Paramount Ranch Engagement | Catherine + Ken

Lydia Chen — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:00:39 +0000

Recently I had an opportunity to tag along Desmond Hsu (Thanks Desmond!) and second shoot an engagement session for Catherine and Ken. Prior to the e-session, I had never heard of the Paramount Ranch and I didn’t know it was so awesome for photo shoots. For those newly engaged looking to do engagement photos, I highly recommend adding Paramount Ranch to the list of shoot locations!

It was quite chilly on the day of the engagement shoot but Catherine and Ken were total troopers and powered through the cold, and we ended up with a lot of fun and awesome shots! Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they are also a very good looking couple and very photogenic! ☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆

Be sure to check out Desmond’s shots of Catherine and Ken here. To see what the engagement looked like from my end, here are some of my favorite shots!

Check out Catherine’s gorgeous eyelashes~

After we wrapped up at the Paramount Ranch, we decided to head down to the Leo Carrillo State Beach to catch the beautiful golden hour light at sunset!

Going Forward

Lydia Chen — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:00:13 +0000

Welcome to 2013 everyone! It’s a brand new year and I want to anchor myself at the very beginning of this new year with this:

Source: Pinterest

Another way to look at it is — as some of you have already seen or heard from elsewhere — we’ve got to be willing to do something we’ve never done before in order to get what I’ve never had.

Going forward, my main goal this year is to take action, to DO. I’m making a commitment to be open to new possibilities and changes that will help me achieve my goals.

Wishing everyone a fantastic start to a phenomenal year!

Workshop Engagement Session | Catherine + Peter

Lydia Chen — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:01:49 +0000

Happy New Year! Hope everyone’s 2013 is off to a great start!

Last November I was one of a dozen lucky participants of Christine Chang‘s first ever photography workshop! I’ve followed Christine’s work for a few years now. What I admire most about Christine is her passion for life and determination for self-growth. Seeing someone like Christine — who shares many of the same goals that I have for myself — succeeds in more ways than one really inspires me to…do more with my life and actively go after the life I want to build for myself. (More on that later this month! Also, Christine has another workshop coming up so get your name in early before the workshop fills up!)

At the workshop, we were very fortunate to work with a recently engaged and absolutely great looking couple Catherine and Peter. I believe Catherine works as a model and has appeared in some TV commercials. Both Catherine and Peter are very comfortable in front of the camera and the camera absolutely loves them!

Here are my personal favorites from the shoot. All photos were shot using my favorite lens – 50 mm prime. Enjoy!

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel Wedding | Janny + Clarence

Lydia Chen — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:23:59 +0000

Earlier this year when I photographed Janny and Clarence’s engagement session, I could not wait for their wedding in October. Finally, the day was here and it was a perfect and exact reflection of Janny and Clarence — fun, beautiful, and full of love~ Janny, your taste is impeccable! The reception is truly one of the most thoughtful and well-designed segment of any wedding day I’ve been a part of.

Janny and Clarence, I am so beyond happy for you! Thank you again for the privilege to be a part of your day and capture your beautiful union. Cheers to you and your new life together~!

Big thanks again to Desmond Hsu of Desmond Hsu Photography for covering the wedding with me and grabbing all the awesome shots! To see more from Janny and Clarence gorgeous and uber fun wedding, check out the SLIDESHOW!

{Sneak Peek} Santa Monica Wedding | Janny + Clarence

Lydia Chen — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:42:46 +0000

Here is a sneak peek to Janny and Clarence beautiful day~! More to come so stay tuned!

Yorba Linda Wedding | Donna + Edwin

Lydia Chen — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 20:14:59 +0000

Donna was one of the very first friends I made when we were both freshmen in college. I remember the late nights when we would all sit around in the dorm and hang out (well, Donna would be diligently getting her homework done). Even though I hadn’t seen Donna for years, it’s always so exciting when you learn that someone you know from back in the days is getting married!

It really was a privilege to witness and capture Donna and Edwin’s love and commitment to each other. Donna – as you shall see in the photos, you really couldn’t be more beautiful! And Edwin – we know you got style! Thank you again for letting me be a part of the most special and important day of your lives.

Here are the highlights from Donna and Edwin’s beautiful day~! Special thanks to Desmond Hsu for covering the wedding with me and for all the awesome shots!

For more photos from Donna and Edwin’s wedding, check out this slideshow!

San Francisco City Hall Wedding | Courtney + Ryan

Lydia Chen — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:14:20 +0000

I was uber excited and honored when Courtney asked if I could photograph her and Ryan’s special day at the gorgeous San Francisco City Hall because (1) (as you are about to see) Courtney and Ryan are one handsome couple, and (2) the City Hall is such a beautiful location and I had been wanting to shoot a wedding there!

On the day of, Courtney, Ryan and I were walking around the City Hall after the ceremony for some bridal portraits. Courtney stopped for a water break. There were 3 water fountains but Ryan, being ever so thoughtful and sweet, not only let Courtney drink first but waited for her to finish because he didn’t want to disrupt the water pressure for Courtney!! I was really impressed how Ryan cared for Courtney by paying attention to such minute detail! Good job Ryan!

Congratulations Courtney and Ryan! THANK YOU so much for the privilege of documenting your very special day that you reserved only for loved ones and close friends!

Here are some of my favorites from the beautiful day of this fun and stylish couple. Enjoy~!

Venue: San Francisco City Hall | Hair: Katie Nash of Nash Beauty | Reception & Catering: Bluestem Brasserie

For more from Courtney and Ryan’s sweet day, check out the SLIDESHOW~!

{Featured} WeddingWire | Amy + Jon!

Lydia Chen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:00:37 +0000

Thank you WeddingWire for featuring Amy and Jon’s special day on your site! I’m super excited that more people will get to see Amy and Jon’s wedding for the true celebration of love and family that it was~ ♥ A huge shout out to the event coordinator Judy Ordonez of Ad Hoc and Pat Friday of Friday Flowers for executing Amy and Jon’s vision so beautifully~

Check out the full feature~!