Omedetō gozai masu (Congratulations), to Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Yen!

YStudio Photography is extending a great big congratulations to this amazing couple!  Aaron and Andrea are an amazing couples whose backgrounds include, Japanese, Mexican, and Chinese!  This fabulously handsome, young and spirited couple currently live in Las Vegas, Nevada and they chose YStudio to cover this milestone event.  We were humbled, excited, and enthusiastic to be fortunate enough to photograph the nuptials in none other than Oahu, Hawaii!

Family and friends came from as far as Taiwan, Nevada, California, as well as many other states across the mainland.  For months friends shared their enthusiasm on Facebook, they were anxious  to join the couple and their families on the islands of Hawaii for a destination wedding week that was filled with daily events such as Island tours, luau's, golf, beach days, and special family acquaintance and rehearsal dinners, and of course, the wedding!

The couple wanted the best, therefore choosing The Royal Hawaiian Hotel (2nd hotel built on Waikiki in the 1920's), as  their ceremony and celebration site.  The celebration began on Friday when all or most of the guests and family members as well as the bride and groom arrived on the island, the wedding day was slated for Monday, August 9, 2010.The couple was adamant about their choice of numerology and 8-9-10 are ALL great numbers  part of an Asian tradition of  fortune, prosperity,  and blessings among what is one of the most important milestones of their lives!

The happy couple shared their first glance on the patio of the hotel as family and the wedding party were anxiously awaiting to see Andrea waltz in with her fabulous figure adorned in a Maggie Sottero gown courtesy of Bowties & Bridal Boutique of Las Vegas.   Andrea is a stunning young lady and in all of her bridal beauty she sparkled and shined, her hair floral piece as well as her bouquet were inspired and created by Cindy's Lei Shoppe of Honolulu  The bridal jewelry courtesy of Jared Galleria of Jewelery  and Aaron Lelah Jewelers.  Now let's not forget the groom!  Aaron, a Las Vegas accomplished Attorney, styled a tuxedo by none other than Celebrity Tuxedo's also of Honolulu and he was looking pretty dapper, see for yourself!

With the help of the bride's mother, we managed to sort of kidnap the couple on the eve before the wedding and  drove to a secret "much needed" getaway.....a gorgeous "Sunset Portrait Session" at Makua Beach (aka Pray 4 Sex Beach).  It was a lengthy but gorgeous drive to the far side of the island  to Makaha!  See here why my husband Wayne , (who is from Waianae, near the Makaha area), had his heart set on this particular beach.  We have attached a slide show of this session for all to enjoy...it was yummy indeed!  We'll let the images speak for themselves and you too may see WHY this destination wedding, was super special!  Everyone at this wedding including YStudio agrees wholeheartedly! Click here to watch this on our YStudio Photography Facebook Page.... http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1434729875&v=app_2392950137#!/video/video.php?v=1582007156813

Me ke aloha pumehana (with never ending love),
YStudio Photography

Vendor Courtesy:

Royal Hawaiian Hotel (venue, catering and cake)
On site Wedding Coordinators:  Ke' aloha and Cila Goda
Cindy's Lei Shoppe
Jared Galleria of Jewelery   
Aaron Lelah Jewelers
Bowties & Bridal Boutique 
Maggie Sottero
Celebrity Tuxedos
XPress Entertainment (DJ) Rick Peralta 
Hair Styling:  Katie Pryor 
Makeup:  Andrea Hernandez-Yen (YES! The bride herself!)
Wedding Favors-ExclusivelyWeddings.com 
Photography:  YStudio Photography

Get ready for the Getting Ready Photos!

Planning a wedding is NO easy task, in fact after the wedding is over, many brides admit, if they hadn't hired a planner, they wish they had!  Unless you have done it yourself, it is hard to fathom exactly what all is involved.  There are so many emotions during what is supposed to be an amazing and beautiful memory, it still can be, consider "getting ready" photos for your wedding day!

You may be asking yourself, what on earth do I want with a bunch of photos of me looking   not so great, hair in curlers, no makeup, what am I going to do with these photos?  Think for one moment, during this time usually mom, dad and the rest of your loved ones are nearby.  You would be amazed on  how important these moments leading up to the very minute you see your fiance for the first time and walking down the aisle.  Plus it is a beautiful capture of you in your space, all giddy, and ready to go, at this point in the wedding planning, there is "nothing" more you can do.  The venue is set, as is your photographer, your cake, dress, everything is ready and all you have to do is "show up!"

As a wedding photographer myself, I know all too well the "value" of the getting ready photos, the emotions are priceless, but so is the opportunity to get to know my clients as well as their mothers, fathers, and family.  It allows for that extra special time we need to bond, laugh, cry and prepare for one of the most important days of their lives!  I could not dream of anything better......an engagement shoot is also highly recommended as many of you know, I always include these sessions for my couple because again, it is about them!

Remember folks, your parents are here once in a  lifetime, when they are gone, only the memories remain.  Make them count, see the beauty everywhere and consider "Getting Ready" photos on your wedding day!

Seen here: Hair Style and Makeup Artist :  Teresa Reynolds  and the bride Giselle with  her lovely mother "Fortune" of Newark, CA.  Congrats to the happy couple!

Wedding Venue:  Mountain Terrace, Woodside, CA
Getting Ready Photos here:  YStudio Photography
Official Wedding Photographer:  I-Motion, Los Gatos, CA (Simon)

What on earth to do with wedding photos!?

Ok so here you are, your wedding photographer has done their job, and now you are wondering what to do with all of the photos?  Well, if you are dealing with a professional photographer, why not ask him or her? I am sure they will have a solution to your problem.  Nowadays, there are dozens of options and there are several price variations as well.

A photographer's job is NOT over after the shoot and if a  photographer hands over the photo CD not only is their job NOT DONE, but it also creates an overwhelming   situation for the you as a client!  Nowadays most professional wedding photographers will NOT hand over the full size negatives, and I see it as a blessing  because what on earth will you do with over 1,000 photos!? And one has to acknowledge that sales is a keyword in photography studios nowadays, everyone knows it.  I have no problem giving my clients the lo-res files (for email and Facebook, etc.), but I would not be doing my job if I leave it up to my clients to print albums, photos etc.  Besides, can you really compare Walgreens and Costco to Pictage, GraphiStudio, WHCC, and others?  Clients understand that integrity in this business is crucial and that a photographer's work should be represented properly.  If a photographer does not care about his or her work, why will you as a client?

It is important for you to have your photos and it is important that no one makes you feel as if your photos are being held for ransom, however, remember you not only hired a photographer, you hired an artist.  You hired a specialist in this field and that person will observe and capture your wedding in a artistic, and journalistic way.  You have hired them to "create" and that is what they will do.  If anyone knows what to do with your collection or the studio favorites, it's them!

So, whether you order ALL proofs, or whether you order an album, trust them to guide you in the right direction, they have many options for you as far as albums, I myself LOVE my publishers because they offer me a simplified work flow and provide me with amazing flush mount albums, regular albums, thank you cards, DVD slide shows, and more! There are many different ways to display, preserve, and enjoy your photographs, remember, they are your lifelong memories, make them count and ask your photographer!

Congratulations to Chelsea & Marc!

This past Saturday the daughter of former President Bill Clinton, Miss Chelsea Clinton married her long time boyfriend Marc Mezvinsky.  The ceremony and celebration was held in  Rhinebeck, N.Y., and if there is anything a wedding photographer can see a mile away, is a woman in love!  Look at the gaze in Chelsea's eyes as she looks into her grooms face.  At 7:23 p.m. came an announcement from the family via e-mail: Ms. Clinton was now married to Marc Mezvinsky.

YStudio would like to also send a heartfelt congratulations to the Clintons and to now Chelsea Clinton Mezvinsky.  Long live love and may you enjoy the rest of your lives together as husband and wife.

Photo courtesy of  Genevieve de Manio Photography

To read more on this story visit The Daily Mail 

It's a Fabulous Newborn Posing Guide Giveaway!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE newborn and baby photography! And although I have not ventured into this area of creativity...YET, I do celebrate it because after marriage, comes the carriage!  As  wedding photographers we know this so we better start thinking weddings, maternity, newborn, birthday parties and overall FAMILY Photographers!

This morning I came across a gorgeous baby web site and saw they have a contest!  If there is anything I go nuts for are contests!  So....check it out folks, and GOOD LUCK to everybody!  Hurry contest ends August 1st! Yes, I too am trying to WIN!!!!!!!!! It's a Fabulous Newborn Posing Guide giveaway on Inspire Me Baby

Not just photographers...we document LIFE!

What is the FIRST thing you think of when someone calls or inquires about your photography services?  Do you immediately think about the budget, the amount of money you can make, or do you stop, and relish about the importance of this call?  If you have a photography business, and if you simply stay focused on the business elements, you can easily sway from what is really important, your clients.

I know you have heard this time and time again, and I know you have bills to pay and things to get done as far as your marketing, orders,etc, but if you stop for one second and focus on the "WHY" that client called you, you would redirect all of that energy right back towards the client.  Isn't this why you started a photography business?

Last year I received a call from Yolanda, a good friend of mine who bakes cakes from her home, she mainly works with brides on budgets and she called to see if I could help a couple in "need!"  She told me about Michele and Duke who had hired her to make their wedding cake.  She explained that although the budget was limited, they had a special story, and I immediately knew I wanted to help!  You see, Michele & Duke wanted to get married the following year, however they had to push up the date as Michele's dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness.

The wedding took place at San Pablo Ca's Rockefeller Lodge and it was great to meet Michele's dad, he was such a boastful and cheerful guy with a loud and wonderful laugh.  He wore a hat that was so cool and he was overjoyed when he saw his daughter in her wedding gown!  This was a beautiful ceremony and celebration with many friends and family, they shared the traditions of The Tonganese as well as  wonderful heartfelt toast speeches, cheers and dancing!  It was an amazing evening and although  it rained and we had to switch gears,  none of this put a damper on THIS celebration!  More than anything, I was touched at being able to contribute and  I have no doubt that working with Michele & Duke's budget was not an issue, but documenting this day WAS! Michele and Duke released butterflies after their ceremony and I just happened to be right next to them with a butterfly that would not leave their side.  See here....

Michele & Duke you guys were amazing to work with, I am so honored that you entrusted us with this very special day and to allow us to provide these memories for you and your family.  I look forward to hearing from you and seeing where life's road takes you and your family.  Thank you for touching my life as well!

I would like to share a letter that Michele sent me a few days ago, I was so touched, I just had to share and Michele said she would be honored!

(Letter from Michele)

Hi Barbara,

It's Michele Melton Pahulu, you photographed my wedding last year on May 1st. I don't know if you remember but my dad had cancer at the wedding and unfortunately we lost him last July only a couple months after the wedding.  The pictures you took at the wedding were the last family pictures that we have together. I just wanted to thank you so much for putting together such an affordable package for us. I feel very lucky having met you when I did. Because of you we have wonderful family pictures that I will cherish forever. Thank you.
                                                                                                                                                                     
Sincerely,
                                                                                                                                                                     
Michele Melton Pahulu

Day After Bridal Portraits..and why you should consider them

Nowadays, brides are starting to do the "unconventional" when it comes to their own weddings.  Often she will tailor her big day with an array of personal details, places and people that will help mark this day as "hers!"  As should be!

Thank goodness for this type of thinking, as a photographer it really helps me and this is why  I love to  talk to my clients about booking an Engagement Session.  The engagement session is in no way shape or form for me, truthfully it is for her!  These type of sessions do benefit me however as it allows me to spend more time with the happy couple.  I love learning more about how they met, how they became engaged and it is a great way for us all to get to know each other before their wedding day.

Another thing to mention about these sessions, it allows for the bride and her fiance to see themselves from the photographer's perspective.  It can be as beautiful and creative as you'd like, but if it's not personal, those images no matter how gorgeous will say nothing to the couple and worse, will say nothing "about" the couple.

Other ideas for brides to consider are "Day After" or Trash the Dress Sessions.  This is something many contemporary brides are doing.  If you are asking why, why not? It's FUN!  And it's hassle-free, just think of it, no guests waiting at a reception, no worries whatsoever!  THIS alone allows for relaxed and natural portraits.  Remember, among your first heirlooms,  these portraits are designed to be framed and displayed in your home as  well as becoming part of  beautiful photo albums or coffee table books for all to see.

And finally, on the day of your wedding, you should be enjoying your day, your guests and the memories it will provide for future generations.  As a photographer, I know that my clients choose me because they love the way our images depict the day.  Don't get me wrong, portraits and formals should always be done on the wedding day, however depending on how organized your day is sometimes the schedule simply won't allow for those dreamy portraits, that's why you should consider a Day After Bridal Portrait session OR Trash that Dress with your new hubby.....these shoots are designed with one thing in mind....YOU!