Christie and Scott are from Canada, and they are such fun! Scott had us laughing all day long, and Christie always had a ready smile! They are a very laidback couple who married in the beautiful and relaxing setting of Marriott's Shadow Ridge Resort. Christie and Scott are an athletic couple, and they'd have to be, with their professions. Christie is a Mountie (member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and Scott is a firefighter. Their goal was to have a relaxed, intimate and fun day. To cap off their event, they held a nighttime pool party at the resort. Christie surprised her guests by jumping into the pool with her gown on! She didn't just simply jump in, though. She did a cartwheel into the pool - now that's the way to "take the plunge!"

Our warmest wishes to Scott and Christie!

DETAILS (all links open in a new window):
Wedding Venue: Marriott's Shadow Ridge, Palm Desert
Officiant: Rev Virginia Surrell, Specialized Wedding Services
Floral: Charlotte Groves, Floral Design
Hair and Makeup: J. Russell Salon
Wedding Cake/Cupcakes: Exquisite Desserts
Ceremony and Reception Music: John Pagels

It was a beautiful day in Rancho Mirage for the wedding of Taryn and Keegan. Our couple came down from the Bay area to marry under the sunny skies at Rancho Las Palmas Resort. The color scheme was chocolate brown, champagne and white. Ultimate Events in Palm Desert designed the classically elegant bouquets and personal flowers. Lisa Acosta of Rancho Las Palmas made sure everything ran smoothly for Taryn and Keegan. The reception was held on the upper terrace under the stars with plenty of candlelight and lanterns to create a romantic ambience.

Our best wishes for happiness to Taryn and Keegan!

Time for the Ohs to capture their annual family portraits! Last year, we photographed them at the Parker Palm Springs. This time, the fashionable family was game for shooting their photos at the Salton Sea. These images were captured on 35mm and medium-format film. You can see that An and Mike have a great sense of humor, as well as a great sense of style. Family portraits in offbeat locations with some fun props and a change of wardrobe can make your images more unique and whimsical.

Don't forget to click on the images to see the larger version.

Kristin and Jim were married at the hilltop O'Donnell House in Palm Springs, California. With the assistance of Carla Domen and her fantastic team at GBK Weddings, the event proceeded beautifully. The sun slipped behind the mountains just as the ceremony began, bathing the guests and the lovely couple in soft light and comfortable shade. The color scheme was a vibrant combination of orange and fuchsia, with sheer orange overlays accenting white linens for a clean but colorful effect. The centerpieces incorporated flaming orange parrot tulips and cymbidium orchids submerged in water. The bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere were composed of orange calla lilies. Live music entertained the guests during the reception, as family and friends dined from a sumptuous buffet.

Congratulations to Jim and Kristin on their new lives together!

DETAILS (all links open in a new window):
Wedding Venue: O'Donnell House, Palm Springs
Coordination: Carla Domen, GBK Weddings
Floral: Joey Lizotte, ARTISAN EVENTS
Catering: Jennifer's Fine Foods
Band: LA Funk from LA Allstars
Hair and Makeup: J. Russell Salon
Wedding Cake: Jensen's Bakery
Bridal Gown: Manuel Mota for Pronovias

Wow! September is already here! Where did the summer go?

We wanted to share photos from this beautiful wedding at the historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in Riverside, California. Nader and I heavily considered the Mission Inn for our own wedding venue, going so far as to visit two separate times -- the first time with the idea we'd have a wedding with about 200 guests, and the second time trying to figure out if we could downsize our wedding to 20 guests! Crazy times. As much as we loved the history and beautiful architecture, we couldn't make it work for our event.

Stephanie and Eric, however, did make it work beautifully, and it was a gorgeous wedding to behold. Here's the proof. Click on the thumbnails to see the enlarged images.

We wish Stephanie and Eric a very happy and long life together!

Megan + Benjamin's Sinatra Estate Wedding Trailer from PACIFIC PICTURES on Vimeo.

Several months ago, we wrote about the stylish Palm Springs wedding of Megan and Benjamin. The wedding was held at the former Frank Sinatra estate, Twin Palms, and it was an intimate celebration coordinated by Rochelle Marie's Events by Design. Portraits of the couple were taken at the equally stylish Riviera Resort and Spa while their guests enjoyed cocktails at the estate.

Megan and Benjamin chose Kevin Shaninian and his crew, Ben and Ari, from Pacific Pictures to document their wedding day as a movie. What Pacific Pictures creates is not simply a wedding video; the end result is a cinematic experience that brings to life all of the emotions and details of the day. Kevin has also directed several Bollywood concept movies for couples who want to star in a short film to show at their wedding reception as a surprise. You can view these Bollywood concept films and other work at Pacific Pictures' blog and website.

Enjoy the trailer!

Pacific Pictures
Kevin Shahinian, Founder/Lead Filmmaker
Website: www.pacificpictures.net
Blog: www.pacificpicturesblog.com
Phone: 714.839.0020

These are images Nader captured of Mira and Tala at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden. (Be sure to click on the images for a larger view)

These are some images we recently captured of our nephew, Rami, while at the park. They were captured on 35mm film (yes, it's still around!).

While we still own and love our digital camera equipment, we've come to prefer photographing weddings and kids with our film cameras. There's just something that, for us, is really compelling about the colors, skin tones and the overall look of film.

There are other reasons we've been switching over to film for and we will be sure to blog more about them in upcoming entires.

By the way, how cute is this little guy (ok, so we're a little biased)?!

For more photos from our afternoon at the park with Rami, please click on the thumbnails below.

Earlier this year, Carol Poon, the editor in chief of the gorgeous magazine, The Bride and Bloom, asked Nader to photograph an eight-page editorial layout for the Summer 2009 issue. The magazine has undergone a new, wider redesign, and I suggest going out and getting a copy (or two) before they're all gone!

The Riviera Resort and Spa in Palm Springs provided the eclectic, colorful backdrop for the shoot. It was a wonderful honor to be asked, and the day of the shoot was so fun! Very different from shooting a wedding in that we were able to take the time to perfect each shot and to have hair, makeup and styling assistance every step of the way. Everyone associated with the production of this spread was professional, fun and supportive.

The layout focuses on popular bouquet types with the current trend of short wedding dresses for the bride who wants something a little sassy and unique for her gown. The photo in the opening spread was taken in the Riviera's spectacularly tiled Spa Terre. The gown is by Reva Mivasagar, and it is just one of many amazing dresses (along with all the shoes and accessories) selected by stylist Melinda Tarbell.

The Riviera looks fabulous in person and in photos. The wide variety of locations made the Riviera a great location for the shoot. The luminescent lobby with the orange glow is one of my favorite locations at the resort because of the wonderful carved panels along the walls. The Sidebar, with its very cozy, wraparound booths gorgeously lit by sparkling chandeliers, creates an intimate ambience for those seeking a little more privacy.

The lounge area behind the main lobby is a series of vignetted seating areas featuring different furniture and glittering portraits of fifties' and sixties' era celebrities like Sammy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn Monroe. If you look closely at the portraits, the faces are brought to life with tiny coins.

(Note: all links open in a new browser window)

Red Lantern Photography is a Style Me Pretty Little Black Book vendor, so it was lovely to discover that Abby Larson, Style Me Pretty's founding blogger, and fellow LBB vendor, Lisa Vorce, of Oh, How Charming! Events are also featured in this issue.

It was a joy to be a part of this editorial shoot, and we so appreciate the creative inspiration and expertise of art director, Rose Cefalu; stylist, Melinda Tarbell, and her assistant, Chelsea Ray; makeup and hair artist, Yuji; and model, Heather Burton. Thank you to Tracey Jardin at the Riviera for providing access to the entire resort, and, finally, our sincerest thanks to Carol Poon for this amazing opportunity to be included in The Bride and Bloom.

We'll be posting some additional images from The Bride and Bloom shoot in the near future, so be sure to check our blog.

It was a sunny Sunday in the desert for Courtney and David's wedding. They live in St. Louis, and they wanted a destination wedding that was casual, elegant, and, most of all, fun! With the expertise of Cathy O'Connell and Dorry Wynham of Celebrations of Joy, Courtney and David enjoyed a custom-tailored celebration at the Miramonte Resort and Spa in the heart of Indian Wells.

Courtney's parents have a beautiful home in Rancho La Quinta, and this is where Courtney's family and attendants got ready for the day. The atmosphere was very upbeat, yet relaxed. Samantha Bishop and John Hardin provided makeup and hair expertise for the group. The home's backyard opens onto the golf course, which made a scenic backdrop for our bride's family and group photos.

David, his family and groomsmen prepared for the big day at the Miramonte Resort. David wore a sharp charcoal gray suit instead of the traditional tuxedo, matching the day's theme of casual elegance. The groomsmen wore short-sleeved guayabera-type shirts, each with different boutonnieres that matched their corresponding bridesmaid's bouquets.

Arrangements Floral and Party Designs once again provided the gorgeous personal flowers, centerpieces and accents. Courtney and David chose a stunning kelly green and vibrant yellow color palette to define their wedding motif. Samantha Ward at Exquisite Desserts created a white pleated two-tier cake with the couple's initial on a medallion as the cake topper.

Courtney and David exited at the end of their ceremony to a string version of Coldplay's "Viva La Vida," and they entered their reception to the original version with a lively dance to their favorite song. Once the music picked up tempo after dinner, the guests filled the dance floor. Family and friends of all ages danced under the stars until the end of the evening. The crowd was very energetic and the music was well-mixed. DJ Chris Paul kept everyone happy!

Nader and I wish Courtney and David the happiest of lives together!

For more photos from their wedding, please click on the thumbnails below.




DETAILS (all links open in a new window):
Wedding Venue: Miramonte Resort and Spa, Indian Wells
Coordination: Cathy O'Connell & Dorry Wynham, Celebrations of Joy
Floral: Arrangements Floral and Party Design
Music: DJ Chris Paul, 323.717.7874
Hair: John Hardin, 707.799.0025
Makeup: Samantha Bishop, Le Mirage Day Spa, 760.564.7915
Cake: Samantha Ward, Exquisite Desserts
Officiant: Cathy O'Connell, Celebrations of Joy 

Heather and Ryan started dating in 2000. Since they had their first date on my birthday that year (October 8), I feel that there was a tiny bit of kismet in their choice of Red Lantern for their wedding photography.

Ryan and his groomsmen got ready at the Riviera Resort but put on their finishing touches at the Morningside men's locker room. Heather got ready at her mother's home, in the company of her bridesmaids. Heather's mom, Lloydette, couldn't have been more hospitable, and thanks to Rosie, too, for her invaluable assistance with the group photos!

The color scheme was coral pink and cream with touches of light green in the floral arrangements. The wedding cake was simple, but spectacular, in white fondant with pink ribbon and tight, uniform coral pink roses for emphasis. The feel was fresh, light and elegant - perfect for this late spring wedding.

The evening ended with the couple saying farewell to their guests under a shower of sparkler sparks as they were driven to the Riviera to begin their lives together.

Heather and Ryan both have a wonderful sense of humor and kind and generous personalities. Nader and I wish them a long life together, full of laughter and love.

Congratulations!

For more photos from their wedding, please click on the thumbnails below.

DETAILS (all links open in a new window):
Wedding Venue: The Club at Morningside, Rancho Mirage
Coordinator: Cathy O'Connell & Dorry Wynham, Celebrations of Joy
Event Designer: Lloydette Hust, Mother of the Bride
Floral: Arrangements Floral and Party Design
Music: Dwight Kennedy Music
Hair: John Hardin, 707.799.0025
Makeup: Neeraja, 760.218.7370
Cake: Pam Eldridge
Officiant: Cathy O'Connell, Celebrations of Joy
Bridal Gown: Jinny's Bridal Center, Huntington Beach
Accommodations: The Riviera Resort and Spa, Palm Springs

When Nader and I got married in 2003, we knew we wanted to include his cousin, Mira, in our ceremony as our flower girl. She was an "old hand" at being a flower girl since she had already been recruited for Nader's sister's wedding 7 months earlier. Her sister, Tala, at the time, was a wee bit too young to make it down the aisle.

Well, flash forward to 2009, and these girls have really grown up! Mira will be entering junior high in the fall and Mira will be a third grader. It's been a joy to be a part of these girls' lives and to watch them mature. Nader captured these photos on a recent visit to LA and I absolutely love the colors in the images! The light is really gorgeous, too.

Their mom, Mona, has great taste in clothing, and the girls always look cute and stylish, but age-appropriate. Tala's little black shoes are so adorable!

We look forward to seeing Mira and Tala grow into young adults and to continue being a part of their lives.

For more photos from Nader's visit, please click on the thumbnails below.

We are listed currently as the #1 photographer in the San Diego area on ProjectWedding.com!

If you are a former wedding client of Red Lantern and would like to leave feedback on our services, visit Project Wedding and create a free account. You can review all your wedding professionals on the site, and you'll help future brides make better informed decisions in their wedding planning.

A great big THANK YOU to all couples who already left a review for Red Lantern at ProjectWedding.com!

From the moment Nader and I met Megan on a site visit a couple months before the wedding, we knew her wedding to Benjamin was going to be a chic and sassy event. (If you follow our blog, you'll recall that we posted shots of their wedding venue a few months ago when we met Megan for the first time.)

Megan has a wonderful sense of style and an effervescent personality with an infectious enthusiasm. To handle all the details of her day, Megan entrusted her wedding planning to Rochelle Saenz of Rochelle Marie's Events by Design. She gave Rochelle a general sense of what her wedding vision was, and Rochelle ran with it, creating a beautiful black and white palette, accented by teal and hot pink. The ceremony and reception were both held at Twin Palms, Frank Sinatra's former estate in Palm Springs.

Benjamin and his groomsmen got ready at the Riviera Resort and Spa, while Megan and her ladies received the royal beauty treatment at the estate. Megan wore a unique strapless, silk taffeta Liancarlo gown with stitched ruffles and a sweetheart neckline with metallic Christian Louboutin wedge heels. The color story for the flowers were white with touches of green. The reception centerpieces were bunches of lush hydrangeas from which an exuberance of phalaenopsis orchids cascaded.

Rochelle and her team transformed the estate carport area by draping the sides with soft fabric and laying a black-and-white dance floor that coordinated with the black and white linens. The focal point of the dance area was a tiered, elegant crystal chandelier. Against the back wall was a comfortable couch for lounging and illuminated cube tables. More illuminated bars and cocktail tables glowing in different colors were scattered throughout the estate.

Megan and Ben walked up a petal-strewn aisle to say their vows. After the ceremony, the couple took time to take portraits at the Riviera Resort, while their guests enjoyed cocktails around the piano-shaped pool at the Sinatra house. A buffet dinner was held outside beneath the trees and the stars on the opposite side of the home.

We are so fortunate to have such amazing clients as Megan and Benjamin. We wish them the happiest of lives together!

For more photos from their wedding, please click on the thumbnails below.

DETAILS (all links open in a new window):
Ceremony & Reception Site: Twin Palms (Frank Sinatra Estate)
Wedding Planner: Rochelle Marie's Events by Design
Catering: Jennifer's Fine Foods and Catering
Cake: My Favorite Cakes and Cookies
Floral: Arrangements Floral and Party Design
Hair: Joy Fields and associates from J. Russell Salon
Makeup: Chip Tuvman, J. Russell Salon
Videography: Pacific Pictures
DJ and Entertainment: A Musical Affair
Officiant: Paul Palodichuk
Transportation: Cardiff Limousine and Transportation
Bridal Gown & Bridesmaid Dresses: Stanley Korshak (Dallas)
Rehearsal Dinner and Hotel for Guests: The Riviera Resort and Spa

For those of you who are planning a wedding with fall colors such as oranges, golds and browns, I would like to share with you the work of Joey Lizotte of Artisan Events. Joey is based in Palm Springs, and he designs floral and event decor for weddings, corporate events and parties of all kinds.

The wedding featured here took place at the lovely Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells. Our happy couple, Mika and Jeff, hail from Canada and they entrusted much of their wedding day details to Mika's mom, Carol. Thanks to Carol's dedicated efforts, Mika, Jeff, and their guests had the time of their lives.

Mika is a champion amateur show jumper, and her horse is named Huxley. Since Huxley couldn't join Mika at her wedding, Joey created a floral centerpiece of Huxley for the bride and groom's table. I love the choice of flowers and materials used to create texture and coloring on Huxley! Pavé is one of my favorite floral techniques because of the neat, precise formation it creates (which you can see here on the legs and body of Huxley).

The fall colors complemented the warm tones found around Toscana. Mika's bouquet was composed of deep orange callas accented with looped bear grass, and her bridesmaids' bouquets were rich gold orchids with dark orange throats. To incorporate an Italian influence into the ceremony, an opera soloist sang "O Mio Babbino Caro" for the bride's processional with her father.



Joey and his team did a beautiful job in creating a warm, contemporary and elegant feel for Mika and Jeff's special day.

For more photos showing Joey's work at Mika's wedding, please click on the thumbnails below.

DETAILS (all links open in a new window):
Ceremony & Reception: Chae Collette, Toscana Country Club
Floral Design: Joey Lizotte, ARTISAN EVENTS
Hair: Joy Fields and associates from J. Russell Salon
Makeup: Chip Tuvman, J. Russell Salon
Reception Music: Michael and Ronnie Capitanelli, California DJ
Officiant: Dr. Michael J. Coppersmith