Southern California Fine Art Wedding Photographer - SherriJ » Sherri Johnson

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!

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.

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)

Personal: Wedding Planning Update

sjphoto — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 07:42:51 +0000

What happens when you start wedding planning 10 months before your wedding? You have way too much time to think about details! I’ve been in wedding planning mode since my engagement in December. Almost immediately after deciding on the venue, I got a wedding dress, and started planning some of the fun details. It turns out I wasn’t completely focused on a vision, so 2 weeks ago, I bought a 2nd wedding dress and now everything has changed! I’ve had some time to think about it, and what I’ve come up with is a new inspiration board with a couple of details of the colors of our wedding: navy, nude, blush. Those colors together have a nice balance of both feminine and masculine. It’s not too far off from my original color scheme, but the overall feel is now more elegant and less whimsy. The style of the wedding is officially “Romantic Rustic Ranch.”

(ABOVE: Bridesmaid image by: Kelly is Nice from my favorite wedding blog, Ruffled! Veil image by: Jose Villa). Yes, I’m newly obsessed with lace and veils. Next, here’s a sneak peek at our custom wedding invitations designed by one of my past brides Manami!

Monina + Matt: Engagement in Malibu

sjphoto — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:29:16 +0000

Last night, I had a great time hanging with Monina and Matt, my awesome August couple. They both met 6+ years ago during guitar classes and have been inseparable ever since. They’re getting married at Calamigos Equestrian in Burbank, and plan on including many personal touches to their wedding!

Victoria & Tony’s Engagement: Santa Monica Pier

sjphoto — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 19:09:29 +0000

I met Victoria and Tony last week, as they started planning their April wedding. It so happens, we’re both getting married at Calamigos Ranch! With similar tastes and styles, Victoria wasn’t hesitant booking. She pretty much inquired, consulted, and decided to book within 72 hours! I guess, when you know, you know… and I’m so glad to be a part of their wedding day plans! On Friday, we did their fun engagement shoot at Santa Monica Pier. Victoria brought a couple of props and we had a great time exploring. I think this first picture pretty much sums up their playful spirit! =)

The first outfit matched their school spirit. Blue and gold for UCLA!

Reagan & Ken’s Wedding: Sherwood Country Club, Malibu

sjphoto — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 03:50:02 +0000

Reagan and Ken celebrated their marriage this past weekend with a double wedding. On Friday, they had an intimate family ceremony at Our Lady of Malibu. Before their family dinner on the Malibu Pier, we had some time for a quick photoshoot at the beach.

It kinda reminds me of their engagement session from back in September. Reagan wore her mother’s altered wedding dress; her favorite part of the new design was the deep V back.

On Saturday, they continued the celebration at Sherwood Country Club in Malibu for a more formal ceremony followed by reception.

As the ladies were getting ready, I took some detail shots. The girls giggled at the “Doll-sized” corset.

Family formal shots were taken right at the ceremony site. Some advice I give all my couples, is to write a list of family members they’d like in the family formal pictures, and then give that list to someone in the bridal party. Reagan did and appointed her most organized bridesmaid. I couldn’t believe it when we were done with ALL of the family formal pictures in about 10 minutes!! Actually, I can believe it. It really pays to be prepared.

With family formals done quickly, we had extra time to photograph the bridal party in different locations, including the front of the site.

Taking a romantic golf cart ride to our photo spot!

The pathway leading to the picturesque waterfall is lined with thick rose trees on both sides.

I love Reagan’s veil. I think it was taller than me with my arm lifted high!

A special part of dinner, was a coffee station with the most AMAZING drinks! Pictured on the right is Jenna Armstrong, superstar assistant and 2nd shooter! =)

Location: Sherwood Country Club, Malibu
Photography: SherriJ Photography
Day-Of Coordinator: Peggy Shevlin Event Specialist
Ceremony and Reception Music: The Ho-Dads, Bob Schuster
Cake Baker and Decorator: LaStarr Cakes & Co., Starr
Florist: Britica Designs, Bianca Landworth
Calligraphy: First Impressions Designs (bride’s personal company!)
Hair and Make-Up: T.E.A.M. Hair and Make-Up, Mar

Karina and Kevin: Wedding at Malibou Lake

sjphoto — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:13:57 +0000

Karina and Kevin tied the knot this past Sunday at Malibou Lake Mountain Club. For their wedding they pulled inspiration from the Anthropologie store catalog and chose bright yellow and blue to brighten up their day. I had a chance to get to know them during their Malibu engagement in December right down the street from their wedding location. You can peep some of the engagement pictures HERE. Friends and family may see all the wedding images HERE.

This beautiful bay window at the reception spot overlooked the ceremony site, and it also made the perfect spot for the dress shot!

There were so many flowers all over the property. It smelled so good! And at sunset, the reception site was so pretty. I love the twinkling lights.

When I arrived at the site earlier in the day, I noticed the entrance sign to Malibou Lake. It had twinkling lights on it, and I just knew it would make a great night shot! I was pretty much looking forward to picture one all day long.

A couple of shots behind the scenes.

Danielle and Gabriel: Married!

sjphoto — Tue, 10 May 2011 03:50:26 +0000

I met Danielle and Gabriel in September of last year. They brought an entourage of both their families including parents and siblings. I have to be honest, I can get a little nervous when meeting couples for the first time, but even moreso meeting a group for the first time! Turns out they were really awesome and Danielle and I instantly had a connection. At that time, Danielle and Gabriel were engaged one month and had about 9 months to plan a May wedding. When we met, Danielle already had a detailed vision of their wedding day. She wanted it to be feminine, soft, “with a Marie Antoinette” vibe. I’ve been looking forward to their wedding ever since their Malibu engagement shoot. Friends and family can view all of the beautiful images here.

Danielle is a makeup artist and a future licensed esthetician. She’s also super talented and crafty. For her wedding, she wanted to keep it personal and do lots of DIY projects for pretty much everything including the floral alter, decorations, head pieces, flower girl baskets, feather fans, candy bar at the reception, and treats! The ceremony took place in the home Gabriel grew up in in Alhambra. Danielle’s sister Jen made the bridal bouquet and wanted to surprise Danielle with it right before she walked down the isle. I had to promise to be super careful taking pictures of it, before she allowed me to touch a leaf! I’m really glad we got some shots of it… it’s proof how good it looked! Danielle almost had a tear in her eye when she saw it for the first time.

I guess now is a perfect time to thank my 2nd shooter Elizabeth Kitchens. She got some great alternate shots! While Danielle was slipping into her dress, I was stationed in front of her and Elizabeth in the back corner of the room. Working with a mirror reflections can be difficult with even just one shooter, but these pictures came out perfect. I guess we both kinda know what we’re doing. =) As the ladies were getting ready inside, the guys hung out outside int he back yard at the ceremony site.

Shooting a ceremony at a private home comes with some challenges. One of which is availability of quality lighting, like full shade or changing lighting scenarios during sunset. Another would be available open space for group shots. Danielle and Gabriel chose not to see each other before the ceremony, so the guys stayed in the back yard and the ladies stayed inside. I really wanted to get some outdoor pictures, so we slipped the girls to the front of the house for some beautiful natural light pictures. The following image was shot on the front lawn in front of the bay window and next to the driveway. I really love sun flares, and I was so happy it worked out in this shot!

After the ceremony, we headed over to a rooftop lounge at the Hilton just down the street. By the time we go there, the sun had set giving us a great dramatic atmosphere for dinner and more fun. Danielle and Gabriel really wanted to spend as much time with their guests. As they walked around to visit everyone before dinner, we took a couple REALLY quick pictures…. I think maybe 5-10 minutes max. I think these are some of my favorites of the night! Danielle is so amazingly beautiful. I also must comment on how awesome her makeup stayed in place the whole night! It looks awesome!

A totally unscripted moment. While shooting Danielle, Gabriel came over and gave her a sweet soft kiss on the shoulder. Just… Beautiful.

The following cake pictures shot by Elizabeth.

Danielle and Gabriel’s wedding is the first ones to try out the new 2011 Photo Lounge. What is that you may ask? Well, I’m sure you’ve heard about Photo Booths, right? Well the Lounge is the same kind of concept, but a much better quality and experience. We had a little studio setup in the corner of her reception area to take some fun pictures! Danielle arranged all of the props for the Lounge, including feather masks, mustaches/lips, hats, whiteboard, silly string, and bubbles! Thanks to my assistant Cynthia for taking these.

A couple shots behind the scenes with my hard working assistant Cynthia and super awesome 2nd shooter Elizabeth Kitchens!

Some shots of me by my 2nd shooter Elizabeth.

Nicholas and Manami’s Wedding: Long Beach Museum of Art

sjphoto — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:34:35 +0000

On Saturday, I had the great pleasure of documenting Nicholas and Manami’s wedding at the Long Beach Museum of Art. I met Nicholas and Manami in the fall of last year. They are both graphic designers from Alameda, who planned on creating lots of the details of their wedding themselves. They were in town for a weekend, and at our consultation, they spoke of succulents, a colorful color palate, and an intimate gathering of 60 of their favorite people. I knew instantly I liked them and have been looking forward to shooting their wedding ever since! This past Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous day for their wedding, in addition to a great day for the Long Beach Grand Prix that took place a couple blocks down the street. Thinking traffic would be horrible, I left Santa Monica 3 hours early. Turns out, I arrived 2.5 hours early… which was just fine by me! I’d much rather be hours early, than even 5 minutes late. Below are some of my favorite shots from the wedding day. Friends and family can view all images HERE.

The first, is a set of images is Nicholas and Manami’s custom wedding stationary that they created themselves! I especially love the design with the banner, how perfect! It really set the expectation for their wedding… fun, flags, and f-ruffles! Ok, I know f-ruffles isn’t a word… but it kinda rhymed. =)

When we arrived, Manami was getting ready in her dressing room. Getting colored shoes to match a wedding dress can be tricky, but I think it’s super fun and modern. The ruffles on her shoes matched her dress perfectly!

Nicholas and Manami decided to do a “First Look” before the ceremony… which allowed us time to get these shots of them together.

Custom fabric balls decorated the isle. These are so fun and colorful, and a great alternative to flowers.

The first dance.

Photography: SherriJ Photography
Venue: Long Beach Museum of Art
Makeup: Chinatsu Watanabe
Flowers: J’Adore Florist
Invitations: Nicholas and Manami’s own designs. Contact me for their information!

*Update June 14th, this wedding has been published on California Wedding Wave.