Jason Zalameda Photography Blog » Downtown LA

Los Angeles Wedding | Genevieve and Nick

admin — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:51:47 +0000

She was only 5 the last time I saw her! See Gen and Nick’s wedding on our new Coco Gallery blog.

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Los Angeles Engagement | Joynia and Mark

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 22:37:00 +0000

I just posted Joynia and Mark’s engagement session on our new company’s blog site, The Coco Gallery. Check it out here!

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UCI | Bradbury Building Engagement| Sarah and Vijay

admin — Tue, 03 May 2011 15:27:01 +0000

Sarah and Vijay’s relationship began and blossomed at the University of California, Irvine. As students they shared a college experience that helped them grow as a couple and individuals. It was a perfect spot to start their engagement session. If you’ve read my last posts you’ll know that the possibility of rain has been a small factor in each session. Finally, Spring arrived and we were greeted with a warm Sunday morning. As we expected the campus was nice and quiet that weekend. We had the run of the joint. Sarah and Vijay showed me around and shared stories of where they studied, worked, and spent time together. It was a great way of really getting to know them and how they started. I was literally walking through memorable locations in the history of their relationship. I could see it in their faces as they held hands and strolled down the walkways. There were noticeable changes to the campus since they graduated, new buildings and student facilities. Just like them the campus grew and changed a bit, but the memories were still there.

For a change of scenery we headed to Downtown LA for some formal portraits. Time to make new engagement session memories for Sarah and Vijay. The Bradbury Building is one of the most historic buildings in LA. It’s been featured in a number of movies for it’s obvious architectural splendor. Visitors are limited to the first floor but we made the best of it. Although there were a lot of great angles to shoot from I hunted for the best quality of light. I positioned the couple near the biggest light sources. The buildings interior textures and natural shadows added great drama, but of course capturing Sarah and Vijay’s intimate moments was what made the shots.

Congrats Sarah and Vijay!!

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Los Angeles Music Center Engagement | Jacqueline and JP

admin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 06:46:27 +0000

Jacque and JP contacted me 16 months before their wedding date. I remember our consult well because we had an immediate connection. Unfortunately, there was a bit of excitement at the end of our consult as a kid nearby got injured on an escalator. I’ll save you the details, but the kid was fine. His mother, on the other hand, was a bit freaked.

As Jacque and JP’s engagement session approached, the beautiful LA weather started to change. The forecast predicted a 70% of rain. (Why does it always seem to rain on a weekend?) Since our schedules were pretty busy, rescheduling wasn’t an option. Our only chance was hoping that the rain wouldn’t start until the afternoon. We headed to Downtown LA and shot around the LA Music Center. The creative center of Downtown LA consists of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. It servers as a diverse and beautiful backdrop for any photo session. Jacque and JP were very easy going and a pleasure to photograph. They are a happy couple enjoying this special moment and celebrating their engagement.

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Luckily, we completed our session without a hint of rain. *Whew*. I dropped them off at their car and as I drove away raindrops started to hit my windshield. We wrapped up our day just before the storm rolled in. Just like we planned.

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Marianne & Jason Engagement Session | Downtown Los Angeles, CA

admin — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:08:41 +0000

There are times when you wish you could be two places at once. Marianne and Jason’s wedding day is one of those moments for me. When the couple contacted me, I was already booked on their wedding day. Normally that would be the end of our conversation, but Marianne wasn’t satisfied with that answer. She was friends with one of my previous couples, Joanne and Jeremiah, and liked their downtown LA engagement session. One thing I had in common with Marianne and Jason was that they loved LA. They both grew up here and wanted to make the city a part of their special moment. So, I quickly agreed to shoot their DTLA engagement session even though I was unavailable for their wedding.

I met the two in Little Tokyo on a Sunday morning. After spending a few minutes with them, we quickly realized how much more we all had in common. They loved Little Tokyo for all it’s great places to eat. Personally, if I had one place to pick to each lunch everyday… it would be Little Tokyo. They were getting married at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels by Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik. My wife and I were also married by Msgr. Kevin at the Cathedral. The groom, Jason is also a bit of a sneakerhead. Which I must admit I am guilty of as well. And of course, more importantly, the groom and I share the same awesome first name. The list goes on and on… we spent the whole morning talking, sharing, laughing, and connecting.

After seeing what a fun couple they were and how much we had in common, I really wish I could shoot their wedding. But overall, I’m grateful that I met Marianne and Jason. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future to hang out and take pictures again. You know, like their family session for when the kids come! Oh, I forgot to mention, they also wanted to have twins. But as a parent of twin toddlers, that’s a whole other conversation for another blog post. First things first, enjoy your engagement and have a great wedding you two!

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Los Angeles Wedding Photographer | Joanne & Jeremiah

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:48:53 +0000

Joanne and Jeremiah’s wedding was full of laughter, tears, food, and drinks; all elements of a great wedding. After a beautiful ceremony at St. Bernard’s Church I took the bridal party to take portraits at the rose garden in Exposition Park. The day was a bit warm in Downtown LA but the beautiful blue sky and a little A/C made us all forget about that quickly. I’m pretty sure the bridal party enjoyed their big ass 22 seat limo Hummer as well ; ). The reception was held at the Westin Bonaventure in the heart of the city. I must admit, during the reception I was very moved by Jeremiah’s dance with his mother and the tribute to Joanne’s father. Very touching moments for both families. The entire evening was a blast. I left a little later than I normally do but when I did leave everyone was still partying. A very good sign.

Congrats again to the newlyweds. Thank you for making me a part of your wonderful moment. May everyday of your marriage be filled with joy and love.

Don’t forget to check out Joanne and Jeremiah’s engagement images and their custom wedding website.

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Kathleen & Lionel Engagement Session | Los Angeles, CA

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:43:51 +0000

I love when clients become friends, but when friends become clients it’s even better! I’ve know Kathleen “Kimi” for about 15 years now… wow hasn’t seem like that long. She really hasn’t changed a bit, just as vibrant and full of life as in our college days. I remember first meeting Lionel and wondering if he was “the one” for our little Kimi. After a few years of dating, we all now know the answer; yes, he is! I know this phrase gets thrown around a lot, but these two are really perfect for each other. I can truly say that they’ve each found the perfect match. Both are so quiet when you meet them, but after a few short minutes you discover they’re super outgoing, funny, and just a riot to be around. Whenever there’s a party around town, I’m pretty sure Kimi and Lionel are already there.

For their engagement session the two wanted to hit Downtown LA and have some fun. We hung out, went exploring, and oh yeah we took pictures too. The funnest part was recreating some LOST, caged Kate and Sawyer scenes! Good times!

I can’t wait for the wedding day, it’ll be a huge reunion for a lot of our college friends. Although I’ll be working, I really wouldn’t have it any other way. I promise I’ll only have one drink ; )

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Kimberly & Jonathan Engagement Session | Los Angeles, CA

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 03:50:07 +0000

My initial consult with Kim and Jon was in a cool little coffee shop in Silverlake that they suggested. I’ve passed that coffee shop everyday and never really noticed it until I met them. For their E-Session they both wanted to do something around Griffith Park. Jon was able to get directions to a cool little spot hidden in the park. Again, the two introduced me to a new spot that I had also passed everyday. TG for meeting great clients and new friends.

I am so grateful for meeting these two. From the first minute we met we got along instantly. A fun loving couple, easy to work with, and up for an adventure. These two have found a permanent place in my contact book. Below are images from Kim and Jon’s E-Session…. my new friends. Congrats guys! Your engagement is almost over and the real fun is about to begin. See ya in a few months ; ).

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Joanne & Jeremiah Engagement Session | Los Angeles, CA

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:14:21 +0000

Bay Area dude + Downtown LA gal= an amazingly fun couple. When Joanne told me she wanted to do their Engagement Session in downtown I was thrilled. She grew up around the area and wanted to include her roots in the E-session. They both live up north, but the two were in town for a weekend as Jeremiah was running the LA Marathon. What better way to get him ready for a marathon than to run around the day before and take pictures everywhere! =)

We spent a good part of the afternoon getting lost, talking, and just having fun. With their shoot I wanted to do less formal posing and capture more emotion. I gave them as little direction as I could, *snicker snicker*. I told them to be themselves, think about this special time in their lives, and really reflect on their relationship. Then I let them loose…. They were a bit timid at first, but after a while I could see them starting to relax. They laughed, they hugged, and they kissed… a lot = ). I only heard some of their jokes, some of their conversations, but I didn’t need to. I saw their happiness. I saw a couple…. about to get married in a few months…. scared, excited, joyous, silly. It was a great day in LA.

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