los angeles

El Matador State Beach Surprise Proposal | Katelyn and Andrew

It's always a surprise when we get an inquiry for a proposal and we absolutely love doing them. We don't always promote them, but we love them for the authentic emotions each one brings. 

When Andrew called us and let his know his plan, we couldn't happier for him and his soon-to-be fiance, Katelyn. They were actually visiting from the New York area and since they were out in Malibu Andrew wanted to pop the question in one of the most beautiful places in Southern California. We couldn't blame him and we absolutely loved his ideas. 

As a photographer, it's always hard to know when the question will be asked. We know how nervous the guy usually is and we're so anxious to see their reaction so we're patiently hiding and to be honest it feels a bit "stalker-ish". I mean we're running around, hiding behind rocks, bushes, etc trying not to blow our cover, yet be ready for "that moment". 

When Andrew texted me that they arrived, we waited for them to come down to the beach and since Katelyn had no idea who we were we still wanted to keep a safe distance so we didn't blow Andrew's plans. 

After about what felt like 20 minutes of running around the beach, quietly following them from a reasonable distance, we say Andrew get down on one knee and Katelyn's emotions broke through. She was so ecstatic and we couldn't be more happier for them! 

Andrew definitely knew how much his girl loves the beach and he picked the perfect spot to propose. We were so glad to be a part of their story so far and here are a few images to show how it went down. Simple, yet perfect. 

Have a wonderful day and enjoy their surprise proposal!

 
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proposal, el matador, engagement, malibu, los angeles, surprise, beach, sunset, southern california, destination, wedding, photographers near me, santa barbara, new york, new jersey

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California Country Club Wedding | Beverly and Sergio

Beverly and Sergio are pretty special to us as they love to enjoy every moment and take things in stride. For example, on their engagement session we ventured all over Downtown LA and they were absolute troopers to venture into some of the most unique areas in the city. Soon after they saw their engagement images, Beverly told us that the engagement session actually made them feel closer than ever! We weren't sure how to take that, but it made us feel good that not only did we have fun on their engagement session, but we had a significant impact on their relationship up to that point. 

On their wedding day, they were super excited and so comfortable with each other in front of our cameras. Their intimacy and emotions were so natural it made for a wonderful day. 

Although it rained a bit during their ceremony, California Country Club lent itself to a beautiful backdrop for their ceremony as well as romantics around the private and exclusive country club. We felt like we had the whole course to ourself and Beverly and Sergio absolutely rocked out their wedding from beginning to end. 

We can't thank them enough for giving us the honor and privilege of photographing their wedding. We hope you enjoy these highlights and please make sure to give them love in the comments!

While Beverly was getting ready at her venue, Sergio was getting ready with his dad at his nearby home.

Beverly and Sergio opted for a first look before their ceremony to spend a few intimate minutes together in the courtyard. 

Beverly and Sergio hired Plaza String Quartet to play during their ceremony. It was such a beautiful touch to begin their day. If you're looking to add live music to your ceremony, I highly recommend them!

After the ceremony, we headed out around the property for romantics and although you can't see their faces, I took this quick candid of Beverly and Sergio in the rain with her veil flowing and her parasol up. I don't know why, but it's one of my favorites from their wedding.

First dances are pretty special to us as part of the reception as it allows for some intimate and wonderful images between our couples while everyone is looking on. We also get to feature the ballroom and the details that our couples chose to have for their wedding.

We love highlighting our couple's relationships with their parents, in this case during the father-daughter and mother-son dances. The closeness our couples have with their mothers and fathers are super special and to be able to highlight this on their wedding day is absolutely priceless.

The live music Beverly and Sergio had throughout there wedding day was remarkable and definitely added a vibrant feel. Each musician played their hearts out to everyone dancing on the dance floor. They literally rocked it out all night!

Wedding Resources

Wedding Venue: California Country Club

Wedding Officiant: Rev. Rosie

Live Music: Plaza String Quartet

Live Music: Chris Murray Combo

Photography: Chris Holt Photography

 


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Descanso Gardens Engagement Session | Emilie and Dave

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Emilie and Dave are people after our own heart!

Dave called us one day and quickly let us know he read the info on our website and he asked where our favorite ramen place was. It caught me off guard because our clients typically begin asking about photography, our style and so forth, but he really wanted to know our recommendations! I knew we were going to hit it off really well when we had a discussion on the Lakers, Japanese culture among other things and we spoke on photography for about 5 minutes out of a 2 hour conversation. 

He told us about their wedding plans and as we photographed at Storrier-Stearns Japanese Gardens he wanted us to photograph their upcoming wedding there. They happen to love Japanese culture as much as we do and they wanted to include that influence in their engagement and wedding images. 

So they opted to have their engagement session at Descanso Gardens in La Canada (right outside of Los Angeles) and we had so much fun in the different garden areas. 

We can totally see why Emilie and Dave are meant for each other. They're totally smitten with each other and if Descanso Gardens didn't close, we could have photographed them all day!

We hope you enjoy these images and look out for their wedding highlights. If their engagement session was any indication, their wedding is going to be one for the books!

Congratulations you guys and we can't wait to rock out with you guys!

 
Chris Holt, professional photography, wedding photography, signature
 
descanso gardens, floral, Japanese gardens, engagement session, reflection, trellis, gazebo, backlight, sunlight, sunset, couple, romantic, portraits, garden, happy, love
descanso gardens, floral, Japanese gardens, engagement session, reflection, trellis, gazebo, backlight, sunlight, sunset, couple, romantic, portraits, garden, happy, love
descanso gardens, floral, engagement session, reflection, trellis, gazebo, backlight, sunlight, sunset, couple, romantic, portraits, garden, happy, love
descanso gardens, floral, engagement session, reflection, trellis, gazebo, backlight, sunlight, sunset, couple, romantic, portraits, garden, happy, love
descanso gardens, floral, engagement session, reflection, trellis, gazebo, backlight, sunlight, sunset, couple, romantic, portraits, garden, happy, love
descanso gardens, floral, engagement session, reflection, trellis, gazebo, backlight, sunlight, sunset, couple, romantic, portraits, garden, happy, love

Pacific Palms Resort Wedding | Cristina and Jo

Pacific Palms wedding romantics right after their ceremony

Pacific Palms wedding romantics right after their ceremony

Cristina and Jo were one of the last people at the wedding they were a part of and since Cristina didn't have a ride, Jo offered her a ride. They didn't know each other at that time, let alone did they know they would be life partners and become husband and wife in their own wedding! They flew in from Chicago to be married near friends and family at St Lorenzo Catholic Church and had their beautiful reception at Pacific Palms Resort in Walnut.

The love and joy their friends and family shared with everyone made their day go so smooth and effortless. We couldn't have asked for a better couple to serve and we're excited for what their future holds. 

Enjoy these highlights from their wedding and make sure to give them as much love in the comments!

Congratulations Cristina and Jo and we loved every minute of your wedding! Much love to the both of you!

 
 

Much love to everyone who made their wedding come together seamlessly: 

Bridal Prep and Reception Venue: Pacific Palms Resort

Ceremony Venue: St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Parish

Hair and Makeup: Monica Duldulao Professional

Bridal Gown: Charmaine Joie Couture

Bridal Shoes: Kate Spade

Florals: Commerce Flowers

Wedding Planner: Events by Edge

Photography: Chris Holt Photography

Videography: MP Wedding Films

DJ and Emcee: DJ Wrex

Reception Design (LOVE sign and set design): Just Merried Events

Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Photobooth: Socialite Photo Booth

We had a blast working with all of you and we wish you continued success!

Griffith Park Observatory Surprise Proposal | Nafisa and Mo

Mo called me a few months ago and asked if we had availability sometime in February. I quickly asked him if he was ready because I knew he was dating and was pretty serious about Nafisa. He told me he was more than ready and couldn't wait to start planning his proposal to her. 

After our planning session, we scouted a few locations and settled on Griffith Observatory overlooking Downtown Los Angeles and I couldn't have been more happy for him. I've known Mo for a number of years and to see him grow from a car-enthusiast, career-driven bachelor to a soon-to-be-married man is pretty awesome. 

Once we were all at Griffith Observatory, I gave him our pre-planned hand signals and we let the events unfold. 

As a few words dribbled out of Mo's mouth, Nafisa absolutely lost it! Nothing gets by her and for Mo to be able to pull off getting the ring, planning the proposal and coaxing her to come on a fake double date was absolutely incredible. 

Nafisa had no idea it was coming and she couldn't believe what was happening. After her consistent laughter and overwhelmed emotions, a crowd starting to form, they pulled out their cell phones and started recording and taking photos and gave a huge Congratulatory cheer as she said, "Yes!" to Mo's marriage proposal. 

They're perfect for each other and we can't be more excited to be a part of their upcoming wedding. 

I hope you enjoy these images as much as we did being a part of it! And make sure to give them some love in the comments below!

 
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