Sheila & Joshua

Thursday, August 30, 2007

How do you even begin to blog a wedding like Sheila and Joshua's? These amazing artists had two full ceremonies -- one Hindu (South Indian) and one Jewish -- and everyone who attended would agree that it's just impossible to sum up their three-day celebration with a few blog images. This couple's mehndi and ceremony celebrations took place at a beautiful estate in Hancock Park, and the custom-made brocade tents provided a gorgeous canopy for all the guests. The reception took place at Paramount Studios, which was a remarkably cool place to have a reception. Guests were delighted when both Sheila (a talented singer) and Joshua (a documentary filmmaker and rap superstar) took the stage. Check out the Sahaja Uprockers web site for more info on their band's upcoming performances. Also, be sure to check out the image of the couple's dog -- Cedars -- joining the ceremony right after the stomping of the glass. Makeup by the fabulous Oscar Naranjo at Ziba Beauty. DJ artistry by Sandeep Kumar. Catering by Jay Bharat. Reception coordinated by Claudia Gomez with Fetes & Flora for Paramount Pictures Weddings. With second shooting by Yoshi Morimoto.

















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Posted by Dina Douglass [+]

Be Careful

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Most photographers and videographers have long been aware that thieves case popular hotels, waiting for any moment to steal their gear. Coordinator Carrie Goff's Blog provides details about and photos of a theft my colleague April from Robles Video suffered this past weekend, as well as a theft photographer Frank Salas suffered two months ago. Vernon Williams also suffered a gear theft this weekend, and Scott A. Nelson suffered a gear theft last weekend. Another photographer just wrote to me to note that he'd had his gear stolen three different times, and still another photographer wrote to say she'd had her gear stolen twice.

UPDATE: The link below will show you a CBS news report showing the thieves hitting the Four Seasons and Hilton Hotel in Las Colinas. These are the same individuals who stole April's camera, and are pictured on Carrie Goff's blog (link at the start of this post). Several other photographers have noted that these are the guys who stole their gear. Whether you are a photographer or a bride or groom or relative, please be on the lookout for these individuals, and anyone else suspicious. With the holidays coming soon, thefts are likely to rise.

CBS Video of Thieves in Action

NEW UPDATE: The link below will take you to photos that photographer Doug Brannigan took on September 1st of these same two thieves at the Manhattan Beach Marriott.

Photos of Thieves Taken on September 1

I have had numerous colleagues lose entire bags of photographic or video gear at the best hotels in So Cal. Name a hotel, and I can name a person who's had their gear stolen there -- even in the middle of a ceremony in front of all the guests.

One of the reasons I'm posting about this is because these thieves also target guests. They walk in, dressed as guests or vendors, then steal purses, money-envelope boxes and/or presents (in addition to vendor gear). One of my clients had all of their presents stolen, and several reports surfaced this weekend about money-box thefts. Hotel security is not easily able to monitor every person walking on a property, so it's important that clients and vendors all be as vigilant as possible. The prime targets are the major hotels -- those that have weddings every weekend. Just a warning for everyone -- vendors and clients alike -- to be careful.

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Posted by Dina Douglass [+]

Bhakti & Ronil

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Bhakti and Ronil were married at the Pacific Palms Resort. The 700 guests at their next-day reception couldn't help but be dazzled by Ronil's general swankitude and Bhakti's blinding beauty. Aman from Samson Productions served as lead photographer for the event, but I was delighted when Bhakti hired me to assist in documenting her big day. Though I started shooting at 5 a.m., it was well worth it when I discovered that Bhakti had carved out more than a full hour for portraits -- a photographer's dream. Makeup by the uber-talented Oscar Naranjo at Ziba Beauty. Decor by Deepti Chandani at All Occasion Flowers. Photography and video by Samson Productions. DJ artistry by Sound Nation. Lighting by Fascination Productions. Catering by Jai Bharat.

















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Posted by Dina Douglass [+]

Melissa & Eric

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Melissa & Eric were married at the Sacred Heart Chapel with a reception at the Marina Del Rey Marriott. This sweet couple was truly meant for each other, and they both got teary after the ceremony. Family and friends all chipped in to make huge platters of Croation Wedding Cookies, which were a big hit with everyone at the reception. A big thank you to both of them for their patience while I was out of the country, as I wasn't able to blog their wedding before I left.












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Posted by Dina Douglass [+]