Wedding at Dolce Salon in Peoria, AZ

James and Jill were the winners of my Love Story Contest. I photographed their wedding in February at Dolce Salon and Spa in Peoria. Not only did I get to photograph a totally cute couple but at a really neat location!

Dolce is a small venue that is located above their salon. They have the funnest wallpapers in the bridal room! They also have fabulous chandeliers sprinkled through out the venue.

James and Jill kept their wedding very simple but yet elegant. They concentrated on a relaxed evening of celebration with friends and family.

Who doesn't like hot fudge! What a great favor idea!


First Glance moments are so much fun to watch.

The wall paper in the "getting ready room" is just super fun! The side terrace also made for a romantic little spot for some great image opportunities!

Jill and her makeup artist friend Krysten lighten the mood just before the ceremony and my favorite ring shot.

Ceremony Time!

I love the fun little chandeliers! The relaxed mood of the evening always makes for some great images.


Catering and floral by: AJ's Purveyors of Fine Foods
Cake by: Sweets Unlimited
Hair and Makeup by: Krysten Ruiz at Wild Roots Salon

Love Story Contest Winners!

First I want to thank everyone who participated in the contest! We had over 700 people go online and vote in the poll!

I also would like to thank the judges Jennifer Low, Sarah from Blush and Melanie from Dutchess Intimates Boutique for taking the time out of their busy schedules to read and vote on the stories.

Without further ado the winners of the free wedding photography love story contest are James and Jill. James and Jill are getting married in Arizona in February and I am very excited to be a part of their wedding day!

Love Story - Contest Finalists

All the love stories have been reviewed and I have chosen three finalists. It was a little difficult to narrow it down because of all the great stories. When choosing the finalists I took into consideration the story, the couples need and weather they provided all the requested items and data (image, dates and venues).

Originally I wanted to add the voting directly to my blog. However, figuring out how to do this was taking forever! It sounded so easy but ended up being a pain in the butt. So I have posted the stories and voting options in the link below using Survey Monkey.

Please read all three of the finalists stories and vote for your favorite on the last page of the survey (poll). Keep in mind not only the story but also the couples need (or deservability - not a real word).

Thanks for participating! You might want to grab a couple tissues!

Click here to read the stories and vote!

Oh, and here are their pictures.

Jeanette and Carlos


Jill, James and Riley


Ketura and Shalom

Love Story Contest - Reminder

Hi All!

Just a little reminder that the deadline for emailing me your love story is tomorrow Thursday January 1, 2009. I hope to receive a few more good stories!

Thanks to all the couples who have already submitted their stories. There have been a few tearjerkers!

Free Wedding Photography Contest!

We all love to hear a good love story! So I am having a contest to find the best love stories out there. Do you know anyone getting married in 2009 or 2010 that is deserving of free wedding photography? If so, have them submit their love story, a picture, their wedding date and wedding venue to me via email. Or you can submit it for them! chyna@cfoto.com
DEADLINE is January 1, 2009!

I will post my three favorite stories (which will be the three finalists) on my blog in mid January 2009. The blog readers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite couple. The blog reader's votes will count as one of our panelist votes. The judging team panelists will consist of me, 3 other wedding vendors and the blog readers as a whole. The couple with the most panelist votes will receive FREE photography coverage for their wedding! This will include a free engagement session, 8 hours of wedding day coverage (including an assistant), online viewing gallery and a 20 page coffee table book.

You don't have to be getting married in the SF Bay Area! If you are getting married in another part of the country or world that's okay too. If the winner is located outside 100 miles from San Jose they will be asked to cover basic travel expenses (lodging and airfare if applicable).

Don't let them miss out! Forward this to all your friends and spread the word!

Rules: The story has to be true. Anyone submitting a false story will be disqualified! Your entire wedding budget has to be under $30k. I will investigate both the stories and budgets of the finalists. The couple must be willing to appear on my blog with their story. To qualify I must be available on their wedding date in 2009 or 2010. Contest will be closed January 1, 2009 at midnight pacific standard time.