September 2, 2008

Amanda + Justin: Wedding in Saratoga at Hakone Gardens

Wedding

Last weekend I had the pleasure of shooting with F.C. Wong on a wedding in Saratoga at Hakone Gardens. It was a beautiful event with a totally fun group of people.

We started at the very attractive Cypress Hotel in Cupertino. There is something very evident about this couple: they have style. Amanda, a very petite bride, wore a hot pair of white patent leather Bebe heels and Justin rocked a paisley tie and a very cool hat.





Amanda was stunning.


Justin is most commonly known as the great DJ, JBoogie, and exuded hip.


After getting ready, the group went to the ceremony site where everything was almost ready. There were bright orange parasols to compliment the purple runner with flowers to match. Hakone Gardens is a really beautiful place and I definitely recommend checking it out.


We stole a few minutes to take some pictures on the grounds.


The ceremony itself was really touching. A rabbi friend presided over it and gave a very moving and personal sermon. She mentioned the traits of each and how Amanda and Justin compliment each other so perfectly.


Afterwards, they had a ceremonial Lion Dance. I had never witnessed one before and I loved every second of it.


After an eight course meal, Amanda and Justin changed into the traditional Vietnamese ao dai. Justin had picked out the fabric and they had them handmade for them. Everyone moved into the reception building for the couple’s first dance to the soulful “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke. How classic!


And with the groom as a DJ and a roomful of other DJs and the musically talented, there was no way the night would end quietly. The music was fantastic and everyone was on their feet. JBoogie even stepped in to spin a few.



It was a fabulous day and I’m so honored to have been a part of it! Thanks so much!

At first I thought it was infatuation
But woo, it’s lasted so long
Now I find myself wanting
To marry you and take you home
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

You, you, you, you send me
I know you send me
I know you send me
Honest you do
“You Send Me” Sam Cooke

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