Heidi Ryder Photography: The Blog » burbank wedding photographer

Veronica + Jessie = Engaged!

Heidi — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:38:16 +0000

When I first met Veronica and Jessie to talk about their wedding, I did something only I could do; I told them to meet me at one café and showed up to an entirely different one. It was only three minutes into a phone conversation where Vee was trying to figure out what side of the café I was on that we both realized I was at the wrong place! I felt like such an idiot, but Veronica and Jessie just laughed it off and said they would totally wait for me at the correct café. I couldn’t have felt more foolish, but as soon as I finally got to sit with these two face-to-face, my embarrassment turned to ease and I knew immediately that I wanted to shoot this couple’s wedding. You can imagine my excitement when I heard later that I would get to!

That was over a year ago and I finally got to spend some more time with this adorable duo for their engagement session a couple of weeks ago. I even showed up at the right place this time! We met at Birds, their favorite restaurant in Hollywood, and used the restaurant and the surrounding shots as our backdrops. Then, we hopped into Jessie’s awesome vintage BMW and whipped through the city for more shots with the car before finally settling at Angel’s Knoll (otherwise known as the park from 500 Days of Summer). I had so much fun with these two and their amazing wedding is quickly approaching in June. Vee has been blogging about their wedding planning journey on Weddingbee and I can’t wait to photograph the yummy details they have planned. It’s gonna be a good one, ya’ll!

Jessie brought a couple of vintage cameras from his very own collection. I loved this because I’m a big proponent of only using props in a session if they actually mean something to you!

Mandy + Dustin = Married!

Heidi — Tue, 24 May 2011 18:16:14 +0000

When I knocked on Mandy’s hotel room door on the morning of her and Dustin’s wedding, the door swung open and Mandy stood before me with a huge grin on her face and squeaked, “It’s my turn, it’s my turn!” Mandy’s smile is infectious, so if I wasn’t already excited enough for the day I was about to embark on, my energy and excitement was turned up to 11 at that point.

Mandy and Dustin have been together for something like 10 years. Together they’ve been to a countless number of weddings and she’d always ask herself, “When is it going to be my turn?” That time was finally here and Mandy was living in the moment and enjoying every second. It was such a treat to witness!

After spending the day in Catalina with Mandy and Dustin for their engagement session, I knew I could expect their wedding day to be non-stop fun. Their families are so close and obviously care so much about this couple. Weddings like that make my heart happy. Big thanks to Mandy and Dustin for allowing me to be a part of their amazing day! Here are a few of my favorites.

Mandy did her own hair and makeup that morning. Yes, you read that correctly – the bride did her own hair and makeup!

The beautiful bouquets and bouts were created by Kerim of My Wedding Blooms. Kerim never disappoints.

Some of Mandy’s friends made these awesome TEAM BOWEN rings and surprised Mandy with one right after the ceremony. She proudly wore it thing the rest of the night!

Before their wedding I has asked Mandy and Dustin what they wanted their wedding day to be like and they both agreed they just wanted it to be a fun party for the people in their lives whom they loved the most. I can assure you, they were successful!

Sarah + Haben = Engaged!

Heidi — Mon, 16 May 2011 20:06:23 +0000

I recently had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Sarah and Haben at a place right down the street from me that I had passed all the time, but had never been to before – the Disney Studios backlot. This cute couple works in production and both have spent time on the lot, so they thought it was the perfect way to inject a little slice of Hollywood into their session while still keeping it true to who they are, and I couldn’t agree more! It was really fun to see the fake storefronts and sound stages, as well as the freakishly well-trained squirrels who live in the lot trees.

This session was split into two parts. Sarah had mentioned that her and Haben played board games on their first date and I loved the idea of recreating that a bit, so after the lot we headed to a nearby park for a board game bonanza and a little game of football, since the two love the sport. So much fun! Here are some of my favorites from the day.

Thanks, Sarah and Haben! Can’t wait for your wedding next year!

Los Angeles Engagement Photography – Martha + John

Heidi — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:37:38 +0000

Martha and John’s engagement session took place at two locations: The Silent Movie Theater (known these days as Cinefamily) and The Urban Light installation outside of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). I was super excited for this session because the fine folks at Cinefamily were kind enough to allow us to shoot there (a note to future clients and fellow photogs: the space is available for shoots and weddings and is AWESOME!) and Chris and I have been attending showings at Cinefamily for the past few years now. We were even considering it as the venue for our own wedding at one point! If only our guest list wasn’t so huge.

Martha and John thought it would be fun if their engagement photos had a bit of a Hollywood feel to them because they are both huge movie fans. At first they mentioned Hollywood Blvd but since they could only shoot on a weekend, I knew that idea just wouldn’t work. Too crowded! The idea of shooting at Cinefamily popped into my head instantly and they loved the idea. I was so thankful it all worked out. The Urban Light installation was just icing on the cake! Special to Annie and Robin for referring this lovely couple to me—it makes me so incredibly happy when my clients tell all their friends about me!

This shoot was the first time I got to meet Martha and John in person. I knew from our emails that neither of them were thrilled about being in front of the camera, but I’m so glad they were game for this engagement session, if only because I had an awesome time hanging out with them! I always love hiding behind the camera and watching a couple interact with each other. Martha and John spent a lot of time laughing. For me, the best quality in a partner is someone you can laugh with. A lot. Needless to say, this engagaement session was a lot of fun and I am so honored to be photographing their wedding day in July.

And now for a few of my favorites…

This next one may be my favorite. Feels like a scene from an old movie…

See what I mean with the laughter? They’re so cute together!

We waited for nightfall and met back up again at LACMA for some fun shots with lampposts…

Martha has amazing hair. If I had hair half as amazing I might have a good hair day once in a while. Oh, John, your hair is pretty good, too.

Thanks, Martha and John—you guys are so great! See you around the neighborhood now that we’ll be neighbors soon!

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San Juan Capistrano Engagement Photography – Yustine + Chris

Heidi — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:52:47 +0000

Yustine and Chris’ San Juan Capistrano engagement session was pretty ideal in every way. We had several great locations to work with, a beautiful day with beautiful light, perfect weather, and Yustine and Chris couldn’t be any cuter together! When I first met these two last year during their consultation, Yustine and I bonded over our love for boba, and I was smitten with the two of them instantly. They were both so easy-going and friendly, it was impossible not to be! I was so happy when they wrote me afterwards to tell me they wanted me to photograph their wedding.

Because of that first meeting and subsequent exchange of emails, I knew the three of us were going to have a fun day during their engagement session, and I was not disappointed. We started at Mission San Juan Capistrano, which was a first time visit for all of us. The mission is incredibly gorgeous and a perfect backdrop for photos because there is so much variation. I truly felt like I could shoot there for the rest of my life and never get bored!

It was really hard for me to edit this session down – there were so many great ones to choose from! Here are some of my faves…

Now, I don’t use the word fabulous a lot, but there is just no other word to describe these two. Wouldn’t you agree?

After finishing up at the mission, we headed to the Los Rios Historic District of San Juan Capistrano and took advantage of the adorable houses and storefronts found along the tree-lined streets.

During our shoot, Yustine told me she made Chris practice poses with her for their shoot. I thought that was adorable and so funny to hear! Chris showed me his favorite “pose” – check out his form! Good work, Chris.

Finally, I followed Chris and Yustine to Crystal Cove, which is where Chris proposed. I always love getting the opportunity to go back to the place where it all began with my clients. That’s a very special part of their lives that they’re letting me revisit with them and I consider it a great privilege. So, I was happy to head to the beach with these two, but I was absolutely floored when I discovered how amazingly gorgeous Crystal Cove is. SO. GOOD.

Yustine and Chris, you guys are so fun!! Thank you so much for being all-around great! I am so looking forward to your wedding day AND our boba/dinner double date!

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Los Angeles Engagement Photography – Robin + Alejandro

Heidi — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:52:44 +0000

When Robin and I were discussing ideas for her and Alejandro’s engagement session, Southern California was in the midst of a week-long rain storm. I can’t even remember the last time it rained so much in So Cal. Robin and I both love rainy, gloomy weather and thought it would be awesome if it rained a little bit on the day of their shoot. Umbrellas! Galoshes! Hats! Coats! We were excited at the thought.

But, alas, there was no rain to speak of on the day of the shoot. But it wasn’t exactly a sunny day either. Don’t tell Mother Nature, but I ended up being thankful for the lack of rain because we wouldn’t have been able to utilize at least two of our great locations, and since it wasn’t very bright out we still got to pull off the cold weather look in the end. Best of both worlds!

Robin and Alejandro made my job easy. They are so warm and kind to each other that there’s just this sort of peacefulness that happens when you’re in their presence. I didn’t have to direct them much, they were just happy to hug and stare into each other’s eyes for–well, forever, I’m guessing. And that’s why I love my job. You try being unhappy when you’re in the presence of love. I was actually super tired before this shoot and by the end of it, I was completely rejuvenated. As a gentleman by the name of Huey Lewis would say, that’s the Power of Love.

Robin and Alejandro, thanks so much for the fun time! You guys make me happy.

We started off underneath this beautiful flowering tree.Robin is a writer and an avid reader and Alejandro is a musician so we incorporated some props. Robin brought several gorgeous books and Alejandro brought some of his drums.

She read to him and he played a drum, called a djembe, for her. Alejandro joked that these photos would be missing sound so people wouldn’t get the full experience. So, please imagine the gorgeous sound of the djembe while viewing these.

The next one makes me laugh. Alejandro placed an orange on Robin’s head, and then he preceded to chomp at it. CHOMP!

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Disneyland Engagement Photography – Alexandra + Michael

Heidi — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:54:18 +0000

I had been looking forward to Alexandra and Michael’s engagement session at Disneyland since the day I first met them and they mentioned they might like to have their engagement photos taken at the Happiest Place on Earth. I, of course, was thrilled at this idea and was so excited when it all worked out! The three of us met at the front entrance to the park bright and early on a Sunday morning in an effort to beat the crowds. If you’ve never been to Disneyland that early before, it’s a bit of a ghost town, at least for a few minutes, before the crowds start to really filter in. It was surreal, but fun!

It was especially fun to explore the park with these two. They both love Disneyland, Michael especially. He knew all kinds of cool facts about the park and it was awesome to see it through his eyes for a little bit. Disneyland was the perfect location for this shoot and I’m so happy I was able to be a part of it. Alexandra and Michael, thanks so much for exploring Disney in the early hours with me—I cannot wait for your wedding in August!

Here are a few of my favorites of the day…

Obviously we had to hit up the tea cups. This was the first time I had been on that ride in probably 20 years and we went on it twice in a row! I only got slightly dizzy…

We found a love tester and it told Alexandra and Michael that their love was uncontrollable. Obviously!

This next shot was requested by Michael who wore his ears proudly alongside his very accommodating fiancée–she wouldn’t have donned mouse ears for anyone but him. That’s true love.

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Featured on Green Wedding Shoes!

Heidi — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:45:19 +0000

It is always an incredible honor when my work gets picked up on other sites. Especially when those sites are some of my favorite reads. This is the second time my work has been featured on Green Wedding Shoes and I couldn’t be more pleased! Jen decided to feature Jackqueline and Jeremy’s Griffith Observatory engagement session with the adorable handmade pinwheels. Mucho thanks to Jen! Click the screen shot below to see the whole feature!

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Santa Monica Engagement Photography – Jennifer + Will

Heidi — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:47:05 +0000

Jen and Will’s Santa Monica engagement session had to be split up into two days because the first shoot was rudely interrupted by very strong, cold winds. And when I say winds I mean, like, we may or may not have been in a tornado. Okay, maybe it wasn’t quite that dramatic, but Jen and I both agreed it was impossible for a girl’s hair to look it’s best for photos when it’s uncontrollably being whipped this way and that. So, we stopped mid-shoot and rescheduled for a later date. And, because we’ve been kind to the planet and are owed lots of good karma from Mother Nature, we were blessed with an absolutely gorgeous second shoot day!

Jen and Will found me through Will’s co-worker Oliver, whose Rec Center Studios wedding in Echo Park is still one of my favorites because of how genuine, personal and touching the ceremony was. Though Jen and Will were both at Amanda and Oliver’s wedding, we didn’t have the pleasure of meeting until we scheduled a dinner together to talk about their own wedding. I liked them both instantly and felt like I was having dinner with old friends, and I was so excited when they chose me as their wedding photographer. Their engagement session was, again, just like hanging out with my friends – my adorably in love friends. Those are the best kind, really.

Jen and Will, thanks so much for hanging out with me and showing me around your ‘hood! I can’t wait for your wedding next month!

So I know I’ve said this before, but I just love it when my couples bring along props for their shoots! Will and Jen’s wedding is going to have a bit of an apple theme, so Will picked out these tiny, perfect little apples especially for their engagement session. Will’s last name (soon to be Jen’s!) starts with a ‘P’, so the pewter ‘P’ was another great personal touch. So cute!

When we were brainstorming ways to incorporate the apples, Will asked me if I wanted him to juggle them. Jen was surprised because she had no idea he knew how to juggle! So, obviously I had to document Jen’s first time seeing her future husband’s juggling skills. Not bad, Will, not bad at all…

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Santa Monica Engagement Photography – Annie + Gero

Heidi — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:07:25 +0000

I was so happy to hang out with Annie and Gero for a little bit before I left for WPPI in Vegas. I met up with them at Annie’s parent’s home in Santa Monica, which is the very same house she grew up in. If that’s not a personal location, I don’t know what is! This session was rescheduled from the previous weekend when we were rained out. It also rained on this day, but it was the only day that worked for all of us, so we had to keep the date, rain or shine. And wouldn’t you know it, it rained while I was driving over there and it rained the second I left to head home after the shoot, but it stayed perfectly dry the entire time were outside shooting. Couldn’t have planned it any better, even if I tried!

Even in the short time I spent with them, it was clear to me that Annie and Gero are perfect for one another. They’re both kind and warm, aren’t really fans of being in front of the camera, and they both adore their sweet dog, Marty, who was a bundle of energy during our shoot since she had been cooped up inside most of the day due to rain. Photographing this session really felt just like hanging out with old friends and I’m so excited I get to photograph their wedding in May!

Even though they weren’t excited about being photographed, I like to think I made it at least a little bit enjoyable for them and I love the simple and sweet images we made that day. Annie and Gero, thanks for being good sports! Enjoy…

When Annie was growing up, her mom would take a picture of her on the front porch on the first day of school every year. I thought it was pretty neat that another one of Annie’s milestone was being documented on the same porch.

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