G A B E   +   R O Z   |   T H E   E N G A G E M E N T

s a n   f r a n c i s c o , c a

Here’s my latest engagement post before I leave for England. =)  Meet Gabe and Roz.  Gabe and Roz were so kind to take me out to the Cliff House in San Francisco for lunch right before the shoot.  I love hanging out around here as its always beautiful any time of the year rain or shine.  It was a little overcast during the day but we managed to get some fun and awesome shots from the shoot.  I hope you all enjoy this set.  Thanks again Gabe and Roz for a fantastic time and I can’t wait till May. =)

Memo: Sou-Wah =)
Sou-Wah, you’re a very special person to me and I can’t wait to bring you here one day when you can see how beautiful this place really is with your own eyes =)  I am so excited to see you in just a few days.  Miss you lots and I’ll see you soon.  I dino you =)
- <3 Yabs

Memo: Clients
I will be out of the country for the entire month of March.  You can reach me at email.saphoto@gmail.com  Email will be the best and easiest way to stay in contact with me.  I’ll be sure to keep everyone updated on my adventures in England.  Cheers.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers,
Stephen

W P P I   2 0 0 9 
l a s   v e g a s

Yours truly.  Check out my fancy tie Sou-Wah got me.  =)  She had Bandele present me a surprise gift all the way from the UK on Valentine’s Day.  Thank you for making me feel so special sweet heart.

WPPI Vegas Quick Recap:

Theres no better way to kick off 2009 in Vegas at the MGM with 12,000 + photographers from all over the world.  It was my first time to WPPI and the exposure has definitely been worth it.  =)  Scott Robert also hosted a workshop a couple days prior to WPPI.  That was a ton of fun and we had the opportunity to photograph at the Neon Museum (aka the Boneyard).  The place isn’t how I always imagined it but it was still a photographers play ground.  I connected with some amazing people and made some awesome new friends.  I fully enjoyed the featured platform speakers Jim Gardner, Jerry Ghionis, Yervant and Matthew Jordan Smith.  They all had different things to say but the one thing that stuck to me was “shoot what you love” – MJS.  The sweetest part of the entire week was being in great company and it was certainly lovely to see a lot of familar and new faces.  Thanks guys for all the inspiration.  Keep on dreaming….

Thanks for stopping by everyone.

Cheers,
Stephen

FOR SALE:  CANON 100mm F/2.8 MACRO LENS (practically brand new; used only a few times)

PM me for price

Amazing Thin White Duke Mix Edit – Seal

H A P P Y   V A L E N T I N E S   D A Y   S O U W A H   ( U S   T I M E ) 

J A R E D   +   J A M I E   |   T H E   W E D D I N G
m o d e s t o , c a

I love blue and I loved Jamie’s shoes she wore.  Shoe shot #1

Shoe shot #2

Shoe shot #3

I absolutely love this quote.  I’m going find one of these one day and put it in my house too. =)

My favorite shot of Jamie.

 

I think Jared looks like a stud here.

Sake Shots…woot!

Jamie is absolutely glowing on her big day.

Married!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the warm sun.  It was a beautiful day for January in California.

I like big buildings like this =)

The art center at night.

This is a sure keeper for me.  I love this photo of these adorable kids =)

Jamie lovin Jared singing “I’m Yours” to her =)

Jared busting a matrix on the wifey =)

Ring Shot #1

Ring Shot #2

Ring Shot #3 (my favorite even though it’s a little harder to make out)

Good night everyone…

It’s my pleasure to introduce to you Mr. & Mrs. Jared Yoshiki.  Jared and Jamie sealed the deal on the seventeenth of January 2008 at the Gallo Center of Art in Modesto, CA.  It was my first wedding in Modesto and I had a blast hanging with both of them.  Jared and Jamie are extra special because they love Disney and so do I =)  Well I still think you’re special even if you don’t like Disney but I thought it was pretty sweet they had little Mickey and Minnie figures on their wedding day.  Jared actually used to work for Disney in the past and I remember him speaking to me about how to be polite about giving directions.  Apparently Disney trains their employees when they give directions around to theme park guest by always pointing in directions using two or more fingers.  Since it’s impolite to point your finger, its actually a polite gesture to point with say three fingers.  I thought that was pretty ace.  Anyways, Jared and Jamie both have the luxury of working near each other in down town Sacramento at the Capitol.  They are such a lovely couple and a pure joy to be around.  If you can’t tell already they love having fun and they definitely live one of my number one rules…laughing a lot.  I do that pretty often and it’s good for your soul. =)  I thought Jamie had ace coloured shoes.  I think I must of taken like a bazzillian shoe shots at her house hehe.  I would post them all but I didn’t want to over kill you all with shoe shots hehe.  Jared and Jamie, I had a fantastic time and thank you so much for sharing your beautiful day with me.  Blessings to the both of you as you begin your life as One together.  Cheers.  Hope everyone enjoys this set.  Thanks for dropping by.

Cheers,
Stephen

C A R Y   +   A M Y   |   T H E   W E D D I N G
s a n   f r a n c i s c o , c a

my favorite shot of cary

amy was absolutely glowing all day long =)

off to the church

brilliant architecture design at this church

hows that for an organ eh?

I like this shot of them even though its just a straight on shot but their look is classic and tis not cheesy =)

My Favorite shot of Amy.

This is my favorite shot of Cary and Amy together =)

Reenacting a shot from our engagement shoot =)

Wait…I’m not in the wedding haha. Managed to get one photo of Cary and I. 

And that’s a wrap…stay tuned for Jared & Jamie’s Wedding =)

I had the privilege of documenting Cary and Amy’s awesome wedding day this past December 27, 2008.  I think its absolutely fantastic and a true blessing to be able to share such a emotional and exciting day with Cary and Amy.  They both picked an absolutely beautiful church in beautiful SF and if you’re ever in SF check out Hotel Kabuki, a awesome hotel right in the heart of Japan town.  However, the real deal hotel is at The Clift Hotel where Cary and Amy hosted their wedding reception.  I love this hotel for its goddy furnishings, to architecture, interior design and the mood they set with lighting.  I wonder if their is a major for Light?  If their is…it’s really and art because lighting when used well can create drama and a look and feel that stimulates ones senses.  I’m sure their are art majors who soley study the art of light but I loved the way Hotel Clift made you feel.  Smashing decor and out of the world lighting.  Thank you Cary and Amy again for a fantastic time and I hope everyone enjoys this set.  Have a fantastic Sunday everyone.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers,
Stephen

B R E A K F A S T ~ T H E   M O S T   I M P O R T A N T   M E A L   O F   T H E   D A Y

^_^

Here’s a little something about me today. =) Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.   I could eat breakfast probably everyday and I most definitely love eating it anytime of the day.  A good old American breakfast is always fantastic to jump start your day.  Imagine the aroma of pumpkin spice pancakes or blueberry waffles? mmmm..yum.  I love egg and a chicken apple sausage is always fantastic.  However, I have fallen in love with proper English breakfast.  Now a English breakfast is very much similar to an American breakfast.   Just substitute American O’Brien potatoes for beans and don’t forget to throw in some mushrooms.  As much as I love American breakfast I think I love English breakfast a whole lot more.  Friends and family who know me I enjoy eating well and healthy.  I’m sort of a nerd when it comes to eating foods but in my mind I always think what foods will give me the most marginal benefits and I find that beans and mushrooms are a better source of fiber for one and are usually healthier than potatoes depending on how the potatoes are prepared of course. Potatoes have fiber too but beans have more haha and both are starch foods so you get your carbohydrates from that as well. =)  And no I don’t always make heart and star shaped eggs for breakfast.  Tis a special breakfast Id ultimately would love to share this breakfast with my special Sou-Wah (insert your cheese here) but tis very true.  Anyways, if you dislike breakfast, I have disappointing news for you…we cannot be friends haha. I kid but I don’t know if Id put you on my “A” list hehe.  I like eating well in the morning because usually I find myself rather busy the rest of the day and as crazy as this sounds I forget to eat.  I hope this post made you drool today.  But theres nothing like having the real thing in Chester, UK =)  Have a fantastic day everyone.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cheers,
Stephen

j a y   +   l i a   w e d d i n g
p o r t l a n d , o r

*** lots and lots of photos for this post peoples *** =)

Lia & Jay are glowing with love here =)

My favorite portrait of Lia.  She was radiant on her day =)

My second favorite shot of Lia. =)

 

My favorite shot of Jay.  I think he is totally GQ magin. it hehe

I love the H&M suit ad white tie. =)  Love love it.

Jay you are good looking but your wife is way better looking hehe I kid but back to Lia =)

Another favorite =)

Lovely smile and red lips make for popin photos =) Good choice in the lovely red shade Lia =)

Details

I love the look and feel of this. 

Here comes the first look for Jay… =)

I like the idea of holding hands with the person you love and cherish the most =)

I’m feelin the romance =)

 

More kissing if you haven’t noticed yet hehe…

First dance as husband and wife =)

Now lets get this party started ^_^

hahaha Jay, you look awesome dude haha

Love this capture of Jay’s sister =)

Dancing just isn’t dancing without some breakers hehe

Jay looks stellar here 0_0 bustin the moves…the only way to hold it down at your wedding

Yeah-yeah

Lia can groove too. 

Match made in heaven =)

Clyde, who you fishin for buddy? hahah

I loved this, hella cracked me up hahah

Yes, I realized I have a lot of kissing shots haha.  I can’t not take them haha

Popper are always ace at a wedding but it’s time to hit the road.  Thanks for kickin it a nickel at Jay and Lia’s Wedding Day. 

Id love to introduce to you Mr. & Mrs. Jay Sudarma.  I had the honor of spending the entire day with Jay and Lia and my gosh was it fantastic.   Jay and Lia flew me out a few days before their wedding day to hang out with their friends and family in Portland, OR.  I had a fantastic time and all along the way they took me to my first Portland Trail Blazer game.  Off the hook, I still remember that game.  Best NBA game I’ve ever seen. =)  95 with Bulls vs. Phoenix was great but I think this about topped that.  Anyways, Jay and Lia are such a lovely couple.  You could tell how much they are in love and you could just see how happy they were on their special day.  I am so happy for the both of them and it was a pure joy to be apart of their day.  I think Jay and Lia are such a romantic couple together and I absolutely had the most fabulous time with both of them, their wedding party and families. 

One of the best parts about what I do it I get to meet so many different people and I love it.  Above all the beautiful thing about my job is most of my clients all become very good friends of mine. =)  All of them are fantastic people and I thank every couple I photograph for enriching my life with your love =)  Love is a beautiful thing thank you for sharing that with me.  It’s truly an honor. 

I hope you all enjoy this post.  I went a little photo happy but that because I’ve photo famined everyone here for sometime with low wedding post. =) Trust me, I have tons more to share so stay tuned. 

Thank you once again Jay and Lia and endless blessings to the both of you from now and forever more. 

Cheers,
Stephen

Thanks for stopping by everyone.

S A N   L E E N   F I   L O K   ~   H C N Y
m e x i c o   m a d n e s s

You wouldn’t believe me if I told you what hour I took this photograph! 

The web-slinger seeks comfort in mexico. 0_o

The green amigo has a SF (super fly) frog belt haha

I loved his gold teeth.  Too bad he didn’t smile for the camera here.

Our lovely vocalist for an evening extravaganza =)

Mexico isn’t the same without DOS EQUIS

How about some pico de gallo (or salsa picante)

Best meal for the buck. $4 for half a chicken, rice, salsa, onions and tortillas.

I only took this because this coke bottle says HOLA =)

This passes all USDA sanitary inspections =)  Call me a germ-a-phob.

Pedro the perro.  haha, I have no idea.  I just thought he was cute and gave him a name =D

The most popular car in Mexico is the slug bug.  Hands down.  Never seen so many old school bugs in one country in my whole life. =)  Love the car especially since the trunk is in the front of the car.

I know this post is a little late but Happy Chinese New Year to everyone.  Better late than never. =) I haven’t had much time to reflect on things so far this year but so far it’s been amazing.  From finding the love of my life, Sou-Wah in England and then flying all the way over to mexico to shoot a wedding.  I believe our lives are already written in the sense that somethings in life we are just destined for.  I like to think life is a gift.  A gift from God and its our opportunity to use it in the best way possible to glorify Him.  I am so grateful for each person and place God takes me to in this life.  I feel blessed and happy to walk this life that I want to share with the whole world about what an incredible journey I have been on.  I’ve always been a dreamer and have always set my priorities high that there is more to this life and I wouldn’t settle for anything less than what God blesses me with.  Every single life has purpose.  We go through life experience, meet different people, go to different places and learn new things all for a reason.  Sometimes I like to think of my life as of the character of Slumdog Millionaire.  Though I have not watched the film yet, what’s so interesting about the film is every single life experience the main character had would lead him back to this true love.  When I think about how my life lead up to Sou-Wah the mere thought is absolutely incredible to me.  Every single decision I made, life style I lived, family background, all the way up to the recent few years of my life and all the way to this point was to prepare me for the day I would meet her.  It was destined but it had to be the right time and place.  I’m often left speechless because I am simply wowed by it.  When I say destined I’m not exactly sure if my decisions in life are predestined but since we are given choice, we can dictate the path of our life.  And by the path we choose we will in some sense have what may seem a predestined life.  Note, that different paths lead elsewhere but that’s where God comes into the picture.  He is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.  Paths can sound vague but I’m a firm believer that “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9  Was it chance I found the love of my life?  NO WAY and I say that without a doubt in my mind.  I think sometimes we don’t ask for simple things such as love.  We just expect.  But genuine love, REAL LOVE is found in Jesus Christ and I think if we search long and patiently for that kind of self-less love, He will lead your heart to that one special person. 

Mexico. Fun. Warm. Good times.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers,
Stephen

I miss you Yabo…

I Miss You ^ Ayur – IjoX

j a y   +   l i a   [ t e a s e r ]

Hello everyone.  Stephen has been extremely busy lately and apologizes for the lack of blog updates.  I can’t wait to share more images from Jay and Lia’s big day in Portland, OR.  Mean while I’ll leave you with this awesome photo of Lia.  Stay tuned for more images from their wedding day.  I have loads and loads of weddings I’m stacked with so please stay tuned everyone.  Thanks for dropping by. 

Cheers,
Stephen