I had a wedding customer from Japan. She got married at Malibu, Stauffer Chapel in Pepperdine University. I photographed both their engagement and wedding only in 1 week apart. A signing board had to be made in 5 days. Wedding album was completed and delivered in 5 days. The bride and groom stayed in the US for less than 2 weeks.

I helped the bride and groom with locating makeup artist and florist. Below is my journal on Aki & Noji’s wedding.

• October 15: I received an email from Japan. She said she’s coming to Malibu, from Japan, to get married. She also stated that he’s already decided to send me a deposit. I was very skeptical about this email. I sent her my generic reply. I was hoping she will not reply my email.
• October 16: The prospect from Japan replied my email the next day. We exchanged 8 emails that day. The bride and groom are Japanese. They live in Japan. But they have American friends in Malibu area. They already booked Stauffer Chapel in Malibu (Pepperdine University). Well, that’s what she wrote. I am still very skeptical.
• October 16: I asked the bride if she needs any help organizing her wedding. She said she’s looking for a makeup artist and a florist. I happened to know a Japanese makeup artist in LA. I introduced the makeup artist to the bride.
• October 17: The makeup artist sent me a “Thank You” email. The makeup artist stated that she’s booked for her wedding. I replied “Don’t get excited until you see the money”.
• October 21: The bride asked more questions. She asked about engagement photography, easel, etc.. The bride, as a Japanese, had a very good English skill.
• October 22: Received deposit from the bride via PayPal.
• October 23: Received detailed wedding information from the bride.
• November 8: Florist is booked.
• November 24: Bride and Groom arrived in the US
• November 25: Engagement photography session at Griffith Observatory. Since wedding was only a week away, everything had to be done in rush. Web album was made in 1 day. Bride and Groom picked their favorite shot the same day. The signing board was ready by Friday
  
• December 2: Wedding at Malibu. At beautiful Stauffer chapel in Pepperdine University.
  
• December 2: Dinner at Geoffrey’s Malibu. I was treated as a wedding guest. 12 of us set at one table. Geoffrey’s Malibu is a top notch restaurant where rich people come. The parking lot looked like a European Dealership.
  
• December 7: Album was completed and delivered to the Bride and Groom. We met at Starbucks in Woodland Hills. They loved the pictures.
  
• December 8: Bride and Groom flew back to Japan, bringing a lot of memory, leaving a lot of new friends behind.

• PS: Oh, The bride and Groom brought a gift from Japan. They read my blog and learned that I drink coffee when I take pictures. They brought some exotic imported coffee. Thank you.
  

- end - 

Today’s Wedding Schedule
Bride getting ready at Homewood Suites by Hilton, Agoura Hills
Tailgate to Calamigos Ranch in Malibu - 4:30pm
All activities take place at Calamigos Ranch until 11pm.

Homewood Suites Hilton, Agoura Hills.
** Notice two guys at the lobby looking at me.  I get that all the time

Wedding flower decoration at Calamigos Ranch.  Supplied by the Bride and Groom 

Above Picture: They had two of those flower structures.  Later they moved them up to the reception area .   I didn’t know at first, but these structures are carefully balanced by the heavy bouquets.  At night, as the guests left, one of the guests took one of these bouquets.  Soon the whole structure fell to the heavy side, damaging all rest of the bouquets.  By that time ceremony was almost over.  And, luckily, Bride thought it was funny. 

Calamigos Ranch, before wedding.  Sun’s already setting

Above Picture: Calamigos Ranch has 130 acres of land.  It can hold many number of weddings at the same time.  They can accommodate 500 people or more.  Each wedding area is so secluded that you will never now that there are other events being held in the same ranch.  From this picture, you can see the wedding ceremony area at the ground level (right side).  After ceremony, wedding guests will come up to the upper deck area for reception, dining, and dancing.  As you can see, Calamigos Ranch is a very impressive wedding site.  This is only a section of Calamigos Ranch.  There are other wedding sites other than this location.

Calamigos Ranch, Malibu (Conference Center), at night.

Homewood Suites by Hilton, Agoura Hills 
28901 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills, California, United States 91301
Tel: 1-818-865-1000   Fax: 1-818-865-1091

Calamigos Ranch, Malibu, California
Malibu Conference Center at Calamigos Ranch

327 S. Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265
(800) 821-2097 or (818) 889-6280
(Please Note: This is a mailing address only)

From Los Angeles:
Ventura Freeway (101) West to the City of Agoura.
 Left on Kanan road, South 6 miles, through 2 tunnels.
Right on Mulholland Highway, go 1/4 of a mile.
Left on Calamigos Road, follow signs to parking area.

From Pacific Coast Highway:
Pacific Coast Highway West past Paradise Cove.
Right on Kanan-Dume Road, go North 6 miles.
Left on Mulholland Highway, go 1/4 of a mile.
Left on Calamigos Road, follow signs to parking area.

DJ – Music To Go