Southern California Fine Art Wedding Photographer - SherriJ » los angeles

Smog Shoppe Wedding

sjphoto — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:19:46 +0000

A few times a year, I have the pleasure of second shooting a wedding for my fellow photo buddies… which can be really cool because I have freedom to take fun pictures and get a different perspective than I normally experience on a wedding day. Here’s some pictures of a wedding I shot back in September with the talented Dana Grant at the Smog Shoppe in Culver City. The location is pretty unique in a few ways… like keeping the original charm and architecture of the building including rolling garage doors and parking markings on the cement, to adding unique touches like the full wall of succulents both inside and out! The Smog Shoppe is definitely a venue for someone looking for a place that is both memorable and unique.

Best of 2011

sjphoto — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:29:22 +0000

Angela and Eugene’s Wedding, Rancho Del Cielo. Malibu, CA

Shana and Brandon’s Wedding at Gainey Winery. Los Olivos, CA

Laura + Chris’ Wedding, Santa Barbara Zoo

Kelly and David’s Destination Wedding: Yosemite, CA

Anne and Peter’s Wedding, Verandas Manhattan Beach

Jen and Rylan’s Wedding, Seven Oaks Country Club, Bakersfield

Reagan and Ken’s Wedding, Sherwood Oaks Country Club

Monina and Matt’s Wedding, Calamigos Equestrian Center Burbank

Karina and Kevin’s Wedding, Malibou Lake

Tara and Timmy’s Backyard wedding

Tina and Armando’s Wedding, Sportsman Lodge

Melissa + Ray’s Wedding, Walnut Grove. Moorpark, CA

Manami + Nick’s Wedding, Museum of Art Long Beach

Danielle and Gabriel’s Photobooth

Engagements

Personal: My engagement at Joshua Tree

Bridal Photoshoot: Las Vegas

Portrait: Paul Kenny

Sony E3 for Playstation, Jane’s Addiction

Mindy: Feather’s Photoshoot (unblogged)

Our Wedding: Personal

sjphoto — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 02:57:44 +0000

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you may know that I’ve been planning my own wedding for the past 10 months. Our wedding finally took place on October 2nd, 2011 at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu (exactly one week before our 3 year anniversary!) Now, looking back at our wedding day, I can definitely say it was awesome and really everything I could have hope for. I’m really looking forward to the new chapter in my life as a Mrs. =)

Our vendors
Venue: Calamigos Ranch, Malibu
Photography: Alison Yin
Florist: Exotic Green Garden
Hair/Makeup: Kelly Zhang
Dessert: Sprinkles Cupcakes
Graphic Design (all paper goods): Manami and Nick Leebert
Music: DJ Celeste Lear (Processional: Nick Drake “Cello Song,” Priscilla Ahn “Dream.” Post ceremony: The Who “Cant Explain.” First Dance Bride/ Groom: Chuck Barry “You Never Can Tell” (choreographed first dance from Pulp Fiction). Father/Daughter: Rascal Flatts “My Wish”, Mother/Son: Harry Connick Jr “It Had to be You.”)

Michael + Adrian: Engagement at Griffith Observatory

sjphoto — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 06:11:40 +0000

Adrian and Michael met during college and have been together for the past 9 years. Tonight, we met up at the Griffith Observatory to capture their love during a fun engagement session with a beautiful sunset. And of course we did just that…. definitely in style!

Our Engagement Pictures: Personal

sjphoto — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:25:11 +0000

By nature, I am a huge procrastinator. It seems like, the less time I have to do something, the more I get done! With only one month left before our wedding day, we are on a mission to overcome the “Wedding-To-Do” list. One of the things on the list was finally getting our engagement picture taken, so the other day Mat and I went out to Western Town in Malibu. I love the sunset light, ranch vibe, and beautiful hills covered in tall grass. I have to admit, it did feel a little awkward being on the other side of the camera, but I definitely believe everyone should have their portrait professionally taken at least once a year! It’s a great way to document your life, and remember the good times; where you lived, what stylin cloths you rocked, and how in love you were. Well, at least I hope that’s what I think of when looking back at these pictures. I want to thank my lovely photographer Dana Grant!

Bianca + Eric’s Engagement at The Happiest Place on Earth

sjphoto — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:20:13 +0000

I am so lucky to have the coolest clients! Today, I want to share a little love for Bianca and Eric. I met them both a few months ago back in July, as they started planning their intimate beach wedding at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. During our initial consultation they shared details about their lives, some plans about their wedding, and desires to have an engagement session at Disneyland! Deep in my heart I knew we were a perfect match, and I just hoped that they felt the same way. I was beyond thrilled with the news when they chose me! This past weekend, as the kids were back in school and the weather was cool, we found the perfect chance to explore the happiest place on Earth!

We first started in California Adventure, where we found a sea themed carousel with dolphins and a vineyard.

The sun started setting fast, so we hopped over to Disneyland for the rest of the session. First on our list was a place Bianca scouted online… the “Snow White Bridge.” It was right next to the castle and has cute pink hearts along the sides. Behind the bridge was a wishing well where you can hear Snow White echoing, “I’m wishing, for the one I love, to find me.” So romantic!

Shana & Brandon: Married!

sjphoto — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:19:57 +0000

This past weekend I had the great pleasure of of traveling to Solvang California, to capture the beautiful moments of Shana and Brandon’s wedding.

After the ceremony, Shana and Brandon embraced in a hug.

First dance during a beautiful sunset.

The grand exit.

Venue: Gainey Vineyard
Photography: SherriJ Photography
Florist: Passion Flowers
Caterer: Pure Joy
DJ: Santa Barbara DJs
Videographer: You’re the Star
Hair and Makeup: Chateau Belle, Hair: Kita McComber, Makeup: Tedde Allegra

*Update: Shana and Brandon have been published on Santa Barbara’s Wedding Blog! Check out their wedding album HERE.

Monina & Matthew: Married

sjphoto — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:21:35 +0000

Monina and Matthew tied the knot this past weekend at Calamigos Ranch in Burbank. Even though outside temperatures soared over 110 degrees, the wedding was amazing! Monina planned everything with military precision and fun creative details! Her theme was vintage romance with a light green/brown color palate. She incorporated a lot of natural elements in the decor which really meshed well with her outdoor ceremony.

Matthew was moved as he saw Monina walking down the isle with her father. She tried hard to hold back her tears too.

As soon as she got to the alter, Monina had the biggest smile across her face!

Monina left no nook or crannie undecorated! She rented some stuff including a vintage couch and vintage bike. They both made awesome props for pictures!

After a speaeh, all the bridesmaids got down on the dancefloor! Monina and Matthew loved this!

Venue: Calamigos Equestrian, Burbank
Photography: SherriJ Photography
Videography: Nicholas Andrew Films
Florals: Seed Floral Couture
Hair: Lana Grand for Symmetry Beauty
Makeup: Megan Porschen
Day of Wedding Coordinator: Kat Keane Weddings and Events
Ceremony Music: Soli Music & Entertainment
DJ: DJ JAS Productions
Cake: Sweet & Saucy Shop
Linen Rentals: BBJ Linens
Officiant: David Roman Daniels SoCal Officiant
Rentals: Archive Vintage Rentals, and Town & Country

UPDATE: This wedding has been published on Style Unveiled! You can read about the planning details of Monina’s wedding HERE.

To see Monina and Matt’s beautiful wedding album, click HERE.

Architectural Photography

sjphoto — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:33:44 +0000

I was going through my archives today and realized I’ve never shared a blog post about my architectural photography work, one my many photography talents. It may seem like it has little to do with people and weddings, but techniques used in architectural photography can in be applied to other subjects. More specifically, things that make a good landscape image include even lighting, using a wide angle lens correctly to get straight parallax in images (the vertical lines in an image), HDR editing (high Dynamic Range), and use of a tripod in low light situations. Here’s some of my favorite samples I recently shot for Orbitz.

Kyoto Hotel. They recently renovated, and the signature gold and maroon color scheme is found throughout the hotel. They also have a beautiful rooftop Japanese garden that overlooks downtown Los Angeles.

Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. This shot overlooks one of their many outdoor pools. They have 180 degree views of the Ocean, a spa room with copper soaker tub, and private Villas! I’d love to spend a romantic weekend here anytime!

Queen Mary, Long Beach. A retired cruise ship is now a fun destination for travelers from around the world. This is a shot of their classic meeting rooms.

Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club in Redondo Beach. Beautiful gray lounge.

Noe Restaurant, downtown Los Angeles

Pacific Palms Resort Spa. The cool lighting in this room changes!

Hilton Universal City Cafe with glass atrium

Hotel Erwin, Venice. Very modern rooms

Hotel Erwin, Venice. Hightop lounge with Ocean views

Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood. Great location in the heart of Hollywood along the Walk of Fame.

Roosevelt Hotel, poolview king room

Roosevelt Hotel’s pool

Anne & Peter: Married at Verandas Manhattan Beach

sjphoto — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 07:01:50 +0000

Venue: Verandas, Manhattan Beach
Photography: SherriJ Photography
Florist – Flowers by Laurel
Makeup & Hair – Tara & Meyon at Bob Roy Salon Manhattan Beach
Wedding Coordinator – Sara Lehnberg, Verandas
Band & DJ – Dwight Kennedy
Dress – Somsi Couture
Suit – Jos A Bank
Desserts & Catering – NY Food Company
Invitations: Bride’s own design

*UPDATE This wedding has been published on Engaged and Inspired HERE. (August 23, 2011)