A Wedding At Vibiana

I think I've mentioned here before how much I LOVE weddings at Vibiana.
It would seem as though plenty of brides do also....flicking through the latest Ceremony magazine yesterday I saw about 7 featured weddings that all took place here!
The most amazing thing was that they all looked so incredibly different....it is such an architecturally beautiful "blank canvas", you really can create a dream wedding at Vibiana.

Bahareh and Sami's gorgeous wedding was so glamourous and elegant.
The floral arrangements and chuppah by LA Premier were practically works of art!

And it was so fitting that there was a red carpet to walk down that aisle because most of the ladies dresses were Oscar-party worthy for sure.

The Speakeasy

I guess you learn something new every day.
When I shot this fabulous speakeasy-styled, private party designed by Brown Hot Events I thought that Jeff Brown was simply being his super-creative, witty self by calling it The Blind Pig.
But this from Wikipedia:

" The term "blind pig" originated in the United States in the 19th century; it was applied to lower-class establishments that sold alcoholic beverages illegally. The operator of an establishment would charge customers to see an attraction (such as an animal) and then serve a "complimentary" alcoholic beverage, thus circumventing the law.
The difference between a speakeasy and a blind pig was that a speakeasy was usually a higher-class establishment that offered food and entertainment. In large cities, some speakeasies even required a coat and tie for men, and evening dress for women. But a blind pig was usually a low-class dive where only beer and liquor were offered."

Hilarious!!
But I have to say this party was high-class all the way...even the waitstaff and bartenders were dressed for the part.

The amazing burlesque show from the Cuban rum bar La Descarga was the evening's entertainment...beautiful girl doing a sexy "striptease" along the bar..... talk about wow factor!

A Wedding In Italy

Not quite.
But the beautiful Villa Del Sol D'Oro in Sierra Madre WAS designed after a particular villa in Tuscany.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Italy...especially Tuscany...so I am always ecstatic when I have a wedding at this villa. With just a little imagination you can almost believe you're in Italy.

Maybe it's the old wrought-iron gates that open onto the driveway, or the colonnaded balcony, or the reflecting pool lined with Cypress trees....you almost expect to see an accordion player wandering the outside reception, and to hear shouts of "Mangia! Mangia!" and " Salute!".

The bride, Julie actually went to the high school that is also on the grounds, and her husband Michael is from Switzerland.

Photographers can always recognise a location they've shot at....so it was great to see the art directors for Ralph Lauren transform the Villa Del Sol D'Oro into a California rancher's homestead for their latest Home decor Ad campaign.

Caribbean Wedding

Even with all the planning and logistic difficulties it's easy to see why some couples simply HAVE to get married in the Caribbean. The wedding day can't help but be laid back and easy going....no bridezillas here!!

What's not to love? The warm, tropical sea breeze; calypso music; friendly locals; fresh seafood; island paradise.....

Laura and Tim's small family-only wedding on the beautiful island of St. Lucia was a dream.
I don't do too well in tropical climes...I'm British!! But even I was thinking, " My job doesn't exactly suck... " as I was floating in my few spare hours in the Caribbean sea ; )

I'm an explorer by nature...so I LOVE being dropped off somewhere I've never been before...it's one of the greatest pleasures in life.
I'm inspired beyond belief by territories new to me, so I'm delighted whenever I have a destination wedding and perhaps the creativity is amped a little!

The largest church in the Caribbean, The Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception, in Castries, was the location for Laura and Tim's wedding ceremony. It is huge and seemed such a privilege that our small celebration was allowed.
The vibrantly colored town center was great for the bride and groom shots. As was the wonderfully formal "colonial" Derek Walcott Square, with cherub-flanked gates, brick paths and red coral trees.
Local children adored the new bride and flocked around the couple.

Even when it rains on your wedding day on a tropical island it's still gorgeous....just a casual umbrella can feel and look more like a parasol : )

Laura and Tim's very casual cocktail reception was on the beach followed by a reception at Jacque's Restaurant, stunningly situated on the marina's edge.

I had the great pleasure of shooting the 200-person celebratory part for Laura and Tim a month later at the Jersey Shore, wheer they shared their wedding and engagement photos with their guests as projected slideshows.

Chameleon Chairs

I've shot many a fabulous wedding where the reception seating has been provided by Chameleon Chairs...and one thing I can say is never underestimate the impact 150+ chairs can have on the "look" of the room!

It was an honor to be asked by the ladies who run Chameleon to shoot their newest ad campaign, featured in the latest editions of Inside Weddings magazine.

It felt great to work with my talented team-mates: Ashley Bogart and Kim Koral from BK Events, and Joey Corrigan the fabulous floral designer at Sticks and Stones.

And the cherry on top was having the gorgeous Vibiana act as the backdrop!

The Bubbly Bride

The signature cocktail has become a fun, sometimes unique addition to many a wedding. So it was with great pleasure that I shot the images for The Bubbly Bride, the second book written by my very good friend and colleague Natalie Bovis aka The Liquid Muse ( Natalie's earlier book was Preggatinis ).
The book has been perfectly summed up by the ladies over at The Shower Diva :

" With her new book, The Bubbly Bride: Your Ultimate Wedding Cocktail Guide, Natalie guides readers through outfitting a home bar, hand-crafting simple syrups for signature cocktails, and today’s chic flavors. Are you ready to learn champagne basics or how to put a libation twist on pre and post wedding parties?

A perfect little bartender’s bible for the newlywed’s household, The Bubbly Bride’s washable cover is au courant, complimenting the contents. For those who don’t know the difference between a shot glass or a shaker,The Bubbly Bride will be their go-to handbook.

We’ve mixed up a few of the more than 70 tasty cocktails to try; just the names invite giggles and a race to grab the shaker and ice! Try Battling the Bridezilla jitters with a frosty flute of Chill Pill, filling a martini glass with a White Pomegranate Teani or raising a toast to the newlyweds with a Love in Bloom cocktail.

Don’t get the idea these recipes are just for bridal showers and girly get-togethers. Bachelor parties can serve up more than a pony keg or cases of beer. You may have to arm wrestle the man in your life for your copy ofThe Bubbly Bride once he’s mixed up the Jackalope, Dirty Harry or Bachelor Party Punch!

There are plenty of tried and true recipes plus new renditions of traditional favorites. The Bubbly Bride has suggestions for cocktails with muddled herbs, fruit, nuts, and yes, even vegetables.

We loved the idea of planning a function around personalized cocktails. Think of fruity cocktails and mocktails from a juice bar at the reception or creating designer cocktails that compliment the wedding menu.

From first blush to happily ever after, the contents of The Bubbly Bride guarantee glasses will be raised and sprits bright, toast after inventive toast. "

If you'd like to see what all the fuss is about...order your copy of The Bubbly Bride at Amazon....perfect shower gift!

A Film Noir Photoshoot

Since living in LA I've always wanted to create a Film Noir-inspired photoshoot.
You know....the dangerously sexy dame flirting with the whisky-swilling gumshoe. All moodily lit of course : )
As luck would have it I was recently house-sitting at THE perfect location....a fabulous 1930's house in the Los Feliz Hills. One terrace even had a backdrop of downtown LA.
I managed to persuade Vickey and Tom to discover their acting chops for their engagement shoot.....take a look at how they did here in the slideshow.....with some very sexy music...

A Veuve-Clicquot Summer

It doesn't get much better than sipping champagne on a beautiful Sunday afternoon while watching South American men on horseback!
Veuve-Cliquot sponsored the matches summer-long at the Santa Barbara Polo Club.
Sunny yellow banners and vip tents brightened up the playing field, thanks to BrownHot Events. And if you found a cork on said field while divet-stomping....a case of champagne was yours for the taking!
Sadly, labor day marks the end of Summer......wonder what they'll sponsor next?

Wedding At The Ritz-Carlton

I love it when my clients have their wedding at a Ritz-Carlton hotel. Whether the budget is big or small you know it is always going to an elegant affair with impeccable service and attention to detail.
Jennifer and Sonny's wedding in Laguna-Niguel was perfect.....even late-afternoon cloudy skies simply added dramatic effect!
I loved the nod to Sonny's heritage with the tiny hindu statues at the ceremony, and Jennifer's bejewelled shoes.
Their lovely day can be seen here in it's entirety.

All the fun of the fair

Santa Monica Pier can be a magical setting, where the old and the new sit happily side by side while the ocean roars underneath.
Julie and Michael's engagement shoot was fun and whimsical, with a retro edge....taking a ride on the antique carousel, lying in a field of daisies, standing on the old creaking boards eating cotton candy....as gulls glided by on the salty air.
Even wind-blown and sandy, I do believe they enjoyed taking a little step back in time with their day at the seaside.

Four seasons....in one day

I love the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel in Santa Barbara. Quintessentially Californian, it still manages to evoke a certain charming, effortless glamour. Old Spanish tile, fragrant exotic plants and ancient twisting trees give a sense of solid permanence....quite a fitting location to celebrate a wedding.
Karen and David's wedding ceremony was held in a beautiful, intimate, garden setting at the hotel....with yellow and white the vibrant, hope-filled theme.
The intimate, cosy feeling continued through the reception. Behind old, carved-oak doors, one long, candle-lit banquet table sat all of the guests as festivities continued into the night.

Latisse

The lengths ( pun intended ) that us girls will got for for beautiful long lashes was demonstrated at a recent launch party for Latisse, the newly-approved, eyelash-growth product.
Those invited to the event were pampered at a beauty bar as they sipped cocktails and nibbled on hors d'oeuvres, then they might rub shoulders with the spokesmodel Brooke Shields ( or perhaps Debra Messing, Angie Harmon and Mandy Moore ) as they wandered around an exhibition showing the fascination with extra dark, long eyelashes since the time of the Egyptians.
Even with all-white furniture and flowers the theme was predominantly pink, while cute, make-up wearing male bartenders and goody bags added to the fun.
Now I wish I'd snagged myself one.....a goody bag, not a bartender ; )

A Vibiana Wedding

The unique Vibiana was the setting recently for the wedding of Ashley and Evan.
Built in 1876, this beautiful event space was once a functioning Catholic cathedral. Saved from demolition in 1996, desanctified and given an $8million facelift it is the perfect place for a wedding......you get to briefly feel as though you're in Europe when you're downton LA!
The bride wore a beautiful Monique Lhuillier gown and very-customised, shocking pink Christian Louboutin shoes! The groom's tie was made from a piece of his bride's dress which was a lovely romantic gesture.
Ashley and Evan's special day was visually stunning thanks to BrownHot Events. The black and white theme was very glamorous....the cocktail reception in the lush garden featured a white leather bar, a black grand piano, crystal chandeliers hanging from the trees and huge black and white paper roses.
Inside, the ostrich-feather chuppah assumed it's evening duty as the dj " box". Chairs were feathered, ruffled and even draped with rhinestone "necklaces".....some table linens were even sequined!
A martini ice-luge, a leather and velvet lounge area and doughnuts while waiting for the valet were extra special touches.
For those who would like to see the complete day here is Ashley and Evan's slideshow:

Ryan Demont

Singer/songwriter Ryan Demont plays another show at Room 5 this Saturday 18th April.
I had the pleasure of shooting the images for his next cd......hopefully I managed to get the "image" of his latest music just right....a blend of smooth/sensitive pop and a hint of country.
You can hear some of his music right here.....Ryan's MySpace

Icing on the Cake....

Isn't this little guy just beautiful!?
As I was making the slideshow I was almost crying myself! And he's not even mine! This is what his mom had this to say ( I feel so humbled )...

"So it's like all your clients say....thank you thank you thank you, i love it, i love it, i love it!!!!!! Olivier and I are speechless. You even made my big guy husband misty in the eyes. I honestly think he was holding back a few tears. This is even more amazing than I could have hoped for. You are so incredibly talented Claire. I want the whole world to know it!! The whole show is perfect, even the song. Perfect! Who sings it? How did you find it? It is so my taste!
I can't wait to sing your praises even more! Thanks again for all your hard work and your incredible talent! "

Sarah R

To see the tear-jerker ; ) click here...The Rousselle Family

Engagement Shoots....and why they make sense!

Some of you might know that my signature Engagement sessions are like Fashion/Lifestyle shoots, tailor-made for my clients.
When Theresa and Wyeth told me that they would be getting married on a yacht, images of Nautica and J.Crew ads came to mind when I envisioned their engagement shoot.
I am very lucky that I get to live right by the ocean.....luckier still that a very good friend of mine has a beautiful sailboat docked in the marina......what a prop!
Theresa and Wyeth were such good sports when I explained the nautical theme.....Theresa joined me for a wardrobe/styling consultation ( she even put on a bikini! )......and even Wyeth got into it after the couple of tequila shots I gave him before we started shooting.
This is why engagement sessions are so important. You see, Wyeth hated the thought of having his photograph taken. But after the engagement shoot ( and the tequila...) he really loosened up, realised that it wasn't so bad after all and even started to have fun.
They are a great way of helping to put the bride and groom at ease before their big day....to build a rapport with my clients so that they have complete and utter trust in my vision and ability.
I think Wyeth might have even started to ham it up for the camera on his wedding day!
Here is their Engagement Slideshow and their Wedding at Fantasea Yachts.

Calamigos Ranch

One of the things I love about Los Angeles is that in a matter of minutes you can be a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Driving up to Calamigos Ranch in Malibu is wonderful.....with nature all around and the feeling of stepping back ever so slightly in time, when life was a little more simple.
I've shot a few weddings at this ranch but they have all been in different locations....so I feel newly inspired each time I am there.
Mark and Tricia's wedding had that old rustic charm to it......a log cabin, hay bales, old chandeliers and picket fences....great photo backdrops!
This time I even took my own damask backdrop....and did we have some fun with that! Take a look at the slideshow if you want to see how creative people became.....

Mojave Desert

Mark Maier and his fiancee Tricia McNulty are getting married tomorrow at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu.
Knowing Mark's love of all things cowboy ( I've seen the Stetson, the lariats and the obsession with that Dallas football team... ) I thought I'd let Ralph Lauren be my inspiration when designing their engagement shoot.
Mark and Tricia have known me ( and my work ) for years and this is probably why they let me drag them on a two and a half hour drive to the Mojave Desert where the temperature was 105 degrees!
You see, I'd found this perfect little "old west" town the week before while location scouting. It even had a saloon dating from 1857, a barbershop, a little old clapboard church and a general store. Wow....it looked as though the set designers had constructed it just for us!
With beautiful blue mountains in the distance and a railway track running through.....all we needed was to hear the howl of a passing train to make the day perfect.....luckily for us ( as you can see in their slideshow below ) one did just that!

Wine Country Wedding

The beautiful process of wine-making has long been synonymous with the cycle of life...and so it is that I feel transported to some ancient Tuscan hilltop to celebrate a Bacchan festival each time I have a wedding at a vineyard here in California.
The spicy scent of the earth, and the beautiful backlit vines create a stunning environment for timeless wedding photographs.
Emily and Owen's wedding took place at a private vineyard in Paso Robles.
Emily's gorgeous dress was very Grecian in style and, with her simple Roman sandals, further added to the feeling of being in some timeless, classic setting.
Lots of family members flew in from other parts of the country and stayed for a few days...with wine-tasting tours on the wedding itinerary, such a great idea for out of town guests.

Trash The Dress

I ususally call these after-the -wedding sessions my " Vogue Bride" shoots....but Kristen's photoshoot certainly does deserve the Trash the Dress moniker ( even though the bride does look like a fashion model ).....did you see that first image?? The dress isn't exactly ruined but it's certainly one adventurous lady who is going to be up for this Bond-girl pose in the ocean!!!
If you would like to see the slideshow of her complete shoot it's right here : Kristen's Slideshow