Here's why we LOVE technology! A VERY sweet first dance with her mother in video attendance.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Donna's Perfect Match
Before I post the WEDDING REALNESS blog of this past Saturday’s blissful wedding of Donna & Leo, I wanted to share a very moving and inspirational story of Donna’s cancer survival when she was only 9 years old.
Here’s a newspaper post http://newark.patch.com/articles/newark-woman-finds-her-match-twice
And a video that was shared on The Filipino Channel last week: http://youtu.be/IWW2qRbZGwY
I guess you can say that finding her “match” was a beautiful success….twice.
Here’s to love, blessings, and LIFE~
Friday, August 12, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
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.
[caption id="attachment_574" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="~beautiful in her soul & all around~"]
[/caption]
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.
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.
[caption id="attachment_574" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="~beautiful in her soul & all around~"]
[/caption]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! =)
Friday, July 15, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
"Marriage & Money" written by: Robert Kiyosaki
** Here's a great read for all of us...a reminder of how to stay commited to making Marriage and Money work in your relationship. It's inspired me and my husband, hope it does the same for you. Enjoy**
In the early 1980’s, I saw a cute blond and fell head over heels in love. That cute blond was Kim. We started dating, and eventually we got married. She’s the love of my life, my best friend, and the reason why I’m successful today. Over the years, our marriage has gotten stronger and better. I thank God for her everyday.
A lot of people see Kim and I today and think we’re happy because we’re rich. The reality is that when I met Kim, I was broke and a million dollars in debt after the failure of my first business selling rock and roll Velcro wallets. Thankfully, Kim stuck with me, and I know that Kim isn’t with me because of my money—and I’m not with her because of hers!
For many years, Kim and I struggled financially. In that respect, we were no different than many young couples. I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was stressful at times, but we worked together as a team, persevered, and had a plan.
According to a recent study by Utah State University, the biggest thing couples fight about is money. No surprise there. Money is important for happiness, health, and harmony. When you don’t have enough money to pay the bills, take care of your family, and have a little fun together, it’s a big stress. And it’s an even bigger stress when you know you don’t have enough because of financial mistakes made by one spouse or both.
Money is such a big stress that couples that fight about money more than once a week have a 30 percent higher chance of divorce.
It’s a shame that money causes people who once loved each other to break up. Usually, after asking people who share their stories a few pointed questions, I find that most breakups caused by money are a result of bad planning, poor financial intelligence, and unmet and unexpressed expectations.
Because a rich life is about more than just what’s in your bank account, I thought I’d share a few thoughts here on how to make marriage and money work.
Make a plan
When Kim and I were broke, we still knew where we were going. Each year, we’d sit down and write out our financial goals. For me, it was starting a financial education company, building businesses, and investing in oil and real estate. For Kim, it was building a substantial real estate portfolio.
Each month, we’d sit down and discuss what we were doing to accomplish those goals, encourage each other, and make adjustments as needed. Everything in our life was directed towards reaching our goals, which helped us with spending decisions, life choices, and commitments.
Most importantly, we communicated our goals, and there was a clear understanding of expectations on both sides.
Encourage independence
Since we were both broke when we got married, we depended on each other instead of one person depending on the other. I was no sugar daddy, and Kim wasn’t my sugar mama. Instead, we grew together.
Today, Kim and I have separate accounts, investments, and ventures. We’re both wealthy and don’t need each other. This makes it much easier to want each other. Because we each take care of our financial houses, it eliminates much stress and fighting.
Be a team
Even though we’re independent financially, we’re still a team and we know that as a team we share in each other’s problems and celebrate each other’s victories.
As a team, we communicate constantly, making changes as needed. I seek Kim for advice on my financial ventures, and she does the same. If there are problems, we help each other out. And like a team, we’re not competing against each other. We want to see each other win and we cheer each other on.
Increase your financial education
The first gift I ever bought Kim was a class on accounting. I knew her goal of becoming a real estate investor and I knew she’d need to know accounting. For years, we worked on our financial education, often reading books together, taking classes together, and attending seminars together. Now, we write books together, teach classes together, and give seminars together—and we’re still learning.
In a marriage, both partners need to be financially independent. This means both partners need to be financially intelligent and committed to always increasing financial education.
This has always been out goal as a couple, and today, because Kim is so smart financially, she’s independently wealthy.
Learn from mistakes (and laugh)
Finally, understand that life is a journey. Many couples have a hard time with financial mistakes because they have the expectation that hard times won’t or shouldn’t come. Every couple faces hard financial times. It’s your response to them as a couple that will make or break your marriage.
For Kim and I, we always looked at our setbacks as learning opportunities. And because we were a team, we tackled those problems together—and learned from them together.
Also, we laughed together a lot. Kim is my best friend. When life get’s hard, it also often gets absurd. If you can’t stand back with your best friend and laugh at the difficulties and absurdities of life, you’re screwed.
One of the best ways to get financially smarter is to take mistakes as learning opportunities and to stay positive and good humored together.
In the early 1980’s, I saw a cute blond and fell head over heels in love. That cute blond was Kim. We started dating, and eventually we got married. She’s the love of my life, my best friend, and the reason why I’m successful today. Over the years, our marriage has gotten stronger and better. I thank God for her everyday.
A lot of people see Kim and I today and think we’re happy because we’re rich. The reality is that when I met Kim, I was broke and a million dollars in debt after the failure of my first business selling rock and roll Velcro wallets. Thankfully, Kim stuck with me, and I know that Kim isn’t with me because of my money—and I’m not with her because of hers!
For many years, Kim and I struggled financially. In that respect, we were no different than many young couples. I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was stressful at times, but we worked together as a team, persevered, and had a plan.
According to a recent study by Utah State University, the biggest thing couples fight about is money. No surprise there. Money is important for happiness, health, and harmony. When you don’t have enough money to pay the bills, take care of your family, and have a little fun together, it’s a big stress. And it’s an even bigger stress when you know you don’t have enough because of financial mistakes made by one spouse or both.
Money is such a big stress that couples that fight about money more than once a week have a 30 percent higher chance of divorce.
It’s a shame that money causes people who once loved each other to break up. Usually, after asking people who share their stories a few pointed questions, I find that most breakups caused by money are a result of bad planning, poor financial intelligence, and unmet and unexpressed expectations.
Because a rich life is about more than just what’s in your bank account, I thought I’d share a few thoughts here on how to make marriage and money work.
Make a plan
When Kim and I were broke, we still knew where we were going. Each year, we’d sit down and write out our financial goals. For me, it was starting a financial education company, building businesses, and investing in oil and real estate. For Kim, it was building a substantial real estate portfolio.
Each month, we’d sit down and discuss what we were doing to accomplish those goals, encourage each other, and make adjustments as needed. Everything in our life was directed towards reaching our goals, which helped us with spending decisions, life choices, and commitments.
Most importantly, we communicated our goals, and there was a clear understanding of expectations on both sides.
Encourage independence
Since we were both broke when we got married, we depended on each other instead of one person depending on the other. I was no sugar daddy, and Kim wasn’t my sugar mama. Instead, we grew together.
Today, Kim and I have separate accounts, investments, and ventures. We’re both wealthy and don’t need each other. This makes it much easier to want each other. Because we each take care of our financial houses, it eliminates much stress and fighting.
Be a team
Even though we’re independent financially, we’re still a team and we know that as a team we share in each other’s problems and celebrate each other’s victories.
As a team, we communicate constantly, making changes as needed. I seek Kim for advice on my financial ventures, and she does the same. If there are problems, we help each other out. And like a team, we’re not competing against each other. We want to see each other win and we cheer each other on.
Increase your financial education
The first gift I ever bought Kim was a class on accounting. I knew her goal of becoming a real estate investor and I knew she’d need to know accounting. For years, we worked on our financial education, often reading books together, taking classes together, and attending seminars together. Now, we write books together, teach classes together, and give seminars together—and we’re still learning.
In a marriage, both partners need to be financially independent. This means both partners need to be financially intelligent and committed to always increasing financial education.
This has always been out goal as a couple, and today, because Kim is so smart financially, she’s independently wealthy.
Learn from mistakes (and laugh)
Finally, understand that life is a journey. Many couples have a hard time with financial mistakes because they have the expectation that hard times won’t or shouldn’t come. Every couple faces hard financial times. It’s your response to them as a couple that will make or break your marriage.
For Kim and I, we always looked at our setbacks as learning opportunities. And because we were a team, we tackled those problems together—and learned from them together.
Also, we laughed together a lot. Kim is my best friend. When life get’s hard, it also often gets absurd. If you can’t stand back with your best friend and laugh at the difficulties and absurdities of life, you’re screwed.
One of the best ways to get financially smarter is to take mistakes as learning opportunities and to stay positive and good humored together.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
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 ~
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