Happy Birthday Red, White & Blue

Greetings Dear Friends,

On the eve our country's celebration of freedom, I came across this most spectacular quote. Though it speaks most specifically of personal freedom, I find it fitting to share with you all:

“Every human has four endowments - self awareness, conscience, independent will & creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom...The power to choose, to respond, to change.”

-Steven R. Covey

If our perception is our reality, then let us choose to exercise our freedom to perceive that which surrounds us as the best of what's around. In doing this we are free...free to live, to love, to grow and to change.

Here's wishing you a safe and colorful 4th of July. I'm off to the lake!!!



love.laughter.light,
t

West Coast Ramblings Pt. 1 - Taylor & Frank

Greetings Friends,

I'll warn you now, this is going to be a long one. Get up and stretch, grab a cup of organic white tea, do whatever it is that you need to do to get fired up for this installment of visual:ramblings. Thank you for being here.

Last week was one for the books. I have so many people to thank...probably best that I list them:

Taylor & Frank: Thank you for letting us into your life and for trusting in us so freely. Your love is true and time tested...13 years was it?? I think that I can speak for Ann and Joel when I say that we are grateful for the experience.
(Taylor Pham is the founder and driving force behind Thi Cosmetics - a makeup line celebrating Asian beauty. She's also a killer makeup artist who's work has been featured in Elle, Glamour, InStyle, Modern Bride and slew of other publications. If you're a bride in Southern California, Taylor Pham is it.)

Ann Hamilton: What can I say?? Amazing. I love the friendship that we share. Thank you for everything...you're an angel.
ps...be sure to check out Ann's blog for her perspective on this great day :)

Joel Serrato: (lost for words again)...good times, my friend. Thanks for the hook up on the video light...there are some dance pictures in this post that i owe you for. Let's do it again soon.

Gene-o Higa: You gave me your keys, insight, tee shirts...even your socks! And asked for nothing in return. You are an inspiration and a blessing.

Anton Lorimer: Good things lie ahead. I am excited by the possibilities.

Kelli Marsh: Your encouragement and love drives me. Thank you. u.

I also have to give a shoutout to my new fotog peeps: Gustavo Fernandez, Linda Chaja and Elisa Cicinelli. Good times with good people...that's was the trip's theme! I've got images and stories to share and will do so in future blog ramblings.

Now back to Taylor & Frank.

We begin with our brave crew. From there I will let the images tell the story...

Joel (Super 8 Film-Guy) Serrato, Ann (more than a dog photographer) Hamilton & me...that guy.

then a quick iPhone modeling session with Joel:


Frank arrives:
















the beautiful Taylor Pham






































love.laughter.light,
t
California Wedding Photographer

Sunbursts & Cherry Trees

Greetings Dear Friends,

I awoke this morning to a gray sky. Put off by a lingering feeling of blah, I decided to roll over and attempt to snag a few more moments of precious zzzz's. This, of course, proved useless as my mind quickly entered into 'think' mode and reminded me that I had left my Jeep outside with the windows open the night before. Frustrated and somewhat vex, I kicked off the sheets and headed outside rectify the situation. Sliding open the door to my back shed:



...an unexpected sunburst blinded me as I passed my lone cherry tree and I felt immediately at ease. It was just what I needed, although at the time I had no idea that I had needed anything at all.

This brought to mind a quote by the great author Aldous Huxley:

"Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities."

I interpret this as saying that life will give us exactly what we need exactly when we need it, our duty is to be present enough in our moment to recognize its presence in our world. Does that make any sense?? Maybe I'm rambling...maybe I just at to many cherries today.

Speaking of which, they say that life isn't a bowl of cherries. Well today was...and I'm holding out hope that tomorrow will be the same.



love.laughter.light.
t

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALI
(I am so proud of you, and all that you are)

marri:e:d in the hamptons

Greetings Dear Friends,

What a perfect way to spend a weekend. A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of heading down to the Long Island Shore to catch up with my boy :e: and bear witness to the magical union of Jana & Tim. The weather was perfect, the scenes were breathtaking and the people were of the highest caliber. Once again reinforcing the fact that I am amongst the luckiest guys alive!

The weekend was a blur. Here are some snaps to help us remember.

jana & tim - the atlantica (westhampton beach, ny)

Jenn Butler. The voice & spirit of an angel.












Thank you :e: for asking me to come along, for being exactly who you are and for continually inspiring my work and my person. And thank you to Jana & Tim and your amazing families for your kindness, trust and love. All the best for many years to come.

love.laughter.light.
t
Long Island Wedding Photographer

Careful what you wish for Ann :-)

Hello Dear Friends,

I got an email this morning and, well...




HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANN HAMILTON!!! Best year yet, no doubt.
I am so excited for Taylor's Wedding next week!

love.laughter.light
~t~
destination wedding photographer in desperate need of voice lessons.

In today's inbox...

Hello Dear Friends!!!

I'm pretty fired up right now! Just got word from Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine that Jina & Joe's Paradise Island, Bahamas wedding is going to be featured in the "I do" section of the Fall 2008 Issue! A super huge shout-out to my main - KK...Mr. Kenny Kim for dragging me out to paradise and putting up with my complaining all week (kidding ;-)).

It was (and always is) a joy.pleasure.honor to be around you Kenny and I look forward to the road that lies ahead. Thank you dear friend, it's an honor to share this w you. Oh...and for the record, when we are there again this December...you will ride the giant slide through the shark pool (and you will like it).

...and to Jina & Joe: Thank you for inviting us into your lives. Thank you for the love.trust.respect that we share. ...and for giving us the green light to tell the whole world about it. Much happiness for many years.

Here are some photos:

































...and some randoms from around Nassau...











Have a great weekend everybody!!! Thanks for stopping by!

love.laughter.light,
t
destination wedding photographer