Last year, on August 21st, I photographed the wedding of Chermine Williams and Eric Smith. I had also previously shot a boudoir portrait session for Chermine as a gift for Eric. Chermine loves the camera (and, fortunately, my use of it) so much that she returned for her maternity portrait session on July 25th.

Chermine didn’t have any specific shots in mind that she wanted. Instead, she left it all in my hands and was open to whatever ideas I wanted to try. Oh… really?

Long ago, I had seen a shot of a dark-skinned pregnant woman in a tub of milk and it really looked awesome. I mentioned this to Chermine and she was all for it. A carton and a half of powdered milk in a tub of water, and the effect was set. I got the shot and Chermine and Eric loved it, as did I.

These images were all shot in the master bedroom and master bathroom of our Murrieta home/studio. Enjoy!

On Friday, August 21st, we were in Burbank at the Castaway Restaurant for the wedding of Chermine Williams and Eric Smith. The ceremony concluded with a dramatic dove release, and the reception was held in the Castaway Restaurant’s Starlight Room.

Chermine (or “Moe”, as her family and friends call her) was extremely photogenic and her formal portraits reflected that. Besides their engagement session, I had previously also had Chermine in front of my lens for a Boudoir Portrait session that she had done as a surprise wedding gift for Eric.

Chermine and Eric had over 200 guests at the wedding, and it almost seemed like half of them were in the bridal party! They had 12 bridesmaids and 12 groomsmen, plus the two flower girls and their handsome young son as the ringbearer. It was a big group!

For their wedding, I traded second-shooter duties with fellow Pictage member, Kevin Wynn. In return, I’ll be shooting second at one of Kevin’s weddings on October 24th. Because of this arrangement, Chermine and Eric ended up with two lead level photographers covering their event, even though their contract only called for one (me) plus a second (detail) photographer. What a bonus! And, Kevin did an excellent job, as usual. I look forward to returning the favor in October.

Here are some highlights from the day:

To view even more highlights of Chermine and Eric’s wedding, click the PLAY icon below: