Jovanni Photography Blog

Ever since I proposed to Annie at Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) in Venice, Italy coming up on 4 years ago, I have had this special place in my heart for couples who had proposals done abroad. I had the opportunity to once again 2nd shoot with our friend and mentor Henry Chen for such a couple as Joyce + Dennis got engaged in Paris!!!

It was a pleasure to witness the mixing of the Chinese and Filipino cultures as bits of pieces of each were present throughout the day…from the tea ceremony in the morning, to the rope and veil during their Catholic ceremony, to the lion dancers and then to the money dance at the end. Joyce and Dennis were such an amazing couple and their church, St Denis Catholic Church in Diamond Bar was absolutely gorgeous! Here are some of our favorites from the day…be sure to check out Henry’s blog as well!

Siri even came out to play…

Henry getting in on the action…

I had the opportunity to 2nd shoot with yet another one of our amazing friends. This time around with Sarina of Sarina Love Photography for Trish + Scotland’s wedding on the unique date of 9/10/11! My day started with the bagpiper Brian playing in the hotel room of the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach as the guys were getting ready. The groom Scotland was from Scotland, so of course, bagpipes were in order. With the U.S. Open playing on the television set, they reminisced on what happened during the bachelor party in San Diego the weekend before. At one point, all the guys gathered around Best Man Jake’s cell phone to see some video footage! =D Once they were all ready to go, we headed down to the venue, Norris Pavillion in Rolling Hills Estates.

When I got there, I was amazed at all the detail and the ‘lock & key’ theme throughout. This wedding had it all…an amazing cocktail hour, a delicious dessert station, a great band that kept the party going, a traditional Chinese Lion Dance, and such a great couple in Trish and Scotland!

Make sure to check out Sarina’s blog for more images here!!! =D

I had the opportunity to 2nd shoot the epic wedding of Robert + Velinda with our friend Marilyn of Marilyn Nakazato Photography. What made this epic??? Oh, just a gorgeous venue (Skirball Cultural Center), 3 limos (1 of which was a Rolls Royce Phantom!), 2 mariachi bands, a caricature artist, and a magician!!! I met up with Robert and the guys at their house to capture them getting ready before heading to their ceremony site at St. Ferdinand Church in San Fernando. It was the first time, I’ve ever heard a mariachi band play at a church, and it was great! Afterwards, we proceeded to Skirball to get the party started. While the kiddies were occupied in their own private room with magician, face painting, and caricatures, the adults got to play. At one point in the night, everyone was out on the dance floor! Robert + Velinda were such an amazing couple and I hope they enjoy themselves in London for the Olympics next year! =D

Make sure you go check out Marilyn’s images for the day here.