About a month ago, I ran into an old friend at a local tea house. It's not random, because he practically lives there. But it is rare that I go, and it was great to catch up since I haven't seen him since his fiance was just about to pop out their baby Zoey. A few weeks after, Ivy (his bride to be) came over early in the morning to get glammed up for her engagement session she had later that day. They took their photos at one of my favorite venues which is also where Daniel proposed to her. It was such a beautiful day as the weather was phenomenal there (other than the winds), and the view is just breathtaking. For the full post, visit Janelle Marina's Blog. I just posted some of my favorite ones. Location: Palos Verde Terranea Resort
Photographer: Janelle Marina Photography Hair and Makeup: Sharon Han On Saturday, I had to privilege to be a part of the JLS Associates team that was working at the Miss Taiwan American Pageant. Pageants are always fun but definitely a much faster pace.
We all had a total of 6 contestants and there were 4 stylists including myself. We had to tag team the girls and get their hair and makeup done in a matter of a couple hours before the pageant began. Throughout the event, they had to switch into several gowns and it was our duty to make sure we touch them up, alter hair styles, maybe even intensify their makeup more in short amounts of time between each look. Overall, it's always a wonderful experience because we get to meet a lot of people, make new friends, and even have a friendly competition between ourselves. I'm so proud of our contestants because they each were able to place on the court as well as ambassador. My main contestant I was working on was contestant #10, Tiffany Chu. I did her makeup and Myline Cabacio-Diaz (JLS Associates) did her hair. We had a preview session the week before to set up exactly all the looks she will be doing. I'm so glad that we were able to nail the looks on the pageant day and she looked stunning up on stage. Unfortunately, I was unable to stay till the very end of the pageant to see the results. But I did get a text from Tiffany at around 1:30AM letting me know that she was crowned as FIRST PRINCESS!!! I was so ecstatic and proud of her and also for myself and Myline. Each of these ladies are beautiful and talented. We didn't do much but glam them up for stage, but I can't help but be happy and proud of us as well that our main girl for the night won first princess!!! Event: Miss Taiwanese American Pageant 2015 Location: San Gabriel Hilton Hotel Client: Contestant No.10 (Tiffany Chu) Hair: Myline Cabacio-Diaz (JLS Associates) Makeup: Sharon Han (JLS Associates) Location: San Gabriel Hilton Hotel In the last 5-6 years, I had the privilege to work with so many different people and had the best clients ever. Throughout the years, I have heard hundreds of stories of how my brides got engaged and every single one of them were so beautiful and so touching. And I've always wondered how my story would be.
A little over a week ago, the love of my life, my best friend, my boyfriend for the last 9.5 years, surprised the heck out of me. Of course with the help of some of my closest friends and sister, he really pulled this off well and it just blew my mind. About a month ago, one of my best friends planned just a Funday Sunday at Disneyland. This is rather common because her and her husband takes some of us every so often. So I never suspected anything was going down. After having some cocktails, my friend Danica suggested we should go try that one white roller coaster. Because they needed a way to get me to pass by the Caricature stand that Ryan made an appointment for. ... quick back story, I've always wanted to get one done. I find it so cute and hilarious, and a fun little memory keepsake. But we just never got around to it.... When we passed by the caricature stand, I immediately bursted to Ryan that we should get one done. I said we can do it after the ride, but everyone said it's fine, we can just do it now.. After sitting around for an hour, my bum was numb and I was so antsy to see the picture. It didn't help that many people were starring as they walked by or crowded around. So it made me super curious on what he's drawing. I really thought it must be a very hilarious picture. Once the artist finished, he told me I can come and look first. I walked over to see the drawing and I kept starring at it and I couldn't see what was funny. It took me a little while till I notied the ring in the picture. I then looked up and saw in Ryan's speech bubble "Will You Marry Me?" ... and that's when it hit me. I turned around and saw the love of my life on his knee asking me to marry him in front of the crowd. I couldn't help it but tears were pouring down like Niagara falls. Tears of joy of course. It was simply the most perfect proposal and far beyond what I imagined it would be. I'm so glad that he was able to arrange it so that some of my favorite people in my life was able to be there to share this amazing moment with. Thank you to my dearest friends for helping Ryan pull this off and also helping him search for the perfect ring. Thank you to my future bro in law and Briggette for making it out in time to be there with us. Thank you to my dearest sister for making sure my nails were done prior to this happening. And of course the biggest thanks to my fiance Ryan. Let the wedding planning begin! About a month ago, Ryan and I went to help Annie and Eddy with their engagement session. I think I told ya the full story of our day so no need to repeat myself. Though out the day, I was busy keeping an eye on the two to make sure they’re picture perfect, touching them up, helping with their poses, changing outfits, etc. It really just felt like friend hanging out. After seeing the final work, Harmony really captured the true essence of their love that I couldn’t see that day (too busy laughing and working). Here are some of the final work by her wonderful photographer Harmony Loves. I have to say the pictures look UH-MAY-ZING!!!… Way better than my iPhone photog skills.
Just an FYI, I’m a sap! So I’m getting really emotional looking at these pics! WOW… 80 more days and counting!!! That’s less than 3 months till my bunny gets hitched!!! I’m sooo excited for her but that also means crunch time for me so I can fit into my bridesmaid dress!!! LOL =)
This last weekend, I had quite some work but was able to make enough time to be there for one of my bestest friends engagement shoot. We started off by lagging on the meeting time!!!…. not surprising considering we’re the 2 out of our group who are notoriously late to all group events!!! We had a lovely dinner at Pete’s Cafe & Bar in DTLA. OH MY… my mouth is water just thinking about those fries!!! Then we hung out and spent the night at the new LA Hyatt Hotel. The next day, I got our bride-to-be dolled up for her engagement shoot and headed down towards fashion district where she rented a studio for our shoot. Unfortunately, the studio was still in use when we arrived so that did put a little delay. Funny thing… when the owners called to advise us they were running late as they’re doing a shoot. We told her fiance Eddy and Ryan that they’re doing a shoot still and maybe it’ll be like a Victoria Secret shoot. All in jokes as the boys seemed excited! But little did we know, their shoot was literally models in lingerie. HAHA… so the boys sure were in for a treat. I believe they were shooting for an upcoming music video because we heard the intro of the song like 200x’s!!! Anyways, so our adventure started on the roof top. Oh was that scary or what! We had to climb out a window onto a fire escape and climb a ladder that’s on the side of the building up to the roof. This isn’t those newer buildings, it’s an old old building in LA. But the view was unbelievable! After doing some shooting on the roof, we then proceeded to the studio where Annie and Eddy got to take some glamorous photos of them doing some cool yoga moves!!! Here’s a sneak peak of what I was able to capture. I can’t wait to see the final work from the photographer!!! Who by the way was sooo sweet and so fun. A few years ago... This little gem spotted me out at a demo we did for the LA Miss Chinatown Pageant. I was hired to be her stylist for the pageant and once again for her wedding day. Out little friendship sparked instantly, being she's as silly as I am. There is never a quiet moment w/ this gal! I joke, she laughs! We're the perfect duo!
It was such a privilege to not only be there for her during the pageant, but also for her BIG day! Although, the drive was long it was all worth it be there for her and to see her look absolutely stunning. CONGRATULATIONS ERIN & BRANDON!!!! Bride Hair & Makeup: Sharon Han w/ Joyce Luck Style Bridesmaid Hair: Belinda T. w/ Joyce Luck Style Bridesmaid Makeup: Vicky C. w/ Joyce Luck Style Photographer: Nicole (Shannon Lee Images) Here are some photos from the wedding day. To see the full post, visit Shannon Lee Images blog post. Earlier this year, I was asked by Joyce to help style a couple for an engagement shoot that was going to be featured on Bridal Hot List. This was exciting because even though I have worked with Manya for several years, this was the first time I get to see her as a photographer. She’s crossed over!!! =) I had an amazing time meeting so many new vendors and working with a team to build some amazing images together. The best part, the couple was not some hired models, but it was a real couple that was in love. This made it all more fun and enjoyable. This was definitely a challenging shoot because I was limited on space and power. The hair and makeup was all going to happen from the parking lot of park we were at. Not only had to pack conservatively, but also tables, chairs, stools, and a power adapter to allow my car to power up my curling irons. Blow dryer was OUT of the question. So we had to make-do w/ what we can. Josh and Jaquelynn had a nice long time to tell me their little love story. It’s so refreshing to see young love! These two have been together since high school. I know… so rare to see high school sweethearts these days. Watching these two interact and talk about their relationship really brings so much love in the air. My favorite part was when Josh got to sit there w/ us and chit chat but was forced to look the opposite way. So Jaquelynn could surprise him w/ her final look. Like a first look type of deal. And his expression was priceless. I’ve posted a few photos that I really liked but to see more you can go to Bridal Hot List feature:http://bridalhotlist.com/valentines-day-inspired-picnic-styled-shoot-3016606/ Special Thanks To…
Our models Josh and Jaquelynn! Niloufar Gibson from Perfectly Made Weddings who coordinated the shoot and put together this awesome concept. Hope Stanley with Hope Stanley Bridal Stylist, who put together an adorable and dashing outfit together for the couple. Sarah Toner from Floral Riot, showed up to the shoot with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers and the additional flowers in the back ground. Jaquelynn’s beautiful hair piece was supplied by Something Treasured. Joyce Luck with Joyce Luck Style for sending me to do Hair and Makeup. And of course photos by the amazing Manya with Manya Photography. Happy TBT Everyone!!!
Just 1 more day till Friday! YAY! A few weeks ago, I was rummaging through old photos. I came across this one, and found it absolutely hilarious. The things I did to my poor little sister. Growing up, I have always been a loud wild child. I was always silly, goofy, and just full of energy. Not much has changed =) My little sister… complete opposite. Quiet, calm, and awkward! Once we got older, she came out of her shell and some how the tables turned. She’s now an actress and a great one. Currently, she’s in Toronto filming a new pilot. I forgot how quiet and peaceful the house is w/o her. But I do still miss her and the healthy food she’d cook me. Regardless, super proud of her!!! This is the photo that make me laugh so hard. Looking back at these pictures, I realize now, I was meant to be in this business. Sorry little one for all the torture I put you through!!! Oh my! Is it true? We’re only 3-days away from Ying and Kevin’s wedding? I cannot believe the big day is already here. Ying and Kevin are dear friends of mine that will be tying the knot this coming Saturday, March 15. Technically, they are legally married, but the real deal isn’t till after the wedding anyways, right? I am so honored to be part of their day. Not only will I be dazzling our lovely bride to be up, but I will also be officiating their wedding! *GASP* … I know. I’m definitely not prepared and I really need to crack down on perfecting my speech. But more details of wedding to come. Before the wedding, there’s always an engagement period. And during the engagement period, there’s a PHOTO SHOOT!!! It was a super early morning and already long weekend. So I was pretty beat. But the good thing is they were a great and fun couple, had the amazing Manya from Manya Photography there to shoot, and I love this job! So it sure didn’t feel like work. It was a day of fun with good friends. Oh I do have to give credit to my boyfriend Ryan for being there to assist me and support me and entertain me during any down time. I lucked out w/ having a free assistant since Ryan is the best man in this wedding. So I told him he had to be there, bestman duties! =) Shhh… don’t tell him that’s not real. The photo shoot took place early morning on Sunday, February 23, 2014 at UCLA campus. It was such a perfect day! The sun was shining, the sky was so blue, and the temperature was just perfect. A cool breeze would pop up here and there to check in on us, which was so nice. This campus suited these two structural engineers so well. The lovely old buildings, the architecture, the nature, and the atmosphere. Perfect combo for a perfect couple!! CREDITS
Couple: Ying Xiao & Kevin Yang Location: UCLA Campus Hair and Makeup: Sharon Han Photographer: Manya Kesloff w/ Manya Photography For many years, people have been encouraging me to create a website or a blog to showcase my work. Those people also know that when it comes to doing something for myself, I’m extremely lazy! I spend most of my time caring for others and very minimal time for myself. After many years of fighting procrastination, it’s finally here!
This blog is mainly for the purpose to document my work over time. I’ve built up years of photos of my work but sadly never showcased anything. So in the beginning you’ll see a combination of new stuff and some old stuff that made the cut to the blog. Thank you so much for visiting my new blog and I hope you enjoy what you see/read!!! |