~ Pasadena, Los Angeles Wedding Photographer ~ Arlene Catherine ~

01.20.08 ~ Aida Thibiant's 80th Birthday Celebration

The legendary Aida Thibiant, skin care guru to the Stars asked me to photograph her birthday event. Words can not describe the affinity that poured from her family and friends.

The Romanov in Studio City is a newly opened ( March 2007 ) Russian Restaurant. From the decor to the Caviar, the food looked genuine to me, although I admit I've never had Russian food before.

We had shimmering talent at this event, there was Russell from Bon Vivant video , Chef Anton from the Magic Castle, and the U.S. Trick Shot Champion, the house band at Romanov did an amazingly energetic performance all night long.

The party was coordinated by Aida's own Joan and Judith, and by all accounts the party was excellently planned and executed.

Labels: Weddings

01.04.08 ~ Cassie + James ~ Hyatt Hotel, Westlake Village

My first wedding of the year! Such a break between the first and the last of 2007! I had a whopping five days between the two. I wouldn't really say 'off' as my clients know shooting the wedding is just the first step in creating images of a lifetime. I had a feeling, call it intuition, but I had a feeling I'm going to be getting very busy as each month passes. I took off November to redo my website and rest up a bit. As I continue this journey of documenting weddings, I continue to get busier.

James is in the ROTC ( Air Force ) at UCLA , and will be entering Officer Candidate School once he graduates. We had the Honor Guard at their wedding. A fun group of guys that go into formation a la the Queen's Guard, with unshakeable stillness. No flinching with those guys, even when I flashed them with my speedlight.

James sang a song with three of his buddies to Cassie during the reception, moving me to get a bit misty eyed. The melody was impressive ~ completely acapella.

Labels: Weddings

12.29.07 ~ Alane + Mickey's Wedding Reception

In a restaurant called Coco Palms, we danced the night away with family and friends, from near and far. Alane and Mickey put on a wedding reception for the Stateside family and friends. They were wed last Summer in Zurich, Switzerland where they have been living and working for some time. Mickey and Alane are moving to Australia in the coming weeks. Mickey works for Google, Google's workforce is becoming more globalized, which helps Mickey and Alane rack up their frequent flyer miles. Alane looks stunning in her gorgeous pink Indian wedding gown with Bindi ( definition - a small forehead decoration ), and Mickey 's dimples give him one of the cutest smiles. Best of luck to Mickey and Alane as they head toward the South Pacific.