Lisa fought back the tears all morning, avoiding reflective surfaces so that she wasn’t overwhelmed by the sight of herself as a bride, while Shawn kept his emotions masked under a supercool exterior while hanging out with his groomsmen and parents. When they finally locked eyes while Lisa’s dad walked her down the aisle at Holy Family Catholic Church, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the whole place.

The little details of this wedding day spoke of their history and their passions. Watch for Shawn’s cufflinks – featuring not only his initials, but a nod to the city where they met – some awesome socks, Shawn and Lisa both carrying their mothers’ rosaries, and Lisa’s “something blue” – a gorgeous pair of custom shoes that she designed.

Pasadena Wedding | Lisa + Shawn | Holy Family Church + Westin Hotel from Jakfoto Films on Vimeo.

Their reception at the Westin Pasadena was the rocking party that everyone had been waiting for, featuring some very smooth dancers – including a junior groomsman who really brought his skills – and one of my favorite cake moments to date. Shawn was not going to be outdone – just press play to see what I mean. I love the sense of fun and humor that these two share!

Congratulations, Lisa and Shawn, and thank you for sharing this fantastic day with us!

Soundtrack: “Ready for Anything” by Landon Austin, licensed via The Music Bed
Photographer: Candice Benjamin Photography – see the photos on her blog!
Ceremony: Holy Family Church, South Pasadena
Reception: The Westin Pasadena
Coordinator: Mike Meza
Florist: Fleuretica
Cake: Fantasy Frostings
DJ: DJ Average Joe – JMC Events
Makeup Arist: Karen Lee
Hair Stylist: Katie Byrnes
Bridal Gown: Blush Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy.com
Photobooth: Smile Lounge
Ice Cream Bar: Sweet Lucie’s

Rachel and Spencer have been together for years, basically growing into adulthood together. You can clearly see that they have grown together in such a way that they compliment each other perfectly. They know each other’s quirks and patterns and off-the-wall humor, and they fit like puzzle pieces. Made for each other.

This wedding day was full of tradition, but by no means was it stuffy! From the morning at Rachel’s parents’ house to the ceremony at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Orange, Rachel and Spencer spent their wedding day surrounded by a long history of loving family and friends. Add in their unique personalities and sense of humor – and a few chickens – and you get a wedding day full of love and laughter!

St. Johns Wedding Highlights | Rachel + Spencer from Jakfoto Films on Vimeo.

Congratulations, Rachel and Spencer! We join your many friends and family in wishing you a lifetime of funny faces and jokes and love and support together!

Photography: Candice Benjamin Photography – Go check out her blog post!
Soundtrack: “Diamond Ring” by Steve Hefter and Friends of Friends
Ceremony: St. John’s Lutheran Church
Hair + Makeup: Karen Lee
Reception: Placentia Women’s Club

The wedding party wore Chucks too – neon pink and green to match the wedding colors! Jodi and Kim didn’t divide their attendants by gender, but rather had a mixed group of pink flowers with dresses and green ties with suits. So classy and so perfect. The wedding party also included Jodi’s sons, an adorable “Ring Security Agent” and “Flower Disbursement Agent,” and their dog Scruff!

I was blown away by all of the personal touches included in this wedding day. From the mounds of sweet treats at the dessert bar, to the fishy cake toppers, to the sheet music hearts and hand-drawn thumbprint tree guestbook, almost everything was made my Kim and her family and friends. While I wouldn’t necessarily advise all brides to spend many late nights before the wedding cutting confetti and baking pie pops, Kim pulled it off with uncommon style!

Kim and Jodi also cut hundreds of glow sticks apart to achieve what is hands-down the coolest unity ceremony I’ve ever seen. Watch at 5:28 to see what I mean – it’s amazing!

Before you press play, I should warn you that you might want to grab a tissue. From sweet notes and an adorable first look to tearful vows, there is so much genuine love and joy going on here that I was welling up while editing! Jodi and Kim – your love amazes me.

Boojum Tree Phoenix Arizona Wedding: Jodi + Kim from Jakfoto Films on Vimeo.

The photos and the release of the goldfish into the pond at Boojum Tree were in memory of departed loved ones who were very much present in memory and in spirit. Their love was felt as much as the love of all the friends who came to celebrate and toast the brides – it was a tangible thing that day. It was awesome to see the community of family and friends that came out to celebrate with Jodi and Kim, and who I’m sure will be there to support them throughout their marriage. We felt so blessed to witness such love, and to help tell their story. <3

P.S. While I’m speaking about how beautiful this day was, I have to give a shoutout to Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens in Phoenix, Arizona. This venue is a tropical oasis, brimming with personality! Every corner I turned held beautiful surprises, from lily-flowered fish ponds to a unique raised dance floor to a real rainforest! This might just be my favorite wedding venue ever, and it’s perfect if your event has a bohemian, tropical, or Mediterranean vibe! Plus, the staff was incredible and really worked to make sure that this wedding day was a beautiful celebration!

Music:
“Cinema” by Jason Evigan, used with permission
“Waltz – Instrumental” by Music You Can Swim To, licensed via With Etiquette
Venue: Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens
Photography: LightRain Images

Live Through This is a project about stories that are hard to tell, but that are desperately needed. It is a project about life on the other side of a suicide attempt. Photographer Dese’Rae L. Stage started this ambitious project in New York, and now is expanding it with a cross-country tour.

Photography by Dese’Rae L. Stage

By showing the faces and telling the stories of real people, Live Through This is humanizing the face of suicide awareness. Visit the website and you are met with faces that might be your neighbor, your sister, your boss. This epidemic is blind to age, race, income, orientation, and religion. But it is also silent. We are often afraid to talk about mental health, suicide, and suicidal thoughts, and that fear turns into isolation.

As Dese’Rae says, “Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US, and that number is on the rise. Suicide is a side-effect of mental illness. Mental illness is so thoroughly stigmatized in this country that many of us who live with it also live with an impenetrable sense of shame over it, which leads to a fear of talking about it openly. Many of those who don’t live with it live in fear of it, and that leads down a similar path.”

You can help break the silence.

Live Through This | Stories of Suicide Attempt Survivors from Jakfoto Films on Vimeo.

The Kickstarter campaign for Live Through This has met the goal, which means the tour is officially on! But there’s still one week to go, and every extra dollar means more destinations can be added, and more lives can be touched. Dese’Rae has added “Stretch Goals” at $22,683 and $25,000 which will boost the signal with documentary video (yes, we want to be involved!) and a website revamp. We’ve got seven days, and we need you!

I want to urge each and every one of you to donate – even if it’s just a dollar – and know that by doing so, you are part of a project that is truly changing lives. If your life has been impacted by a suicide or a suicide attempt, you know how important this is.

Live Through This has received a lot of attention on sites like GOOD and Upworthy. This project is revolutionary in its simplicity, and it is something I think is desperately needed. These are voices of hope, and they deserve a platform!

Don’t be Credit union order afraid to talk. By sharing our stories, and by inviting others to speak, we can save lives. It’s a small thing that can truly change the world.

If you’re feeling suicidal, please talk to somebody. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

If Sara and Bryant hadn’t already stolen my heart, that Boy Meets World reference in Sara’s tearful vows would have sealed the deal. Not to mention Bryant’s Rebel Alliance cufflinks! Sara and Bryant are both actors, pop culture freaks, and Disney fans, but it’s clear that with all of the tv and movie lines they can quote, they are still bigger fans of each other. These two define head-over-heels love. People talk about Disneyland weddings being magical, but I was not fully prepared for the intense, crazy magic between these two! We were thrilled to document the day with fusion video, featuring photos by Candice Benjamin Photography.

It was really important to Bryant to follow tradition and not see Sara before their evening ceremony at the Rose Court Garden of the Disneyland Hotel. I think I heard them both describe it as the “longest day ever!” Since it would be dark by the time we got them alone, Candice and I conspired to arrange for some “no peeking” couples photos earlier in the day. They got to hold hands and talk around a corner in the Adventure tower (appropriate), but we made sure not to ruin the surprise!

From the looks of his reaction, I’d say it paid off. As great as the pyrotechnics were over Sleeping Beauty Castle, I think the most breathtaking fireworks we saw all night were the sparks between these two as Sara walked down the aisle. Wouldn’t you agree?

Sara + Bryant | Disneyland Wedding Fusion from Jakfoto Films on Vimeo.

Photography: Candice Benjamin Photography – More photos on her blog!
Soundtrack: “So Within” by Seryn, “Awake the Ghost” by La Liberte
Venue: Disneyland Hotel
Florals: Leslie at Pixie’s Petals
Ceremony Lighting: Mastermind Production Group
Cake: Disney Bakery
DJ: Kyle Svoboda at KSDJ
Hair/Makeup: Breanna

Many thanks to the “Fairy Godmother” of this event, Sue Romano of Disney’s Fairytale Weddings & Honeymoons!

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Be sure to check back this evening when we announce the winners of our Love Story Giveaway!

The first time I met Susan was at a coffee shop in Laguna Beach. A lot of my meetings are around an hour long – a comfortable amount of time to ask questions and get acquainted. I think Susan and I talked for three hours straight.

She told me all about her fiancé Steve – their miraculous meeting, his sense of humor, and musing that it would be incredible to see him in a suit on their wedding day, since his uniform of choice is board shorts and flip flops!

She also told me all about her son and Steve’s two boys. The three of them are all around the same age, but with very distinct personalities. This wedding wasn’t just about a couple, but about all of them as a family, and Susan and Steve made special plans to include their sons in the ceremony. We talked about their interests and dreams, and Susan positively glowed when she spoke about the boys becoming brothers.

You can see it – that glow. This family is bound by strong ties of love – not to mention a good sense of humor! – and their intimate, rustic ceremony at Strawberry Farms was a blessing to behold. This fusion film combines video and audio with photos by Kaysha Weiner, who captured some really beautiful moments from the day!

Susan Steve | Strawberry Farms | Wedding Fusion Short Film from Jakfoto Films on Vimeo.

Photography: Kaysha Weiner Photography – See more photos from the day on her blog!
Soundtrack: “Hung the Moon” and “Live Forever – Instrumental” both by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors
Venue: Strawberry Farms Golf Club
Officiant: Vows for Two
Florist: Florals by Jenny
Cake: Sweet and Saucy Shop
Live Music: Christopher Wooley
Dress: Nordstrom

 
Keep an eye on the blog – we’ve got plans to go on another adventure with the newlyweds soon!

Three years ago today, a love story began.

Well, you might say that it began a little earlier than that, on a dance floor, when a pretty girl caught the DJ’s eye and literally made her skip a beat. But today is important, because on February 12, 2010, she gave that DJ a necklace and asked her to be her girlfriend. Chapter one.

Today is also important because on February 12, 2011, the two made an overnight trip from Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles, California, had a few amazing adventures on Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier, and returned as fiancées. Chapter two.

Here’s the whole story, including the adventurous proposal, in their words:

Jodi + Kim | “The Marshmallow Fluff to My Peanut Butter” from Jakfoto Films on Vimeo.

This Love Story film played at Jodi and Kim’s wedding at Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens in Phoenix on December 12, 2012 (wedding film coming soon!). Chapter three.

It has been so exciting to see this love story unfold! It has not been without challenges, but Jodi and Kim face everything with love, laughter, and absolutely inspiring positivity. These beautiful women have love that can and will move mountains. Happy anniversary, you two. And many, many, many more to come. <3

Did you know that we’re giving away a Love Story Film like this? Go to our Facebook page and vote for your favorite couple! Winners will be announced on Valentine’s Day!

I’m a geek. A nerd. A dork. I love a lot of traditionally “geeky” things (sci-fi, fantasy, graphic novels, anime, dinosaurs…who am I kidding – everyone loves dinosaurs) and I love them A LOT. I think author John Green sums it up pretty well:

“Nerds are allowed to love stuff, like jump-up-and-down-in-the-chair-can’t-control-yourself love it. Hank, when people call people nerds, mostly what they’re saying is ‘you like stuff.’ Which is just not a good insult at all. Like, ‘you are too enthusiastic about the miracle of human consciousness’.” – John Green

Being a geek does not mean that you can’t have style, it just means that you want to express your love for things that are awesome. Like, all the time. Even at your wedding. I was chatting with photographer extraordinaire Candice Benjamin about this phenomenon – sometime after I introduced her to the BBC TV show Doctor Who – and we lamented the fact that as wedding professionals and geeks, we don’t see a lot of fandom-inspired weddings that are also outright glamorous. Maybe, we thought, other geeks are under the impression that your wedding can’t be geeky and gorgeous at the same time.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
 

In honor of our love for the sci-fi television series Doctor Who, and the show’s 50th anniversary this year, we decided to put together the geekiest, chic-iest wedding imaginable. We called up Jen from First Pick Planning, adding her event planning expertise to our fangirl knowledge. Together with some amazing vendors, we crafted a TARDIS blue and sparkling gold event that any bride could appreciate, but with lots of special touches that reveal our Whovian obsession.

Through All of Time and Space: Wedding Inspiration from Doctor Who from Jakfoto Films on Vimeo.

Styled by: Jakfoto Films | Candice Benjamin Photography | First Pick Planning

Music: "Doctor" by Chris Bartels/Anthem Falls Music Purchase this track! Click here!
Photography by Candice Benjamin Photography – Check out her blog post!
Bridal Gown Hope Stanley, Bridal Stylist at Marry Me Bridal
Birdcage VeilTessa Kim
Bride’s Cape and EarringsBHLDN
Print Design: Mintwich Design
Floral Design: Studio Ooh La La
Ceremony Venue: Big Bear Solar Observatory
Ceremony Make-up and hair: Melissa Abad Makeup
Fourth Doctor's Scarf: NoemisKnits
TARDIS Kindle Cover: mdk Studios 898
Reception Venue: Huron Substation, Los Angeles
Reception Make-up and hair: Evelyn Lui of Serene Bridal Beauty
Cake: A Twist of Cake
Table Number Art: Meghan Stratman
Dining Furniture and Place Settings: Classic Party Rentals
Statement Furniture & Pendant Lights: FormDecor
Lighting: Mastermind Production Group
Cocktail Bar: Night Owl Productions
Eleventh Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver & The Master's Pocket Watch: ThinkGeek

Extra Special Thanks To: Kasey McKay, Josh McKay, Alastair James Murden, Chris Wayne, and Bree Rhoten

How did you do it?

First of all, an amazing team of vendors and friends. Second, Pinterest. You can check out our original Pin board, including some ideas that didn’t make the final cut!

A styled shoot with vows?

I’ve made videos for a few styled wedding shoots before, and they’re always fun and pretty, but they’re not as engaging as a real wedding film. I wanted to include more personality, more story, and of course more references to Doctor Who! The show has so many beautiful lines about love and friendship, so I pulled together lines and references over many episodes and seasons to write vows for this Whovian bride and groom. If anyone can pick out all of the quotes and what episodes they came from, I will send you a sonic screwdriver. Really.

Where are the Daleks?

We decided early on that the villains were not invited. Daleks have no concept of love or beauty – they’d be so uncomfortable at a wedding! And we don’t want them exterminating the guests.

I want this wedding!

^ If anyone feels this way, please email me now. Right now. We still have a lot of these details on hand, and I can’t express how thrilled I’d be to document a real Whovian wedding!

Thanks for all your love, everybody! If you’re a fan, please connect with me on Twitter @jakfotofilms so that we can all squee and cry over Series 7 Part 2 together.

Featuring Geek Love!

Plenty of heartfelt, nerdy love to Green Wedding Shoes, When Geeks Wed, and geeksugar for featuring this inspiration shoot! (And a hearty high-five to whoever posted the video to Wedinator!)

Love it? Comment with your favorite detail or show reference!

Every couple has their own unique and beautiful love story – that’s the whole reason that Jakfoto makes films For Love! Now we’re giving you the chance to tell YOUR love story and WIN a Love Story Film + $1000 toward a wedding film package!

We believe that every couple deserves to have their love story documented, and that unique, quality wedding video should be accessible to everyone, so this is our way of helping one special couple preserve their story and memories – and YOU get to choose that couple!

Couples just have to submit a photo and a paragraph about their love story (500 words or less, please), and our Facebook fans will vote for their favorite couple to receive the video and $1000 credit!

Love Story Films make a great engagement announcement or save-the-date, but you don’t have to be engaged to enter! This contest is open to all couples, and a Love Story Film is perfect for celebrating a special anniversary, or your everyday love! The $1000 wedding film credit can be used toward any standard event video package booked in 2013 (your event can be later, but you have to get a contract and retainer in within the year). Email us for more info about our event video packages. Wedding, anniversary party, commitment ceremony, or vow renewal… Any excuse to celebrate your love!

The contest is happening on our Facebook page, so make sure you’re a fan, and keep an eye out for new entries! Know anyone who got engaged over the holidays? Or maybe a special couple about the celebrate a milestone anniversary? Share this contest and give them your vote!

Entries will be accepted until midnight, January 31, and voting will continue until noon (Pacific) on Valentine’s Day (February 14). The winning couple will be announced at 5 pm on Valentine’s Day!

Voting starts NOW, so get your entries in, get the word out, and good luck!

The fine print:

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO WIN

Eligibility
To enter, both parties must be at least 18 years of age. Both entrants and voters must “Like” Jakfoto Films Facebook page to access the contest.

New and current clients of Jakfoto Films are eligible to win. $1000 wedding film credit may be applied to the balance of any STANDARD wedding film package, even those already booked. However, discount packages (such as Preferred Photographer Fusion package) are NOT eligible for the applied credit.

Jakfoto Films welcomes all couples regardless of ethnicity, religion, tradition, or orientation.

Prizes
The entry with the most votes as of 12:00 noon on February 14, 2013 will be named the winner. The winning couple is entitled to a free 3-6 minute Love Story film, plus $1000 credit toward any wedding film package booked in 2013.

The Love Story film will be hosted online and provided to the couple on DVD. Travel fees may apply for filming locations outside of Los Angeles -, Orange -, or San Diego Counties. Winners must schedule their Love Story filming by October 1, 2013, or forfeit the Love Story prize. Filming schedule is subject to Jakfoto Films availability.

The winning couple will also receive $1000 credit which may be applied to any standard wedding film package from Jakfoto Films (may be used for a wedding, commitment ceremony, or vow renewal). Credit expires on January 1, 2014. The package MUST be booked by this date (including receipt of a 50% retainer fee), although the event itself may take place at some future date. Film package details are available upon request – please email hello@jakfoto.com for more information.

Multiple Votes per Person
Voters may vote for multiple entries, but only once per entry. (So make sure to let all of your friends know that they should vote for you!)

Inappropriate Content
Obscene, provocative or otherwise questionable content will not be considered. We retain sole discretion as to what constitutes inappropriate content.

Rights
By entering the contest, entrants agree to have their submitted names and photo displayed on our website and used by us for any purpose, at any time, without any fee or other form of compensation. We reserve the right to disqualify users, without notice, and for any reason.

Here’s to good fortune in 2013!

<3 Kiera

By the way, we have some awesome things in store for 2013, starting with a really exciting Love Story contest! More on this – and on our dreams for 2013 – tomorrow! See you in the New Year!