Why take time to practice in the mirror?

Every girl does it, even if they wont admit it. Every girl practices that seductive look - the piercing eyes, the parted lips, the firm jaw line. It's the look in every Calvin Klein ad, most perfume ads, and about every pop-star and actress has it mastered. How did they master it? They practiced in the mirror, were coached on it, and tried thousands and thousands of times in front of a camera.

This look of seduction is fun to practice. Get your favorite lip gloss and try it out. Some of us girls are better at it than others. I fall in the "not-so-good" half, but Nick frequently humors me and tells me I am getting better (See... I practice). An engagement session is one of those times to practice for the camera. Of course, not every photo will have that look, but it gives you some air time to try out what you have learned thus far. We want you to, quite literally, work the camera! The more you are able to let your guard down and allow yourself to be beautifully you in front of the lens, the more it will show.

Last week Jasmine Star wrote an awesome blog about giving the woman permission to feel beautiful in front of the camera. Permission to be yourself, go for it! This is quite along the same lines. Nick and I are never judging from behind the lens. We are dying for your guards to fall and for you to "ham it up" (as we tell Kara).

This is another reason we LOVE, love engagement sessions. They are prep for the bridal session, trash the dress session and wedding.

We photographed Samantha and Mike's engagements a couple weekends ago down in the beautifully spectacular Orange County. We started at Rancho Capistrano and then headed over to Laguna Beach to catch the sunset. Samantha is one of the women that fall into the "Perfect every time" category for the seductive look. She has it nailed. Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

Adam & Andrea - It's all in the Details

Planning a wedding does not have to be stressful (though it usually is!) Thanks to the internet, there are hundreds of do-it-your-self articles and planning guides to help today's bride plan her wedding. But, today's bride does not just want to be involved with the planning...they are hand's on, personalizing, "Making sure this reflects us!" kinda bride.

That is my kind of bride...which is why our goal is to capture the moments that reflect the true you as well. Your heart and soul goes into planning every last detail, and we will be there...cameras ready... to snap away of you enjoying all your hard work.

Adam and Andrea did just that. They spent their day enjoying all their planning, and did not stress if there was a hiccup. Andrea put her flowers together herself after ordering them from Riverside Flower Club!! One of her friends even made the wedding cake...now that is keeping it personal!

We loved everything Adam and Andrea did to bring together their closet friends and family as they said their vows and tearfully were announced "Husband and Wife". Nothing is sweeter... and I am sure that at that moment... they may not have cared so much about all the little details.

IEPPV - Inland Empire Professional Photographer and Videographer Association

We received a text message from one of our photographer friends... (Thanks Diana) that one of our pictures was featured on the IEPPV homepage! We were stoked to see that one of our award winning prints was featured in their opening slideshow as well as their rotating banner. This is the second year we have been members of IEPPV and we are loving every second of it.

Last night we got to sit and listen to Mike Colon tell us about how he grew his business and what marketing strategies worked best for him. Without hesitation Nick and I looked at each other and knew that this was the direction we needed to go. In less than 24 hours after hearing Mike speak, we are being published on Collages.net and potential linking with a local chapter of Big Brother Big Sisters to begin a photography program. WOW!

When we get our studio featured, you can be sure we will link to it from here!

There is no real segway back to IEPPV from that, so I will jump back on my own. Besides awesome speakers (like Mike) IEPPV hosts quarterly print competitions and works closely with PPC for exhibitions. It is a tremendous association to be a part of, and we are looking forward to al the upcoming events in 2010!

Sunny & Chris - Calistoga Ranch, CA

Chris and Sunny got married at Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley, CA. Napa Valley is famous for its wineries and beautiful landscape. This vintage and rustic wedding interwoven with the ripening vines and amber sunsets was breath taking. Chris and Sunny directed us to "be as daring as we wanted to be" in our picture taking. They were thrilled with antiquity and amused by simplicity. We had the most incredible time capturing their artistic personalities.


























For those brides and grooms looking for a destination wedding in the mainland USA, Napa Valley is our number one recommendation!

-Nick Corona Photography
Wedding photography that reflects you!

Christina & Joey - Pomona Valley Mining Co.

The antique charm possessed by this couple was magnetizing. From Christina's shabby-chic veil to Joey's love filled, Christ-cententric vows, this couple's love permeated through the souls of every guest in attendance. Praise and prayers filled the air as Joey and Christina said their "I Do's". It was a beautiful and refreshing sight to see such love and mutual respect for the other. After the ceremony everyone headed over to Pomona Valley Mining Company to celebrate Christina and Joey's relationship. We are excited to see God's will play out in their lives, and look forward to capturing many more of their special moments. Congratulations Joey and Christina!!

Andrea & Chris - The Hedges

Andrea and Chris got married in a beautiful backyard in the Hedges of Los Angeles. A view that went on for miles was a perfect backdrop! This is incredible couple has an incredible story, almost straight out of a fairy tale. From the moment they met they knew their destiny was being fulfilled. A romantic, magical aurora fills the room around them, no matter where they go. Andrea got ready at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire which was possibly one of the most beautiful hotels we had ever been in. They had a wonderful Hawaiian ceremony, followed by the coolest first dance in the history of weddings...a choreographed dance to Elvis. It was incredible, and fit perfectly into their incredible day. Hopefully you get the impression they are an incredible couple!!!!

Here are a few of my fav's from the day.