Maritha Mae Photography

Monthly Archives: June 2012

June 23, 2012

Out and About

I am currently out and about having a feast for the eyes in Europe…Italy to be exact. This morning I awoke at 2am to the unforgettable noise of a 15-20 car Italian wedding caravan honking like there was no tomorrow outside of the Rome Cavalieri…not to mention the room across from us ended up being their honeymoon suite, so you can imagine all of the hullaballoo outside of our door. It’s local tradition in Italy for the bride and groom to be followed back to their honeymoon suite in like fashion, but unfortunately for me I did not bring earplugs like Robbie so wisely did. (He’s still asleep!) Most people know that I am the better sleeper of the two of us (I can fall asleep at pretty much any time of the day), so for me to be the one awake is an irritating miracle – ha! My medicine? Elizabeth Bedford’s voice, worship, a good view of Rome, and photo editing land…It’s around 6AM and since I couldn’t go back to sleep I just wanted to share a piece of my medicine from the jetlag – one of my favorites. One taken from our room’s balcony this morning, the other taken while taking a stop at the best (no lie) gelato place in Rome yesterday, the La Gelateria Frigidarium.

….beautiful Italian windows aren’t they? Off to Greece and Turkey next. I shall be back soon to share the goods! Now to see if I can get the husband out of bed for 7AM break-y hehe…

June 19, 2012

Erica’s Backyard DIY Bridal Shower

With just 17 days until their wedding, last month I was invited to document Erica’s special day of being showered by the love of her closest family and friends. I absolutely love capturing small details in general so I was in heaven when I was able to capture these, which were so lovingly put together by Erica’s bridesmaids. Set in a cozy backyard in Downey with the most beautiful lavendar trees in the background, the afternoon was set up to be a memorable one.

Elegant Italian lights as well as hanging paper dresses stood above the white linen tables which were decorated with fresh white hydrangeas. From the “Table of Love” where encouragements and marriage tips were written, to a handmade book of photographs and loving words of the invited guests, to the cutest “From Miss to Mrs.” bunting EVER… I just could not stop capturing the abundance of keepsake details I know Erica will treasure forever. Congrats Erica and Brandon! I couldn’t be more blessed to call you friends.

Menu:

Starters:

Veggies & Dip

Fruit Assortment

Boursin with Garlic Pita Chips

Sides:

Fresh Green Salad

Macaroni Salad

Potato Salad

Green Bean & Cherry Tomato Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

Sandwiches:

Chicken Salad on Croissant

Turkey Cranberry Wrap and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Caprese Sandwich on Baguette

Beverages:

Sangria

Lemonade

Deserts:

Assortment of Cookies

Cake

June 12, 2012

Irene and Sam | California Coast Wedding

This April I had another wonderful opportunity of capturing one of my favorite kind of weddings – global weddings! That, plus I had the sweetest opportunity of shooting my dear friend, Irene’s wedding! Irene and I have been friends since college days and have shared: a genuine love of God, free-spirited souls and independent hearts. There has always been something so special and unique about here. One of the things I have loved and appreciated most about her is that she has never chosen to take the easy road in life. Little did I know just a few years later I would do the honors of capturing her beautiful day! After travelling up there through the San Marcos Pass and past Santa Barbara on a roadtrip with a car full of old college girlfriends – I was completely ecstatic to capture their beautiful day!

Travelling all the way from Spain, Irene and Sam had their second wedding ceremony in Irene’s hometown at the Atascadero Lake Park which is just 20 minutes north of San Luis Obispo. Together with Irene’s American family and friends, they extended their joy and celebration after their initial ceremony in L’Escala Espana, a beautiful fortress off the Costa Brava, the east coast of Spain.

Irene has lived in Spain for over 4 years now teaching English and leading a language school and Sam is a Catalan by birth. I have pretty much always envisioned her marrying a Spanish man, so it wasn’t a surprise to find out he was a Catalan! Though their story began as a love hate connection on a South African missionary trip their story has now become a fiery bed of hot love.

Irene & Sam’s California coast wedding was topped off with special highlights including a handicapped choir and a mariachi band. Her dress, shoes and sleeves were special pieces of heritage worn by her mother in her mother’s wedding. This day brought me so much joy and I am completely excited to see what the future enfolds for these dear friends of mine! A HUGE shout out and thank you to my talented second photographer and friend, Christina Cho!

Don’t you just absolutely adore the one on the top right that Christina took??

And of course I had to save the best for last….:-)

Venue: The Pavilion on the Lake

Wedding Dress & Shoes: Irene’s mother’s wedding dress

Flowers: Jodi Bloom

Caterer: The Pavilion

Thank you so much for stopping by! Feel free to leave me some comment love :)

June 6, 2012

Stephanie and Manny | A Pasadena Maternity Session

So half of this year has already flown by without a second thought and in spite of being on a serious blogging backlog – I am hanging in there pretty well. With a trip to Italy right around the corner, you can imagine that photo land has been quite busy over the last month as I edit all these special occasions to completion.

With that said, I am FINALLY just getting around to blogging this sweet maternity session of Stephanie and Manny from April. I literally couldn’t wait another week to blog this because, well, little Sofia will be arriving in less than 15 days!

Stephanie and Manny are a beautiful couple whose love for each other just exudes through their skin. I loved capturing every moment of the time I had with them and capturing the lovebird eyes they have for each other. I know that their love will just overflow that much more when the little one comes. Stephanie and Manny, I can not wait to see the beautiful jewel who is about to pop out! Thank you for inviting me into this special season! And thanks to a wonderful second shooter Elim Pan! :)

Cardoza Maternity Photography

Weddings & more to come…leave me a comment, stay tuned and find me on Facebook!