“by your side”

This wedding is so incredibly special to my heart that I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve known Chloe + Matt for about 12 years now from our fun days at UCLA. Matt and I particularly grew close over our involvement in the Vietnamese Student Union (ah the glory days) and random activities such as puzzle fighter competitions and spontaneous trips to Vegas. After graduation, we all began building our careers and “real life” left little time for all the fun we use to share. Chloe + Matt began dating after graduation and Matt moved temporarily to Virginia to study pharmacy. After his move, Matt was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) in June 2007 and had to put his pharmacy education and wedding plans with Chloe on hold. After many rounds of chemotherapy and many relapses, it was learned that the only way to save Matt’s life was through a bone marrow transplant. A community of family, friends and kind strangers joined together to raise awareness of AML and how anyone could help save another person’s life. Miraculously, Matt found a donor and had a successful bone marrow transplant in September 2009. During this whole time, Chloe was the strength by Matt’s side and proved how love really does conquer all. Words can’t even express how happy I am to say Matt + Chloe were finally married last month!!!! Their wedding was filled with pure joy and celebration – not only for their marriage but also for all that they have conquered together. I felt so fortunate to not only shoot a wedding for two great friends, but for two strong, loving, unselfish people. I admire them so much for their strength, courage, and incredible devotion to one another. They are so inspirational in life + love and I am so blessed to know Chloe + Matt and share their beautiful story with you all.

I was actually hired to only capture the events of the day and got the rare opportunity to enjoy myself as a guest the rest of the night :). Here are some of my favorites:

Chloe’s gorgeous makeup by Angie Pham:

Flower Allie provided all of the beautiful floral arrangements for the day. Loved them!

Chloe + Matt decided to take their wedding portraits a couple of weeks before the wedding to save time on the wedding day. I am so glad they did this because it rained for most of the day on their wedding day (and rain means good luck :)). They borrowed a classic Porsche and we had all the time and sunshine to take these pretty portraits: