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Ryan & Jenny // A colorful wedding on Catalina Island

FROM THE BRIDE // Our wedding was wonderful (from what we’ve heard), although we can only remember little bits and pieces, oh if it was three times as long! The day went well; it was a beautiful sunny, 75 degree day on Catalina. Sans the boat ride over it seems everyone had a wonderful time. Everything ran smoothly and was well organized. Guests had fun chatting, enjoying the trail mix bar, the coffee reception, the guest puzzle, the views, the drinks, the music, the food, and the folks at their tables. The kids enjoyed the size of the space; plenty of room to run around!

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR WEDDING?  //  The inspiration was Catalina itself. I (Jenny) visited the casino when I was probably around 14 years old and went on a tour, on the tour the guide said that they hold weddings at the casino for a reasonable price (some things may have changed in the next 20 years). Since that day I decided, if I got a chance, I would get married at the casino on Catalina…and it came true!  Another inspiration was my Catalina Pottery collection, which was not only used as the vases for the floral arrangements around the event, but the colors of the 1940’s pottery inspired the colors of the wedding party’s attire, as well as the flower arrangements.  I also wanted people who have lived in the South Bay their entire lives, and have not taken the hour long boat ride to this magical island an opportunity to go and experience Catalina. It was our nearby destination wedding.

WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE/FAVORITE PART ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY?  //   I (Jenny) think just being there, and watching everybody enjoy themselves. I love that it was a self-sufficient relaxed wedding, nothing seemed forced, nothing seemed delayed. The space was perfect for the entire event. I just wish it was longer! I also loved that people came from all over the country to our wedding! It was amazing the distances people traveled to be there for our special day, and not just that, but also pay for the boat ride across the sea to Catalina. Ryan’s favorite part was the entire wedding; he just wishes that he had more time to soak it in (we agree!).

WHY WAS PHOTOGRAPHY IMPORTANT TO YOU AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SUN & SPARROW?  //  Sun and Sparrow were the first vendor we hired (after the venue). Photography is sooo important at a wedding, due to the inability to remember or experience the majority of the event. Photos fill in the spaces you can’t remember. And great photography is especially important, because it documents the occasion. This is how you (and people you show the photos to) will remember your wedding your entire life, and you want the best memories you possibly can have. We wanted to have these great, talented ladies as a part of our wedding.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR BRIDES WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN THE PLANNING PROCESS?  //   Don’t over plan. Remember the crowd mentality: if one person starts doing something, others will follow. You can’t control a crowd, you can just give them options so they don’t get bored. Sit back and enjoy the day, it will go smoothly if it’s well organized and people have things to look at. And even if it doesn’t, you won’t be able to remember much of it anyways, so hire a great photographer to take pictures for you. It also doesn’t hurt to look at pinterest for ideas, and know graphic design.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING MARRIED NOW?  //   Jenny – GETTING TO SEE RYAN EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!!! It’s the best! Also, having Zoey (Ryan’s dog) as my stepdogter. Ryan– I think the best part is getting to begin the next chapter of our lives together.

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW AND SHARE! TELL THESE TWO HOW MUCH YOU LOVE AND ADORE THEM BOTH! 

©2014 Sun & Sparrow Photographers // A colorful wedding on Catalina Island

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW AND SHARE! TELL THESE TWO HOW MUCH YOU LOVE AND ADORE THEM BOTH! 

©2014 Sun & Sparrow Photographers // A colorful wedding on Catalina Island

VENDORS  // Photography: Sun & Sparrow Photography //   Music: Kurt Hunter // Flowers: Bloom Floral  //   Cake: Rossmoor Bakery  // Bridesmaid Dresses / Groomsmen Ties / Groom’s Vest: Laura Heckman, socalseamstress@gmail.com  //  Pastor: Tim Morey from Life Covenant Church // Hair: Amanda Lezama – (310) 408-9465  //   Makeup: Larissa Singhoff  //  Santa Catalina Island Company Coordinator – Shannon Cook (she’s the best!)  //  Coordinator: Karen Courtney  //  Graphic Design: Jenny Cowell  //  Wedding Dress: Tara Keely  //  Groom / Groomsmen’s outfits/Bride’s Jewelry: Banana Republic

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  • Renee Weedman

    Way, way, way!!!! Did I mention “way” too hard to pick a favorite. Beautiful pictures because you two reflect beauty from within! God is so good … yup all the time!

    Love you both deeply, Aunt ReneeReplyCancel

Thomas & Jennifer // Calamigos Ranch engagement photographer

FROM THE BRIDE  //

Thomas and I started off as roommates. The first day we met, there was a great level of comfort that we both instantly felt; as if we had already known each other for years. During the first year of us living together, we got to know one another very well; each other’s routines, interests, likes, dislikes, and of course, bad habits. There was definitely a strong and genuine friendship that had developed. At that time, it was nothing more; I was dating someone else and Thomas was beyond content with the bachelor-life.

It was at the tail-end of our first year of living together that things took a turn. One night, after coming home from Christmas shopping, Thomas asked if we could talk. He looked nervous; as his arms were crossed, his hands started to shake. I was a bit concerned. It was then that he asked me the one question that I never thought he would ask; “How would you feel about going on a date with me?” It was completely unexpected. It took me a little while to realize what had just happened. I eventually came to find out that Thomas discovered his feelings towards me during a boy’s surfing trip to Costa Rica. “I was thinking of you and I missed you,” he said. (Admittedly– there was always a part of me that would think about our compatibility.) Three years later (December 2014), he proposed on Christmas day; just around the time that he first asked me out on a first date. As anyone would imagine, it was a Christmas that I will always cherish.

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW TO TELL THESE TWO HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM!

©2014 Sun & Sparrow Photogaphers // Calamigos Ranch engagement photographer

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    Maura & Fredy // A lovely rustic wedding in San Pedro

    TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY AND YOUR WEDDING DAY EXPERIENCE IN A PARAGRAPH OR TWO…  //  My wedding day has most definitely been one of the best days of my life. On February 1st of 2014, I woke up anxious, a little nervous, and yet so excited to see my groom on the day of our wedding. To be honest though, when it came to décor I didn’t know what to expect. Fredy and I met with our coordinators a few times, bounced ideas, and they just seemed to get us. They caught the vision in our hearts. The 14 months we were engaged gave me enough time to dream up and play and replay any scenarios in my head of how I believed the wedding would go. Would my groom smile when he saw me walk down the isle? Would he cry? Would he be as anxious as I was to see him that day? All of that to say, reality was definitely better then my dreams.

    Our family and friends showed so much support and love. Our vendors were amazing. And I don’t think I will ever stop thanking God for my husband and all the precious and amazing people I met through this journey. It was definitely an experience with many highs and lows, but an exciting one at that!
    WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR WEDDING?  // Most of my inspiration for the wedding actually came from the creativity of the team we hired to coordinate. I came to them with a handful of pictures, a dream, and a desire to marry my best friend. When it came to specific things like the ceremony, we trusted our loved ones, our friends, and vendors to be creative.

    WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE/FAVORITE PART ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY?  //  There were way too many precious moments on that day to have kept count. I couldn’t tell anyone what the most memorable part of the day was. It changes every time I’m asked that question. The first look was definitely a highlight. Seeing my handsome groom for the very first time that day before the church was worth breaking tradition for. I loved being able to hold him and tell him how much I love him in such intimacy. I also cherish the few moments I got to spend dancing with my Father (I cried like a baby!), The moment where Fredy sang “Sweet Caroline” in front of everyone. He would only ever do it in private, and it came as such a sweet surprise. When our dear friends from Shepherd’s Son played a surprise set for us. The intimacy and meaning behind the feet washing during the ceremony was definitely one of the most memorable things, but I could go on forever so I’ll stop there.

    WHY WAS PHOTOGRAPHY IMPORTANT TO YOU?  //  Photography was important to me for this occasion because I know I’ll never marry another man again. I would like to show my future children, God willing in the years to come that I am still in love with the man I vowed to love February 1st 2014. Besides, I knew that my family would all be asking for copies and to see pictures.

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SUN & SPARROW?  //  Every now and then even before even getting engaged I would visit the Sun & Sparrow blog to admire the beautiful shots of love & joy captured through a camera lens. I chose Sun & Sparrow because it was what my heart wanted. I know that sounds corny, but I’m not kidding when I say that Fredy and I prayed in the car one day after speaking to our sweet photographer. We wanted nothing short of the best, and although we weren’t sure we could afford the absolute best. I consider the pleasure of having Sun & Sparrow shoot our wedding a blessing and a miracle! After speaking to the photographer over email a few times, Fredy and I had to make it happen. Our photographer is one of the sweetest girls I have ever had the privilege to meet. We chose Sun & Sparrow because of their great connection with us. I truly felt that my photographer really cared about us, and our wedding pictures. She even made a secret pinboard for us to share ideas!

    DID YOU DO ANY DIY PROJECTS? IF SO, WHAT?  //  Fortunately, the team we hired did all the DIY’s ! The only DIY I worked on with the help of one of my awesome bridesmaids Sarah, was bedazzling an awesome pair of budget friendly heels for the big day! I also went to downtown LA and chose my own fabric for my wedding gown. I had a family friend make a design a chose!

    DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR BRIDES WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN THE PLANNING PROCESS?  //  My advice to any brides would be to hire coordinators! They are a tremendous help. I was able to work 3 jobs all while planning a wedding, but I could not have done it with out Fancy The Engagement! Second, Be organized! Unfortunately I had so much going on, I dropped the ball when it came to being organized. Thankfully everything worked out, but I would also advise any brides who are opting for an intimate wedding to try not to share too many details of the wedding with people who aren’t involved in planning. Also, don’t forget to have fun!

    WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING MARRIED NOW?  //  My favorite part about being married is that I get to hang out with my best friend every single day. I get to make him laugh as much as I want, whenever I want, and distance is no longer a factor. We have been best friends for over 9 years and even though back then I never imagined we would end up together, I never imagined my life without him. My favorite thing about being married is that he is mine and I am forever his. He is so funny and so much fun! I just can’t believe we didn’t get married sooner. 

    PLEASE COMMENT BELOW AND TELL MAURA & FREDY HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM!!

    ©2014 Sun & Sparrow, Little Sparrow Associates // Wedding filmed by Claudia Hurtarte // Rustic wedding in San Pedro

    VENDORS //  Coordinators: Fancy The Engagement  //  PHOTOGRAPHERS: Sun & Sparrow Little Sparrow Associates // Church: Trinity Lutheran Church (San Pedro, CA) Regina Brennan  //  Groomsmen attire: Hollywood Suit Outlet   //  Flowers (Brides Bouquet, cake topper, & boutonniere’s) : Laura Barraza from In Style Blooms  //  Bridal Jewelry & shoes: Macy’s   //  Bridesmaid dresses: Aroma Bride   //  Venue: Michael’s Tuscany Room ( San Pedro, CA)  Carol Anne   //  Musicians: JC Villafan, Shepherds Son, Sam Kisaka

     ©2014 Sun & Sparrow, Little Sparrow Associates // Wedding filmed by Claudia Hurtarte // Rustic wedding in San Pedro

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    • Priscilla Torres

      So much beauty and love portrayed through these amazing photos. God bless the Fredy and Maura!ReplyCancel

    • Priscilla Torres

      So much beauty and love portrayed through these amazing photos. God bless the Fredy and Maura!ReplyCancel

    Karen & Jay // Rustic destination engagement in Palos Verdes

    Karen & Jay reside in beautiful Sydney Australia. These two decided to travel the distance to Los Angeles to hire Sun & Sparrow to shoot their engagement photos. We are so happy to be a part of their rustic destination engagement in Palos verdes!

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    • Kristina

      May I ask where exactly this was taken in palos verdes?ReplyCancel

      • Hi Kristina, Sorry for the delay. The photos are behind the PV golf course.ReplyCancel

    • Kristina

      May I ask where exactly this was taken in palos verdes?ReplyCancel

      • Hi Kristina, Sorry for the delay. The photos are behind the PV golf course.ReplyCancel

    Jason & Merry // Romantic & Rainy engagement in Culver City

    How We Met  //  The first time Jason and Merry met was early September 2010 through their awesome friend Sherry Pham. Merry knew Sherry from pharmacy school (they were in the same fraternity) and most recently had gotten closer through work at Kaiser Woodland Hills. Sherry and Jason were high school homies.  After work on one Friday night, Sherry invited Merry out to go kick it to celebrate her friend’s birthday. They went to grab dinner with some of Sherry’s friends (Jason was in that group) first at Honey Kettle Fried Chicken in Culver City. When Merry first saw Jason, she admits she throught he was cute, but didn’t think much more into it. Little did Jason know, his dreams were very soon going to come true.  The Honey Kettle Fried Chicken group (Sherry, Merry, Pearl, Andy, and Jason) headed to Rush Street for the birthday bash, where Jason and Merry started talking more and totally clicked. =) The spark ignited, shortly after they started dating and became official, and the rest is history. Fast forward to 3+ years later, Jason and Merry are each other’s true love, best friend, and soon to be partner for life. =)

    Our proposal  //  On September 13, 2013, Jason and Merry headed to Santa Barbara for a weekend getaway to celebrate their 3-year anniversary. Their actual anniversary date was on September 10. They arrived in Santa Barbara on Friday night and decided to check out the night scene of Santa Barbara. When they got back to their hotel, which was a beach front hotel, it was already past midnight. Jason was very insistent that they should go take a stroll on the beach, especially since it was a nice night. They started walking down the beach, arm around one another, with the waves crashing in the background. Then all of a sudden, Jason just drops down on one knee, with no romantic speel, and pops the question: “Babz (our nickname for each other), will you marry me?” Merry was in pure shock and didn’t know what was going on and kept repeating: “Wait, what are you doing? What is going on?” And then once Merry registered what was going on, of course, she started tearing and said “Yes, of course!” The rest of their trip in Santa Barbara entailed a full day with a wine tasting tour, dinner at Bouchon, and just the pure enjoyment of being a newly engaged couple. It was a very momentous and happy occasion that they will always remember…September 14, 2013…the day Jason and Merry got engaged! =)

     ©2013 Sun & Sparrow // Rainy engagement in Culver City

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