Masthead header

  • Everyone has a blog nowadays.

    ...so THANK YOU for sparing a minute of your life and coming by to check out mine. It's truly an honor! Whether you're a friend, a photography buff, an old (or new!) client or a bride looking for a photographer - welcome and come back often. I'm happy to make your acquaintance.

    ~ Auey

    Most commonly asked question, "How do you pronounce your name?" Think Maui, without the M. Or, "It's Auey, like I have an owee." (boo boo, ouchie, auey ~ I'll be reduced to a scab soon).

Jun 07 2013

French-Filipino Fusion Wedding for Ken and Emily | SF Bay Area Weddings

No comments

Oh là là! Ay yay yay!

This recent May wedding was by far…one of the best times I’ve had on the job. I met L.A. based Emily and Ken, through the bride’s cousin who somehow knew of me, and was acting as go-between for the wedding planning. And when I met them in person, I knew immediately  that they were “my peeps.” Both pretty laid-back and chill, Ken and Emily wanted a wedding that reflected they valued most in life: family. With that in mind, their wedding was a true celebration of the two families united to form a big old mass of happy people, bond by love, marriage and shared genetic make-up.

Emily shared her passion for travel and France through the lovely crafted details, strewn throughout the wedding. From the custom made passport invitation, the Eiffel tower of macaroons, on-site crepe bar and whimsical french luggage…each detail was meticulously designed and thoughtfully placed.

While the wedding was French by design, it was definitely Filipino in nature. The wedding started off with a traditional Catholic mass at Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park. It was followed by a hotel reception at the Marriott Hotel in San Mateo, abound with food, libations and laughter. And sticking to Filipino tradition, the guests came ready with their dancing shoes (and wads of cash!) to participate the traditional Curacha wedding dance. Most people are familiar with the Filipino version of the money dance. The Curacha (also spelled kuratsa) dance is from the Visayan region of the Philippines and I can only describe it as playful, slightly flirty and definitely fun. The Curacha is a traditional courtship dance, in which couples mimmick the motions of mating birds. At the wedding, Emily and Ken danced the prosperity portion of the dance, in which money is thrown on a blanket. The cash is later offered to the bride as as symbol of the groom’s devotion to take care of the family. It was BLAST to watch and photograph.

Thank you Emily and Ken for sharing your wedding day with me. I’d do it all over again!

And finally…to cap it off, the slideshow! Viva l’amour! Mabuhay ang bagong kasal!

Emily + Ken from Auey Santos on Vimeo.

Church: Church of the Nativity, Menlo Park CA
Venue: San Mateo Marriott, San Mateo CA
Hair and Make-up: Jira of Wow Pretty 
Event Design: Jenny Do of 1000 Fine Events
Photo Booth: Tiffany Walker/Matt Walker of YouBooth
Mararoons: Natalie Wong of Sugarie
Crepe Bar: Emile Goguely of Cool Crepes
Flowers:  Phuong Nguyen and  Janice Spuller
DJs: Abraham Salamanca & Nicholas Mondero

 

Posted inWeddingsTags: ,,,,,,,
add a comment
May 22 2013

Now Booking Summer Mini-Sessions!

No comments

During the summer a familiar ritual occurs: I make elaborate plans go to the beach, maybe clean-up the house for a garage sale or two… and I always end up doing something unexpected, like planting new flowers in my front lawn or reading the latest bestseller on my e-reader.

Summer always seems to be the time when things go awry in the most serendipitous ways. It’s difficult to stick to a regimented plan when the weather is warm and the body is just crying out to out outside and play. 

That’s why I decided to schedule some summer family mini-sessions. These shoots are quick, painless, and always a lot of fun. I love to capture the summer light as it falls where it may.

So far, I’m scheduling two meet-ups for the family mini-sessions: June 22 for Oakland/East Bay and June 29 for San Francisco.

Package A – $250 for a 30-minute shoot, inclusive of five high resolution images.

Package B – $500 for a one-hour shoot, inclusive of all high resolution images. Recommended for families!

For more details or questions, don’t hesitate to give me a call or email me at info@photograffiti.net.

Posted inFamily Portraiture,Promos and Products
add a comment
May 21 2013

Bridal Inspiration: Hollywood Glam Wedding at the Fox Theater

No comments

 

A film theatre as a reception venue?! With scores of hotels and resorts to choose from, a film theatre isn’t the first venue that springs to the minds of engaged couples planning their fantasy wedding. Yet once this offbeat choice captures the imagination, like a good movie, it will simply not let go. There’s nothing more glamorous and glitzy than Hollywood, and it is the secret dream of many women to be the leads in their own romantic comedy.

To help stroke the fancies of star-struck brides, I got together with many of my friends in the industry to hold a wedding photography showcase at the Fox Theater in Redwood City to show exactly how it can be done. The styled shoot was graced with two models, two gowns, and a host of beautiful accessories and accents.

The details for memorable receptions included flower arrangements by Seasonal Celebrations and make-up and hair by Jenn and Michaela of Super! Makeup and Hair Artistry.  The talented  Giao Nguyen designed the old-school glam hairpieces that perfectly matched the gowns provided by Nouvelle Bridal Boutique.  The linens and settings were provided by Blue Water Party Rentals. The 20s inspired stationary was crafted by Brenna Catalano of BC Design Studio. Lighting design was by LD Alliance.

The shoot was hectic but it was an incredible experience to work alongside my colleagues and come up with a beautiful spread that highlights the possibilities of this emerging, unconventional event location. Special shout-outs to Sarah Ward of Sarah Ward Events and Laurie of Seasonal Celebrations,  it wouldn’t have been a success without you.

 

 

Posted inInspiration,Magazine Shoots,Wedding Related,Wedding Showcase,WeddingsTags: ,,,,,
add a comment
May 13 2013

Adorable Animal Themed Baptism | Gilroy CA

No comments

I met Christina and Erick over a year ago when I second-shot their gorgeous Monterey wedding. So I was terribly flattered when they sought me out to photograph the baptismal celebration of their first-born, cutie-pie Ethan. Never had I met a more smiley child, so was actually giggling after being doused with holy water. Here are my favorites from the day.

Posted inEvents,Family Portraiture,PartiesTags: ,,
add a comment
M o r e   i n f o