Le Cordon Bleu Le Grande Toque

Today is Ingrid's graduation day from the Western Culinary Institute. The ceremony was at noon in the Convention Center, then we had a big feast at the campus prepared by the chefs. The school has a tradition where all the chefs vote for one Le Grande Toque winner. The Dean said, "Some didn't make it to today. Only a few who always come early and stay late, or even volunteer. But what makes the difference between mediocre and great is the details." We had the nice surprise when he called my wife's name. I'm so proud of her! This is a great beginning of her career.

The 3.5 lbs LGT stone plaque.

Soo + Taylor

Soo and Taylor definitely is one of the sweetest couples! The weather was a bit chilly that day, but I could feel the warmth of their love all day. They got married last week at Stonehedge Gardens in Hood River, after having the first ceremony in Korea. Relax yet classy, I enjoyed shooting the wedding so much. Georgeous location and delicious food, I have to bring my wife over for a date.











I love shooting their portraits. The location was great, I could even picture the photograph as Jon and I drove in. Here are some from the session...

Help me decide on this one, color or B/W?

Some details...






I just received a kind e-mail from Taylor:

Hi Adi,

Wow! The pictures look absolutely fantastic - I can't wait to see the rest of them! I'm just looking at them at work right now, but I forwarded the link to Soo so she could see them right away - I know that she'll love them as well.

It was such a pleasure to have both you and Jon photograph our wedding - we are so glad that you could be a part of our special day. We were very impressed with your preparation and professionalism, and we just can't thank you enough. We will certainly recommend you to anyone who is looking for a photographer, and if we're having another event, you'll be the first one we call!

Thanks again for everything, and please let us know if you need anything from us!

Taylor

Thank you. It was a privilege to witness and photograph your wedding. I look forward for your family's next chapters in life.

Cynthia + Say: [the Wedding]

A sweet & fun couple, Cynthia & Say committed themselves to each other last week at The Benson Hotel. Family and friends from many different states and countries came to witness and celebrate with them. I had lots of fun during the day, and I could feel the joy and see laughter on everyone there.
As a bonus, I got to work together and make friend with an awesome videographer, Travis Shields.
Check out their online gallery!











Details & portraits...

"If Merry (the coordinator) knows we polish on her schedule..."

I love this game. Nasty hot...

Minh-Chau + Cory

Since the first time we met at Peet's Coffee downtown, we connected as if we'd been friends for a long time. I remember we talked about the wedding and about photography for 30 minutes, and spent the next hour hanging out basically. They promised me that I would have fun with them during the wedding, and I did! They tied the knot on September 27.
We had the whole Vietnamese traditional ceremony in the morning at Minh-Chau's parents' home, followed by a backyard Vietnamese brunch.
Check out their online gallery!

I love the look of Minh-Chau's uncle to Cory, as if he's saying, "What do you think of her now?"

Then we started all over again the American way, all the way until midnight. Cory, based on his Facebook profile, is a 50% Filipino, 25% Croatian, 25% Finnish, and Minh-Chau is a Vietnamese. There is no place has more right to hold their wedding than the World Trade Center, and there they had it!

I don't know what's going on here after the kiss.

If I have to pick a single strongest image from the day, it has to be this one!

"Tell Ingrid the cake is spectacular, I'd take second bite," said Minh-Chau.

Exhausted.

Some detail, portrait & kid shots...

One of my favorites; love the repetition.

Ingrid's cake.

Playing around with strobe.