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engagement

Victoria Beach Engagement :: Cecilia + Dave

trini mai photography

When Cecilia asked me if they can bring a surfboard to their engagement session at Victoria Beach (because her fiancé loves to surf), I knew I was in for a treat. From our initial contact, I can tell Cecilia and Dave are an athletic and active duo because with every email, they seem to have just gotten back from some strenuous activities like mountain biking, hiking, surfing etc. etc. I gotta be on my A-game if I wanna keep up with these two! 😛 Cecilia and Dave are so goofy together, they got us laughing along the entire time. I love seeing happy people and these two are definitely a joy to be around.

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Cecilia had told me that they love the beach and wanted both their engagement + wedding photos to be on the beach, so I was happy to oblige. Can’t get enough of the pretty turquoise water in this part of town.

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The lighthouse at Victoria Beach is definitely a popular spot for engagement photography, especially in the summer. We were able to jump in for a few shots then quickly scoot away so other photographers can have their turn. I was lucky to snap a few pix without people in the background because it was a very veryyyy crowded day.

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At the end of our shoot, I asked if they wanted to jump in the water with their surfboard. They readily agreed (yes!!!) and even though Cecilia was swallowed up by a gnarly wave, she was all smiles and fun.

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Special thanks to Angelina of Beauty by Angelina for making Cecilia extra beautiful. Can’t wait for their wedding next year in Newport Beach, on a yacht! Just hope I don’t get seasick!

editorial

Marchesa Wedding Dress :: Vibrant Summer Wedding Editorial

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If I could dream up one word to describe summer, it would be “vibrant.” With a dress so unique that it inspires an entire shoot around it, we set out to capture a bright and happy summer wedding inspiration. Adorned with cheerful coral gems and pretty seashells, it evokes visions of merry days spent on the beach with sunshine on our shoulders and sand between our toes. Add in a charming blue beach house and a row boat covered in summer blooms, this wedding is headed towards total bliss.

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This laid back glam wedding inspiration unites my two love of fashion and photography. I strive to infuse the same artful and editorial approach to wedding day images so it’s very important for couples to leave enough time for bridal portraits. A too jam-packed schedule means everyone is always rushing and won’t have time to soak in the little moments and enjoy the wedding for what it is, the most special day of one’s life.

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It is such a blessing to work with wedding professionals I know and trust. Flower Allie was our wedding florist and to this date, friends and family still rave about how much they LOVE our flowers. With Allison, I really don’t have to do much besides handing her a simple mood board and allow her complete creative freedom. I can’t get over the colorful bouquet she whipped together to go with this Marchesa wedding dress. And that garland is second to none!

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Angie Hair & Makeup did the perfect beach waves, flirty lashes, and stained lips on our gorgeous bride, Jade. When I refer my clients to wedding vendors, I base my recommendation not only on the quality of their work but also on personality and professionalism (hey, no one wants to deal with people who are not nice, right?) Angie is the epitome of all three. She’s so sweet and bubbly, even when you meet her for the first time, she’ll definitely put you at ease and you’ll be chit-chatting for hours on end. 🙂

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I find great pleasure in doing editorial and inspiration shoots because they challenge me creatively—from coming up with an initial concept to crafting the perfect mood/setting to execution. My hope is that each one I do will be bigger and better than the last. Thank you to all the amazing talents who helped make this happen. YOU are my inspiration!

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Photographer | Trini Mai Photography
2nd Photographer | my hubby Phong
Assistant | Terri
Bride | Jade
Wedding Dress | Marchesa
Wedding Shoes | Valentino
Florist | Flower Allie
Hair and Makeup | Angie Hair and Makeup

maternity

Orange County Maternity Photography :: Lena + Johnny

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I often talk about my work with hubby and that includes sharing tidbits about my awesome clients. When I received an email inquiry from Lena a few months back, I remember mentioning to him how genuine and sweet she sounds over email and I couldn’t wait to meet her in person. I call Lena my email crush! 😉 Lena found me through the wonderful world wide web and we didn’t meet until the day of her maternity shoot. Let me tell you, she’s even more lovely in person, if that’s possible!! I have booked several clients this way where we communicate mainly through emails until we meet for our session. I am beyond honored to have those who read my blog trust me enough through just viewing my photos and reading my words. So…thank you for that. 🙂

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At the time Lena contacted me, she was about 5 months pregnant and we waited until she was 7 months into her pregnancy for maternity photos. We want to show off that beautiful baby bump! I love documenting a woman’s body during pregnancy because it signifies such a huge milestone in her life. This is the first baby for Lena and Johnny and we couldn’t be more happy for them.

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Congratulations Lena and Johnny; you guys will make great parents! Their little princess Ella arrived a bit early…and she’s coming soon to a blog near you. 😉

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