On Tammie and Frankie's wedding day it was a clear, crisp, gorgeous Pasadena day.  I arrived at their hotel room to find everything surprisingly relaxed, such a far cry from the normal hustle and bustle of wedding day preparation.  They got ready together with their mothers in attendance, helping tie ties and zip dresses.  It was actually quite sweet. :)



More important than what was outside of the rings was what was inside the rings, simple engravings that spoke about their love for each other.  Don't get me wrong though, the engagement ring was quite gorgeous as well, but one reason why some cultures wear their wedding ring on their left ring finger is because it is believed to be the vena amoris (or "vein of love" and runs directly to your heart).  I think the engraving inside the rings is a really special way to keep those words close to your heart.











All the gorgeous flower arrangements were provided by Chelsea Leah Flowers.  Tammie also rocked it out with her red shoes.















Their wedding started off at the Pacific Asia Museum.  I love weddings because they are very much family affairs, and it's so amazing to see everyone pull together for two people that they love.







The bubbles were supposed to be saved for after the ceremony, but I found a willing accomplice to give me a preview. :)



Tammie was escorted down the aisle by her brothers.









After the ceremony they had a traditional tea ceremony.









Their reception was an intimate affair at the Panda Inn Restaurant, rich with love and humor.  There was plenty of food, laughs, some tears, toasts, and a few entertaining games masterminded by Tammie's two brothers.

I photographed this cute little family several months ago back when their little bundle of joy was still inside the belly.  Since then, their baby girl made her debut and we had a chance to do a fun little session to chronicle her six months of life.

A sibling relationship is like a fine red wine, it usually gets better with age. :)  And it is certainly no better appreciated than over the holidays when you share (many) calories and maybe a few presents.

Though officially married, Chris and Jeni are having their actual ceremony in February, which is really exciting for me (though I'm sure they are overwhelmed with the details, who isn't?).  I am very blessed to have Jeni as a new sister, and it's pretty fun to be able to goof around and hang out.  Recently we had a quick e-session around our old stomping grounds.

The picture below is at the courthouse where they were officially married. 

A few days ago I was talking about sunshine and "fall" weather in lieu of winter weather.  Now it's raining buckets.  And while our drains are being flooded outside, I was working on sunny images like the one below.  Somehow it all felt very wrong.



Regardless, I still love this picture of Mya in the sun with sand all over her face, trotting around like a wild doggie. :) 

Anyway, it's ok, because it's nice to listen to the rain.  It always inspires a nap or two.