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2009 was an amazing year!! Like everyone’s year (and life in general), I had my ups & downs, but the constant bright spot was all of the TRULY incredible people, from all over the world, I had the privilege to meet & work with. While there are literally hundreds of images I wish I could post, I just finally finished my most difficult task so far this year- narrowing down my list of favorite wedding images from 2009. I can’t begin to tell you how hard it was to choose! I am just so grateful for all of my amazing clients! Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of telling your beautiful stories.  Here’s a sneak peek (in no particular order) of some of my 2009 faves! May your 2010 be filled with life, love & lots of laughter!!

I know I’ve already blogged about the incredible times I’ve shared with Courtney & Andrew during their Los Angeles engagement session last Spring, followed by their amazing Adamson House Malibu Wedding, but putting together their wedding slideshow brought a BIG smile to my face, and hopefully it’ll bring one to yours too. I just love culturally-rich weddings!! Enjoy!

Courtney & Andrew are incredible, creative, free spirits with a very sweet, uninhibited kind of love!  I knew after our Venice engagement session that I was in for quite a treat on their wedding day!!  This day was so rich with culture, tradition and joyful celebration.  Andrew is an AMAZING African drummer, and HE played for his bride as she walked down the aisle. Love that!!  The ceremony was a beautiful fusion of African and Jewish customs that included phenomenal African drumming & dancing, the INCREDIBLE, Yehuda Solomon, his band Moshav, and so many beautiful friends & family from, literally, all over the world. Congratulations, Courtney & Andrew! I loved being part of such a wonderfully eclectic day!

[caption id="attachment_1221" align="aligncenter" width="540" caption="grandma and the rabbi"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1224" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Yehuda Solomon, leader of Moshav, in the middle of a heart-felt song during the ceremony. AMAZING!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_1225" align="aligncenter" width="540" caption="the beautiful Courtney!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1228" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="I just love how Andrew looks at Courtney!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1239" align="aligncenter" width="540" caption="Courtney's gorgeous vintage dress!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_1240" align="aligncenter" width="540" caption="Some of the Jewish traditions..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1242" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="...and some of the African traditions"][/caption]

This Malibu wedding was held at the gorgeous Adamson House Estate overlooking the Pacific; one of my favorite wedding venues! And a big thanks to Adee Pelleg who did an amazing job coordinating the day!

Meet Jonathan!  Quite possibly one of coolest 13 year-old kids ever.  I had the honor of shooting Jonathan’s outdoor Bar Mitzvah at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu.  What an incredible night it was…a gorgeous evening ceremony topped off with an amazing Beatlemania party!  There is something really special about this family, and I left feeling as if I’ve known them for years.  Thanks Julie & Dan for allowing me to be a part of such a beautiful day!!

[caption id="attachment_615" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="A mother-son dance that made my heart melt!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_626" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Jonathan entertained us on the piano AND guitar...so talented!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_629" align="aligncenter" width="540" caption="Studying for his reading."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_638" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Groovin' with the amazing cantor!"][/caption]

A big thanks to Carol Saunders of Grand Events for doing such an incredible job coordinating this event, and Rabbi, Owen Meldy of Jewish Bar & Bat Mitzvah Service for conducting a very intimate & beautiful service!

What an amazing year it has been!  I am so fortunate to have had such incredible clients and gorgeous weddings to photograph this year.  I will be posting some of my favorite  highlights from 2008 as we wrap this  year up and perhaps the most important decision the bride and groom make besides their photographer of course (smile) is the venue.  One venue that I love love love to shoot at is The Adamson House in Malibu, CA. The Adamson House is a Malibu landmark and it makes for a GORGEOUS ocean-front wedding. This location has the rare combination of old historic charm with the beautiful southern california beach.  While they only book weddings April – October, that’s actually the perfect time of year for Malibu weddings.

[caption id="attachment_192" align="aligncenter" width="594" caption="The grounds of The Adamson House are amazing!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_194" align="aligncenter" width="630" caption="It doesn't get much better than a Malibu wedding reception overlooking the Pacific."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_196" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="The lawns at The Adamson House are spacious. Here, Sabrina & Apur catch their breath for a minute after the ceremony."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_197" align="aligncenter" width="630" caption="The Adamson House architecture is amazing, with great backdrops for portraits."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_200" align="aligncenter" width="630" caption="I love that there are so many great spots for family formals, even with difficult lighting conditions."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_203" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="The grounds are big enough for a good sized reception, and plenty of room for dancing."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_204" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="I love all of the textured areas for getting great pictures!"][/caption]

I’ve really enjoyed shooting weddings at The Adamson House. The weather always seems to be pristine, and the staff is gracious & hospitable. The last wedding I photographed at The Adamson House was Sabrina & Apur’s a few weeks ago. I recommend The Adamson House to couples looking for a gorgeous location that’s sophisticated & elegant, without being over-the-top.