Letlove Photography Turns ONE~

Tina here~

It's that time to feature one of C&C "Super Stars".  I've know this talented woman for over a decade now, starting back in the late 90's to be exact.  She has that spunk, and that all around friendliness, with that spark and outgoing vibe that sometimes I wish more people had in this world, including yours truly.  She knows exactly how to make you feel you're worth it and reminds you how valuable of a person you are.  And if you set your mind toward a goal, toward a dream, she lets you see how it can be achieved, just like her dream of capturing memories from her prized possession of a camera through the images she calls photographs. 

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It doesn't amaze me that she has gained admirers with every shot taken and shared-she's knows her stuff. That's basically one of the strongest foundations toward building a successful business...your ability to maintain a long-term customer/client relationship, and she has that and more to create successes.  I seriously can go on and on and on about this chick, whom I've grown to love like a sister.  I've mentioned her name and shared her passion many times throughout my posts. And I'm gonna share her again with you all by having her step aside from her busy schedule.  As she celebrates Letlove Photography's one year anniversary this month of July, I wanted to join in on the party by having a Q&A session with the one and only Lileth D. Rau.  

A Q&A session with the remarkable Lileth of Letlove Photography

What brought you to where you are as a photographer?

Many things have brought me to where I am today, as a person, and as a photographer. I have participated and have had art as a part of my life since I was young, and it played a part of me especially through hard times.  I was always very shy to show or even tell people about it because I was pretty insecure about people's critiques especially my own.  Photography was a part of me growing up and I feel so lucky that it has made its way back in my life.  Back then, photography wasn't as accessible as it is now and I thank my husband Matt for buying me my first digital camera. =)

 

The most rewarding part is...

Getting "the shot" …the ones that make me feel all googly and excited about because it's the photograph that will remind them of their special day, the way they felt, and who they are.  Being the person who gets to experience their special day with them is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding part for me.  I get to be present, to feel and to document their day so that they can remember those moments all over again.  When I can see that my photo has impacted someone, even just a happy sigh of remembering and feeling, that's when I know I have accomplished something rewarding.

What is your most favorite lens and why?

I love prime lenses, and if I really have to pick one, it would be my 50mm- it shoots and sees as natural as what your eyes can see.  Through my eyes it just makes yummy images!

 

So far, the most memorable shoot or event that Letlove Photography took part of is...

So far it would be the proposal shoot. It was a tender moment, exciting, and so intimate. I kept saying to myself, "Wow, I was able to be a part of something so beautiful and I get to be the one to document those moments with my camera." It was a surreal feeling, and I'm going to hold on to that for a very long time.

 

If you could photograph anyone in the world, who would that person be and why?

I would have loved to be a part of the crew that shot the Royal Wedding. It’s such a fairy tale experience, Enchanting, and just plain exciting. Otherwise, it would be Johnny Depp or Matt Damon because they're my celebrity crushes. =)

 

What advice can you give to other people wanting to pursue a career like yours or any business?

Don't give up, keep hustling, work hard, learn, stay humble, be innovative, practice-practice-practice, and believe in your craft. I know it's hard, because I'm still trying to believe in mine. But the more you tell yourself that " I am amazing." Amazing things will happen.

 

What have you learned in just the 1 year you've been in business?

I can't believe it's been one year already. Crazy! Well, to answer that....there are always going to be hurdles to jump over, set backs, insecurities, unexpected moments that will make you think twice- but if you surround yourself with positive thoughts and supportive people, continue to work hard, believe in yourself and keep learning-success will follow.

 

What is your most favorite food to eat?

Steak and fries.

 

If you can be anywhere in the world, where would you be right at this moment?

Somewhere in Europe taking pictures.

 

What kind of legacy do you plan to leave with your family and friends who are dear to you?

If you infuse LOVE into everything, magical things can happen.  It's true!  Try it!  =)

Mr. & Mrs. Jose & Hazel Aleman ~ Togetherness

What more can I say about these two “unneys” who have become very special and important people in my life.  Their unity into one became official on Saturday, May 28, 2011 in San Ramon, California.  Introducing my dear friends Hazel Arlan Aleman and Jose Aleman. 

Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography

A FRIEND'S PERSPECTIVE: Looking through old photographs and film strips taken with my non-digital camera back then, it's easy to recollect as far as over a decade ago, when we all started to hang out as one big group of friends, who then became inseparable through the years.  From the nights after work and school, driving 45 minutes away to kick it for a couple hours, and laughing at jokes until our stomach hurts, these are memories treasured for a lifetime.

 

Hazel's birthday 2004

 

As the years passed and we continued to make the most of our time together as friends by planning out our fun adventures, (as matron of honor Lileth mentioned in her speech) an undercover love blossomed in the midst of all this.  And from then on, Jose and Hazel stayed in love, keeping each other company only to make it a permanent promise of forever and "Togetherness" before their family and friends on May 28, 2011.

It's hard to put it into words how much their different personalities compliment each other.  It helps them realize another side of them undiscovered, and it's just simply beautiful. I can't be happier for these two and the steps they've made in their relationship and personal lives.


Happy Engagement June 2009
 

A WEDDING PLANNER'S PERSPECTIVE: When Hazel asked us to help coordinate this wedding, we couldn't be more ecstatic to help create their orange "togetherness" theme into something they've always dreamed about.  I'll admit we were a little shocked of the estimated guest count (an army of over "300").  But we weren't reluctant at all, because we knew this could challenge us for the better, and we wanted that drive to help build our C&C portfolio. Courtney & I were honored that they asked us for assistance.

We started 5 months prior to the wedding date, and Hazel pretty much had everything in order. She had her vendors all lined up, and her vision mapped out in her head. She did a great job following timelines and in knowing what she wanted.  We noticed that in the midst of all the planning, some minor details weren't thoroughly decided on and she surprised herself and was thankful that we were there to step in.  Weeks and then months would pass, and so did hundreds of emails exchanged between us, the bride and groom and their vendors, changing, adding, and confirming anything leading to their big day.

It all came down to the wire a couple weeks before the wedding. Hazel's nerves were calm, and we did our best to help keep them that way.  As they both continued to recite their moves for their special first dance in their heads, Courtney & I continued to dance around the production of this wedding, making the flow as fun as possible, and of course keeping things in tact and ready to go.  For me, it was time for a double-duty role of a bridesmaid and maintaining my C&C stature.  Minor "road blocks" (literally), and unusual Memorial holiday weekend weather played factors in the little challenges that we ran into.  But overall, the pleasure of orchestrating this huge wedding turned out better than expected for our clients and their family and friends and especially for us.  And the satisfaction and smiles on the faces of all in attendance is all we could ever ask for.  It turned out to be a beautiful success.

Speaking of beautiful, Hazel was stunning in her Sophia Tolli bridal gown, which she purchased at Trudy's Brides in Campbell, CA. Her long black hair bunned to the side with two exotic orange/yellow cymbidium orchid flowers clipped to her hair.  Her semi-cascade bouquet of orange callas exquisitely accented her beautiful gown - no doubt. It was just insanely gorgeous! 

 
Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography

To match her color theme, her matron of honors wore a burnt orange colored poly chiffon Jasmine Belsoie one shoulder gown, while her bridesmaids showed off their one shoulder, iridescent chiffon Venus knee-length dresses in an orange burnt color as well. In hand, the ladies carried a bright colored bouquet of orange and red roses in full bloom to radiate any room.



Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography

Jose, the handsome groom, held it together wearing a sand/tan colored suit rented at Selix (which in return gave 10% back to their church). Jose suit was matched with a white collared shirt and white tie, accompanied with a simple orange calla boutonniere. The best men and groomsmen wore the same exact colored suit from Selix as well, but with a burnt orange tie. To make it enjoyable, all the guys, including the groom switched up their black dress shoes after the ceremony, to their Converse brown Chucks, a gift from Jose.


Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography

At the wedding reception, everyone enjoyed themselves from the moment they entered the Canyon View Dining Hall. Reunions, hugs and conversations of playing "catch-up" among family and friends were positioned at every corner of the room. The line to the cash bar extended its way toward the center of the room, and while hors d'oeuvres were passed around, people wasted no time to get a sample.


Photo taken by Abraham Arriola

The sign-in area was beautifully decorated with elegant orange cymbidium orchids and the couple's pictures in all sizes displayed on the sign-in table and on Canyon View's baby grand piano. As an added decor, Hazel was given 50 orange ribbon cranes as a wedding gift from her friend Theresa Kuo. She had them on bbq sticks so they stood upright in a vase. The ribbon cranes represented friendship, which was easily viewed as another theme throughout the room.


Photo taken by Abraham Arriola

Hazel had gotten her seating chart with guest names and table #'s printed at Kinko's. Guest tables #'s represented all the places Hazel & Jose traveled together for the past 7 years that they've been together.  With 31 tables, we wanted to make it easy for their guests to know where in the room they were sitting. So Courtney creatively put together a map of the tables onto a poster board.  From the seating chart, guests walked a couple steps to find out where their table was located in the banquet hall by using our table chart.


Photo taken by RichWayDidHeGo

Photo taken by RichWayDidHeGo

The night continued on until 11:30 pm.  The wedding was filled with so much love, tears of happiness, groovy entertainment, touching speeches, delicious food and desserts, dances, and all that good stuff in between to commemorate the devotion and joy this couple brings to many people in their lives.



Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography

C&C couldn't have been more lucky to work with such a darling couple such as Hazel and Jose (we thank them from the bottom of our hearts).  And now they embark the journey together, married hand-in-hand, in love with life, God, family, friends...which all equals their TOGETHERNESS theme for all the years to come.


Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography

** MANY THANKS to Courtney for running the day-of logistics and setting up the ceremony and reception. I know it wasn't easy work, but you made it happen so big-ups to you girl! 



Photo taken by Abraham Arriola


Special shout outs to Lionel & Jay (C&C's better halves) in helping with the set-up of 334 name cards, programs, favors, etc...and making sure our blueprint was to a tee.  Props to our friends who pulled through when asked for help in certain areas. You guys rock!



Shout out to the following vendors (whom we had the pleasure working with):

Officiant: Pastor Reuel Calica of Faith Bible Church, Vallejo, California

Photographers: Augie Chang and Chantel of Augie Chang Photography

Videographer: Jesse Garrison and team of Shakewell Productions

Photobooth and Uplighting: SF Photobooth/Denon & Doyle Event Entertainment

Music: Groovetek's DJ Curt Fong and Emcee Ervin Ramos

Linens: Hartmann Studios

Flowers/Centerpieces: Nicole Ha of Floral & Event Design

Stationery: Wenda of The Pulp Studio

Cake/Cupcakes: Dannielle Nogaliza

Photo Montage: Angelica Siador

Tuxedo Rentals: Selix

Dresses: Trudy's Brides

Hair: Kimberly Prado (kimberlygprado@yahoo.com)

Make-up: Tiffany Vu

Choreographer: Maricha Dagcuta

Entourage Shuttle Bus: Napa Valley Transportation

Ceremony/Reception site: Sabrina & staff at Canyon View Dining Hall

Accommodations: San Ramon Marriott

  

 Photo taken by Augie Chang Photography

~ Happily Ever After ~

"Cournel" Engagement

Tina here~

 

You want to see a charming definition of LOVE?   

Having known Courtney for almost a decade now and meeting Lionel a couple years ago, I can't express how happy I am that they have decided to take it to the next level. They get along so well together that it's inevitable they have a strong friendship and bond of love with each other.  

I know for Lionel (and like any other guy out there), this was a nerve-wrecking moment.  But he was also confident that it was time and he couldn't have been more right.  

 

A family photo shoot = the perfect proposal 

 

I advised him that if he ever got nervous at any moment before the proposal, to look into Skunk's eyes so his fears will calm its way back to normal. I mean. I guess you gotta know Skunk that way-he has that certain affect on people. :P

Congratulations to my dear friend and C&C “pea-partner” in crime Courtney & her new fiancé Lionel. Court, lesdodis!!  And thanks L, for letting me be a part of the behind the scene planning.  ;)   In Courtney's words: "God Speed!"

 

 

** Props to Letlove Photography for capturing such stunning photos of the newly engaged. With every photo shoot, you continue to climb your way up and show your top-notch skills.  I’m proud of you Let!

Letlove Photo Shoot

See, I told you I’d bring her up again sooner or later… 

Court & I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Letlove herself of Letlove Photography a couple weeks ago. Even though we thought we were pretty sure we didn’t need a fancy background and we wanted it to be easy on the eyes for our website, we just couldn’t resist the beauty of what the coast offers. And that’s the view of the Pacific Ocean. 

So we hopped in the car after meeting with Let at her beautiful home in Pacifica, and took a stroll on Hwy 1. We could’ve stopped anywhere, to be honest, but we wanted a bit of seclusion.  We parked and although the wind wasn’t cooperating and we were near a parking lot area (no privacy - eh, all good), Let still snapped away & captured some great photos.  She also took us to a near-by secluded field near her home and continued to showcase her vision for nature’s beauty and placing us right smack in the middle of it. Phenomenal outcome! 

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She’s a natural at hand, has a thirst for life’s moments, and knows when and how to make you laugh and feel pretty.  Courtney & I commend Lileth on a job well done.  And even when not feeling 100%, she photographed with all her might.  That tells you how truly dedicated she is and how much she loves her passion for capturing memorable and timeless moments to be treasured for lifetimes.  Thanks Let! Keep doing what you’re doing. We love you! 

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