Prior to our session, Teary wrote that they were a bit nervous about this shoot since it was really their first time in front of the camera. Because of that we kept things pretty simple and didn’t do anything fancy or crazy or try to make models out of Teary and Jim (not that I could because I am not that good!). All we did was sit and watch their story unfold as they realized that this engagement session thing wasn’t so bad after all. Before we all knew it, Teary and Jim told us their own story which was captured and then written through the lens of a camera. Enjoy this one folks cause I know we all did.

It was during Sabrina and Jon’s third and fourth weddings where myself and Nara of Nara Photography had the pleasure of covering the next chapter of their 10 year love story. Congrats again Sabrina and Jon, you two are an inspiration to all of us! Enjoy!

Early the next morning…

This last weekend was a crazy one. It was essentially my first time back in Colorado in almost a year and my visit became a reunion of sorts with a lot of my former coworkers. Which is only fitting because that’s exactly how Randi and Darren met, through our previous place of employment and that’s exactly how I met both Randi and Darren. Through the years we’ve all shared many joyous moments and many sad ones with the loss of one of our closest friends, whom we still continue to honor to this day with our Annual Pond Skim event at Arapahoe Basin at the end of each ski/snowboard season.

So being ask to cover their wedding just made it even more special, even more so since I had made the tough decision to stop offering my wedding photography services (with some exceptions) as I simply don’t have the time required to dedicate myself towards the art of wedding photography anymore. Knowing that, I knew that Randi and Darren’s wedding would be a special one, one that I didn’t want to miss and it’s safe to say that their wedding didn’t disappoint. I hope that you all can see the love they have for each other through the photos below, so without further adieu enjoy!

One of the most influential people I’ve met during that time was a women named Susan, a mother of two wonderful adopted daughters from Cambodia, who was working with several other parents to create a special camp for their children and families alike. Over the next 9 years, the tiny camp that Susan and the other wonderful families came together to create has grown into something that no one could have imagined of 9 years ago. Peoples lives became intertwined in so many positive ways that it can’t be described in a hundred blog entries, let a lone this one.

But the greatest attribute from Camp were the children, children such as Susan’s oldest daughter: Mea. In the nine year’s since I’ve met Mea she’s grown up to become a beautiful person both inside and out. She’s faced challenges that most of us wouldn’t have imagined and now she’s off to college in pursuit of something greater. This photo shoot was literally nine years in the making but it was well worth the wait and I only wish Mea and her mother Susan the best in the years to come. Enjoy!

As all great stories start, Jon and I met in Rome, Italy in 2002. (Pretty great so far, right?) We were both in Rome for the World Club Championships, me as a spectator, him as a rower for the Khmer Krom team. I remember the first time seeing him, we were at the ‘Olympic Village’ and as he walked up with his friend Ricky Tran, he introduced his friend, Jon, to Dary and I. He gave me a hug (AND a kiss on the cheek). It took me by surprise, since I just met the guy! But that’s also why he stood apart. His demeanor from then, hasn’t changed from now. He’s the most caring, loving, smartest, fun, energetic, warm, friendliest person you will ever meet. We had the best time together in Rome as we roamed around the city and enjoyed each other’s company. Back then, it was my trip of a lifetime. One week in Rome wasn’t enough for all the fun we had.

We always said, ‘We’ll always have Rome.’

Then in 2010, I asked Jon to join me for another European adventure, this time with my nephew Vu and I. We planned a month long excursion to Europe, traveling by backpack and train. We started our journey in Barcelona and ended the trip in Paris. What happened in between is the remarkable story of our love. Vu witnessed the blossoming of our friendship and love in the 10 countries and 20+ cities we visited. I can’t begin to tell you how awesome the trip was for all of us. We had so many memories and pictures to capture the fun!

And as they say, the rest is history. But really, it’s just the beginning. One month before our wedding date, will be a milestone for all of us: 10 years of knowing each other, my sister’s 38th birthday, Tepphanie and Derek’s 7th wedding anniversary, and my parents 40th wedding anniversary!

Congrats Sabrina and Jon! I’m honored to have been your friend for all of these years and I’m honored to have the privilege of shooting your wedding in October!