The Premiere of Chloe Jackman Collaborative (WOOOOHOOOO!!!)

I am excited to announce the first Chloe Jackman Collaborative wedding! Not only was this wedding an big step for Chloe Jackman Photography, but exciting because I was also in it! Yes folks, you heard correctly. I was finally a bridesmaid. My amazing associate Matthew Gilooley and his second shooter Tawny Alipoon handled the 22 person, rowdy, a-type personality wedding party and his overbearing boss (me!) like a champ; in Venice Beach no less! Thank you! Big props to Matthew.

Always a Photographer Never a Bridesmaid, Not This Time!

I’ve known Lindsay for over 10 years and with each passing day, like everyone else in her life; I love her more and more. I am constantly inspired and moved by her passion for life, her beliefs, and the people she loves. If you are one of those people, you better count yourself lucky. The same can be said for her awesome guy, Mr. Zack Rice, and if you’re looking for proof, look no further then the images below

Words and Hoola Hoops, A Recipe for Love

These two are a perfect fit, which was evident after their first date. Back then, Zack was a struggling writer and Lindsay was a hoola hoop instructor.

I think that Zack’s brother Nate explained the way they met best:

“…We are here today to nautically celebrate the joining of two families. As Zack and Lindsay begin their life together and continue their story in matrimony it is important to first understand how they came to be. To understand, you must first understand the story of Markus Frind. Put those phones away, no need to Google him, as I will tell you his story. When Markus was 14 years old he had had his heart broken by his first love. Feeling as most teenagers do when they are first broken-hearted, he thought he would never find true love again. It was at that point that his friend told him something that forever changed his life. He said, “Markus it will be ok. There are plenty of fish in the sea”. Markus was so overtaken with this advice that in 2003 at the age of 25, he revolutionized the dating world by creating PlentyofFish.com. I know you are thinking, “Weren’t the likes of Match and eHarmony already established by 2003?” The answer is yes, but Plenty of Fish was different. Unlike Match and eHarmony, it was and still is free. It was the site where people who desperately wanted to find love could go, but were unwilling to part with 12 bucks a month in their search. Zack and Lindsey, like many people, found true love on Plenty of Fish. And Cathy (mom) you will be happy to know that Markus credits over 1 million babies as a result of relationships started with his website…”

Fast forward to the present, Zack now has a show that has been picked up by NBC and Lindsay is changing the world one kid at a time and together who know’s what they’ll do!!!

The Morning Of

In usual Lindsay fashion, she attempted to inspire all of us bridesmaids  to an 8:00 am spin class the morning of the wedding and only a few were crazy enough to agree, I of course was one of them. While I struggled something fierce to get through the class (hangover still present), it felt so right to be by my girl’s side on her last morning as a Hawes. Especially when our song came on (I later found out she requested it)…”Umbrella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh” -Rihanna

From there, the day moved quickly, beautiful and with out a hitch, lasting until about 1 am for most.

I’m On a Boat

Prior to boarding Zack and Lindsay’s 4 level yacht, the wedding party hoped on a school bus called “Sweet & Easy” and headed to the heart of Venice to get some epic shots to commemorate the city they love.  We then returned to our hotel the Jamaica Bay Inn so they could snap some pics with their adorable families in front of the beautiful bay and greenery.

The wedding party looked fabulous (of course) with the bridesmaids wearing a variety of gold self-selected dresses, makeup by Stephani Osborn, and the groomsmen sporting navy suits. Not to be forgotten are the lovely bracelets by  Charnae  given to all the bridesmaids by Lindsay.

As the sun began to set, it marked the time for the 200 wedding guests to board the yacht. Guests were seated while live guitar music was played by groomsman Skye Handler. As soon as Lindsay stepped into view, all eyes were on her, including her oh so handsome groom, Mr. Z Rice. She was beautiful. Her look was simple, yet elegant with hair by Bri Viera and makeup by Megan Ray, playful wedding dress, and INC shoes. Bouquets and wedding flowers by Lyndsay Stone meshed beautifully. The ceremony was officiated by Zack’s cousin Corye Goodman, who is also the couple’s best friend. We all were spectators to Zack and Lindsay’s new chapter as they declared their love, broke the symbolic glass, and took their first kiss as man and wife. As we dried our eyes and cheered for the new couple, we prepared ourselves for the evening celebration.

The bride and groom had their first dance to Soulshine by Warren Haynes, followed by first dances with their parents. And we were all surprised by Lindsay’s amazing gift to Zack, his very own rap written and perfumed by the AMAZING ZEPS…checkout the video and the lyrics below!  Guests boogied into the night to beats by DJs Doug Brown & Frank Romero-Crockett.  It must be said that this wedding was coordinated with great effort by Jasmine of FantaSea Yachts. I can speak for all other 199 guests when I say, “we had a blast”.

Zack and Lindsay, it’s been amazing to see you two grow as a couple and be a part of your special day. Wishing you a lifetime of hoola hooping, bike riding (while holding hands), lazy Sundays, yoga, good friends, good family and lots of cute ass babies! xoxo

“We should all hope to fall in love like Lindsay and Zack did” – Zeps

Love is heroic I think they got super powers
Zack be like I miss you I’ma swing by for an hour
Always makes her happy so he’s bringing her some flowers
Lindsay really loves it when hes singing in the shower
Z – A – C – K yeah he’s quite nice
Whether lazy sundays or crazy night life
They go together like Black beans and white rice, always holding hands, even when they ride bikes
Every hug is warm, every kiss is real
Better than a kiss from a rose but i ain’t dissing Seal
the truth is his smooches sweeter than Mrs. Fields
Plus he can raid the fridge and cook up some delicious meals
And he can bake stuff,
That’s pretty great yup
loves it when she wakes up
Doesn’t need no make up
Memories are for heart forget the instagram
Lindsay said that she’s your biggest fan…

WAS IT LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? THEY WERE REALLY ATTRACTED
THEN SPARKS FLY LIKE A MILLION MATCHES
HEARTS COMBINED AND THE FEELING IS MASSIVE
WE SHOULD ALL HOPE TO FALL IN LOVE LIKE LINDSAY AND ZACK DID
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? THEY WERE REALLY ATTRACTED
THEN SPARKS FLY LIKE A MILLION MATCHES
HEARTS COMBINED AND THE FEELING IS MASSIVE
WE SHOULD ALL HOPE TO FALL IN LOVE LIKE LINDSAY AND ZACK DID

Zack the VIP always on the guest list
Road trips he gets bottles of water and some Chex Mix, yeah
morning time making breakfast,
Laying on the couch watch entire seasons on Netflix
So What’s for dinner? ??
He ain’t stressing the plans
Order pizza or go walk to the Mexican stand
First time cooking a dish tries the best that he can
So intelligent damn, what an excellent man
Best believe it so, love you can see it grow
When he drove for uber he would take her where she needs to go
Born in DC went to school in VT, moved to LA and fell in L-O-V-E
Loves his family and friends in so many ways, he misses Linz after minutes imagine twenty days?
and he’s very brave,
allergic to Mosquitos AND grass but still goes camping with her anyways

WAS IT LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? THEY WERE REALLY ATTRACTED
THEN SPARKS FLY LIKE A MILLION MATCHES
HEARTS COMBINED AND THE FEELING IS MASSIVE
WE SHOULD ALL HOPE TO FALL IN LOVE LIKE LINDSAY AND ZACK DID
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? THEY WERE REALLY ATTRACTED
THEN SPARKS FLY LIKE A MILLION MATCHES
HEARTS COMBINED AND THE FEELING IS MASSIVE
WE SHOULD ALL HOPE TO FALL IN LOVE LIKE LINDSAY AND ZACK DID

Vendors:

Coordinator/Venue: FantaSea Yachts, Jasmine: jasmine@fantaseayachts.com

P: 310.827.2220 ext. 120 C: 310.487.7893 (text message only)

DJ: Doug Brown & Frank Romero-Crockett , fdbrown@loyolahs.edu, 213-880-2597, Frank- 213-308-8125

The Custom Rap:  ZEPS Sofrito Pito, djspez@gmail.com, ZEPS Music

Florist: Lyndsay Stone, lyndsaycstone@gmail.com, 949-500-0428

Bride’s Make-up: Megan Ray, 562-896-7224, megan@makeupbymeganray.com

Bridal Party’s Make-up: Stephani Osborn: 661-714-8758

Wedding Dress:  The Glamour Closet on Beverly- Sample Sale

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Modcloth, Vintage Stores, Revolution, etc.

Bride’s Shoes: INC

Groom’s Tux/Some Groomsmen’s suits: Theory

Groom’s Hair and Beard: David Martinez, Old Glory Barbershop, Venice Beach

Groom’s Custom Shirt: Jason Smith, Andre Phillipe Custom

Groomsman Gifts: Leather Journals by in blue handmade

Bridesmaids’ Gifts: Charnae; 714-928-8686

Their Story

Carmen and Alex met in San Francisco in 2005 after secretly being set up at a birthday party by Carmen’s cousin’s wife Melissa. They had an instant connection and went on their first date two weeks later. After 7 years of long distance dating, during a trip in Barcelona, they went for a walk down a beautiful tree-lined street and under a full moon Alex got on one knee and asked Carmen to be his wife. She said yes!

The Beautiful Bride

Alex and Carmen’s excitement was contagious and felt from the moment I stepped into
“The Retreat” at the Villagio Inn and Spa where they got ready. Apart from her Mom, Sister, and Bridesmaids, Carmen didn’t want anyone to see her until it was absolutely necessary so we kept her tucked away and guarded like she was the President!

The bride looked drop dead gorgeous in her wedding dress by Marisa Bridal from Papers and Petals was beautiful and sophisticated with fine details like its delicate flower pattern and silk waist belt. Hair and make up by Susie Chhuor Studios accentuated Carmen’s natural beauty. With all of that gorgeous in one package, Carmen’s close friend Jimmy Choo had to make an appearance and rock some socks off. Literally.

In Loving Memory

Carmen’s father died last year, so to honor his memory she had a piece of his shirt shaped like a heart sewn into her wedding dress and wrapped around her bouquet, which also included a small charm with a photo of her dad.

I Do

Whether family, friends, or part of the bridal party, everyone at the ceremony was all smiles. The bridesmaids walked down the aisle wearing Joanna August dresses carrying orange bouquets by Karen Baba of Plan Décor. They were followed by the groom and groomsmen all wearing Vera Wang for Men’s Warehouse tuxes. Carmen’s cousin read The Art Of Marriage by Wilfred Peterson and officiant Don Narrin led the ceremony. When the time came to say “I Do” we all felt electricity as we watched Carmen and Alex’s first kiss as man and wife. After they kissed, they threw up an awesome synchronized fist pump!

#EatDrinkandBeAnderson

It was obvious that this beautiful wedding was put together with great care by all of the details that filled the room. Carmen and Alex’s wedding colors were Grey and White with pops of Orange. Pretty Please Bake Shop made their two-tiered white cake. Guests were all seated on furniture supplied by Classic Party Rentals, but not for long because David Carvalho of Boutique DJs rocked the mic and gave guests plenty of beats to shake to. Lighting by Got Light set the mood and kept everyone dancing as if they were in the spotlight. It’s a good thing myself and videographer Jessica Ringor of Lovespun were there to capture the moment. All of these details couldn’t have been brought together without wedding coordinator Simone Lennon and her fabulous team, including month of coordinator Brittany. Nailed it!

Carmen and Alex, I wish you many years of romance, adventurous travel, laughter, and happiness. Congratulations on your beautiful marriage!

xoxo

A huge thank you to my second shooter Matthew Gilooley!!!

VENDORS

Wedding Planner:  Simone Lennon Events

Videographer: Lovespun: Jessica Ringor
jessica@lovespunfilms.com
916-747-7123

DJ: Boutique DJs: David Carvalho
877-775-5758

Florist: Plan Décor: Karen Baba
plandecor@yahoo.com
650 652-9009

Cake: Pretty Please Bake Shop

Lighting: Got Light

Furniture: Classic Party Rentals

Hair and Makeup: Susie Chhuor Studios: Susie Chhuor
contact@susiechhuor.com
(213) 444 1008

Officiant: Golden Gate Weddings: Don Narrin
goldengateweddings@yahoo.com

Bride’s Dress: Marisa Bridal from Papers and Petals

Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Joanna August

Grooms’ Tux: Vera Wang for Men’s Wearhouse

Groomsmens’ Tuxes: Vera Wang for Men’s Wearhouse

Martin and Katie met doing what they love, playing ultimate Frisbee. Martin plays on the reigning men’s national and world champion team, Revolver. It was love at first disc!

On their big day, Katie looked smashing in her classy, short dress by DVF with coral shoes that complimented her whole look.  Katie and Martin tied the knot with their close friends and family as witness. Everyone was in smiles.

After the ceremony the group flocked to Katie and Martin’s good friends Crystal and Geoff’s house in San Francisco. For their special celebration, Crystal cooked an incredible four-course meal!

To top it off, Kristen and Martin had two more celebrations with their families; one with Martin’s family on the Oregon coast and then a celebration with friends at a friend’s house in Glen Ellen, Sonoma. They know how to do it right!

Katie and Martin, I wish you both a life full of happiness, joy, and fond memories. Have a wonderful time on your honeymoon in Italy at Lake Como (where Revolver is competing in the world championships) and GO REVOLVER!

Congratulations lovebirds!

xo

Jen & Ricky’s love for each other is sweet and tender with a hint of playfulness. They have a deep love for Halloween and their home is festive and spooky all year round! The bond they share for their adorable baby boy Oliver melts my heart. He is only one and a half years old and full of life, bouncing around with his toothy grin.

For their elopement at San Francisco’s City Hall, Jen showed up with her hair and makeup looking fabulous (done by herself!) and a beautiful DIY dark red and black rose bouquet with supplies from Michaels. She looked beautiful smiling coyly at the camera.

Being at this wedding was a real privilege for me. When the time came to say I Do, I got to be Jen and Ricky’s signing witness! Their family of three is full of love and I was happy to be involved and give my support.

Congratulations Jen and Ricky! I wish you happiness and endless years full of Halloween decorations and cheetah print!

xo

On their big day, Ryann looked stunning, smiling from ear to ear carrying her DIY sunflower bouquet, which was inspired by the A Practical Wedding blog. Brent, full of happiness in San Francisco’s City Hall, had his attention focused on the bride. I loved watching them interact. The way they look at each other, the secrets he whispers in her ear that never fail to make her laugh, the way he kisses her forehead or reaches for her hand when they are close. They exist in their own romantic little world and it is a thing of beauty!

From the first night they met, at a party in Washington DC where they spent the entire evening and subsequent evening talking, I was told they have been in-separable. It only took me five minutes to see that all of this was true and why they were so close and loving.

Congratulations love birds! With all the excitement you had last month, I can’t wait to see what this month brings your way.

xo

Nestled deep in the Carmel Valley, Brian & Meredith found the most spectacular venue at Gardener Ranch to gather all their favorite people to witness their merry matrimony and if I do say…epic party!

Meredith was an absolute vision in her dress made by Amy Kuschel of San Francisco and hair and make up by Face Forward Bridal. Her bridesmaids accompanied her down the aisle in their lovely Lynn Lugo dresses and we can’t forget the dapper groom in his Vera Wang suit.

The peonies that adorned the bouquets and all the table settings, made by Monica Lynn from In Full Bloom by MJL, were breathtaking and also much of the reason the wedding happened in May.

For the wedding, Meredith’s aunt made 1001 decorative origami cranes, each representing a wish for the couple. Such a sweet and thoughtful touch!

During the reception, there was no shortage of entertainment. Meredith’s BFF Tracy McDowell (yes, THE Tracy McDowell!) sang “To Make You Feel My Love” during dinner catered by Paradise Catering, “You Are The Best Thing” during Meredith and Brian’s first dance, and then “Fly Me To The Moon” after cake. Afterwards, the band Lucky Devils played a great show and got the group up on the dance floor with a little liquid courage supplied by Eastside Distilling.

Meredith & Brian’s beautiful and unforgettable celebration has come and left them with a lifetime of precious memories, great laughs, awesome dance moves and songs that will melt your heart. It was such a pleasure (and a blast!) to photograph and document this memorable day.

Congratulations to Meredith and Brian!

xo

A huge THANK YOU to my amazing second shooter Angela DeCenzo for helping make this magical day turn out as well as it did!

Venue:  Gardener Ranch, Carmel Valley – Dana Deminna – www.GardenerRanch.com

Caterer: Paradise Catering – Nancy Rohan – www.ParadiseCater.com

Hair & Make-up:  Face Forward Bridal — Cara Hopkins — www.FaceForwardBridal.com

Band: Lucky Devils — Thai — www.LuckyDevils.com

Flowers: Monica Lynn — In Full Bloom by MJL — www.InFullBloombyMJL.com

Meredith’s Dress: Amy Kuschel — www.AmyKuschel.com

Bridesmaids Dresses: Lynn Lugo – www.LynnLugo.com

Grooms Tux: Vera Wang — www.VeraWang.com

Officiant: Reverend Wendy Howe

Photography: Your’s truly…ME!

Betsey and I had our first meeting the day the Giants won the play-offs and went to the 2012 World Series…good luck right??? Well it’s said that rain on your wedding day is also good luck and boy did it rain on their wedding day (but only until it was time for us to party outside!).  So my conclusion?  That with or without all their good luck these two are a perfect pair and after their years together they are still crazy in love!

Their wedding was absolutely fabulous, from the sweet trip down memory lane that you took walking through the home she grew up in, to the beautiful ceremony, to the delicious meal made by the City College Culinary department, to the awesome dance party  that went on for hours!  I’m so happy for you both!

Congratulations!!!

Thank you Justine for being a fabulous second shooter!

Church: Santa Maria Catholic Church

Venue: Betsey’s fabulous family home

Cater: City College of San Francisco Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies // Chefs Keith Hammerich and Chef Aaron Ogden

Hair & Make-up: Lisa Zomer //  lisa@lisazomer.com // 510.436.6666

Band: Cocktail Monkeys // Bobby Asea // bobby@thecocktailmonkeys.com

Lighting: Ben Davis reFRACTion // ben@refraction.net