Christian's Here!!!

06.07.08
9:23 a.m.
5 lbs. 10 oz.
Kaiser Hospital (San Diego)

On Friday evening, my sister calls to let me know that she's going into labor. I immediately feel a huge rush of excitement! So, I pack some entertainment for Sophia + I'm on my way (90 mph) to the hospital :)



By the time I arrive around 7:30 p.m., she's only 1 cm dilated + you need 10 cm to give birth. So I sat back in the rocking chair, pop in Jason + Christy's favorite movie, "Knocked Up," which also happens to be the first movie they watched on their first date...LOL!



Sophia manages to keep herself busy. Don't be mistaken, she actually likes to read.



Throughout the night, Jason continues to give her so much support + lovin'



Before we arrived, they had a real scare. The baby's heart rate was going down + they were going to have a c-section but Christian fought hard to come out v-style. Here's an image of Jason in his scrubs, which the fathers/partners wear during the c-section. Jason liked playing doctor :)



Christy had an oxygen mask, which gave Christian more oxygen, thus keeping up his heart rate so it wouldn't drop again.



Jason's dad + mom stopped by for some family support.



...and then there's me.



I leave at 12:30 a.m. I get a call around 7 a.m. from Jason saying "Hey Daisy! Christian's coming in about an hour. We want you to photograph. Hurry up!"

90 mph, here I come!

My sister's only request was to stand behind her + DO NOT get any shots from below.







Contractions come + push! 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10





"PUSH!"



Welcome Christian...



Not only is Christy + Jason crying, but I'm sobbing behind my camera, barely able to see through the viewfinder. It was very emotional watching this life being born.













Awww...my sister has wanted to be a mother for soooo long.







Congratulations Christy + Jason! Christian is so beautiful + so lucky to have parents who will love + truly cherish him.

And thanks guys for letting me document this special moment for you!

Daisy

San Diego Wedding [Diep + Hai]

05.24.08

I started my 11 hour day at Diep's parents home for the two tea ceremonies. I had never photographed a tea ceremony before, but luckily I had Lynn to consult, as well as good ol' youtube + several of Diep + Hai's relatives. After that, I was good to go! The girls were all dressed in their lovely traditional wear, which I couldn't stop photographing because of their super bright colors + sequins. The dress that Diep is wearing would be one of four that she would wear that day.



The girls, along with Diep's family went inside as Hai + his side of the family showed up...in style.



They were nice enough to bring some gifts with them.









Right before entering, Hai went up to the door, knocking continuously, hoping that Diep's father would allow him to enter the house. Hai offered sums of money + gifts, of which her father eventually let Hai + his family into the house. It was very entertaining.





Tea was served to each family member + in return Diep + Hai received red envelopes of $$$ :) I soooo love this idea.









Afterwards, we headed to the church for the actual ceremony.















The flower girl, Tram, was so cute + had SO much personality! Look how helpful she is helping Diep with her train.

We then met up at the "hillcrest hillside."









The guys had me cracking up!



I thought Diep looked absolutely stunning in dress #2.









We then headed off to Jasmine Seafood Restaurant on Convoy. A 9 course meal was served throughout the night. I, being a huge food lover, couldn't resist sampling the delicious food :)







Traditionally, as the guests arrived, they would be photographed with Diep + Hai in a "prom style" set-up (as shown in the image above). Amanda 2nd shot for me + had the pleasure of photographing these wonderful group pictures. In the image above she's attempting to get "in the moment." Gotta love her focus.





After all of the guests arrived, there were many introductions + applauses.







This was truly a memorable celebration + I'm so happy that Diep + Hai chose me to photograph their wedding. I wish you so much love + happiness!!!

Daisy

prelude . San Diego Wedding [Diep + Hai]

05.24.05

I love learning new traditions + ways of doing things. This was my first Vietnamese wedding + I'm so fortunate to have photographed this super nice couple + their family + friends. Here's a a prelude of what's to come.



I will be sharing more images from this wedding soon.

Daisy