Ekenywa-Bringing hope and a future to the children of Kenya

When I look back on my life, I want to see that I helped others, and that I used my time and talents for more than just myself. I want to know that I lived out my God-given purpose on Earth. So though I love what I do, and I have blessed to travel to many exciting places, I want to make an impact. I want to use my passion for photography to make a difference in the lives of others. This is what led myself and my dear friend, Jessica, to Kenya. We both wanted to go somewhere to serve not just vacation. Jessica is in marketing, and I do photography. Together we traveled to Kenya to partner with Ekenywa-a charity organization that focuses on bringing a brighter future to the kids of Kenya. They provide access to clean and sustainable water, food, scholarships, creative arts, bathrooms, hand washing stations, and education on hygiene and sanitation! We came to document and tell their story through photography and videography. We were able to see first hand the impact they made on the communities. Where once the kids and their families had to walk miles to a dirty river for water, they now have a water kiosk where they can receive clean and safe water to drink and cook with. Where once they had diseases associated with water contamination, they can now thrive because of access to clean water. Ekenywa has been life changing organization for these kids and for their families, and the impact is huge! The gratitude that the students, teachers, and community members have towards Ekenywa touched my heart.

We were connected with Ekenywa because I had known one of the founders of the organization, Elsie Mbugua-an amazing and talented woman who is doing revolutionary work in energy! Elsie grew up in Kenya, and always had a heart to give back to the community she came from. She saw the need and knew she needed to make a difference. Elsie, together with her childhood friend, Ashley Gasperi and her husband Chris Gasperi, are the heart and soul of Ekenywa. Ashley and Chris have a background in nursing and hospital administration, they would come to Kenya to do medical clinics and find that the children and people would have worms from the water contamination. They would treat them only to come back again and find that the same problem awaited them. They decided that they needed to go to the source which was the need for clean and sustainable drinking water. Thus through the vision of these three, Ekenywa was born, and Elsie, Ashley, and Chris are doing amazing work in the schools and communities in Kenya!

This is my second time to Kenya, and both times I have been struck by the joy that the kids and people have. Even in humble circumstances and hard times, they choose to find the joy. They may not have much in as far as material possessions, but their hearts overflow with love! So many times when we see stories from Africa it depicts very sad images of children starving, people dying, and a desert wasteland. And while the needs in Africa are very real, so is the joy among so many of the people. I wanted to focus on that Africa that I have experienced, one with laughter, joy, singing, and dancing. What we need to remember is that these kids are still kids who take pleasure in playing soccer, singing songs, and dancing. The parents work hard to sell food or handmade articles and jewelry to provide for their families. Life may be hard for many of them, but they do not give up. And beside that, they actually choose to find ways to thrive! I am humbled by seeing their joy and love, and they way they choose to overcome!

Featured above is the water borough that pumps clean and sustainable water to the school and to the water kiosk used by the surrounding community. Featured below is the kids able to use the hand washing stations at the school which helps stop the spread of diseases and promotes sanitation and hygiene.

Above is one of the community members selling the mangos to provide for her family. She comes out every day to sell her mangos in her booth. She also brought us into her home, let us interview her, and eat some of her mangos! She is with her best friend, and the two of them are inseparable. Before the water kiosk came to the school across the street from her, she used to walk four times a day for water. Once in the morning for herself and her family, and once in the morning for her friend who injured her leg and could not walk very well. She did the same in the evening. Now, accessing water is so much easier, and because it is purified, they do not have to worry about contamination and disease!

While in Kenya I had the blessing of meeting Beth, a girl I have been my sponsoring for the last 6 years! I started sponsoring her through Christian Mission Fellowship International after my first trip to Kenya so I was unable to meet her until this trip. She was 7 years old when I started and just turned 13! She loves soccer and wants to be a pilot when she grows up. It was amazing being able to meet her in person, and see the amazing young woman she is becoming!

While in Kenya, Elsie (in the center of the photos below) invited Jessica and I to a dinner event she was hosting in Nairobi to meet some of the movers and shakers of the community . One of the partners of Ekenywa is Pinch of Colour which is a waterless based makeup line. Part of their proceeds goes to Ekenywa and helping children get access to clean water! In the picture on the left below, Elsie is with the Pinch of Color founder Linda and her husband Gentian. On the right is Elsie with Jessica and I!

World Water Day was on March 22nd and we were able to document this amazing event. They estimated about 1200 people showed up! The children did performances of poems, singing, and dancing for all of us, and they were able to enjoy crafts such as face painting, skits, a jump house, soccer, and arts and crafts! Ekenywa put on the event to celebrate World Water Day with the community. They provided all the supplies, food, water, juice for everyone who came, as well as new trees to plant to help bring shade to the school. It was an absolutely incredible event! Jessica and I were able to plant a tree with some of the kids at the end as well! It is a beautiful imagery of how when we “plant” things in this world by helping others, giving, serving, and loving that those will grow and flourish!

Jessica and my time in Kenya was blessed all the way through. We made so many new friends, got to be with an organization that is really changing lives, and experience the joy and love from those in these communities. I loved every second I was there, and I am so glad God opened up this opportunity for us to go! Ekenywa is doing amazing things, and if you would like to be a part of the life and hope they are giving to these communities please go to their website where you can donate or share their story!

Ekenywa: https://www.ekenywa.org
Pinch of Colour: https://pinchofcolour.com
Christian Missionary Fellowship International: https://www.cmfi.org

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” -Matthew 25:35-40

Spring is in the air! Kristin and Roi's Super Bloom Engagement Session

What is better than a super bloom spring time in California? Spending it with these two right here! Kristin had her heart set on rolling hills and mountain views for her and Roi’s engagement session, and so we picked Chino Hills State Park as their engagement location! It turned out better than we could have imagined! Rolling green hills covered with yellow mustard flowers stretched on all around us. As we hiked up the hill, it seemed as if we were in another state or country. Kristin and Roi and I just loved it! And those two had natural chemistry and it was so fun working with the two of them! They did cute spontaneous things like Kristin jumping into Roi’s arms and he would spin her around, or Roi giving her a piggy back ride down the hill because she was a trooper and wore her heels the whole way! This two just gave me all of the feels with their love and adoration for one another!!! I loved working with them, and I cannot wait for their wedding this Fall! Enjoy this beautiful spring time super bloom engagement session with an amazing and gorgeous couple!

"You are my greatest adventure"-Aimee and Anthony-Old Ranch Country Club Wedding

What can I say about Aimee and Anthony?! These two were so easy going, so fun, and such an INCREDIBLE couple to work with! They found me through the referral list at Old Ranch Country Club, and we had a wonderful time meeting to talk about their wedding and engagement. I really got to know them, though, when we road tripped to Joshua Tree National Park together for their engagement session. We all brought snacks to share, and that is when I knew we would be friends. Their wedding day was just as fantastic! They actually ran early (rare instance for weddings!), and we set off their day with door games for the groom and groomsmen to prove his worthiness to the bridesmaids for the bride’s hand. Then Aimee and Anthony shared a special first look moment together before heading to Christ Cathedral for their ceremony. We took photos with the wedding party and did a tea ceremony as well with the family which was a special honor. The actual ceremony was in the chapel of Christ Cathedral, and I loved it’s beautiful modern look. Aimee and Anthony spoke their vows between beaming smiles and laughter, and exited as a newly pronounced husband and wife with dancing down the aisle! We went to Old Ranch Country Club for their wedding reception, and they performed a fantastic choreographed first dance! And of course, no wedding day is complete without some sunset photos, cake, toasts, and more dancing! All in all their wedding was just fantastic, but it can’t beat these two for how beautiful their love and joy together is! I am so grateful to have been their photographer for this special time in their lives, and now they live in my city so I can’t wait to see them even more! Enjoy going over this fantastic wedding, and congrats to an amazing couple, Aimee and Anthony!

Lead Coordinator: Sarah Bond, Grace and Gold Events
Reception Venue and Catering: Old Ranch Country Club
Ceremony Venue: Christ Cathedral
DJ: Kevin Whan, Vox Djs
Florist: Debbie Jacobsen, Flowers Etc.
Photography: Larissa Bahr, Larissa Bahr Photography
Dessert Bar: TastyBlock
Hair and Make up: Vivian Tran Makeup
Photo Booth: Pixster

Taylor and Rebecca-Proposal at Top of the World Laguna Beach - Engagement Photography

In August of this last year, Taylor approached me to ask about photographing the proposal he was planning for his girlfriend Rebecca at Top of the World in Laguna Beach in January, shortly after their anniversary! As January came around, the forecast predicted rain for the day we had set out, but Taylor was confident that rain or shine, it would be beautiful and so we decided to continue forward! The day for them had started out as a scavenger hunt birthday surprise for Taylor. Unbeknownst to Rebecca, Taylor had planned to hijacked the birthday scavenger hunt surprise Rebecca was doing for him. She and a friend and Taylor’s sister had been planning the scavenger hunt for Taylor’s upcoming birthday for several weeks. Taylor, on the other hand, was in communication with those two to help orchestrate the whole day so that they would end at Top of the World in Laguna Beach where he would propose and surprise Rebecca! At each location was a clue to the next spot, and Taylor went along with the whole day pretending like he had no idea what was about to happen. For the last location, I had taken the clue and the ring and hid it in the bushes in a predetermined spot Taylor and I had picked out. Rebecca had no idea, and still thought she was surprising Taylor. So when the reached Top of the World, Taylor took the clue and ring box, started his proposal speech, and got down on his knee to propose, she couldn’t believe how the tables had turned! I heard her exclaim, “Wait! You knew the whole time?” It was super cute and fun to watch and document it all as it unfolded. She of course said, “Yes!” and we took engagement photos of them with an absolutely stunning sunset surrounding us! We even had a little rainbow peek out in the distance! The night ended with a surprise engagement party for Rebecca, and it all came together beautifully! Congratulations to Taylor and Rebecca!

Kristin and Scott - Channel Island National Park Wedding - Anacapa Island Wedding Photographer - Santa Barbara - Styled Shoot

Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a remote island with the love of your life to just get away from it all? This is exactly what we decided to do as we planned the inspiration behind this styled shoot! Off the coast of Ventura lies the Channel Islands, and one of these delightful islands is called Anacapa. It is one of the smallest of the eight Channel Islands, but it boasts stunning views with cascading cliffs overlooking the ocean, a charming lighthouse to direct boater’s paths, and a lookout of the island’s vistas known as Inspiration Point. To say the least, our island extravaganza did not disappoint! To accompany our ferry ride over, dolphins chased the bow of our boat, surfing in its waves, and leaping out of the water as they raced us along. Pelicans glided in the air, and the Western Gulls welcomed us to the island where they come to roost every year. The flowers were caught in the full bloom of Spring, and the weather, being absolutely perfect, led us to a gorgeous sunset full of purple and pink pastel colors.

As we arrived onto Anacapa Island aboard the Island Packer’s Ferry, we promptly unloaded our camping gear and got to work. Cassie Howard, with Events by Cassie, was the stylist and genius behind our charming glamping setup. She pulled together a table setup that was not only beautiful, but practical for a camper’s life. With canteens in place of water glasses, blankets to snuggle up in, and a whiskey and hot chocolate bar to keep you warm at night, the glamping essentials were met! There was even a s’more dessert station to satisfy our sweet tooth!

The scenery was unbeatable as we felt that we had been transported to the sea-side cliffs of Ireland combined with the stunning overlooks of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Every part of Anacapa was gorgeous, and we made the most of it. We began by the cliffside that was 30 feet from our campsite, and worked our way to an 85 year-old lighthouse. I have loved lighthouses since I was a kid, and being able to photography this one was incredible! The lighthouse vantage point granted us sweeping views of the stunning landscape of Anacapa Island. To finish it all off, we ended at Inspiration Point for sunset. There we were all astounded by the majesty of that evening’s sunset. The sky was alive with the pastel colors of blues and pinks that quickly deepened to purples and magenta, and ended with a fiery red. It was a sunset that we will never forget. Our goal was to capture the beauty and inspiration that nature has to share, and on a tiny island in the middle of the pacific ocean, we were able to do just that.

Thank you to an incredible team who helped pull this all together! See below!

Coordination and Styling - Cassie Howard - Events by Cassie
Photography - Larissa Bahr - Larissa Bahr Photography
Floral - Jessica Westervelt - SWD Floral
Dress - Mary Me Bridal
Tux - Friar Tux - Lauren Dorta
Invitations - Jen - Jen Simpson Design
Hair and Make-up - Sydney Felix
Models: Kristin and Scott Douglass

Proposal at the End of the World- Antarctica Engagement-Larissa Bahr Photography-Destination Wedding Photographer

For some people it is Paris that brings pronouncements of love and commitment, for others it is on an island in Antarctica overlooking a glacier bay with a colony of penguins nesting nearby! In the words of Brendan, “Penguins travel all over to find the perfect pebbles for their nest to gain approval from their potential life partner…being down here surrounded by these loyal creatures I presented a rock in hope that Brittany would say yes and in turn share the exact same initials together…” And she said yes with plenty of tears, laughter, and jumping!!! Brendan and Brittany hail from Australia, and were on this cruise to Antarctica to cross off their 7th continent together. They have been officially dating for 2 years and friends for years before then. When asked earlier in the week if they were married, Brittany replied, “We aren’t married yet, but I hope he chooses me!” And little did she know that Brendan was secretly planning this amazing proposal with the Silverseas Expedition staff all along! I happened to be in the right place/right time and witnessed/photographed this amazing proposal! Who knew that my vacation to Antarctica would allow me to photograph such an epic proposal?! I was so happy to be there and to take these pictures for Brendan and Brittany! These two are serious couple goals after getting engaged in Antarctica! They redefine traveling to the end of the world to show someone that you love them! And to top it all off, we all went kayaking later that afternoon in the most beautiful and pristine conditions. What a way to celebrate being newly engaged! Congratulations to Brendan and Brittany and congrats on having the most epic engagement story ever!

Top of the World Wedding Vows - Gabriel and Roxana - Yosemite National Park - Glacier Point

I met Roxana outside Mary Me Bridal dress shop where my office is located. I heard one of the vendors in my office mentioning how a bride was getting married at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park and immediately I had to go talk to her! I had done a wedding the year before at Glacier Point and we spent the whole day running around Yosemite taking photos. Ironically when I spoke with Roxana about her, she was getting married on the exact same Tuesday in June that my previous couple had, and both of their weddings were at 10am at Glacier Point! It definitely seemed meant to be! Roxana brought Gabriel back to meet with me and we found out how much we all had in common! We all loved the outdoors and hiking, and definitely had the travel bug! I was so excited when they told me that they wanted to hire me! The wedding day was beautiful, it was a gorgeous clear day up at Glacier Point for the ceremony. Half Dome loomed in the background, and they proclaimed their love for one another on the top of the world! They had their closest friends and family gathered around to support them and witness their ceremony! It was beautiful with both Roxana and Gabriel beaming at one another throughout it all! Afterwards we spent the time running around and taking photos all around Yosemite, making the most of our time there. We even hiked out to Taft Point! Roxana gathered her dress in her arms and hiked over a mile in. Gabriel switched his shoes out and hiked in his suit. And I brought a backpack full of camera equipment. The views from Taft Point was definitely worth it. And it was a perfect spot for these two adventurers! I am so glad I got to come back to Yosemite with Gabriel and Roxana and document their love story! Happy 1 month anniversary to you both!!! May your marriage be filled with more grand adventures to come!

Dustin and Karina - Treasure Island Proposal - Laguna Beach Wedding Photographer - Engagement

Dustin and Karina had the cutest proposal yesterday! Dustin planned it all out to the last detail! He started with leaving a letter at her house the night before for her to find the next day that gave her some instructions on where to go and what to grab from home. Then at the designated spot Karina met with some of her girlfriends who took her shopping for a new dress and shoes. After that, he had a hair and makeup appointment set up for her to go to. Then a limo picked Karina up to take her to Treasure Island Beach where Dustin was waiting. I met her at the limo to get some photos and take her down to where Dustin was. He had picked out a gorgeous overlook full of flowers with a scenic view of the ocean. It was perfect. She came down the path to him, excitement beaming on both of their faces! After telling her the most beautiful intro of how much he loved her, he got down on one knee and proposed! She of course said yes and jumped into his arms! He spun her around in sheer joy and then put the ring on her. It was just the one she had wanted! They took a few minutes to enjoy the moment, and they also took some time to pray and thank God for this brand new journey together. It was beautiful. We did an engagement session for them right there on the spot. I am very excited for these two friends of mine! It is such a privilege for me to be able to witness and document these special life moments for my friends and my clients. I really cherish this part of my job. And I cannot wait to photograph their wedding this fall!!! Congratulations to Dustin and Karina! I know God will bless your marriage, and that you two will continue to fill one another's life with joy and love for all your years together! 

Aimee and Anthony-Joshua Tree Rock Climbing Adventure Engagement Session - National Park

Aimee and Anthony just celebrated 5 years together, and since we just did their engagement session last month I thought it would be a great time to share their blog! When we first met to talk about their wedding and engagement, we found out that we are all adventurers! We decided to go to Oak Glen then over to Joshua Tree National Park for their engagement session! This would give us the beautiful green trees as well as having the adventure of the desert. Aimee and Anthony both enjoy rock climbing as well, so making that a part of their engagement was a super fun idea! We all carpooled out there, and got to know each other even more on the 2 hour drive there. It was a beautiful day, and Oak Glen was full of Spring magic. From there we grabbed an apple turnover for the road and headed to Joshua Tree National Park. The wind was fairly strong, but we braved it, and it was definitely worth it! Aimee and Anthony did some bouldering, and we hiked around to take photos at the different locations. We ended at sunset with the warm glow fading on the horizon before we journeyed the two hours home. It was a great day, and I loved spending the time together and getting to know them more on this session! I am very excited for their upcoming wedding! Congratulations, Aimee and Anthony, on celebrating 5 years! Here is to many more to come!

Jessi and Gabriel Fairytale Proposal- Disneyland Photography - Orange County Photographer

Two friends of mine just got engaged at Disneyland, and I had the pleasure of documenting this special moment for them! Gabriel approached me a little over a month before he planned to propose to Jessi, and I was so excited to be a part of the plan! As the day drew near, we decided to meet at Disneyland a few hours early to do some scouting. Jessi was coming later with her sister, brother-in-law, and two nephews and thought Gabriel was out of town for the weekend. We planned our surprise for the backside of the castle to be sure that if she had any suspicions she would not be expecting it there. We hid on opposite sides as she approached and as she passed by, Gabriel called her name. She was shocked to see him there dropping down on one knee holding out her ring! Through lots of joyful tears, she said, "Yes!" and enveloped him in a huge hug. It was a successful proposal full of joy, tears, and laughter! We spent the next few hours taking photos around Disneyland to commemorate their engagement day! The thrill of the rides we went on could not compare to the thrill these two had with being engaged to one another! I loved being a part of this special day for them, and I look forward to seeing their "Happily Ever After" come to pass. 

Sabrina and Jeremy - Forest Maternity Session - Yorba Regional Park

Sabrina and Jeremy are long term clients of mine from their engagement session back in 2014, their wedding in 2015, getting pregnant in 2017, and now they have their adorable boy, Noah, in 2018! We have already done the newborn and 3 month photos for their little man, but I had to post this blog from their maternity photos because it was one of my favorites! Sabrina looked stunning in her red dress and was a glowing mother-to-be. Jeremy, the proud soon-to-be father was already head over heels for the arrival of his son! Being a part of their new journey as parents was such a blessing for me! I love following my couples throughout these important stages in their life! Seeing their life's biggest moments come to pass and documenting their story throughout the years makes us have more than a photographer/client bond. We are friends, we are family, we are sharing in these times together, and this is why I love what I do so much! I love living life with my clients, documenting and creating memories that will stand the test of time. I want to give them photos that they will hand down to generations to come, and cherish throughout the good and difficult times. I am passionate about what I do, because I believe in celebrating and commemorating life's moments! And I want to give them my very best for the best days of their lives <3 Thank you Sabrina and Jeremy, for allowing me to be a part of your life journey together! I cannot wait to continue through with Noah's photos, and to see you two growing in love and family throughout the years to come! 

Nicole and Adam's Seaside Wedding-Kiana Lodge-Poulsbo Washington-Seattle Destination Wedding

Flying out to Destination Weddings is one of my favorite things, especially when it is for as sweet of a couple as Nicole and Adam! I have known Nicole for a few years now, and I was thrilled to photograph her wedding. She got married up by Seattle, Washington in a beautiful seaside town called Poulsbo. The place they picked was the Kiana Lodge, located right by the water with towering trees and rocky beaches surrounding it. It was on that beach where they first started dating, and now the Kiana Lodge would forever echo their wedding vows within it's walls! As a super fun and outdoorsy couple, this was a perfect location. There is even a giant log on the beach that they climbed on for photos! The day was spent in love, fun, and laughter and lots of photos! And even though it was a March wedding in the notorious rainy Seattle area, God blessed them both with a beautiful sunshine day! It was a perfect destination for an even more perfect couple! Enjoy this look into their special day!

Photography: Larissa Bahr Photography
Venue: Kiana Lodge 

Kathleen and Phil - Sedona Arizona Engagement Session - Bell Rock - Red Rock Canyon

Our original plan with Kathleen and Phil was to have them do a beach session at Laguna Beach, but as they both lived in AZ, finding a weekend that worked for them to come up was proving difficult. So, when they asked if I they could fly me over to them to do their engagement session, I jumped at the chance! We immediately brainstormed ideas for where to go and settled on Sedona, Arizona. I flew in on a Sunday morning, and met with them early Sunday afternoon in Sedona. There were so many beautiful places to go, but we settled on Bell Rock and a beautiful river area off Oak Creek Canyon for their engagement session! I was able to visit the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon in addition to Sedona while on this trip! It started out amazing with doing this awesome engagement session at Bell Rock, and continued to be an epic trip as we traveled throughout AZ! Enjoy the photos! 

Pirate Tower Engagement - Amanda and Josh - Victoria Beach Engagement Session - Treasure Island - Laguna

Amanda and Josh are a vivacious and fun-loving couple who have a passion for life and one another! Photographing their engagement session was a blast! Amanda had three gorgeous outfits planned out, and we even hit up three different beach locations in Laguna! Our first stop was one of the coves by Laguna State Beach where we adventured onto some rocks to get some unique vantage points. Next we traveled over by the Montage Laguna Beach to Treasure Island Cove. We wandered around on the tide pools and under the archway that graces that beautiful beach. Our last stop was Victoria Beach! With it's famed Pirate Tower, Victoria beach is a true treasure in SoCal. I loved photographing the uniqueness of this beach, and the red dress Amanda choice made a statement all on it's own! It was a wonderful engagement session full of laughter and fun, and I am very excited for their wedding this summer! 

Gillian and Jordan - Yosemite National Park Wedding - Elopements - Glacier Point Photographer - Majestic Hotel

Before working with Gillian and Jordan, I didn't know if I would meet a couple who both would be as crazy as I am about spending all day out exploring and taking photos! We started out this beautiful day in Yosemite National Park by meeting up at 6:30am to have a first look by 7:00am at a beautiful bridge outside the Yosemite Majestic Hotel. Gillian looked stunning, and had even done her own hair and makeup starting at 3am! They exchanged their personal vows together by the river, wanting the moment to be just with the two of them before the ceremony. It was a beautiful moment in the midst of a stunning view! After this exchange, we made sure to hit some of the highlight spots such as Yosemite Falls and the Tunnel View before the crowds came out in full force. Then it was time to head up to Glacier Point for the ceremony! Up above the valley, we had a gorgeous view of Half Dome and the roaring waterfalls! Gillian and Jordan's family and a few close friends gathered with them to witness and celebrate their ceremony. There were 20 people in all, and I was closely acquainted with half of them as Gillian was the youngest of three, all of whom got married one year after the other, and for whose weddings I was the photographer! It all started with the eldest, Tiffany and her husband, Mike, followed by the middle, Sean and his wife, Caitlin, and now it was Gillian and Jordan! I loved having all of them together again, and loved being a part of another special day for this amazing family! They are not only clients, but they have welcomed me into their family, and I love them all so very much! 

 After the ceremony we took more photos at Glacier Point then went back down to hit up a few additional locations in Yosemite Valley. We had been going for 7 solid hours already jumping from place to place, so we decided to take a break and regroup at the Yosemite Majestic Hotel. When we met back up, we took some photos around the hotel, and started the reception! Food, drinks, toasts, and the traditional dances all commenced, and it was a fun and intimate reception! We even took a little bit of time at sunset to take some group photos and a few additional photos of Gillian and Jordan! At the end of the day we had spent 14 hours running around Yosemite, and Gillian and Jordan were still smiling by the end of it! I was amazed as usually I am the one holding back because I don't want to wear my clients out, but these two were right there with me the whole time! And it was a joy to spend the day with Gillian and Jordan who were so happy to be together out in a place they loved so much! Jordan had grown up going to Yosemite, and now it will always be a very special place for them together. Here in Yosemite National Park they vowed to love and cherish one another and to be partners always! And may they live happily as adventurers for ever after!

Hiro and Veronique - Ritz Carlton Wedding - Dana Point Photographer - Strands Beach - Sunset Photos

Hiro and Veronique got in touch with me about a month before their wedding saying that they were having a small weekday elopement style wedding with only their immediate family. It was going to be at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel, and I was very excited about it! It was a beautiful day in Laguna Niguel, and I loved seeing their immediate family come together to support them! The ceremony was beautiful up on the cliffside overlooking the ocean. Veronique's father walked her down the aisle to meet her groom, and the mothers beamed on and wiped the occasional tear as they watched their son and daughter get married. After the ceremony we took photos around the Ritz Carlton, and made our way to Strands Beach in Dana Point. The sunset was glorious full of gorgeous clouds and pastel colors. We made the most of our time there enjoying the colors and scenery for their wedding day. It was as if it was a personal wedding gift to them! Congratulations Hiro and Veronique! May your life together be filled with days even more beautiful than this one!

Photography by: Larissa Bahr - Larissa Bahr Photography
Hair and Make-up: Jaime Michele Makeup Artistry
Venue: The Ritz Carlton in Dana Point