Every little detail was meticulously orchestrated. Each element was arranged with love. It started with a surprise engagement in the fields of Temecula on a hot air balloon ride. And ended with sparklers that were just the right size for the best pictures. Along each step of the way, Bob and Suzanne planned their wedding day perfectly, making sure that they accommodated their family, their loved ones and us, their photographers.

They called us their “Dream Team.” Matthew Saville and I still smile when we hear that, but in all honesty, Suzanne and Bob are the real “Dream Team.” From sitting down with us and seeking our opinions on timing, lighting, and location to taking a day to go scouting for the best spots for photos to making sure that we were treated like welcomed guests, Bob and Suzanne trusted us implicitly with their day.

The day started at the Terranea Resort, in Rancho Palos Verdes. Bob had assured us that the weather would be perfect  that Sunday afternoon, and just two days before we were in the middle of on of the worst rainstorms I’d ever experienced. But as promised, the sky was blue, a few clouds scattered the sky and what would be a beautiful sunset was waiting in the horizon. As Suzanne was getting the finishing touches on her hair and makeup, Bob slipped the makeup artist (Kacee Geoffroy) a little love note for his bride and slipped out of the room before she put her dress on.

At the first look, they were delighted to see one another, Suzanne in her ivory gown with delicate silk flowers and Bob smiling tenderly at her. As we walked toward the lobby, suddenly two police cars pull around a beat up sedan and proceed to arrest the driver. That was not in the plans, but exciting nonetheless.

At Wafarers Chapel, nestled in the hills, overlooking the ocean, Bob and Suzanne were surrounded by their closest family and friends and watched by Internet friends around the world (they streamed the ceremony for those that were unable to travel) as they took their vows.

Rushing to catch the last glimpses of a gorgeous sunset, we headed over to Trump National Golf Club, were we heard that “The Donald” himself was in attendance that day. With only a few minutes left of light, we rushed by the bright red Ferrari under the watchful eye of the parking attendants and raced to get some final shots. As we headed back to the reception room, Donald Trump came out and congratulated the happy couple and was gracious enough to pose for a few shots.

Dinner was intimate, ending with a slide show of photos from the day and Bob & Suzanne sharing stories about each guest. And at the grand exit, they were showered with sparklers and love. Every detail was perfect. Just as they had planned it. (Even with a few little surprises thrown in!)

Suzanne and Bob, thank you for your thoughtfulness, your trust in us and your excitement. What an unforgettable day. I wish you the very best. I’m sure Bora Bora was fabulous.  You guys are OUR “Dream Team!” ♥♥H♥♥

The flowers were made with love by Bob and his daughter

Photojournalism at it’s best

FAVORITE!

“The Donald”

I regretted using a bit too much hairspray that day standing under these things!

Thanks also to my intern, Kristin, for all your help!
To contact Hanssie, please call 951.264.1710

A few weeks ago, Bob contacted me to shoot his wedding–except he “wasn’t engaged yet,” he tried to explain, “but I want you to shoot the engagement, too. It’s a surprise. In a hot air balloon. Oh and I’m all the way across the country, so it has to be on this day.”

He had me at surprise and engagement,  but really topped it off when he mentioned that he and Suzanne wanted Matthew Saville and I to shoot their wedding together since they loved both of our styles. Matt and I have only done one other wedding together and we make a great team, so both of us jumped at the chance.

So in the wee hours of the morning, Matt and I stealthily made our way through vineyards, crawling up stairs, hiding behind barrels, fences and hills only to find out that Suzanne had figured it all out! But a few hours later,  up in the air, hundreds of feet above everyone else, looking down at the dawning of a new day, Bob proposed to Suzanne and made it official –even though they already had most of the wedding day planned out already!

Suzanne and Bob, I know I speak for both Matt and myself when I say that we cannot wait to shoot your wedding this winter. You both are amazing people and so much in love. It’s going to be a great day from both perspectives

Firing up the balloon:

After the balloon ride, which I thankfully got to enjoy from the ground, we walked around Wilson Creek Winery for an engagement shoot.

Matt’s perspective:

We also found great old fire trucks. Love this one Matt got with the balloons in the background!

Matt made a time lapse of the balloon getting ready and taking off!