Heidi is the coolest and only sister of Tessa (whose wedding Brett and I’ve photographed 3 years ago, but I had not blogged her wedding here - Sorry Tessa! I will eventually get to it!), and it was our absolute thrill to join Heidi and Alex for their small intimate wedding/gathering at Santa Barbara Courthouse. The courthouse’s COVID rule was still pretty “strict” so only 8 people could be near the judge and couple. Heidi was six month pregnant then (and I was 6 weeks pregnant; but my pregnancy ended at 12 weeks; it happens and it’s very common…) I’m happy that we were able to celebrate that “6” week/month pregnancy together though :) hehe. Anyway, Heidi’s baby girl is expecting in Sept.!!! Ahhhhh!!! Super excited!

They’re planning to have a bigger party/reception next year and Tessa is the most excited aunt in the world to dress the baby as the flower girl. I can’t wait either!!!

“I knew to expect something special when we hired two former news photographers for ur day - but I’m seriously blown away by their work! Thank you Annie and Brett for documenting this day as only you two can.” - Akiko

Akiko and Sebastian’s wedding at Valentine DTLA was filled with love and celebrations with people who hadn’t been able to see one another since the pandemic started.

Akiko is a TV journalist - sounds familiar? yes, I was a journalist too! hehe, and Sebastian is a DP (director of photography). They met online back in 2015, when they were both living in LA. Akiko didn't have a profile photo set up - so Sebastian took a leap of faith in reaching out. They met up for lunch in downtown first and spent the first 6 months of our relationship in LA. Then, Akiko decided to take a job in Singapore, and they began a near 4 year long, long-distance journey. Sebastian works freelance as a DP, he was able to fly in for several weeks to a month at a time. He also took up some jobs in Southeast Asia so they could be in the same city for longer. After 2.5 years in Singapore, Akiko decided to move to Hong Kong with the same company (the opportunity was just too good to pass up!). So they spent another year of long distance, this time between Hong Kong and LA. The plan was to eventually move back to LA (where Sebastian is based), but when another job opportunity popped up in New York in 2019, he encouraged her to take it. For the last 2+ years, he has been splitting time between LA and New York, where Akiko is currently based.

“Put simply, our relationship has been all about managing different cities and travel, and finding a way to stay in the same city.”

It’s not uncommon I get hired by friends and family members of my previous clients. It’s actually the best when that happens. Amy is Mandy’s sister, and Brett and I have photographed Mandy and Matt’s wedding in 2018.

Amy and Joe met 10 years ago at work, and as a couple, they try has hard as they can to be equal in all things, “from chores to bills!” They’re pretty chill and their intimate, shoe-less, beach wedding in Carpinteria cannot represent them better. Personally it was also so great seeing Mandy’s growing family. xoxo