Hyun Ji and Mike are just darling! It’s the week of their wedding, and she’s sick. Unfortunately, it’s so common that the bride and|or groom gets sick near their wedding day. The craziness of taking care of last minute details, accommodating family & out of town guests, and finding time to breathe amidst it all is not easy. They told us that this session was the first time in awhile that they felt relaxed and rested – we were so happy that we could provide that for them. We photographed as quickly as we could so that they could get out of the cold. And wow – the sky was absolutely beautiful!

Copyright 2007 GH Kim Photography

The temperature was around 21 degrees with icy wind. Lauren and Jesse really braved the painfully freezing cold and made it look so easy. Getting to know them, they are so genuine and I love that.

[below] Their favorite spot in Central Park because they can see the city skyline.

[above] If you look carefully, they had an audience.

Copyright 2007 GH Kim Photography

Siobhan and Garrett always seem to be having fun. What a great thing to have.

[below] Garrett’s mother hand made Siobhan’s outer layer – some serious skills.

[below] Our cute little munchkin of the day

[below] She spots it

[below] She wants it

 

[below] She chomps it

[below] Of course a photo booth is always a hit with the guests

[below] Enjoying each other

Copyright 2007 GH Kim Photography

GOD
the greatest lover
SO LOVED
the greatest degree
THE WORLD
the greatest number
THAT HE GAVE
the greatest act
HIS ONE AND ONLY SON
the greatest gift
THAT WHOEVER
the greatest invitation
BELIEVES
the greatest simplicity
IN HIM
the greatest person
SHALL NOT PERISH
the greatest deliverance
BUT
the greatest difference
HAVE
the greatest certainty
ETERNAL LIFE
the greatest possession

adapted from John 3:16

[given to me as a bookmark from my dear friend Lina]

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

 

Pastor Joey and Michelle are filled with absolute passion and love for God and His people! We had to get Joey out of his ‘rockstar’ element [somewhat] and into his ‘lovey-dovey’ mode. Not only are they beautiful on the outside, they have such beautiful souls.

[above] Joey is always trying to “help a brotha out.”

Copyright 2007 GH Kim Photography

Hannah and Moses’ special day could not have come sooner! As I mentioned from their engagement session, they have survived a long, long-distance relationship which is very admirable and rare.

[below] The epitome of girls getting ready – things everywhere and everyone doing different things. This is what girls love to do!

[below] In the elevator

[below] I thought this was fitting since Moses and the groomsmen are from New York.

[below] This is Hun’s awesome shot that would’ve had a chance in the WPJA contest [in my opinion] except that the deadline already passed. :T

[below] The hotel had very cool lighting!

[below] Moses admiring his beautiful bride.

[below] I just threw this one in here because I think it’s a cute picture of Becky, the Maid of Honor. She’s the one on the Toyota commercial in a few posts back.

[below] Hannah’s dad was really emotional which of course made everyone else in the room emotional as well. 

[below] Hannah borrowed my veil for her ’something borrowed’. I think this is the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on Moses!

[below] While getting ready for the Korean ceremony, one of his ears fell off.  Woopsies.

[below] Action on the dance floor

Copyright 2007 GH Kim Photography

GH KIM bona fide brides

Some examples of

. . .

[below] ruching on Jesse and her bridesmaids’ dresses

[below] ruching and gathering on Sara’s gown

[below] gathering on Christine’s gown and ruching on her bridesmaids’ dresses

[below] gathering on Juliette’s gown

[below] layering on Sylvia’s gown

[below] trumpet style and pleating on Kimi’s gown

[below] draping on Laura’s gown

Copyright 2007 GH Kim Photography

I wasn’t able to get this out by January because of other priorities, but I’m pleased to present to you another edition of ‘style & grace’!

For those who missed it, you can view my first edition.

This upcoming year, trumpet|mermaid style dresses are very popular. The style is more challenging to walk in, but accentuates the beautiful curves of a woman’s body. You will see this style all throughout designs below.

[below . Amsale]

Also this season, I see a lot of designers playing with fabric instead of embellishments to create textures and movement.

Ruching. Pleating. Gathering. Layering. Draping. All of which create various looks. Ruching [pronounced Roo-shing] is shown in almost every bridal gown below – it’s when the fabric is gathered.

In addition, I have added another element of style which is very important to the overall look . . . hair.

For the CLASSIC bride . . .

[below . Amsale]

french twist

or

light and lovely half-up

For the ROMANTIC bride . . .

[below . Vera Wang]

half-up with loose waves

For the VINTAGE CHIC bride . . .

[below . Amsale]

loose low pony

For the GLAMOROUS bride . . .

[below . Jim Hjelm]

regal, smooth and sleek updo

or

opulent updo

For the MINIMALIST bride . . .

[below . Jenny Yoo]

    

low and simple chignon

For the MODERN bride . . .

[below . Vera Wang]

or

[below . Judd Waddell]

or

[below . Lazaro]

Lace is still in!

loose waves

For the DESTINATION bride . . .

[below . ABS by Allen Schwartz at Nordstrom]

floral accents

For the INDIVIDUALIST bride . . .

[below . Valentino]

starlet waves

or

60s chic

Now for the ladies who support the blushing bride . . .

When I was looking for dresses for my bridesmaids almost four years ago, I was joking around that I wanted them to wear the dress below. All joking aside, I couldn’t believe this was even available under bridesmaid attire!

Bridesmaid attire is also complimenting bridal gown fashion with ruching and sashes. Ruching is very flattering on almost any body type! Most of the dresses below come in various colors.

For Spring, Summer, or Daytime weddings

[below . J.Crew]

[below . Bari Jay at Nordstrom]

[below . Bari Jay at Nordstrom]

    

[below . Siri]

For Fall, Winter, or Evening weddings

[below . Priscilla of Boston]

[below . Siri]

[below . Lazaro]

[below . Watters & Watters]

Best wishes on your search for the perfect dress[es]!

  tip: When holding your bouquet for pictures or walking down the aisle [if you can remember], hold it slightly below the waistline for more of a slimming and flattering effect. Most girls automatically think to hold them higher to hide their waist, but that actually hides the smallest area.

Yes                                                              No

    

Poll:

1. What are brides looking for during the whole wedding research process?

2. What is one feature you wish wedding magazines or websites had . . . or had more of?

Anne and James’ wedding was extra special for us as they are close friends. Not only did we get to celebrate with them, we got to document one of the most important days in their lives!

[below] Anne’s Maid of Honor Amy getting dolled up

[below] Anne and James having their private moment before the rush of the whole day begins

[below] Loved her shoes!  Off-white Enzo Angiolinis

[below] Sitting pretty for their portraits

[below] I just asked them to do a silly pose, but I’m not sure what happened on the very right.

[below] Anne’s sister Susie who was also a bridesmaid designed all of the flowers [Melrose Florist]. Just gorgeous! She had white peonies in her bouquet which are my favorites!

[below] The beautiful bride and her father walking through the lovely white orchid curtain

[below] KJ [Anne's cousin] designed a layout with the white sheets to create a unique and dramatic look for the church.

[below] They were checking out their room for the night; they got upgraded to the penthouse and I was the only one lucky enough to peak in with them.

[below] This is one of my favorite cakes – it’s simple and elegant. Jane put a lot of love and care on the embellishments, intertwining ribbon into the flowers.

[below] Unique idea

[below] James’ best man’s ‘controversial’ toast

[below] Some reactions

[below] I don’t know what inspired me to take this shot, but I just had to.

[below] The happy couple + us [taken by John]

[below] The end

Copyright 2007 GH Kim Photography

Shawna and Mila held their celebration in a cozy little place called Amberleaf Estate.

Outside of the bridal room, Hun was sensitive to capture an organic feel with this ordinary image. Simply beautiful.   

[below] The ceremony view from the fireplace

[below] Shawna and Mila enjoying each other after the ceremony

[below] The intricately designed cake from Crème de la Crème

[below] While the older ones were dancing, I looked over and saw these little munchkins waiting for their turn. Adorable!

[below] During the performance, the little boy was curious so he went around and checked all of their moves. They start early I guess. Also, you can see two little girls in the background – they were trying to mimic the dance as they were intrigued as well.

Leslie and Seung had an action-packed schedule ahead of them, but they were calm, cool and collected at all times.

[below] The ceremony and reception was held in the same room.

[below] What a girl has to go through prior to the Korean ceremony called Paebaek.

[below] Much better

Copyright 2007 GH Kim Photography