Southern California Fine Art Wedding Photographer - SherriJ » wedding photography

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.”)

Jen & Rylan: Married!

sjphoto — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:03 +0000

As a wedding photographer, getting to know my clients on a personal level is a priority of mine. Sometimes there is an instant connection and it makes for a beautiful match (and beautiful pictures)! As my clients share their wedding day visions with me, there can be sometimes things about them I find inspirational, like the way they interact with each other or the theme of a wedding with personal details. Little did I know at the time, that Jen and Rylan would become one of my dream clients!

Jen came to me last year as she started planning her September 2011 wedding, to take place at the Seven Oaks Country Club in Bakersfield. After searching high and low for wedding photographers in her area, she emailed to see if I would consider traveling to Bakersfield to photograph her wedding. I was so flattered at the thought, and of course photographing a wedding in a new location is awesome! After a brief chat on the phone, Jen decided to book me. For Jen and Rylan’s engagement session, they chose to come down to my favorite spot in Malibu. This was actually the first time we met in person. At the shoot, I got to know them both and started to fall in love… with Jen’s sweet disposition and Rylan’s stylish threads, it made my job look really easy!

Fast forward to September 24th, 2011, the day of Jen and Rylan’s wedding. They were surrounded by close friends and family who celebrated in their love. Everything about their wedding was absolutely dreamy! From the obviously beautiful things, like the delicate flower details of her Lazaro dress, crystal Jimmy Choo shoes, to his diamond edged wedding band (a Brad Pitt inspired design), a gorgeous pearl 5 tier wedding cake… to the more heartfelt moments of their beautiful sunset ceremony on the lawn, first dances, and crazy dance party that kept the night going… it was an absolute blast and emotional day. I’m so happy to end my season with one of my favorite weddings of the year!

Photography: SherriJ Photography
Venue: Seven Oaks Country Club, Bakersfield, CA
Florist: Flourishing Art
Planner: Flourishing Art – Olita Collins
Makeup: Frank Anthony
Videographer: Curtis Nemetz Productions
Dress: Lazaro
Bridesmaid/Flower girl dresses: Watters and Watters
DJ: Donald from Let the Music Play
Wedding cake: Gimmee Some Sugar

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.

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)

Ralissa: Married at Walnut Grove

sjphoto — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:27:33 +0000

This past Friday, Melissa and Ray were married at Walnut Grove with their closest friends and family. (Friends and family may see all images online HERE) While I was walking around, I found a perfect little green walnut on the ground for the ring shot.

The day was sunny and hot in Moorpark, as Melissa started getting ready in her bridal cabin.

I think she was kinda nervous when I arrived. I took this picture of her after she read her vows. Then right before the first look, she had a huge smile on her face! She could not wait to see Ray.

For the ceremony site, Melissa decorated the trees with DIY fabric balls, and lined the isle with rose petals.

After the ceremony, we took some romantic photos for a few minutes, while guests were having cocktails.

Tables were named after their favorite wines.

Of course, what wedding is complete with out a embarrassing best man speech? What was said will remain a secret to those who attended. But all I’ll say for now is that it was embarrassing for Ray!

Lots of twinkling lights were strung from the trees above the reception area.

Last but not least, a couple shots behind the scenes of me shooting, scouting, and being silly.

Venue: Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Ranch
Day Of Planner: Michele Spring of Mia Bella Weddings
Photography: SherriJ Photography
Florist: The Exotic Green Garden
Hair: Stacy Godwin
Makeup: Adam Winter

UPDATE September 20th, 2011: This wedding has been published on California Wedding Wave. CLICK HERE to see the feature!

Eugela Married! Rancho Del Cielo, Malibu

sjphoto — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:23:35 +0000

Saturday was a beautiful day for Angela and Eugene’s wedding at Rancho Del Cielo in Malibu. Their ceremony took place at a private estate on hilltop, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. I’ll let the images tell the rest of the story. Here are my favorites! Friends and family may see all the images from the wedding HERE.

Venue: Rancho Del Cielo, Malibu
Wedding Planner- Betty Wan w/ Type A Planning
Photography: SherriJ Photography
Cinematography- Lunch Pail Pictures (video below)
Florals: Bunch Studio- Mai
Flipbooks: Blue Cat International
Makeup- Peilin Chen Breller
Hair: Drybar, Brentwood
Cupcakes: Enjoy Cupcakes
Wedding Gown: Kirstie Kelly

UPDATE: This wedding has been published on California Wedding Wave on July 21st! You can check the post HERE.

Highlight: Angela + Eugene from Lunch Pail Pictures on Vimeo.

Destination Wedding: Lower Yosemite Falls

sjphoto — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 06:30:22 +0000

This past weekend I had the pleasure of photographing Kelly and David’s destination wedding. When Kelly described her wedding to me, I was super excited. She planned on a very intimate ceremony with about 25 guests, lots of personal details, and the location…. Yosemite! I’ve actually been wanting to go to Yosemite for a while now, so this was a dream. Included below are mostly pictures of the guest experience and Kelly. First, a picture of the “Tunnel View.”

A welcome gift bag awaiting at the hotel for us. Included in the bag was snacks, water, mini flashlight, map, paper soap, band-aids, sun block, compass, hand sanitizer, carabiner, off repellent, matches, and tissue. I love all the details Kelly thought about!

I started with some pictures of David at 9am. Location: The Lower Yosemite Falls Lodge.

Kelly got ready in a cozy cabin at the historic Awahnee Hotel, right under the falls.

Kelly’s dress was customized with a beautiful red flower and sheer gold fabric on the backing. She also made her necklace, earrings, and the hangars!

Ever since I got my Canon 100mm macro lens, the “ring shot” is one of my favorite things to do. I like to incorporate one object that represents the wedding. It’s usually something simple like a pine cone (as shown below), a leaf, a bird’s nest from the table decorations, or flowers.

Intimate ceremony at the falls.

Guest added leafs with their finger prints on a tree Kelly made.

Since the wedding took place in the morning, everyone had a great lunch at the historic Awahnee hotel. I was done shooting by 3:30pm, which is the record earliest finish time for me! After their busy morning, Kelly and David were able to start their relaxing weekend hanging out with friends and family, hiking, and rock climbing.

*Pleast note: for personal reasons, some of the images from the wedding will remain private.