Our inspiration for picking up the camera has and always will be our couples. Katrina and I have been fortunate enough to not only have these people accept us to document the most important day of their lives, but also to accept us to be their friends and family. Your stories are our life.
Brandon started his photography career in college when he joined the school newspaper. A passion for capturing real moments and telling the story led him to become the photography editor and win several awards for his coverage within only a year. Shortly afterwards he began shooting weddings with Katrina using this same style. The rest is history.
Winner of the 2010 and 2011 WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award
Multiple award winning member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association
Photographed by Brandon Wong and Katrina Santos. Written by Brandon Wong
When Lisa and Patrick met us for the first time, we were surprised to find out that all four of us were actually going to be neighbors. We hadn’t moved into our house yet at that point, so it was a relief to know that we had some great company nearby.
The couple lived in Irvine their entire life so it was only fair to shoot in the same city. We traveled to the high school where they first met along with Irvine’s very own Great Park. At night we gave them another surprise by taking them on a hot air balloon ride. I am terrified of heights so it was a bit of a challenge for me, but the pictures and experience in the end was worth the ten minutes of trembling legs.
Photographed by Brandon Wong and Katrina Santos. Written by Brandon Wong
Jack is a fellow photographer and contacted us to photograph his proposal to Dawn less than week before it was actually going to happen.
When we finally reached the “special” peak of Griffith Park, Jack pulled out his vintage Polaroid Camera and took a photograph of Dawn. Instead of looking at a portrait of herself she was instead surprised by a drawing of a ring. Behind the polaroid was Jack on his knees asking her to be together for the rest of their life. Witnessing their engagement was such an emotional journey for Katrina and I and we were just happy to be there for them to document it.
The four of us ended up grabbing some Thai food afterwards and concluded the night by explored Hollywood Boulevard and the W Hotel for some more portraits. Since Jack is a wedding photographer and Dawn is a wedding designer I can’t even imagine how amazing and unique their wedding will turn out to be. Once again, congratulations Dawn and Jack. We’ll be ready to workout to Insanity in the very near future.
Photographed by Brandon Wong and Katrina Santos. Written by Brandon Wong
When choosing a location for our shoot, Yan wanted a spot that was as colorful as Elle and Cade’s personality. Of course Katrina and I knew exactly where to take them, but even the vibrant walls were no match for the amount of emotion and joy that the Garlett family showed us.
Photographed by Brandon Wong and Katrina Santos. Written by Brandon Wong
Despite coming from rival schools UCLA and USC, Serena and Johnny were still able to set apart their differences and get married at one of our favorite restaurants Summit House. Along with having some great prime rib, the hill top venue also gave their guests one of the best views of Orange County.
We’ve never met a more easygoing and carefree bride than Serena, who spontaneously picked out her jewelry the day of the wedding and never stressed one second about the details. Johnny is the more quiet and reserved one of the couple, but after they got hitched I think we all saw his wilder side come out. We also did a photobooth for them and by the end of the night all of the our props somehow made it onto the dance floor as the party went on until the late hours of the night.
Photographed by Brandon Wong and Katrina Santos. Written by Brandon Wong
It’s always humbling to hear when another photographer asks us to document their wedding, especially when it’s out of the country and forty six days before the actual date! Even though it was only a mere month away Katrina and I couldn’t wait until Megan and Monte’s wedding in the Riviera Maya to kick off our 2011 year. Mexico is one of our favorite places in the world to go and we always look forward to the next time we’ll be back. The rehearsal dinner was held at La Bodeguita Del Medio, a Cuban restaurant that made some of the best mango Mojitos we’ve ever tasted. They ended the night with a live Cuban band and a salsa instructor who definitely got the party started.
The couple got ready at the elegant Fairmont Mayakoba resort and held the ceremony and reception at a one of a kind Hacienda forty five minutes away. Peacocks, monkeys, horses, and all other types of animals strolled the property. It felt like another world. To put it even more over the top the catering was even done by a previous Iron Chef winner. At night the venue was instantly transformed into a hip lounge party complete with modern sofas, beautiful colors, and even a light up dance floor. It was a night to remember.
The best part at the end of a wedding is making two new friends. We can’t thank Megan and Monte enough for letting us into to the most precious moment of their life and trusting us with our cameras. Make sure you catch their slideshow at the end of the blog post.
Please click the play button below or click here to view their slideshow.
juma:
Exceptional work Brandon AND I'VE SEEN EXCEPTIONAL WORK. I wish I was able to make comments on individual photos. (03.03.2011 06:32pm)
Citlalli Rico:
Fantastic post guys!! You did a beautiful job :) (03.03.2011 08:36pm)
kirsten lewis:
If this is a precursor for what is to come this year, we all better put our seat belts on super tight and hang on. You killed it! (03.07.2011 02:02pm)
