
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.











Claudia and her leading ladies have some fabulous shoes.




Kelly headed over to the guys' rooms to take some pictures of the prep, except there wasn't much left, so they shot some fun portraits.




I don't know exactly how this shot came about, but it was pretty funny, and I said I'd put it up. :)





Their ceremony was at Saint Vincent de Paul.











Afterward we headed out to their alma mater, USC, to get a few shots of the new Mr. and Mrs.










They were practicing their dance for the reception, so I got a sneak peek.


The reception was held at a little downtown oasis called the Los Angeles River Center and Garden. There Claudia and Felipe incorporated a lot of traditional details like talavera vases and hanging papel picado. :)























Congratulations Claudia and Felipe! We had an awesome time, everyone was so much fun! Have an awesome time in Napa!
These came out so well! They make me warm and tingly inside. :) It was so much fun shooting with you. I hope we get to do it again soon!
Congrats, Claudia & Felipe! You two were so much fun. :)
(11.10.09)These are very pretty pictures. They came out so well. Congratulations Claudia and Felipe!
(11.10.09)Great shots! Looks like a fun wedding & you captured it beautifully!
(11.11.09)Thank you for capturing our special day so beautifully. We are super excited for our wedding pictures. You and Kelly did a great job!
(11.13.09)Phoebe! You are awesome! These pictures are a amazing (and I;m not saying that because I'm in them). Thank you very much for freezing memory and making this ephemeral moment longer lasting. You rock too Kelly!
(11.13.09)


Even dogs get a little love on the wedding day, in the form of a matching purple lei.

Paul arrived to find a small army of Laurel's relatives blocking his entry.


He eventually managed to buy entry with a song and dance (well, maybe just a dance and a few helpful red envelopes).






Though I couldn't understand much of what was said, the sentiment was loud and clear.


The jokes also translated pretty well.





Afterwards Laurel changed into her lovely wedding dress, and we took a few pictures with the bridal party at Echo Park.






We also took a few quick pictures with Paul and Laurel at Union Station.






The reception was held at Empress Pavilion in Chinatown.
Paul's sister collaborated with the couple to make these adorable graphics as table numbers and favors.

You can never go wrong with chocolate...

... especially when it's got such special ingredients.










Notice something a bit odd about the picture below? Yes, Laurel called up her brother to compete for the bouquet toss. Nevermind that he's a head taller than everyone else there.. :)

And finally, the dancing kicked off with a few brave souls.


It was great seeing you. Thanks for taking the photos!
(10.14.09)
I know this is cheesy, but it totally warmed the cockles of my heart to read about someone who is as excited as I am about shooting their wedding, as well as reading all the kind words they had to say ("funky fresh cool" indeed!). Claudia and Felipe are an adorable couple, I knew it as soon as I walked through the doors of Coffee Bean and saw them beaming at me (yes, beaming, they both have infectious smiles, my jaw was hurting a little when I left from grinning). Anyway, I am enjoying reading about the details of their wedding (I love the humorous shot of the vase invasion, that's what my place looked like right before I got married), and am looking forward to capturing their wedding in November with lovely Kelly Nicole from the Sunset House. :)
Awww.. how sweet! Must be awesome to hear people rave about your work. By the way, I agree on the "funky fresh" coolness of Phoebe too. =)
(08.06.09)oh my gosh phoebe!! you are awesome! you are so so very talented and unique! i didn't even know.. i am so excited to see your work!
(08.06.09)Small world! You're shooting one Wedding Bee with another Wedding Bee. You would've been a good Bee yourself! Btw, you are getting even more awesome with every shoot! Hope to see you guys soon (I'm sad that I can't join Kelly when she comes down in November).
(08.06.09)
We also got to chatting, and it turns out she had been to some places that I am keen to see (like Angkor Wat and several other places in asia). Apparently her job is not only rewarding and altruistic, but it also allows her to travel occasionally! Can we say dream job? :)
Her sister Sarah was also along for the ride, for which I was really thankful. She was absolutely vital in helping preserve Yeri's gorgeous dress for her wedding day and also for posing tips. Plus she made Yeri laugh, which is always a plus.


How many brides are willing to sit here with their wedding dress before their wedding? I'd say very few. But she sat and smiled (almost) the whole way through.

Sarah did an amazing job with Yeri's hair and makeup.












I love the splash of color from Yeri's red shoes.


That shoot was a lot of fun. If this portrait session is any indicator, Yeri is going to make a gorgeous bride. :)
** no wedding dress was harmed during the course of this session
your pictures are absolutely amazing! its neat how you captured her so naturally.
(07.06.09)Phoebe, thank you again for these beautiful pictures! I had an incredible time working with you. I was so nervous in the beginning, but you were able to get me relaxed and take these amazing photos. I appreciated your professionalism, your friendliness, and the length you went to get the perfect shot. You have a special eye for unique backgrounds and gorgeous photo opportunities, and my friends all say that the photos look like the belong in a magazine! Thanks again!
(07.13.09)




Hi Phoebe - You and your "helpers" were amazing... thanks for capturing the day!
(01.03.10)Wow! Awesome photos, Phoebe!
(01.04.10)Love the pictures Phoebe and the background information about the 'vena amoris'. Very educational!
(01.04.10)