Judy + Toshi [Calamigos Ranch Wedding]

MALIBU WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

The very first -- and second -- wedding I photographed was on the grounds of Calamigos Ranch. It's been a couple years since I've been there, so when I received the inquiry from Judy and Toshi to capture their summer nuptials at the Malibu property, I welcomed the opportunity to revisit familiar footing. Everything was as cozy as I remember -- the patchwork of cottages nestled amongst the trees, the web work of twinkle lights dangling from the limbs above. Calamigos offers a selection of four unique nooks in which to stage your celebration, and this time I was able to explore some new territory: the Ranch House. This is a super secluded enclave, complete with a ceremony site staged before a waterfalll... and on the terrace above, a rustic lodge invites guests to a warm reception.

Though my third experience at Calamigos, this was my first time meeting Judy and Toshi. I guess you can think of this scenario as like the blind date of wedding photography -- and this actually happens more often than you may think. Sometimes, a couple might be from out of state, or schedules don't permit for a face-to-face meeting prior to the wedding day. Instead, you put your trust in one another, chat a couple times beforehand, and then embrace the relationship that is to be when you meet.

Not surprisingly, Judy and Toshi were super down-to-earth, genuine, and accommodating. I knew they had been referred to me from a previous couple I had worked with -- but hadn't learned of their identities until they arrived as guests on the wedding day. What a cool surprise! Thanks again for the referral, James & Rei -- come to think of it, you guys were a blind date wedding, too!

Judy & Toshi put some wonderful thought into their wedding -- from the monarch butterfly release concluding the ceremony, to the hula hoop face off during the reception (pretty sure the flower girl won). And their polished first dance routine left many yearning to trade in one of their two left feet, myself included. ;)

Thanks again, Judy & Toshi!

Florist: The English Garden

Officiant: Rhonda Beer, A Very Special Marriage