Durango Colorado Wedding, The Black Diamond Lodge Wedding - Crystal and Hunter
 

Crystal and Hunter’s wedding was our LAST wedding that was postponed and rescheduled from the COVID pandemic. I believe their date has changed at least 4 times, and a couple of location changes as well. Crystal and Hunter are very spiritual, so of course they wanted something simple and unique and gathered their beloved ones to celebrate their “overdue” wedding. Oh, and Brett and Crystal have known each other for many years when Crystal was a musician back in the days. I believe Brett photographed Crystal when she was in California.

Their wedding at The Black Diamond Lodge in Durango, Colorado offered a stunning backdrop, celebrating the couple’s love amidst the mountains. Nestled in the San Juan National Forest, we took a short car ride into lush aspen and pine trees. It definitely provides a picturesque setting that was ideal for their celebrations.

Their day was “perfectly” coordinated by Amber from Perfect Day Co., and the lodge offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with rustic decor that complements the stunning scenery outside. As the sun sets, the lodge transforms into a cozy retreat, where everyone can celebrate into the evening. They created a truly memorable experience, including a candy piñata for children, a kid’s room, pizzas, fires pits, and sparklers send-off to end the night.

 
Los Angeles Documentary Family Photography Session - The Serranos
 

Honestly, I’m getting a little emotional writing this… I’ve known Aileen and Jaime for a while - yearssss. We planned their wedding together for a couple of years together, getting super excited with all the details. We flew to Mexico - Guanajuato city - to do their engagement session; we had so much fun hanging out. Then Covid pandemic happened. We were carefully watching what was happening and what the rules were during the lockdown. They decided to cancel the wedding. But then, they wanted to just get married. So they came to us (we’re also based in Carlsbad, CA) and eloped in Balboa Park in San Diego with masks on and the 6 foot social distancing rule. Nothing was going to stop their love and their plan to build a family together. During the pandemic, they welcomed Nicolas who turned 3 years this year. When Nicolas was an infant, I went to visit him, hand-delivering their wedding albums, and I still have photos of me holding tiny Nicolas.

The Serrano family recently bought a house in lovely area of Woodland Hills and has invited me to come over and document their typical afternoon with the highly energetic toddler boy and a new puppy. It was so much fun - a lot of running around, and I always like to end the session with a lovely portrait of the family.

(Oh, yes, I’m overdue to post their elopement and engagement portrait photos. I hope to get to them eventually!)

 
San Jose Vietnamese and Chinese Wedding at Koi Palace - Vivian + Curtis
 

Vivian and Curtis had to be one of the most unique couples we’ve photographed in 2024. They didn’t want a wedding. They didn’t want a photographer. They don’t like taking photos of themselves without being goofy. They don’t like attention in general. But then, their kindhearted mind was changed to celebrate their love for their parents and extended family who have been waiting for the occasion for a while.

So Brett and I took a short flight to San Jose and documented their day, with a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony held at the Vivian’s family home first. Surrounded by closed family members, whom by the way LOVE photos. Vivian dressed in elegant ao dai at her brother’s room, symbolizing her cultural heritage.

Following the intimate tea ceremony, the festivities transitioned to a short DYI Chinese tea ceremony, where the couple paid respect to Curtus' side of extended family members. This ceremony was to connect deeply with Curtis’ Chinese roots, joyfully serving tea to their elders, who offered blessings and advice, fostering a sense of unity among generations.

Later in the evening, the wedding reception at Koi Palace in San Jose brought together family from all walks of life. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous feast that featured traditional Chinese dishes, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Brett and I sat with the couple and their closed friends and devoured all the delicious food. Just like their simplicity in life, there was no other “wedding traditional” elements in the reception, rather, they had an awesome karaoke stand where many guests started singing and dancing!