LaLa Life 46

A photo in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums

Week 46

At a wedding, equally important to the bride and her bridesmaid's beautiful bouquet of flowers are the groom and his groomsmen's boutonniere. 

I must admit that I have come to photograph the groom getting ready with his groomsmen and find myself feeling a tad helpless in pinning their boutonniere onto their tux. The last thing we need is for a groom to rock up to his wedding with a dozen holes on his tux lapel making evident the attempts taken to pin his boutonniere. 

So for this week's LaLa Life, I thought to Google (who says research anymore?) and share with you  instructions on how to pin a boutonniere onto a tux. I believe it may prove helpful to us both in the future. These instructions can apply not only to weddings, but also to school balls. 

Thanks to Modern Day Floral for providing such simple instructions. They are as follows:

1. Hold the stem of the boutonniere, front facing, on the wearer's left lapel (lapel being the thickest part of the groom's tux panel on his chest). It is recommended the boutonniere sit about 4 inches below the top of the guy's shoulder and is tilted on a slight angle. Step back and see where you'll be placing the boutonniere and whether you are happy with the placement. 

2. Start the pinning by piercing the fabric from under the lapel on the (wearer's) left side of the stem of the boutonniere. 

3. Move the pin over the top of the stem and pierce the opposite side of the lapel. To secure the boutonniere, pull the pin tightly. Now ideally the only part of the pin that should be showing would be a thin line on top of the stem. Even with this placement, the pin should be placed in a location where the petal or leaf could hide this. 

4. If the boutonniere is heavy, two pins can be used to secure the weight. For those worried about the boutonniere moving or a bit of the metal pin showing, you can pierce the floral tape on the back of the boutonniere instead of having the pin go over the top. 

This week's LaLa Life picture was taking during a wedding I assisted Katey Manuchehri Photography in, where the groomsman was attempting to pin the groom's boutonniere. 

LaLa Life 45

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums

Week 45

As a person, I am all about being inspired and positive. Both help me immensely in all aspects of my life, including my photography work. Inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places and in this instance, the most unassuming of people.

LaLa Photography recently covered Australian Trade College of WA's class of 2011 graduation ceremony. One of the attendees at the graduation ceremony was Dr. Tony Buti, MLA for Armadale, as pictured in this week's LaLa Life.

During his address to the graduating class, teachers and board members, Dr. Buti had revealed that he had literally just come off a plane some few hours earlier from New York to attend the graduation. The purpose for his trip to New York was to participate in the renowned New York Marathon. 

Upon further investigation, I discovered that while Dr. Buti was a seasoned runner, he would train by running from Armadale to Parliament House once a week (which is a good 30km) and 10km every other day. His efforts to train for the marathon all had a purpose; he was raising money for Amnesty International, while his co-runner and former law colleague Kate Offer was raising money for World Vision.  Each runner had a target of raising $10,000 for their nominated charity in the lead up to the marathon. 

Firstly, I was inspired by Dr. Buti's outstanding work ethic; I mean, the first thing I want to do after a flight is go straight to my bed rather than go to a graduation ceremony! 

However it was Dr. Buti's dedication to training and running for the New York Marathon for charity that I was most inspired by. It has certainly encouraged me to think about what I can give back to the greater community. 

In my line of work, I am privilege to work with such amazing people, all of whom I draw inspiration from. Whether it is something one has said, the stories one tells me about their life, or even just their presence; I am spoilt for choice in where and who I can draw inspiration from. In this instance, it was a local politician. (Who would of thought? I certainly didn't!) 

LaLa Life 44

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums

Week 44

** Taken on the iPhone app Hipstamatic **

(Lens: James M - Film: Ina's 1969)

It has been a little crazy at LaLa Photography and for myself too.

A few months ago my family supported the idea of me returning to the workforce. Upon doing so, LaLa Photography decided it was time to take advantage of the beautiful weather and get busy with weddings and events. 

Thus for the past few months I have been non-stop working both at the day job and photo editing, leaving the blog and Facebook fan page a little quiet because any precious spare time I have has been allocated to spending time wit my boys. 

However temporary relief is in sight with photos of some of LaLa Photography's recent events being put onto DVD. For week 44 of LaLa Life I captured one of those DVD's, which is now ready to posted to its loving new owners and home.  

C & C Wedding

"No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever." - Francois Mauriac.

Despite the billions of people who roam this Earth, there is nothing more magical and destined than when two people find their way through the jungle that is life to find their soul mate. Such is the case with Chenda and Cameron.

Coming from such different upbringings, Chenda heralding from Cambodia and Cameron from Australia, the universe had plans for them to cross each other's path to start on a new journey together; that journey is called being husband and wife.

Even my association with Cameron was a case of two lives crossing paths; I used to work with Cameron when I was a teenage and his younger sister was a classmate of mine for many years in high school.

This blog contains a small collection of the photos LaLa Photography took on October 16, 2011 for Chenda and Cameron. At this ceremony, close friends and family in Australia witnessed Chenda and Cameron exchange wedding rings. In the new year, the newlyweds will do it all over again in front of close family and friends in Cambodia.

thank you Cameron and Chenda for the privilege of documenting this intimate ceremony of celebrating your love for each other. 

LaLa Life 43

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums

Week 43

As a wedding photographer, it is my job to capture those special moments between the newlyweds and those that they love. One of my favourite memories to capture is that special bond between daddy and his little girl and this week's LaLa Life picture really pulled my heartstrings.

This proud papa, who from Cambodia, was in Australia to attend his daughter's wedding. Her wedding was the first time he had ever left his native home. I captured this moment of him sitting in the bridal BMW car, beaming proudly at his daughter who looked like she had come straight out of a fairytale book, dressed as a beautiful princess. She was his princess. 

While he couldn't speak any English, with his daughter often interpreting and instructing him on what to do on the day, nothing speaks volumes than the facial expression of a proud daddy; happy to see his princess daughter fall in love with her prince charming, the man she truly loves and will live happily ever after. 

LaLa Life 42

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums

Week 42

It is amazing how technology has changed our lives over the course of the past few years. At a certain point in time computers were confined to a desk; too heavy to move and had to be near a telephone line so that our modems could connect to the Internet. Now, our computers are as small as the size of our palm and we can take it with us anywhere for business or leisure.

In the past I have posted on LaLa Photography's Facebook Page articles that promoted a 'gadget-free' wedding; at such weddings couples discourage their guests to use cameras and video recorders so that the appointed photographer can capture the faces of guests during the course of the wedding, rather than having faces hidden behind an electronic gadget. In this week's LaLa Life, having a gadget such as the camera phone had proven to be essential. 

During one of the weddings I covered, I noticed the random absence of particular family members during the course of the bride's preparation photos. I discovered later that they were streaming the moment through iPhone's Face Time back to the bride's home country of Cambodia. 

The live streaming of the day's events, coupled with the ability to have access to the couple's photo gallery through LaLa Photography's website, meant family and friends (who would otherwise not have been able to make the journey to the wedding), could now enjoy, and feel like they are participating in, the celebrations from the comfort of their own homes, where ever in the world they may be. 

LaLa Life 41

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums

Week 41

** Taken on the iPhone using the Instagram app **

(Filter: Nashville)

It is a relatively easy task in convincing and ensuring guests enjoy the wedding celebrations of a couple.  It is these happy emotions on the faces of guests, as well as the bridal party, that we photographers love to capture. 

The same can be said for the providers you hire to capture and run your special day.  Whether they are the photographers, the videographers or the MC, to name a few; we too like to ensure we have fun with the newlyweds and the guests. 

This week's LaLa Life is a picture of a picture; the photographers, the videographers and the MC seizing a moment during the reception to enjoy the photo-booth set up by Katey Manuchehri Photography. As the chalkboard caption states, "Thank You" for giving us the privilege to capture, particiate and enjoy your special wedding day, and while it may look like we are slacking off, "We Are Working, Really!!!" 

LaLa Life 40

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums

Week 40

** Taken on the iPhone using the Instagram app **

(Filter: Earlybird) 

On the second day of the Royal Show this year, our family woke up to grey clouds with rain drizzling down. I told Andrew that if it does rain, we wouldn't be able to go to the show. 

In response Andrew broke out into prayer. He started praying, like he was taught at school, for the rain to go away; speaking to Jesus as if He were a mate readily available on speed-dial prayer.

After a few hours the rain stopped, the grey clouds went away and out came the sunshine; Andrew's prayers were answered! By the time we left the show, the day was really warm. 

The moral of the story - praying works. Regardless of who or what you choose to believe in, if you really want something and are willing to wait for it, your prayers will be answered. Just like Andrew's! 

Felicity (my Polaroid Instax) came with me and I took a few snapshots of the boys' and cousin Kaitlyn's first visit to the Royal Show. This is LaLa Life for week 40 :) 

LaLa Life 39

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums

Week 39

This is a picture taken by a photographer of another photographer taking a picture.

Lit only by the candles on her cake, in the background is my niece Kaitlyn who was about to blow out the candles when she seized the opportunity to take a photo of her 4th birthday cake.

I couldn't help but laugh when she picked up her toy Dora camera to take a photo of her cake.  I mean, couldn't she see my big expensive camera and lens that was within the vicinity of her cake and face? She must not trust me to take a good photo of the cake or something :P

Once she took a photo of her cake, Kaitlyn fulfilled her duties as the birthday girl and blew out the candles of her cake.  It was the perfect way to say goodbye to being 3 years old and saying hello to being 4 years old. 

LaLa Life 38

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums

Week 38

** Taken on the iPhone using the Instagram app **

(Filter: Earlybird)

Greetings LaLa friends. I know it has been a little bit quiet on here but don't assume that it is because nothing is happening. 

Aside from the not-so glamourous side of managing the books, I have been seizing the opportunity to take the time to investigate new products and services which I hope to showcase when I design my new packages. I'm also excited about the upcoming wedding season, which will commence in a few weeks.

Personally, my family's 'Celebration' season has kicked off. Celebration season commences at the end of September, right through to February. In my family birthdays and anniversaries, in addition to Christmas and New Year, are concentrated within these months and it proves to be quite a busy time, as you can imagine, trying to juggle both family and photography commitments. 

So while it may be quiet now, be prepared to hear a lot more from me these upcoming weeks. Here I am sitting at my new workstation, a beautiful 27" iMac that I have to share with my husband, and sending a big *hi* to you all. 

LaLa Life 37

A photo a week in the life of LaLa Photography, using various photographic mediums.

Week 37

You may recall earlier the photo shoot I did with Aleisha and Clary who were expecting their first child. Now their special delivery has arrived, baby James, and we had the pleasure of meeting him for the first time at the hospital.

My youngest Jake was not really interested in James; he doesn’t walk or talk and he can’t play with him and his brother. When asked to say hello to baby James, he gave a gentle tug at his beanie as if to acknowledge his presence.

Andrew on the other hand *loves* babies and was very affectionate to his new cousin. He showered baby James with lots of kisses and loved feeling the delicateness of James’ skin. Andrew was so excited to meet James and, appropriately, gifted him a toy train (James from the Thomas the Tank series of course). By the time we left the hospital, Andrew wanted to take James home with us!

Congratulations to Aleisha and Clary on the birth of baby James.  May you both enjoy creating beautiful memories together as a family.