Happy Mooncake!

Every year around this time, mooncakes are sold like hotcakes to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival otherwise known as Mooncake Festival. There have been many stories that surrounded this festival, but the most famous legend played a possible role in Chinese history. Overrun by the Mongols in the thirteenth century, the Chinese threw off their oppressors in 1368 AD. Mooncakes were the perfect vehicle for hiding and passing along plans for the rebellion. Families were instructed not to eat the mooncakes until the day of the moon festival, which was when the rebellion took place and succeeded.

I don't know about you, but I'm not much into history like my husband is. However, every year I make a point to eat these yummy mooncakes to celebrate. Although the actual date doesn't start until September 22nd, that didn't stop Chinatown Philly from celebrating admidst parades and lion dances.

It also happened to fall on my dad's 50th bday. My dad had bought this while cruising with NCL over Labor Day weekend. I've never seen anything like this, so I had to take a pic.

There's a funny story that happened in FL with my sister's bf, but long story short, don't mess with a kid's favorite fruit. They may come back with their little friends to bully you. =P I've never actually had this particular fruit which is called Sugar Candy Apple, but apparently they taste like mangos. I definitely need to try it one of these days, but until then, a photo to remember by. =)

Last but not least, my favorite person in the whole world right now. My awesome cutie patootie nephew. He's always so happy and giggling and just freaking adorable. I miss him already.

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Jenny | Pittsburgh | Boudoir

I'm not sure if many of you know what a boudoir shoot is, but these shoots are normally done before or after a wedding as a gift to hubby. They can be done as hot and revealing as you want like how Tony Yang does it in his "intime" sessions or done as sexy cute as I did with Jenny. I wanted to keep it very light and fun and just show another side of Jenny that her hubby hasn't seen before. As a request, I'm only allow to blog PG stuff; the rest are for her hubby's eyes only. ;P








You wouldn't believe me if I told you, but Jenny is a mommy to a sweet little boy. She's definitely one hot momma! I actually did their family shoot couple months back, so check that out. Hoped you enjoy the pics. =)
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Around the World: Europe

I'm making a point to blog more, especially when it comes to traveling, which I enjoy immensely second to photography. Summer came and went and I barely had time to breathe, so let me start at the beginning of summer. Hubby and I had planned a two week trip end of May; first heading out to London for few days to visit his childhood friend then few days in Paris. After that, we headed down to Barcelona to pick up a 7 day Mediterranean cruise hitting places like Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples, and Palma. I must admit that it was one tiring trip, but I'm glad we were able to go before life got too busy.

First up, London




These elephants were spotted all around London to be auctioned
off to help save Asian Elephants from becoming extinct


Next up, Paris










Lastly, NCL cruise





Apparently, this foot was famous and the tour guide told us
to pose with it, so hubby happily volunteered. =P






Some highlights from the trip, Paris was a must-go again for us especially when the euro dollars were so cheap as well as Rome. Going on a cruise saved us alot on hotel costs and we were able to hit alot of cities within short period of time. However, since we only had a day to visit each city, it wasn't enough for us especially ones as big as Rome. To add to that, we went on a national holiday in Rome, so were not able to go into the Colloseum or had time for the Sistine Chapel - both very important places that I wanted to hit up. Ah well, there's always next time for sure. Hope you enjoyed and I apologize for any photo overload. =)
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WPPI Road Trip DC!

I had heard about WPPI from last year through a fellow bride turned photographer. At the time, my passion for photography didn't grow as quickly as it has now, so I paid no mind to it. Since then, my brain turned on full speed and I wanted to absorb everything that had to do with photography, starting with attending workshops and networking. Anyone who knows me knows that I love meeting new people and meeting with photographers is no different. I'm not afraid to go up to any stranger and introduce myself, so be forewarned. =) If you see some random girl just coming up to ya and chatting away, that girl could be me. =P

This year has gone by in a whirlwind and it's crazy how one thing can lead to the next. I've met some awesome new photog friends and connected with old friends that could sit for hours and talk nothing but photography. How crazy is that? Yesterday's workshop was no different. Great speakers mixed with great people made the day unforgettable. One particular speaker in mind - Jasmine Star - who in a short period of time that I've known her work - has quickly became one to whom I look up. I had the great pleasure of talking to Jasmine for a little bit and she was just like the person I saw in her Creative Live wedding documentary she had in Seattle. What I took from her platform was "I rather fail at something I love than succeed in something I hate" as well as 'Amen" and "Keep it Real" - haha - words to live by indeed.

Jenny and I with the beautiful Jasmine Star

After the workshop, Julie, Stefani, Jenny and I headed over to a nearby restaurant to talk about the day. Workshop ended at 5pm, but our conversations did not end until 10pm over several wines and my water (=P). It's always great to unwind and just really connect with fellow photographers who are also going through what I'm going through now. In a competitive world such as photography, it's good to know that there are still some who wants to be allies rather than see each other as competitors. I'm so grateful to have met them now early in the business. =) Let's do it again, but next time Vegas style! ;) View full post

Janice + Thang | NOVA 535 | Tampa Wedding

I went down to Florida to attend my cousin's wedding as guest, but also makeup artist and being a third photographer in between. Let me tell you that that was one hectic day, between making the girls beautiful, but yet making sure I don't miss a moment of Janice's wedding. I was definitely all over the place and had to remember to breathe several times just to calm my nerves down and I wasn't even the bride! =P

It was a lovely wedding and there was some indication of rain for the day. It held out till afternoon sprinkling here and there but overall did not ruin the event. The day started off with a traditional chinese/vietnamese ceremony with groomsmen carrying trays of wrapped gifts over to bride's place. Some introductions took place while the bride's dad went to bring her out to stand next to groom and ceremony began. Then everyone traveled to the groom's place and the same ceremony repeated for the groom's side of the family to celebrate.








While everyone was done with lunch and rest for the evening reception, I grabbed the bride and groom for some portrait session, but first did a quick updo for Janice. It was a pretty funny session to say the least, since Janice alone loves to joke around. However, I was still able to get some serious photos from them. =P





Then it was time for the evening portion of the day for the traditional American ceremony to start. The venue was at Nova 535 - gorgeous venue that featured artwork from local artists around the area. The details that went into the reception were apparent and alot of hard work went into it.



My sister did the programs as well as the place cards.
I thought they came out beautifully!


And of course, the ring shot











That wraps it up! There were a ton of pictures, but then again, the day started at 6am and didn't end until midnight. I hoped you enjoyed the wedding as much as I did! Congrats to Janice + Thang! Have an awesome honeymoon in Hawaii. View full post