Mark Brooke PhotoBlog :: GET SOME!! http://www.blog.markbrooke.com orange county wedding photography Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:20:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Franco and Abby :: back on the “workout train”. http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/franco-and-abby-back-on-the-workout-train/ http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/franco-and-abby-back-on-the-workout-train/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:31:48 +0000 admin http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/?p=1982 Like most people, Mark and I find ourselves super dedicated to the gym/ working out one month and over it the next. It’s hard to keep a consistent work out schedule when you have a little one and a schedule that is all over the place. Some days, we’re at home and other days, we’re in a different state. But excuses aside, today was my first day back in action at the gym. And like expected, it kicked my butt! Now that I am in my mid-twenties I have to accept the truth: I can’t eat what ever I want and I can’t not workout and still expect a great figure. This has been the hardest concept for Mark. He has always been “that skinny kid”, but now we both realize it’s going to take work to keep the word “skinny” in our vocabulary. I would love some suggestions on what everyone else does out there to keep in shape. Do you diet? Do you go to the gym? How long have you worked out? Do you get to eat whatever you want? I am super curious. And for those of you who are just “naturally” hot/fit keep your comments to yourself (Nellie Chan) lol!

Franco and Abby are awesome. They consider their first date a trip to see the Dalai Lama (thats a rad first date!!!). They both are in love with traveling and seeing the world. So it was only appropriate that Franco proposed while on a trip to Yellow Stone. While shooting their e-session, Mark described them as, “full of energy and laughs”. They say that laughing is good for the soul and if that’s the case, Franco and Abby have very healthy souls. We are thrilled to be a part of their wedding this October! Here are just a few of our favorite images:

]]> http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/franco-and-abby-back-on-the-workout-train/feed/ 3 Labor Day “Sneak Peek” ! http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/labor-day-sneak-peek/ http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/labor-day-sneak-peek/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:57:02 +0000 admin http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/?p=1972

Labor Day is just around the corner. The first thought that comes to mind when we say “Labor Day” is the common rule ,”dont wear white after Labor Day”. Why that is a rule I dont know, but for some reason that is what goes through my head.  Mark and I will be spending our Labor Day BBQing, and hanging out with friends. I have been itching to bust out the badminton, probably because that is one of the only games I am still good at.

The photo below is a “sneak peek” to an awesome Labor Day shoot we did last week! I am super excited to share the rest of the photos with you on Monday!

]]> http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/labor-day-sneak-peek/feed/ 4 Alison and Ryan Married :: First Bdays http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/alison-and-ryan-married-first-bdays/ http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/alison-and-ryan-married-first-bdays/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:22:55 +0000 admin http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/?p=1965 Its hard for me to believe that Mark and I have been parents for almost a year! In less then 25 days Wyatt will be celebrating his first birthday! I am not sure what theme we are going to go with but I know its going to be located at the “water spigots” in Ladera Ranch.  Its a weird feeling to think how fast this year has gone, and yet we still have 17 more years to go :) Wyatt is almost walking…. I say almost because some days he prefers crawling and other days he acts like he has been walking for months…. He brings so much joy into Mark and my life. I am excited to post about his Bday in a few weeks.

Alison and Ryan are Married! They have a very interesting love story (to say the least). They met in Junior High in Japan… then went to the same high school in California…. then after college Alison almost got hit by a car while riding her bike…. the driver was Ryan. Since then they knew that being together was fate! They dated for a total of 3.5 years before Ryan popped the questions, and Mark and I are so glad he did because their wedding was amazing!!!! The clients that put their own little “spin” on their wedding are the best! Alison and Ryan had so many great details at their wedding. We have been so excited to share this post with you! Here are just a few of our favorite images.

]]> http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/alison-and-ryan-married-first-bdays/feed/ 9 Article 2: Hip groomsmen attire http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/article-2-hip-groomsmen-attire/ http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/article-2-hip-groomsmen-attire/#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:44:46 +0000 admin http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/?p=1951 You found your dress, which is clearly the most important part when it comes to “attire”, and your best ladies are set up with perfect dresses… but now what do you do with all those guys? Finding stylish outfits for your groom and groomsmen will compliment the look of your bridal party! When coordinating attire here are some fun tips to keep your groomsmen looking sharp and fashionable.

Consider using neckwear that is out of the ordinary and that makes a rad statement. These funky bow-ties scream, “Hey ladies! Your outfits can’t have all the fun!” Not only that, a fun colored bow tie adds a splash of color and spice to their suits.

Awesome footwear is key to giving your men a little extra flavor and polishing off any ordinary suit. Take a look at these socks! Giving your groomsmen the opportunity to choose some interesting sock can be a fun way to incorporate  personal flair and style.

We never get tired of seeing a classic pair of Chucks make their debut in an elegant wedding. Fun shoes say, “we like to party” and can provide a little extra comfort to make sure your bridal party is free to bust their moves on the dance floor!

underestimate the impact a unique boutonniere make. Think about your grooms attire as a blank canvass. You start with the black suite and add on the “awesomeness”.

In short, let your men shine! Why do the the girls get to be the only ones with the great accessories. Some of the best weddings are those that  the bride and groom put great details into every area of their wedding….. including the guys!

]]> http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/article-2-hip-groomsmen-attire/feed/ 0 Bernalyn and Ed married :: Book Suggestions? http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/bernalyn-and-ed-married-book-suggestions/ http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/bernalyn-and-ed-married-book-suggestions/#comments Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:16:10 +0000 admin http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/?p=1956 Tonight Mark and I are leaving for a SUPER QUICK trip to Utah….. Every time we go on a long driving trip, Mark and I love to listen to a book on CD. Since we are both not natural readers that enjoy just snuggling up with a  good book, we have to get our “read on” in other ways. I am really curious if anyone has any suggestions. I know Mark is probably desperate for suggestions since last time I made him sit through a 6 hour drive with the book “twilight” playing in the background (yes, “that” Vampire movie/book). I was hoping to listen to a great biz book or something that inspires me.  Much appreciated!!!

Bernalyn and Ed got married last weekend in San Diego! Bern and Ed are awesome in so many ways! They love the Dogers… I actually think Bern even said, “if you cut us,  we will bleed Doger blue (and a little Eagle green)”, lol…. they are funny, and such nice people! They met many years ago and just knew they had something special, AND THEY DO! Their wedding was amazing and such an honor to be apart of. She had a team of amazing bridesmaids and a group of awesome groomsmen, all who really helped them celebrate their day properly. There were so many fun photos from the day, but here are just a few of our favorite!

]]> http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/bernalyn-and-ed-married-book-suggestions/feed/ 7 ARTICLE 1: How to choose a veil http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/article-1-how-to-choose-a-veil/ http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/article-1-how-to-choose-a-veil/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:30:54 +0000 admin http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/?p=1871 As a bride, one of the most important accessories to choose is what type of veil to wear on your special day!  From a Spanish-styled cathedral veil to a vintage-like birdcage veil, it seems like the opportunities are endless.  Having the right veil can highlight your features and be the final touch that transforms you from a woman into a BRIDE!

According to The Knot, there are 9 types of veils!  However, the biggest question you may be asking yourself is, “Should I wear a long or a short veil?”

There is something so classic about wearing a long, cascading veil.  The thought of having your veil lifted off your face as you meet your groom or having your veil flow in the wind is every little girl’s dream.

Interested in wearing a short veil?  Here at Mark Brooke, we have been seeing more and more brides rocking the birdcage veil!  These simple, netted veils are cheaper than most long veils and fuss-free.

Now that you know about the benefits of wearing a long or short veil, how do you choose once-and-for-all what you want for your wedding day?  Here are some things to keep in mind about choosing your veil:

1. Style! It is important to choose a veil that flatters the style of wedding dress you’ll be wearing.  If your dress is short and retro looking, a birdcage veil is the way to go.  However, if you have a long dress with lace, a traditional veil may be more flattering.  Also, keep in mind the details of your dress.  You want your veil to compliment your dress, not take away from it.

2. Comfort! Remember- unless you plan on changing/taking off your veil, you’ll be wearing it the entire day.  Choose a veil that doesn’t irritate your scalp and that you feel comfortable dancing the night away wearing!  Be sure to also keep in mind where you’ll be placing the veil on your head.  This not only affects the length of the veil, but also how comfortable it fits.

3. Personality! The most important thing is to be YOU!  Stay true to your personal fashion and allow that to reflect through your headpiece.  Remember, your guests should be telling you how beautiful YOU are, not your outfit.

Happy wedding planning!

]]> http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/article-1-how-to-choose-a-veil/feed/ 0 Brittany and Matt engaged Part 2. :: Classes are filling up. http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/brittany-and-matt-engaged-part-2-classes-are-filling-up/ http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/brittany-and-matt-engaged-part-2-classes-are-filling-up/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:59:14 +0000 admin http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/?p=1929 If you are a photographer, I am sure you know that BOOKING SEASON is almost here! Mark and I started teaching classes this year that are topic specific to help photographers grow their business. We are offering three different classes so make sure you check them out before things fill up :) (limited seating)!!

Booking out your year class: September 12th, 2:00-4:00. $200
[CLICK HERE!]

Here is the 2nd half of Matt and Brittanys engagement session. We shot this while we were in NY for three weeks. There is something really special about this portion of the shoot because Matt and Brittany are getting married on a boat. Obviously much bigger than the one in these photos :) . So when we saw the sail boat, we knew we had to use it in a few photos. We could not have asked for a better day to shoot, the weather was perfect! Here are just a few of our favorite shots!

]]> http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/brittany-and-matt-engaged-part-2-classes-are-filling-up/feed/ 4 Julie and Art Engaged! http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/julie-and-art-engaged/ http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/julie-and-art-engaged/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:33:24 +0000 admin http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/?p=1872 Julie and Art are such fun clients. I have everyone fill out an “about me” page when they become a Mark Brooke Client. When I got their page back, I was cracking up laughing. They are sarcastic and super random….Which we love! Julie and Art met at UCLA (which is where we did their E-session). They met over a long conversation that involved music and margaritas. From that moment on they began to date and start an awesome relationship together. Art proposed to Julie in Italy while she was working on her PHD! They are so cute, and we could not be more excited to be apart of their wedding in a few weeks! Here are just a few of our favorite images.

]]> http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/julie-and-art-engaged/feed/ 1 Brittany and Matt engaged :: Mark Brooke Classes http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/brittany-and-matt-engaged-mark-brooke-classes/ http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/brittany-and-matt-engaged-mark-brooke-classes/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:16:46 +0000 admin http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/?p=1862 Mark and I have started to teach classes to photographers in our area and nearby states + Booking season is ALMOST here (September – February). Because of that, we are going to be teaching a few more classes to help you get all ready for the 2011 wedding season. Our classes are two hours long and topic specific. We find that these classes are super beneficial for someone that does not have all day to commit to learning, or might only want to cover one topic at a time. We have attached each class below. Make sure you click on the title to get a better idea of what each class will cover. Here they are!

Booking out your year class: September 12th, 2:00-4:00. $200
[CLICK HERE!]

Matt and Brittany…. Do they look familiar? Brittany is my little sister, and soon to be Mrs Montgomery. Matt and Brittany met on a blind date in high school, and have been dating ever since. While we were in New York I was able to shoot the first part of their E-session (Mark shot the other half which will be posted another day). Matt and Brittany are perfect for each other. They seriously compliment each other in so many ways. I am so excited for their wedding (especially since I get to be the maid of honor). So here is Part 1 to an awesome e-session :)

]]> http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/brittany-and-matt-engaged-mark-brooke-classes/feed/ 4 Sean and Nicole Married :: Photographer News http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/sean-and-nicole-married-photographer-news/ http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/sean-and-nicole-married-photographer-news/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:20:03 +0000 admin http://www.blog.markbrooke.com/?p=1852 Mark and I know that there are alot of photographers, brides, and just “awesome” people that read our blog. Because of that we have tried to keep our blog more about our RAD Mark Brooke clients, and our photographer newsletter for all those great photographers out there. So, if you are a photographer, please feel free to sign up for our photographer newsletters. A new one is going out today/tomorrow :)

Sean and Nicole are AMAZING in every way! Im dead serious, I have never met nicer people than Nicole and Sean! They walked into our studio last year and we immediately fell in love with them! They are so sweet, and truly perfect for each other. There is something really special about couples that have “grown up” together. As did Mark and I, they met Sophomore year in high school. And since that time they have been dating and calling each other their best friend! Their wedding was truly amazing, and we feel so honored that we got to be apart of it! Here are just a few of our favorite images :)

Cake: www.dessertier.com
Florist: www.hollyhillfloral.com
invitations: www.typologieandco.com
DJ: www.tntmobiledj.com
 Classical Guitarist: www.hillmusicentertainment.com
makeup artist: www.nicoledeanne.net
venue: www.thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com
reception: www.thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com
Resort: www.lacosta.com
Photographer: Mark brooke Photography

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