Pelican Hill Resort: Mike Colon's Workshop Part One

It is truly a blessing to be in Southern California; what many may call the "Mecca of Wedding Photography!" With a rock star photographer around every corner, it really raises the bar for everyone else around. And I mean that in a very good way!

I'm in the process of getting my "honeymoon body," as I call it. I'm working out every day during the week for the next 5 months to accomplish one goal, and that is to give Daniel Craig a run for his money when I put on that tux on our wedding day! (and as a sidenote, to give Brad Pitt (in Troy) a run for his money after that tux has been returned...HA!)

Wait, why was I on that tangent?

Oh yea! In my days at the gym this past week, I have worked harder, lifted heavier, and given more effort when the guy next to me is stronger than I am (pretty easy to do)! In seeing the weight he is lifting, I am driven to give it that much more! 110%!

That's how I feel about Southern California. I'm got Lou Ferrigno (The Hulk) around every corner when it comes to wedding photography, and I could not love a better challenge to be the very best at what I (we) do!

And speaking of the best, I had a chance to be stretched even more when I visited Mike Colon's 4 day Intensive a couple weeks ago! It was held at the absolutely breath-taking Pelican Hill Resort overlooking the ocean in Newport Beach. With the help of Ray Santana, everyone had a great time! If you haven't read about our experience at Mike's workshop that he held in Maui this past December go check it out!

I firmly believe that Mike's workshop was the launching point for Erin and I. It's when we both looked at one another and said, "We can do this, let's go all out!" Mike's wisdom and insight were invaluable to us! Not to mention, the guy cannot take a bad picture! And who else would you want to be learning from right? :)

Being in this industry is a daily challenge and it is one that we feel blessed to face head on! Being surrounded by the best causes us to give nothing short of our everything, to every bride! We love what we do! And as the ghetto-fabulous Jasmine Star say's all the time, "I'd rather fail at something I love, than succeed in something I hate!"

Here are some of the images from my experience at Mike's Workshop! It was great to meet new people and reconnect with old friends!

Emma and Brandon: Wedding in Palm Desert

The other weekend both Erin and I were honored when our good friend (and awesome photographer) Henry Chen invited us to join him for a hot wedding out in Palm Desert! Our wedding took place at the exclusive and gorgeous Ironwood Country Club. And when I say hot, I mean HOTTT, 105 degrees to be exact! Emma and Brandon we so great. I love it when LOVE overcomes obstacles that so many would use as an excuse to not be with someone! While Emma is latina, and Brandon is...well...the anti-latina! But what I thing is just absolutely beyond-awesome is that such a hurdle was never even given a second thought. The ceremony and toasts were conducted in English and Spanish so that all the guests in attendance could be a part of Emma and Brandon joining their lives and families together! Brandon and his mother gave speeches in broken Spanish to his new wives' parents, Emma's parents gave speeches in broken English to Brandon's family, and to top off what was a beautiful celebration...Brandon and Emma performed a Salsa dance they had been practicing for months ahead of time! It was such a great day, surrounded by great people!

We love our job! We get to be at a celebration every weekend amongst some of the greatest people :)


























**Just to clarify, Erin was not drinking and slacking on the job, but was merely assisting during the family formals! She was the coat rack/drink holder while the family was taking pictures! I just thought she was adorable, even in blistering heat ;) **

Emily and Mike's Wedding- Simi Valley: Part II

I know exactly what you're thinking, "Gavin hasn't posted in a while because he wants those blackmail pictures of Erin to stay up front and center as LONG as possible."

You, my friend, are partly correct! While I do enjoy those studly pictures of my woman adorning the first blog post, I'm also on a bit of a semi-vacation out in Chicago! I had the privilege of shooting a wedding with my friend and photo networking guru Kenny Kim this past Saturday, and have since then just been relaxing and visiting one of my best friends Paul who is in medschool at Midwestern.

More on my wedding with Kenny soon!

But first, I wanted to give you all just a few more photos from Emily and Mike's wedding which we shot out in Simi Valley a couple weeks ago! (P.S. Emily and Mike, your images are done! Be looking for them in the mail soon ;) )
The black and white one of Emily against Mike's chest is one of my favorites! Enjoy!



















Erin doing her best impression of a bridesmaid while I tested out the lighting in the church :) **And NO, you can't see my impression**









This little guy was in the middle of the dance floor and I couldn't resist getting a picture of those big baby blues!! So cute! He reminded me A LOT of my brother Camden when he was a little tank :)



The reception ended at 2:30pm, I'll let you take it from there to interpret! Haha

Emily and Mike's Wedding- Simi Valley: Part I

"Wow, what an awesome wedding." I can remember just thinking that as Erin and I drove home last Saturday night. When I think back and recall the poignant moments of Emily and Mike's wedding, I could without a doubt write volumes about their love for one another. And I LOVE weddings that are all about the love!! (if that makes sense)

"Love never fails," as one of my favorites passages reads. And while we may not always be the perfect example on earth of what love is, I'd like to think that whoever we marry is the embodiment of our own idea of perfect love :)

Emily and Mike, thank you for choosing and trusting Erin and I to capture the devotion, love and trust you have between one another. We are blessed to call you friends and know that we will be seeing one another very soon! (Perhaps at a Lost party soon?) *Emily would always send me texts every week inviting Erin and I...because she's awesome like that*

Welcome home you two! We hope you enjoy :)