Santa Monica Beach Wedding - Elopment, Danielle + Sue - love is love

"Dog lovers. Sushi and chicken Teriyaki."

I don't know if I have a problem but I enjoy finding similarities with couples I photograph, and certainly it wasn't an exception for these two wonderful souls. Perhaps, it's how I find my own comfort in this strangely beautiful world. I tend to play this game in my head alone over and over again. Yes, I'm weird.

Danielle and Sue "eloped" in Santa Monica with their one best friend and two chihuahua pups. They simply wanted to celebrate their love privately because it felt right and perfect. One of the reasons why I love what I do so much is because of people like Danielle and Sue; we just couldn't stop laughing and smiling all this afternoon.

To me, this was the best.

WeddingAnnie BangJune 23, 2016santa monica beach wedding, santa monica wedding, santa monica beach, california beach wedding, California Beach Destination Wedding, samesex wedding, samesex marriage, santa monica wedding photographer, santa monica wedding photography, love is love, love wins, LGBT weddingComment

Culver City Engagement Session, and LAX - Charlotte + Thomas

Them: "We first were social dance partners for square dancing."

Me: "What's square dancing?"

Sigh. I'm so ignorant. I thank them for teaching me so much since we've met. Really.

Charlotte and Thomas had their first official date by LAX, Los Angeles International Airport, having a small picnic in the evening by the streets. Then, thoughts in my head, 'That's so random and freaking awesome! Who does that? Nobody goes there for a date!' Then, I shouted out in excitement, "WE HAVE TO GO there for photos!"

They are so quirky, weird, loving, and smart, which make my job more fun and easier. I admire these kindred folks who possess strong individual uniqueness. And you know - I'm obsessed with capturing these individual stories, so we were perfect together. They first approached me saying they're "camera-shy" - now I have my head slightly tilted to the side, going 'really?' Look at these fun, funny, and lovely photos!

EngagementAnnie BangMay 17, 2016culver city engagement photos, culver city engagement, los angeles engagement photo, los angeles wedding photographer, los angeles wedding photography, los angeles documentary wedding photographer, documentary photographer, documentary wedding photography, documentary wedding photographer, fun engagement photos, natural engagement photosComment

Carondelet House Wedding - Gillian + Jason

Their story is something that I'd find it in a modern romantic movie - two strangers randomly meet at an airport and fall in love - who doesn't want this? I wish I had this kind of story to tell my children in the future.

Jason and Gillian met on a Southwest Airlines flight - where you get to choose your own seat - from Burbank to Oakland.

"The minute I saw Gillian I knew where I would be sitting," Jason recalled. "I had about an hour to get her phone number."

Gillian didn't make the process easy for Jason though; she first refused to give her number then didn't return his calls for weeks, but of course Jason didn't give up. (Yay!) Eventually Gillian relented and the rest is history. And every time I meet them, my heart just melts; these two lovebirds are so adorable together. I mean, just look at them...