Yes, we are not only professional Wedding Photographers -

We are professional Wedding Photographers who can capture The Kiss in all its glory through bleary eyes, a lump in our throat, and a swelling heart!

That got me thinking: what if I compiled some of the images that communicate sweetness, tenderness, and warm fuzzy goodness?

What if  I collected images who offered both intimacy and perspective?

So that’s what I did.

Today’s blog post is a response to our last blog post, Better Together, which we heard you enjoyed!

May I present for your viewing pleasure, All Teary-Eyed:

Los Angeles Wedding and Lifestyle Photography | All Teary Eyed from Daniel + Megan Photography on Vimeo.

Now you’ll have to excuse me while I go buy more tissues.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

The other day we were sitting around a table having coffee with some friends, when the familiar question was raised. Even though we’re asked this all the time our answer always changes – and each time, I think I’ve got the answer that speaks clearly to this passion.

I guess all good questions have lots of answers.

Which is the perfect excuse for another series on this blog!

How do we love photography? Let us count the ways!

#1. We love being a witness to loyalty and friendship. 

May we present a few of our favorite images from the past year that simply say, “We’re better together.”

Better Together from Daniel + Megan Photography on Vimeo.

Think about your favorite person in the entire world. The person you live for; the person you would give your life for.

Do you have pictures to convey your relationship with that person?

Because in the end, we’re thinking that enduring companionship and unabashed silliness are key elements of life together.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

Christmastime is full of scandals.

Some are sacred, from long ago:  A virgin heavy with a baby out of wedlock..

Others are current and uncomfortable: conspicuous consumerism in a world brimming with need.

And then, there is one scandal that we have been chewing on this month, in our community of faith:

Waiting.

Um.. you might be saying to yourself, Scandals require a THING. What are you talking about?

Here’s what I’m thinking: in our production-obsessed, stressed out, caffeine-fueled, lightening-speed, drive-thru culture of instant satisfaction…is not the hardest, most scandalous thing to wait?

I’m not preaching here.  I’m speaking from experience.

I was recently challenged by some friends to pray in solitude and silence for 15 minutes, as part of an experiment to initiate some meditative rhythms in life. I had to tell them a couple weeks later that not only did I not do it, I didn’t even want to do it. The waiting part was too hard.

Here’s another story:

Back in 1972, there was a mischievous Stanford researcher who made children wait to eat delectable marshmallows. He would place a fluffy piece of 100% high fructose corn syrup in front of each child, and tell them that if they could wait to eat the marshmallow until he returned, they could have two.  Then, he would leave them alone in the room, and observe the children squirming through their temptation through a two-way mirror. If they could resist, as promised, they would be rewarded with two marshmallow treats.

I totally would have failed that test.

But that’s OK. Because the difference between that test and real life is that life doesn’t happen in a sterile research lab. It happens in community – hopefully, a community that has grace for when Chubby Bunny happens instead of delayed gratification!

Mountainside Communion has been helping me to see the value of waiting. We’ve been talking lately about what it means that in this season of Advent, we are reminded that we wait for God. We wait for Christ to come – both as a helpless infant, God incarnate in human flesh, and to return with power to usher in what our pastor (and others) call “the Reign of God.”

In this mysterious time of waiting, we are trying (sometimes impatiently) to wait with—and for—hope, love, joy and peace.

And that is this year’s Christmastime scandal.

We hope that you have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones!

Warmly,

daniel + megan

P.S. – In lieu of a Christmas card,  please enjoy these images of our family’s home around Christmastime!

This year I (Megan) made Daniel an Advent calendar with goody-filled envelopes hidden around our home.

Whatever the contents—a  Cashew Cookie Lara Bar, a brachiosaurus, or an adhesive mustache—its fun for everyone!

For the first time this year we live in a home that has a big window facing the street.

I love being beckoned home by the gold star and white lights shining warmly in the window.

Each ornament conjures memories.

Like this one, bought on our unforgettable road-trip Honeymoon to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite!

Each December we help my parents place a few decorative touches around their home –

always settling them in the exact same places as the year before.

We’re big on rituals.

We eat Christmas breakfast off the Spode Christmas dishes we’ve eaten on for my entire life, and beyond..

And we open our bulging stockings, which are actually my Grandmother’s old nylons..

Then there’s the nativity scene, complete with Lucy: the blessed chihuahua..

Who enjoys(?) flamboyant festivity this time of year!

And on that note, Merry Christmas!

As we finished capturing Leah + Armen’s portraits in a scrumptious warm glow,

We all got pretty excited, because…

It was time to party!

Let me tell you, there is no better place to have a Wedding Reception

than on a warm evening on an organic family lavender farm!

The air smelled delicious – like lavender lemonade -

and everybody was grinning ear-to-ear.

I mean, how could you not? This was paradise.

Leah + Armen’s friends created a tree together as a guest book

(they’re a creative bunch),

Armen brewed lavender beers for his friends and family to enjoy

(I know, it just keeps getting better),

And everyone had the time.of.their.lives.

At Leah + Armen’s reception, everybody was surrounded by loved ones, and people had to shout to each other to be heard above the endless streams of laughter.

As the night grew dark, the tender toasts and slow dances began,

And soon, Leah + Armen’s friends swarmed the dance floor -

It was WILD in the best of ways.

See what we mean? A GREAT time.

 But the highlight of the reception, for us?

A photo booth, of course!

We love photo booths because they’re a way to ensure great photos of guests.

Also, they are HILARIOUS!

I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard since Leah + Armen’s Wedding!

My favorite photobooth images are when guests joke around with each other:

We just love it.

And photo booths are awesome because EVERYBODY can get involved and have a great time:

Friends,

Families,

and couples!

So, Leah + Armen:

Thanks for being So. Awesome.

For having amazing friends -

and for helping us have a job that we love, with people like this..

We hope that your marriage is full of playfulness and memories together.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

Wedding Photography: Daniel + Megan Photography | Ceremony + Reception Location: Keys Creek Lavender Farm | Officiant of Awesomeness: Joshua Smith of Mountainside Communion | Floral Design: Jerry Murillo | Dress: Dolly Couture | Wine: Smoking Loon by Don Sebastiani & Sons | Lavender Beer: Home-brewed by the groom

Imagine what it feels like on a balmy October afternoon on an organic lavender farm,

nestled in the bucolic countryside near San Diego.

You have already had some unforgettable moments,

and now everybody you love is gathered together with anticipation -

Eager for the ceremony to begin.

And there find yourself, with your Love.

It is your Wedding Day.

Isn’t it lovely?

What struck me about Leah + Armen’s Wedding was that beneath the excitement, there was a serenity.

Do you ever experience something, and find it impossible to envision it any other way?

This was Leah + Armen’s Wedding:

the way it was supposed to be.

Perfectly sweet and simple, both intimate and shared.

Peter, Amanda and Scott provided the music,

Melanie crafted a delicate handkerchief banner,

A homily was given by the Father of the Bride;

and prayers read by Leah + Armen’s friends..

We believe in “better photography through relationships” -

but I think its also true that weddings are better when couples are enveloped in a loving community.

As these two said their vows to each other with huge smiles on their faces,

those gathered together took a vow as well:

“Do you promise to do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?”

We will!

And Leah + Armen became Mr. + Mrs.

This is another moment when I had to use my photography-while-blinded-by-tears skills.

Isn’t this moment beautiful?

This is my second favorite photo of the day (my favorite is coming)

because of the blissful expressions and the context of those gathered.

This photo is what Leah + Armen’s Wedding felt like.

Isn’t it dreamy?

The family and Wedding Party kicked off the party of all parties

(you won’t want to miss Part III  – its nuts!) ,

And Leah + Armen slipped away

into a land of gorgeous warm light and lavender fields…

The first moments of marriage feel sacred -

Can you imagine a better place to spend them?

Leah + Armen seemed at peace and utterly happy.

It was a quiet moment in between the anticipation of the ceremony,

and the party that was to follow.

And for these few moments, it was like nothing else existed in the world but the two of them.

This, by the way, is my favorite image from the day.

Leah + Armen, you were amazing to photograph.

Just LOOK at you! You’re best friends in love.

Could there be anything more beautiful?

And the best part? The reception is yet to come.

And let me tell you – those images are downright WILD.

But we’ll reveal those next time!

Because today?

I think we’ve soaked up all the love there is in the world.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

P.S. Don’t forget to check out Leah + Armen’s Wedding Part I if you missed it.

Wedding Photography: Daniel + Megan Photography | Ceremony + Reception Location: Keys Creek Lavender Farm | Officiant of Awesomeness: Joshua Smith of Mountainside Communion | Floral Design: Jerry Murillo | Dress: Dolly Couture

There are a lot of ways that I could tell this story,

but here’s the best way I know how:

Days like this, Leah + Armen‘s Wedding Day, are our ‘Remember When’s.

The Wedding was to take place at Keys Creek Lavender Farm, an independently-run family farm in San Diego County.

Away from the Southern California sprawl, the farm is a remote and rural hideway,

and comes with the scent of lavender wafting through the air…

Perfection.

On the morning of her wedding, Leah is radiant,

 And the best part?

She is surrounded by giddy friends and loving family,

who traveled from India to be with Leah on her special day.

One thing I love about Leah + Armen’s Wedding

is that every detail was hand-picked and personal:

From her flirtatious purple pumps

to the vintage-inspired dresses – and that’s only the beginning!

Although the elements of the Wedding were beautiful, the character of the people gathered was what shined.

The happiness of these wonderful people was palpable:

it was nearing time for Leah + Armen’s First Look!

Before the First Look,

I remember Armen stating, “Today is my Wedding Day.”

It gave me goosebumps: it seemed so natural, yet was also a paradigm-shift.

It was his Wedding Day, and Armen was ready.

The men gathered to surrounded him in prayer

on the open porch next to a lavender field,

And Armen waited for his Love..

Isn’t this exciting?!

He turned around, and they were lost in each others’ eyes.

I had to catch my breath, it was so tender

 and sweet.

They were moments away from marrying their best friend!

As I’ve said before, the hardest thing about being a photographer is capturing images while tearing up…

Aren’t they an adorable pair? The world is a better place because of their being together.

In fact, I think that they included the whole world in their wedding party!

Leah + Armen are adored and supported by a great community of people, as you can see:

They all happen to look like Anthropologie models, and they’re so much fun together.

Photographing them was a blast.

I guess that’s why they call it a Wedding Party! Ha..

 The moment for the ceremony to begin was drawing near, and the preparations were complete.

Soon, walking down the aisle would be Zeke the dapper Ring Bearer,

Sydney the giggling Flower Girl,

And Leah, the breath-taking Bride!

We can’t wait to share the ceremony with you in Part II!

It was unforgettable.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

Wedding Photography: Daniel + Megan Photography | Ceremony + Reception Location: Keys Creek Lavender Farm | Officiant of Awesomeness: Joshua Smith of Mountainside Communion | Floral Design: Jerry Murillo | Dress: Dolly Couture

Currently, my absolute favorite part of the Wedding Day is the series of moments right after the couple is officially wed.

This reception—and the surprises coming after—were no exception!

Lindsay + Jason planned an intimate reception at the Pasadena estate of a dear friend right next to the Arroyo Seco.

There was a lot to be loved about this celebration: for one, the sunny yellows and grounding grey designs…

The live jazz trio setting the mood…

But I have to be honest: the brunch stole my heart. I’m lookin’ at you french toast and watermelon-feta salad!

With this winning combination, everyone had an wonderful time celebrating the love of Lindsay + Jason.

Rarely have there been two people so loved by their friends and family!

Later that afternoon, when the reception was complete, Lindsay + Jason said goodbye to their little man

And were left alone to celebrate with each other!

This is what fresh and giddy, newly-married love looks like:

Blissful,

Romantic,

and a little goofy, too.

Sure, the most important part of the day was the Wedding itself,

but the chance to capture the first hours of marriage with Lindsay + Jason resulted in images that exude happiness.

I can’t wait to show you the crazy excursion we went on!

You might never know it, but this is a gorgeous back alley in Old Town Pasadena!

Basically, Lindsay + Jason went for a short date after their wedding, and we got to photograph them in all their glory.

This part was just plain fun!

(as evidenced by the spontaneous private dance party)

I know I said this in their last post, but Lindsay + Jason’s expressions floor me.

Love.

Who could make an alley next to a parking garage feel like the climax of an epic love story?

Lindsay + Jason, that’s who.

Lindsay + Jason, your love is pretty amazing. Look at how beautiful you make the world!

In fact, its nothing short of breath-taking.

Thanks for letting us be a part of your

happily ever ever.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

Wedding Photography: Daniel + Megan Photography | Ceremony + Reception Location: Home of Scott and Barbara Bice | Wedding Coordinator: Jennifer Hronek of Joie de Vivre & Co | Floral Design: The Flower Garden| Catering: Huntington Catering Company | Cake Artist: Cake Sensations | Custom Wedding Dress Hanger: Etsy

Natalie + James were finally Mr. + Mrs.!

The First Look and Ceremony had been sweet and tearful (for us as well!),

but now it was time to have some FUN!

And let me tell you – these two know how to throw a great celebration!

So from St. Edmunds Church, the Bridal Party headed to the Glendale Hilton!

Now, I have to say: one of the most impressive elements of Natalie  + James’ Reception was that it was somehow, someway, both incredibly elegant:

And hugely fun for every single person there.

Although, this probably shouldn’t be such a surprise, seeing as how these two are the epitome of “elegant” and “fun”. Case in point:

Don’t these images remind you of movie-stars in vintage magazines?

 Now, what you are about to see was so entertaining and impressive, it really took my breath away.

Enter, traditional Armenian dancers!

It was magical.

But the very best part, is that then everybody joined the dance floor -

And let me tell you: Armenians know how to dance.

It was the party of all parties.

Interspersed with touching toasts, an operetic solo by Natalie’s talented younger sister, and a poem read by Natalie’s Mother and Grandmother which was written on the day that Natalie was born.

Natalie + James’s Wedding, in short, honored their heritage,

Reveled in the now,

And celebrated their love for a lifetime as husband and wife.

Natalie + James, we love you two!

Blessings for you both.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

Wedding Photography: Daniel + Megan Photography | Ceremony Location: St. Edmunds Church in San Marino, CA | Reception Location: Hilton Hotel in Glendale | Officiant: Dr. John Dix of Grace Church of Glendora | Floral Design: Elza Deco | Catering: Robert’s Catering Service | Cake Artist: Pastries by Nancy

Lindsay + Jason‘s Wedding was under way.

The guests had gathered in this intimate garden, nestled along the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena,

there was a warm breeze,

and the moment had come when Lindsay + Jason would covenant with one other:

“To love and to cherish until death us do part.”

Isn’t she beautiful?

I love photography because when the camera clicks, that second gets to stay alive.

Moments like these are the kind you want to cherish for the rest of your days:

I feel that today’s blog post is really special in its simplicity.

Today, we just want Lindsay + Jason’s photographs to speak for themselves.

Do you see why?

All that I ask, is that for the next four images,

consider this love:

Sacred,

Joyful,

And earnest.

When they kiss, I hear an orchestra’s crescendo in my head…

But since these two are now officially Mr. + Mrs. Young,

Now I’m thinking of another kind of classic music for this adorable family!

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you…

May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever Young…

Who says you can’t give a blessing via Bob Dylan?

Love that song.

Love this couple.

Dear Readers, we can hardly wait to show you Part III of Lindsay + Jason’s perfect Wedding Day!

Warmly,

daniel + megan

Wedding Photography: Daniel + Megan Photography | Ceremony + Reception Location: Home of Scott and Barbara Bice | Wedding Coordinator: Jennifer Hronek of Joie de Vivre & Co | Floral Design: The Flower Garden| Catering: Huntington Catering Company | Cake Artist: Cake Sensations | Custom Wedding Dress Hanger: Etsy

I hadn’t been to St. Edmunds church in San Marino since attending preschool there,

and it was as magical as I remembered.

And Natalie + James Wedding was about to begin…

 The flowers were arranged beautifully, the guests were ushering into the wooden pews…

 And Natalie was on her Father’s arm.

It was perfect.

One of my favorite photos from weddings is the look on the Groom’s face

when he sees his Bride walking down the aisle towards him:

Adoration.

At first the tone of Natalie + James’ wedding was emotional and tender,

but every few moments, there was a burst of joy.

Natalie + James take laughter and celebration with them wherever they go -

their Wedding was no exception!

This wedding was rich with tradition and reverence,

But it was also personal and warm.

When they were pronounced Husband and Wife,

 And James kissed Natalie,

My cheeks hurt from smiling.

Because our friends Natalie + James?

Their marriage will bring life wherever they go.

 Another one of my favorite moments at this Wedding?

The moments right afterwards, when spontaneous dancing, hugs, and kisses spoke louder than words…

and when Natalie’s younger brother, wearing their Grandfather’s ring, just held her.

There was not a dry eye in the room.

 The story of Natalie + James’ Wedding is almost complete,

but Part III is hugely important…

 Part III will tell the story of the community that supports Natalie + James:

the family and friends that cherish their relationship.

And today, that community calls for a party!

And WOW, what a party that will be!

You won’t want to miss it…

Warmly,

daniel + megan

Wedding Photography: Daniel + Megan Photography | Ceremony Location: St. Edmunds Church in San Marino, CA | Reception Location: Hilton Hotel in Glendale | Officiant: Dr. John Dix of Grace Church of Glendora | Floral Design: Elza Deco | Catering: Robert’s Catering Service | Cake Artist: Pastries by Nancy