicking here.

After shooting their engagement and wedding. Matthew and I found out quickly how much we had in common with each other. Now, Matthew is one of my Starcraft 2 buddies, and soon-to-be another one of my basketball buddies as well! Nadya, hope you don’t mind that I steal him away from you from time to time =).

Ok, so Matthew and Nadya wanted some cool day after shots where they could be a little more loosey goosey with their clothing, and in particular their dress getting a bit dirty. They didn’t want a full trash the dress session, which is understandable given how gorgeous Nadya’s dress is. So, instead of calling this a “Trash the Dress” session maybe we will call this a “Scuff the Dress” session.

Matthew and Nadya, I know I don’t need to tell you how fabulous you guys are. But, I will anyway as you guys are two of the most sincere and genuine people I have met. It has been my privilege working with you guys, and even more so in having you as friends.

I wish you the best on your beautiful journey as husband and wife.

– LJP

The shot you see below is actually shot with a lens that doesn’t truly exist! Well, sort of… You see, this is a wide angle shot, but look at the depth of field. Extremely shallow right? In fact, to get this effect from a lens out of the camera it would need to be something like a 24mm f0.8 – f1.0, which is a lens that doesn’t exist. So, guess as you may as to how it was created, but I think most of you will be stumped! If you want to try guessing in the comments below, I will let you know if you are on the right track ; ) Here is a hint, it was shot 100% with natural light (backlit by the sun) with a 50mm lens and the full image is nearly 45 mega-pixels in size without any enlargement. Good luck!

2 shakes of HDR + 3 teaspoons of added light + one day sunny side up + two whole gorgeous people = this shot below

Matthew and Nadya brought some props. Do I need say it? YES, I LOVE PROPS!

Matthew knows cool, and cool knows Matthew. Even Nadya was drawing inspiration from his GQ looks.

Nadya’s turn, time for a bit of sunglass play!

I told Nadya to give me sexy, but seriously, DANG NADYA!! I think all the guys will agree that Matt is one lucky dude.

I love the design of the dress with its diagonal sweeping lines. Simple, yet gorgeous.

Here is another one for you togs out there, but I am not gonna make you guess on this one. I will just say that we used an off camera flash that was color temperature geled to match the color of the sunset. Oh yeah, this shot recipe also calls for a heavy pinch of foxy lady!

Nadya was brave enough to humor me when it came to creating this shot below. Let me explain. This shot was taken in Laguna Beach at the tide pools. What you see below is a little circular inlet where the sharp rocks are formed into a circular opening. When the tide is high, this area is fully covered in water, but when it’s low, the waves come crashing through. So, to take this shot I had to have my brave assistant Joseph stand on the opposite side of the inlet, directly across from Nadya with our lighting. I stood right exactly in the center of the inlet, right where the water crashes. Yes, a pocket wizard, flash and an awesome pair of my flannel shorts were harmed in the making of the image below. BUT IT WAS WORTH IT!

Lifestyle portraits, yeah, we dig them too!

All shots taken in Laguna Beach, CA

If you are interested in booking Lin and Jirsa Photography for your wedding, please visit our Contact Page or call our studio manager at714.323.5536

Who was it that said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?” Oh, that’s right silly me it was Plato. Well, I think Plato may have reconsidered that line had he the opportunity of meeting De and Lanchi, a couple to whom I can confirm are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. It makes one truly grateful that it is our profession to document love stories for such amazing people.

De and Lanchi’s wedding was set at the gorgeous Hilton Waterfront in Huntington Beach. The weather was impeccable, the venue decorations and design was spectacular, and our couple along with their close friends and family were simply wonderful to be around. Frankly, having a gorgeous couple, a beautiful venue and great emotions makes our job of photo documenting the day a breeze.

We would like to give a special shout out and thanks to Christina Lee of Serenity Events who did an amazing job with the planning and event design. If you wish to contact her or any of the other wonderful vendor’s, their contact information is at the bottom of this post.

De and Lanchi, it was truly our pleasure to be able to work with you, and more importantly become friends with you both. Our entire team wishes you both the best life has to offer. May your new journey together as husband and wife be as joyous and love-filled as your wedding day.

We hope that you enjoyed this little teaser as there are much more to come! =)

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Like most, I love eyes. For their beauty, for the stories they tell, for everything about them. The next two shots show off Lanchi’s gorgeous eyes, not to mention her flawless skin. Her veil was a perfect fit to match her elegant beauty.

That’s right, show me your version of “magnum”

I am sure Lanchi’s bridesmaids were appreciative of not only their gorgeous bouquets, but also their wonderful little thank you gift in that little familiar blue gift bag we are all so fond of.

De and Lanchi’s wedding was amazing and emotional from start to finish. From the first time De set his eyes on Lanchi coming down the isle, to the exchange of vows, the emotions and love were in the air. Frankly, it was difficult to not let a tear go myself as I was shooting the whole event!

If you were to ask what are your 5 favorite moments from a wedding, the walk back down the isle after being pronounced “husband and wife” would definitely be among them. I simply love seeing and documenting the emotional high of a couple right after they are joined in marriage with all their family and close friends present supporting them.

Time for a Lin and Jirsa classic bridal party shot.

If this picture had a caption it would be, “Let us show you how its done” as the bridal party watches the maid of honor and best man assist the couple in giving each other a kiss.

Sometimes, it is truly difficult not joining in on all the “celebrations.” But, I am sure our clients wouldn’t be happy with tipsy photos. “Why are the photos all blurry? They aren’t blurry, they are artistic!”

Vendor Information:

Planning and Coordination: Christina Lee of Serenity Events 562.519.0197

Videography: Max and Jerry of FilmFotoFusion 951.818.1569

Location

Location of Wedding Ceremony: Hilton Waterfront Beach Hotel 21100 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (714) 845-8000

If you are interested in booking Lin and Jirsa Photography to shoot your wedding or event, please visit our Contact Page or call our studio manager at 714.323.5536

The reception was held in the Pacific Ballroom of the Hilton Waterfront. Decor and design was simple, yet tasteful and elegant. Christina and Lanchi did a wonderful job with the design and execution. While we are limited as to how much we can post here, the beautiful emotions from the ceremony continued right into the fun and celebrations at night.

From wonderfully excited aunties screaming “Wo wo wo” to the awesome and touching toasts and speeches, the fun didn’t stop. It was definitely a photographer’s play land as there was so much great stuff to shoot.

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Simple and tasteful elegance, that was the name of the game, and I would say they nailed it!

We managed to steal Lanchi and De away from their party for just a few minutes so we could go and grab some night shots on the Hilton Waterfront grounds. Hopefully they will agree that it was a good idea =)

“Mirror mirror on the wall…” Yep, love mirros, always have, always will.

This shot below of the couple is one of my favorites, so much so that we wanted to present you with two different versions and see which you all like best. The black and white version below, or the fine art version right below it? Tell us what you all think in the comments!

One of my other top 5 favorite moments during a wedding, the first dance.

We got an innocent bystander on the floor, don’t kill her ladies, she is just a baby!

Ahh yes, the classic “Michael Jordon Garter Removal” as performed flawlessly by De. I would say definitely would have scored a 10 across the board.

Another one of our favorite Lin and Jirsa classic shots, the fisheye large group shot. Love the vast-sea-of-people effect created by the fisheye.

Location of Wedding Ceremony: Hilton Waterfront Beach Hotel 21100 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (714) 845-8000

If you are interested in booking Lin and Jirsa Photography to shoot your wedding or event, please visit our Contact Page or call our studio manager at 714.323.5536