I had a wedding customer from Japan. She got married at Malibu, Stauffer Chapel in Pepperdine University. I photographed both their engagement and wedding only in 1 week apart. A signing board had to be made in 5 days. Wedding album was completed and delivered in 5 days. The bride and groom stayed in the US for less than 2 weeks.

I helped the bride and groom with locating makeup artist and florist. Below is my journal on Aki & Noji’s wedding.

• October 15: I received an email from Japan. She said she’s coming to Malibu, from Japan, to get married. She also stated that he’s already decided to send me a deposit. I was very skeptical about this email. I sent her my generic reply. I was hoping she will not reply my email.
• October 16: The prospect from Japan replied my email the next day. We exchanged 8 emails that day. The bride and groom are Japanese. They live in Japan. But they have American friends in Malibu area. They already booked Stauffer Chapel in Malibu (Pepperdine University). Well, that’s what she wrote. I am still very skeptical.
• October 16: I asked the bride if she needs any help organizing her wedding. She said she’s looking for a makeup artist and a florist. I happened to know a Japanese makeup artist in LA. I introduced the makeup artist to the bride.
• October 17: The makeup artist sent me a “Thank You” email. The makeup artist stated that she’s booked for her wedding. I replied “Don’t get excited until you see the money”.
• October 21: The bride asked more questions. She asked about engagement photography, easel, etc.. The bride, as a Japanese, had a very good English skill.
• October 22: Received deposit from the bride via PayPal.
• October 23: Received detailed wedding information from the bride.
• November 8: Florist is booked.
• November 24: Bride and Groom arrived in the US
• November 25: Engagement photography session at Griffith Observatory. Since wedding was only a week away, everything had to be done in rush. Web album was made in 1 day. Bride and Groom picked their favorite shot the same day. The signing board was ready by Friday
  
• December 2: Wedding at Malibu. At beautiful Stauffer chapel in Pepperdine University.
  
• December 2: Dinner at Geoffrey’s Malibu. I was treated as a wedding guest. 12 of us set at one table. Geoffrey’s Malibu is a top notch restaurant where rich people come. The parking lot looked like a European Dealership.
  
• December 7: Album was completed and delivered to the Bride and Groom. We met at Starbucks in Woodland Hills. They loved the pictures.
  
• December 8: Bride and Groom flew back to Japan, bringing a lot of memory, leaving a lot of new friends behind.

• PS: Oh, The bride and Groom brought a gift from Japan. They read my blog and learned that I drink coffee when I take pictures. They brought some exotic imported coffee. Thank you.
  

- end - 

The bride and groom are Pasadena locals.  So they have arranged all wedding activities in the city of Pasadena.  We had an engagement session in January also in Pasadena.   And I made a signing board to place at the wedding reception (picture below)

Saint Philip the Apostle Church  was an extremely busy wedding spot.  When I arrived at the church 30 minutes before the ceremony there was another wedding party taking formal photographs (ready to move out).  We moved in.

As soon as our ceremony was over I got the tap on my shoulder.  There was another wedding party waiting for us.  I had to hurry up and move out.

Bistro 45 is an exclusive (High End) restaurant.  They are well known for wine as well.  It’s  very hip and trendy.  They serve kind of food that you might see at “Hell’s Kitchen”.   The reception area was full with about 70 people.

Reception entrance at Bistro 45 (Pasadena), Signing board shown

No Rest in October
This month of October has 8 days of weekend, and I booked 8 photography jobs this month. Along with my full time job, I will not rest a single day.
I plan to take some days off from my day job.

—————- Wedding Vendors ———————-

The Westin Hotel Pasadena
191 N. Los Robles Avenue Pasadena, 91101
626-304-1442

Saint Philip the Apostle Church
151 S. Hill Avenue Pasadena, 91106 
626-793-0693

Bistro 45
45 S. Mentor Ave Pasadena, 91106 
626-795-2478

Wedding Planner – Lavish Celebrations

Bridal Makeup & Hair – Elizabeth Dahl