Heidi Ryder Photography: The Blog » los angeles engagement photos

Marianne + Scott = Engaged!

Heidi — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:49:49 +0000

When I met with Marianne and Scott for their initial consult, they weren’t sure they were interested in an engagement session. This happens from time to time and I don’t pressure my couples, but so far everyone who said they didn’t want one changed their mind at some point before the wedding and Marianne and Scott are no exception! I’m so glad, too, because I had so much fun getting to know these two better and reliving the first night they met!

It was at a New York Dolls show at The Fonda Theatre. Marianne caught Scott’s eye and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. He decided to go up and talk to her and after the show they decided to get a drink at the nearby Frolic Room, along with the friends they came to the show with. The rest is, as they say, history! It was awesome to hear this story from them while re-tracing their footsteps. I love that stuff!

Marianne and Scott, thanks for hanging out with me – can’t wait for your wedding next month!

Adria + Mike = Engaged!

Heidi — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:12:05 +0000

Adria and Mike are two smarty-pants astronomer/astrophysicists/genius types who understand things my pea-sized brain will never comprehend. So, it was fitting that their engagement session take place at the Griffith Observatory. It’s not the first time I’ve shot there, but it was the first time I learned some things while shooting there! I guess it’s true – you never stop learning.

This cute couple also spends a lot of time hiking outdoors together so we spent some time along the trails surrounding the observatory. It was a pretty hazy day, which changed the quality of light into something sort of ethereal. Obviously, I was pleased about this. Adria and Mike, thanks so much for spending the afternoon with me! I had a great time and can’t wait for your wedding day!

Mimi + Greg = Engaged!

Heidi — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:22:15 +0000

I got to spend the afternoon with this beautiful couple at the South Coast Botanic Gardens. It was my first time there, and it was just lovely! During the entire shoot I kept doing my ‘happy photographer’ dance because these two are just so cute together, and quite comfortable in front of the camera. They practically did my job for me! After some time at at the gardens we hit the beach for some VERY cold beach time. You’d never know how freezing it was there by looking at these photos, though. Mimi and Greg are pros.

Thanks, guys, for spending the afternoon with me. Seriously cannot wait for your wedding!

Audra + Courtney = Engaged!

Heidi — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:43:10 +0000

I’m always fascinated by the ways people come into each other’s lives. The way so many of us seem to be connected, and stay that way, even when you think your paths may never cross again. I have some friends who call this the Orbital Theory. I thought about this when I received an email from Audra. She was engaged and her and her fiancé, Courtney, wanted an engagement session. Oh, and she used to work with Chris a few years ago and she’d been following my work ever since. Now, I had never met Audra before, but I liked the idea that someone who was connected to me through my husband was now entering my orbit directly. You just never know where your next new friends will come from!

Audra and Courtney’s engagement session was particularly special because it was also meant to commemorate their time in Los Angeles together as they were moving to New York just days after our session. They were saying goodbye to this fair city and I was so honored to be there to capture some of their farewell moments there together. They met at Six Flags Magic Mountain and both love roller coasters. We opted to tie in some of this hair-whipping fun at the Santa Monica Pier. The rides there aren’t exactly roller coasters, but I think they had fun anyway.

It wouldn’t be a quintessential California engagement session without some time on the beach.

After the sun set we got a little of the city look in at the Urban Light installation outside of LACMA. It’s one of my favorite places to shoot and Audra and Courtney were so much fun to goof off with. It helps that they are madly in love and quite the beautiful couple.

Audra and Courtney, I’m so glad our paths finally crossed. You guys are so awesome! I hope you’re settling into NYC nicely, but please come back for a visit soon!

Jennifer + Joe = Engaged!

Heidi — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:55:07 +0000

They met on the Metro headed towards Downtown LA. She caught it every morning from Riverside; he’d catch it in Diamond Bar. They’d transfer at the same place and take the train to the middle of Downtown before heading to their respective offices. Eventually, they began chatting during the commute. After time there was a date, and then the rest, as they say, is history.

For Jennifer and Joe’s engagement session we returned to the area where it all started. Downtown LA is home to many beautiful structures, but by far the most impressive is the Walt Disney Concert Hall. We began our shoot there and I did a happy dance more than once when stealing glances at the back of my camera. These two were a real treat to photograph – easy going, easy to laugh and up for just about anything. A perfect combo!

Thanks for hanging out with me, Jennifer and Joe! Can’t wait for your wedding in April!

This next shot is probably my favorite from the day. I just love the way Joe and Jennifer are having a moment together, sight unseen from the people and cars passing by on the other side of the wall.

Eventually we walked to the 2nd street tunnel. I already love me some light at the edge of an underground tunnel, but I really fell in love with the juxtaposition of the gritty tile walls paired with the prettiness and refinement of Jennifer and Joe in their dressed up attire.

I wanted to ask Joe and Jennifer if they were willing to stand in the middle of the street but I didn’t want to put them on the spot and feel pressure to do so. Turns out I needn’t worry because Jennifer asked ME if they could stand in the middle of the street. Heaven!

And, of course we had to hop on the Metro for a little something different.

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Los Angeles Wedding Photography

Bianca + Chad = Engaged!

Heidi — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:54:59 +0000

My first conversation with Chad and Bianca happened online. They currently live in San Jose, so we chatted about their wedding and my photography over skype. I knew right away that they were a rad couple who like to have fun. As it turns out, I like to have fun, too! And so it was.

I finally got to meet these two in person the other day when we met up in Venice for their engagement session and I am pleased to report that they are even more fun in person than they are online. Hooray! We hit up Abbot-Kinney before heading to the canals and then finishing up at the beach while the sun was setting. They’re getting married in less than two weeks and I am so excited for their wedding!

Thanks for being rad, Chad and Bianca. See you soon!

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Los Angeles Wedding Photography

Sandra + Robert = Engaged!

Heidi — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:27:49 +0000

Sandra and Robert met in high school. But they didn’t date. Several years passed and they reconnected with the help of a little modern piece of technology we all know as Facebook. And the rest, as they say, is history! Their engagement session at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills took place on a very warm day. This was my first time shooting at Greystone and I wasn’t quite prepared for the hundreds of steps we’d encounter throughout the shoot! The three of us definitely broke a sweat.

But it was worth it because I had so much fun with these two. Sandra and Robert both have a silly side that they bring out in each other and it was super fun to watch. Thanks, you two, for spending the afternoon with me. I can’t wait for your wedding in October!

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Los Angeles Wedding Photography

Venice Beach, Abbot Kinney Engagement Photos: Huoy + Walter!

Heidi — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:40:02 +0000

I got to hang out with Huoy and Walter on a recent afternoon to shoot their engagement photos along Abbot Kinney Blvd., the Venice Canals and Venice Beach. I haven’t spent a lot of time on Abbot Kinney, and I’d never been to the canals before, so this shoot was a special treat for me. Huoy and Walter were very organized and planned out everything for me, so all I had to do was take in the scenery and capture some moments of them together. It was so much fun!

Huoy and Walter are getting married in Seattle, where they are also relocating to, and I won’t be photographing their wedding. But I was so honored that they chose me for their engagement session. They are tremendously kind people and it’s quite obvious, within minutes of meeting them, that they are quite in love. While the three of us wandered the streets and canals of Venice together I realized these two are the best of friends. I could tell they genuinely enjoyed spending lots of time together. I am so excited for them and this life-long adventure they’re taking together.

Huoy and Walter, thanks so much for the fun afternoon! Please take me with you to Seattle!

I knew I wanted to use this mural that’s painted on the side of The Brig. I was stoked when Walter mentioned he wanted to use it, too!

Art imitates life… or is it the other way around?

Huoy had her hair and makeup done by Kelly Zhang. She looked GORGEOUS, wouldn’t you agree?

So here’s something fun about Walter and Huoy – they both know how to solve Rubik’s Cubes! I find that really impressive because I am all thumbs when it comes to those things. I made them sit together and solve them right in front of me. It was so cool!

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Los Angeles Wedding Photography

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.

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Los Angeles Wedding Photography

Happy New Year!

Heidi — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:48:21 +0000

I can’t believe 2009 has come to an end. This has been quite a year for me, personally and business-wise, and when I sit and think about all I’ve had the privilege to see and do, I’m quite pleased. 2009 was the year I decided to focus solely on weddings. This time last year I wasn’t sure where this year would take me, but I was ready to hang on and enjoy the ride. And, oh, what a ride it’s been.

2010 already promises to be an even more exciting year and I honestly can’t wait. There’s something so refreshing about the start of a new year. I know technically nothing really changes, but there’s just something about seeing Jan. 1st on a calendar that sparks something inside me. I love feeling like I can change anything I put my mind to. Make things happen. Kick A$$ and take names. You know the drill.

I’ve already set wheels in motion for things that are sure to make my business better than ever, which means an even better experience for my clients. I am so looking forward to the weddings I have the honor of photographing next year and I can’t wait to share them all here.

In the spirit of reflection, I’ve chosen some of my favorite images, from both engagement sessions and weddings, from 2009. It’s been a VERY long time since I’ve posted a slideshow, but I figured why not let 2009 go out with a bang? Hope you enjoy.

A big, HUGE thank you to all of my clients – past and future – who chose me to capture their wedding day memories. I would also like to thank my photographer friends who have invited me along to shoot weddings with them and have also joined me at my clients’ weddings. The friendships I’ve made this year have proven invaluable.

Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s to a FANTASTIC 2010!

>>If you’re reading this post via an RSS feed or on Facebook, you’ll have to click through to my actual site to view the fun slideshow!<<

Contact Heidi Ryder | Heidi Ryder Photography Portfolio | Heidi Ryder Photography Blog | Southern California Wedding Photography