Bride & Groom #17 : Tina & DY

Photography by Richard Min

Bride & Groom #17 : Tina & DY @ El Matador Beach, Malibu, CA

Tina and DY. They are such a cute couple! Since the day one, Tina and DY were very excited about their engagement session. They were really appreciative and supportive of my approach in engagement session. Not just finding out about the couple's similarities, hobbies, interests or what they enjoy doing in their leisure time, but genuinely getting to know the couple during the consultation and brainstorming process for the one of a kind engagement session is what's more valuable then just taking beautiful images. It's all about building friendly and pleasant relationship so that the couple can be themselves in front of my bulky and heavy-duty camera equipments. They were simply being themselves during their intimate beach picnic at the breathtaking El Matador Beach. And I was there to document their picnic. It was a photo session in reality but not so much of "photo session" but was a "beach picnic" where they were not posing or imitating some other people's look, but simply and purely just being who they are... Tina & DY. Blessings and my prayers for them as they journey on a lifelong trip together as a husband and a wife.

Bride & Groom #16 : Mindy & Jay

Photography by Richard Min

A match made in heaven!? It's more like "a match made in fashion". Mindy is a designer and Jay is a manufacturer. Check out Jay's clothing line: Rustic Dime - http://www.rusticdime.com They are like needle & yarn. Wow, "Needle & Yarn" could be my next window image concept for by web page. Just thought of it now! Thanks M&J. :) I have received a lot of compliments on their engagement images. Both were very enthusiastic about my proposal. I tell this to many couples: "Just enjoy and be yourself!" That's all it takes! Don't care about what other people think or say. It's all about the couple. I love how Mindy wasn't afraid of do radical things. Nothing was holding her back. When I suggested Mindy to lie down flat on the riverbed of Los Angeles River in her elegant deep blue dress, she was more than willing to do so. However, Jay chickened out... It could've been a extraordinary masterpiece image! Like I say many times: "There's no next time!" They will be tying the knot on Feb. 26th. Blessing you in the name of our Lord!!

Bride & Groom #15 : Eunjoung & Sangjin

Photography by Richard Min

Bride & Groom #15 : Eunjoung & Sangjin @ Westwood, CA

Finally! Eunjoung and Sangjin are tying the knot in January of 2011. Can't wait to see this beautiful and fun loving couple walking down the aisle at Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica. I've known Eunjoung and Sangjin from ANC (All Nations Church) since they started dating. I think they fell for each other while working in the "dark" - ANC Media Room. I just pray and wish that as a married couple, they will enjoy their life as "one body in Christ" to the fullest. Let no one separate what God has joined together. HE will be glorified through their oneness! Blessing you.

Bride & Groom #14 : Christine & Stephen

Photography by Richard Min

Bride & Groom #14 = Christine & Stephen! They've been "friends" forever until they decided not to be friends anymore... The intimate feelings for each other grew and now it's time for them to get really serious about their relationship which started as just friends. As a bride and groom, they will be tying the knot at the Occidental College in Eagle Rock, California. One of my favorite wedding venues! I hope and pray for God's greatness and faithfulness will be present through out their married life. Congratulations you two!

Bride & Groom #13 : Tiff & Nick

Photography by Richard Min

Tiffany & Nicholas made #13 on my B&G list. They should've been #2 or #3 because they had booked me as their wedding day photographer more than one year ago before the actual day. Genuine and easy going couple who appreciate my style and approach in the passion and art of light: "Photography" Tiffany even told me that her dad likes my images. What a compliment!? I'm flattered. Blessing you and your new family! May your love grow stronger and deeper in Christ Jesus. 

  

Bride & Groom #12 : Suzy & Sean

Photography by Richard Min

S&S are B&G #12! Yeah~ So happy for Suzy and Sean. Finally my cousin Suzy's getting married. She's been waiting for this "Fairy Tale" moment since she was a little girl. This little girl's imagination has come to an end and will become reality in July. Wishing them happiness and peacefulness in all circumstances as husband and wife. Blessing you!

Bride & Groom #11 : Helen & Jack

Photography by Richard Min

On the 7th day of each month, Helen and Jack celebrate their relationship by dining out at a new restaurant. This unique tradition will continue in their marriage they said. Helen & Jack made #11 on my B&G list. As for all the couples, I sincerely pray that they would enjoy and be thankful what GOD offers in their new family as husband and wife even during the ups and downs. It was such a great time to see and hear their non-stop laughters during the session. The best part was... I got to record everything in my Lexar 8GB compact flesh card!  Blessing you H & J.

Bride & Groom #10 : Kayeon & Sungchul

Photography by Richard Min

Kayeon & Sungchul made #10 on the list. It was fun getting to know them in person and through my camera lenses. Sungchul told me about his first date with Kayeon and how he was attracted to her at first sight. Yeah... believe it or not. Guys are like that. I totally agree with Sungchul on this one. Not so much of "Love at First Sight" happening but guys know whether he wants to meet her again or not at first sight/date. It doesn't take days for guys to figure out whether he's attracted and may or may not continue to get to know someone intimately. We only have "On & Off" button. However, girls tend to have stacks of equalizer controllers, white, yellow, and red lights, temperature controller buttons, from low to high volumes, humidity adjusting knobs,  and several more... Everything has to be in perfect position in order for girls to make up her mind. I know. What can I say more? This is the reality that we all must face. Kayeon and Sungchul look so happy together and they seemed like they know how to enjoy their life to fullest. Outgoing, Active, Adventurous were the words that I came up with for their second location of the Conceptual & Lifestyle engagement sessions . I totally encountered how those words translating into actions and real life. Romantic, Intimate, Calm were the words for their first location at Malibu Creek Canyon. You'll see what I meant by words coming alive in the pictures. Many blessings and God's guidance in the marriage life of Kayeon and Sungchul. This is my sincere wish and hope for all the couples that I meet! 

  

Bride & Groom #9 : Gwen & Jason

Photography by Richard Min

Gwen & Jason were born and raised here in the City of Angels. The rich history and vibrant culture of Los Angeles are their wedding theme. They chose historical landmarks such as The Wilshire United Methodist Church (Ceremony) and The Legendary Park Plaza (Reception) for their unique wedding day venues. I'm just thrilled and honored to participate in their "once in a lifetime" event. Jason had told me that their wedding reception will be jam-packed with the classical and the latest hip-moving sound of funk music. I think nobody will be sitting down during the reception. Everyone will be on the dance floor! The subtle but abounding energy were visible in Gwen and Jason's togetherness. I liked the way they showed up in their matching style sneakers for the B&G complimentary photo session. Very cute couple! I was touched by how Gwen was appreciative and thankful for all the little things that other people would not even consider to be thankful for. Thanks for the kind words and many "Thank You"s. I sincerely wish that the "Love Verse" (printed on the Bride & Groom t-shirts) will be the encouragement and wisdom in their lifetime together as husband and wife. Many Blessings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ!! Oh, by the way... for those of you who are not familiar with the thinking behind the Bride & Groom t-shirts, I had designed the t-shirts previously and they are my blessings and gifts to the couples. 

Bride & Groom #8 : Esther & Chris

Photography by Richard Min

The seven years of long distance relationship finally came to an end. Hours and hours of long distance phone calls, flying in and out from the Windy City to the Sunny City in numerous occasions, the countless moments of "wish you were here..." All these tussle and bustle reached the end point. But this end is a good end. Like the happy ending in a movie. It marks the new beginning for Esther & Chris as bride and groom. They made #8 in my B&G list. I am thrilled and honored to document their "once in a lifetime" event! Also, I feel privileged being chosen from couple's list of 20+ wedding photographers. Many blessings for the couple! I sincerely pray that the "Love Verse" (1 Corinthian 13) will be the strength and guidance in Esther & Chris's married life. 

 

Bride & Groom #7 : Christa & Esak

Photography by Richard Min

Christa & Esak became #7 in the "Bride & Groom" list. They've been dating for 5 years and told me that they feel like a married couple already. They know each other so well, from each other's "A"ppetite to "ZzZzz~" habits, pretty much they know everything. But I would say.. they don't even have a clue what if feels like and how it's going to be as a married couple. I pray for the continuous love and endurance when they climb up the hills together in their lives. It may be exhausting and painful but the part of walking down the hills will be joyful and the wind will be blowing off their sweats from their foreheads. And they would renew their love and it may grow deeper and wider. Through my lens, I saw their inevitable feelings and passions for each other. The thrill and excitement of #7 B&G is well preserved in my archives and I'm more than happy to show off these images to the audience. I've known and seen them through my naked eyes since when they were starting to date. I've watched how they grow. I'm so proud of Christa & Esak. Many blessings and happiness!

 

Bride & Groom #6: Mindy & Sam

Photography by Richard Min

Mindy & Sam. Wow! What can I say about this lovebirds? Well.. Let me put it this way. This may sound corny to some of you but I want to use poetic terms to describe them. Mindy & Sam are like "Day & Night." They complement each other very well, like the two different ends of a magnet. Total opposites but ONE unit. Other names I can think of are: "Fire &  Water," "a Pencil & an Eraser," and so on... You get my points, right? I guess this is how "Loveology" works. Did I just come up with a brand new vocabulary? Please correct me if I'm wrong! In dating, we tend to look for similarities and common interests. Relating and connecting with someone by having same interest in activities, hobbies, music and etc. are important but oppositions play a important role as well. I think Mindy & Sam are perfect example of this. I wish them happiness and endurance in ups and downs of their marriage. They will rejoice in the presence of Holy Spirit and their love will grow stronger and deeper because of the obstacles and hardships. Like the trees in the wilderness where the heavy rainfalls, harsh winds and blazing sunlight will help the roots to stretch out even deeper in the soils and branches to grow higher and thicker. Blessing you!

Bride & Groom #5: Jenny & Rich

Photography by Richard Min

Hanbok Session @ Studio

Jenny & Rich made "The" list..!! #5 that is. =) We had such a fun time together. I got to watch them dancing and shaking in their traditional Korean hanbok to the songs of the legendary British invasion: the Beatles. What a combination..!? You have to become a fan of IMAGES BY MIN on Facebook to view the rest of their "having fun" images. It was all about being comfortable in front of the big camera. "Just being yourself" isn't easy. However, Jenny & Rich were just being themselves and most importantly... just enjoying it. Looking forward to their intimate and not too formal but laid-back and casual wedding ceremony at the Blue Bird Cafe in Culver City. I don't have to show up in a full black suit and a tie. Thanks for this cool and breezy opportunity Jenny! May God bless your marriage and watch over you as you begin your new life together. Congratulations..!!!

Bride & Groom #4: Susan & Jibin

Photography by Richard Min

Susan & Jibin made #4 spot on my special "Twelve" Bride & Groom list..! I remember the first meeting with Susan, the Bride, several weeks ago in the month of May. It was an instant connection between a client who was looking for an artistic and unique way of preserving images of the "once in a lifetime" event: her Wedding Day and a photographer who was ALL~ about creating poetic images of the unique story: her Love Story..!! She really liked my style and can't remember receiving such highly exalted praise and adoration from a client like Susan before. WOW. She certainly made me feel special and precious in what I do. Susan & Jibin will tie the knot in July of this year. I bless the new family in Christ in HIS holy Name. May the Joy, Hope, and Freedom of Kingdom of Heaven flourish in their lives together as a Wife and a Husband. Our GOD will be glorified through Susan and Jibin's faithful and humble heart..!!! Amen.

  

Bride & Groom #3: Jia & Daniel

Photography by Richard Min

Jia and Daniel, their boundless journey as the Bride & Groom will embark in the month of July of this year. The courtship began when they were studying at UCSB. Santa Barbara brought many fond memories and was a significant location for the couple. They spent much of their dating, eating, studying and just hanging out casually without thinking about exams and projects in downtown malls and restaurants of Santa Barbara. The place called "Coffee Cat" was J&D's favorite spot. Thus, the streets and the beaches of SB was perfect for the photography backdrop. Not just the role of a backdrop, but it was ideal setting for Jia & Daniel's "one of a kind" story. The whole engagement session was done in SB. It wasn't so short drive all the way from Los Angeles per se, but it was worth it~ Meaningful and Unique images are what I am into. I hope J&D will cherish the beautiful images that I captured for them through out their journey as a Wife and a Husband. Wishing J&D God's many blessings..!!

Bride & Groom #2: Elsy & Lester

Photography by Richard Min

Elsy & Lester will tie the knot on May Ninth of Two Thousand and Nine. The wedding ceremony will be held at the Los Angeles Police Academy in Elysian Park. I'm not sure at this point whether Lester, the Groom will be wearing his police uniform or not... He's a such a nice and friendly guy. I can't imagine him wearing dark and mean looking ray-ben shades with the black police uniform. Elsy, the Bride is very outgoing. Her positive and enthusiastic personality compliments Lester's gentle side so well. I was constantly hearing laughters through out their engagement session. They really enjoyed my photography session and had lots of fun. Elsy & Lester made the second out of twelve couples in "Bride & Groom" list. Many blessings for Elsy & Lester as they start a new family..!!!

  

Bride & Groom #1: Jamie & Andrew

Photography by Richard Min

Jamie & Andrew will tie the knot on May Second of this new year. The irresistible and charming love chemistry of J & A is inevitable. The first pair of Bride & Groom promotional t-shirts were given to them. I wish them many blessings and joyful onward journey as a married couple. I wonder which couple would get a chance to wear the #2, #3, #4.. pair of Bride & Groom t-shirts..? Hmmm... =)