Los Angeles Photographer « Andrea Chu Takeoka

Aug 8th, 2010

Trisha + Duke * Quiet Cannon Wedding * Photo Booth

At my wedding, Taro put together a photo booth and people loved it. So when Trisha was planning her wedding, Auntie Betty asked if we could do the same for her daughter and set up the photo booth for her. We were happy to do so because after all, we are family! Everyone at the wedding enjoyed it and going through the photos, I laughed as I watched the goofiness unfold. The accessories were an added touch and I am glad that we brought along hats and leis to add to the silliness. The mustaches were also a hit and some even used it as bushy eyebrows! Overall, young and old put forth their best face – serious and silly – in front of the camera to add to Trisha and Duke’s memories.

Congratulations again, Trisha and Duke! I hope you enjoy the new path and may it be filled with even more happy memories!

To view all photos click here.

Tags: Los Angeles Photographer, Los Angeles Wedding Photography, Photo Booth, Quiet Cannon Wedding, Taro's Photo Booth
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Aug 3rd, 2010

Victor + Rebecca * Los Angeles Engagement

Victor and Rebecca met in college and since then, they dated for six years. Two years ago, Victor proposed on New Year’s Eve and since then, their lives have been very busy. Rebecca was attending graduate school when Victor proposed and instead of balancing the hectic life of a student and trying to plan a wedding, they decided to have a longer engagement so she could finish up her Masters Degree. That also allowed for Victor to continue saving money for the wedding because, in his words, Rebecca deserved it. Isn’t that just the sweetest thing? He said it with such sentiment and a loving glance over at Rebecca that it could make anyone swoon. The longer engagement also allowed for them to reserve that perfect Saturday, January 1, 2011, for their wedding to coincide with the proposal.

The way that Victor and Rebecca describe themselves as a couple is like the characters Carl and Ellie from the movie Up. They see themselves that much in love with each other and when a family member said, “But Ellie dies in the movie,” Victor responded that they are living that type of lifestyle, the younger Carl and Ellie. I thought it was adorable because after all, don’t we want that Carl and Ellie relationship? Sigh…and swooning again at how much Victor and Rebecca mean to each other. What is even cuter is that they did photos based off of Up and Victor even made a mailbox where they painted their handprints on it! Too cute!

So for their engagement session, Rebecca expressed how much she loved the colors of Olvera Street, which remind her of where the ceremony and reception are taking place, a Spanish hacienda. There were vibrant colors everywhere and before the restaurants and vendors opened up, even the stalls provided these wonderful backdrops. The session ended up being a tour of Downtown L.A., moving to Union Station, riding the metro, hopping off at the Walt Disney Hall, and even exploring the Music Center. It was a wonderful adventure and not only was it fun capturing Victor and Rebecca’s love for each other, I felt like I was giving them a quick tour of Los Angeles!

Victor and Rebecca, congratulations again on your engagement! I hope you have a wonderful ride together and may the two of you find your version of Paradise Falls!

We grabbed some coffee before we headed off to Union Station, eventually hopping on the Metro to discover more of Los Angeles.

Off we headed to the Walt Disney Hall and Music Center:

Tags: Downtown LA, Los Angeles Photographer, Los Angeles Wedding Photography, Olvera Street, Olvera Street Engagement Photography, Union Station Engagement Photography, Walt Disney Hall, Walt Disney Hall Engagement Photography
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Jul 28th, 2010

Daniel + Leticia * Los Angeles Wedding

Back in February when we saw Joe Romero perform his Anti-Valentine’s Day stand-up routine, he mentioned that I could come along to any of his weddings to second shoot for him. I thought it was a generous offer, especially since it would help in learning hands on the time it takes to get all the necessary shots – ceremony, family shots – while balancing out the photojournalistic style. So this past Saturday, I was able to accompany Joe to Leticia and Daniel’s wedding. Even though I was a stranger, Leticia welcomed me as she was getting ready for her big day. Her hair and make-up were getting the final touches before she stepped into her fluttering, layered wedding dress. It was a breathtaking moment before the hustle of jumping into the limosine to head to Our Lady of Soledad where Daniel, standing at the back of the church, awaited his bride.

Despite not understanding the ceremony (conducted all in Spanish), you could still feel the beauty of the music, singing, and feel the words that were addressed to Leticia and Daniel. The idea of commitment, love, and mutual understanding was clear and the joy and happiness were evident in each set of parents’ eyes. When the ceremony ended, there were plenty of hugs, kisses, and congratulations. Shortly after, the wedding party headed over to Pasadena for photos and portraits before the celebration continued at the Rococo Room.

Joe, thank you so much again for letting me second shoot at Leticia and Daniel’s wedding. It was a wonderful learning experience and I hope to work with you again very soon! Leticia and Danny, congratulations again and I wish the two of you a lifetime of happiness!