Lifestyle · Ursula + Anais' Quinceañera

Had the joy of photographing Ursula & Anais' quinceañera with my cousin, Donmiguel Luis, on a warm Saturday evening in San Jose, CA. From the exquisite decorations to the masquerade ball-esque theme, everything was set up and executed with great fashion. This was also only my second time photographing a birthday/event in which there were two celebrants (the last - and first - similar event to this one was Twintillion back in March of 2013) that were sisters (unlike Twintillion, though, Ursula was turning 16 and Anais was turning 15; they simply decided to celebrate their respective quinceañeras on the same night), giving a very different and unique experience that constantly had Donmiguel and I running around, trigger happy with our cameras. When it all boils down to it, however, Ursula & Anais' quinceañera was an absolute blast to photograph with a seemingly-endless amount of memories made from the beginning to the end. 

Lifestyle · Gel's Cotillion

Had an absolutely wonderful time photographing Gel's 18th birthday celebration. From the overall location and set-up of the venue up to the nitty-gritty, itty-bitty detail, everything was prime. This cotillion, in particular, also reminded me of how much help an entourage that cooperates with you accordingly can be. Communication is key, from the beginning to the end, to make anything as effective as it can truly be - from friendships to relationships to even photographing an event! 

Lifestyle · Gardelle's Cotillion

One of the things that I enjoy most about photographing cotillions is seeing how filipino culture immerses itself in so many different areas. Today's cotillion's topic of interest? Dance. 

Gardelle's cotillion was strongly centered around movement, being a member of a dance group, which seamlessly fueled the energy in the venue throughout the entirety of the night. From the laughs that were made as jokes were cracked, to the tears that were shed during the heartwarming speeches from the eighteen candles and roses, to the ooh's, ahh's, and cheers that the guests made after the end of every performance as they simply kicked back and enjoyed the celebration of a girl's eighteen years of life - everything was done in an exquisite manner. The blood, sweat, and tears could be felt in a sentimental sense as Gardelle and her entourage gave it their all during every piece, making this cotillion a performance recital in it's own right. 

Lifestyle · Rinna + Jullian

Some say that opposites attract, while the latter states otherwise. Today’s subjects at hand that represent the latter? Jullian & Rinna.

From their passion for sneakers that they share which had initially started back in their good ‘ole high school days, to their ever growing love for photography and videography that strengthens just as much as their current bond and relationship does, one thing has been apparent with these two since the beginning: they epitomize the typical cliché of “you always fall for your best friend”, and transcend above that matter.

I had the pleasure of photographing their two-year anniversary on a chilly Friday night in Dolores Park just as the sun had began to set, and what I absolutely love about these two is the energy that they both bring. Each and every time I see them, whether it be a chance to hang out with them or a simple hello and goodbye, dull moments never come into play. This outing was no different from the rest, where laughs were shared throughout the entirety.

Surely, to get the full gist of it, one would have had to witness the shoot in person to get the exact, legitimate feel of the moment – that’s the way things go with just about anything. Having said that, I feel that I’ve conveyed their quirky, carefree natures in the best possible way that I could in the images you see below.