Kevin Chin's Blog

Julie + Chris Surprise Proposal | Calistoga Ranch | Napa Valley

Sunday, May 19th, 2013 | Filed Under : Cinematography - HD, Couples, Weddings

A call came in from good friend and fellow photographer, Michelle Walker who referred me to shoot and film this cute couple who were coming from Texas for a surprise proposal. Kudos to Chris for planning all of this with the help of the good folks at Calistoga Ranch. Nicole, the operations manager at Calistoga Ranch worked seamlessly with Chris to keep this proposal a surprise for his girlfriend Julie. I was thrilled to be apart of this exciting and incredibly romantic proposal. Make sure to watch the video to see what her answer was!

From a logistical point of view, I traveled up to Calistoga Ranch not knowing exactly where the proposal would take place and wondered how the heck was I going to film this without them seeing me or my cameras. Luckily I was able to hide two cameras at opposite ends of the room behind some trees and bushes and had them on remote. I turned on the cameras before they entered and snuck away and kept my fingers crossed. I love all the excitement and nervousness that was captured. I felt very privileged to be apart of this very special moment for them. Congratulations to Julie and Chris!

Julie + Chris Surprise Proposal, Calistoga Ranch, HD Video from Kevin Chin Photography + Cinema on Vimeo.

1. Nicole says Congratulations Julie and Chris! We are so thrilled you shared your special day with us at the Calistoga Ranch. We hope to help you celebrate anniversaries for years to come!

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2. Julie says Kevin! Thank you so much for capturing this special moment in our lives! We can't wait to be able to show this to our kids some day!! Chris always tears up when we watch it and get to the proposal part :) I have it on my desktop at work and I seriously watch this at least 3 times a day!! LOVE IT!!

3. Kevin says Thanks Ron! Such a fun moment to capture!

4. Ron Grandia says Nice work Kevin, and Congratulations Julie and Chris! Now it's GREAT Friaday!

Happy Mother’s Day

Sunday, May 12th, 2013 | Filed Under : Personal, Weddings

In celebration of Mother’s Day, I wanted to share some of my favorite Mom photos from some past weddings. I love weddings and I love capturing all of the emotions of the day. As you look at these photos, you can really feel the love and joy that these moms have for their children. Happy Mother’s Day to all you wonderful moms that I have had the pleasure of photographing.

1. Anne Lerch says Thank you Kevin for bringing back all the wonderful memories from Alexis & Jason's wedding...and now she's a mother too! No one could have captured her special day as well as you did. We were so lucky to have found the very best photographer ever!!!! Many hugs, Anne

Chelsea Senior Portraits | San Francisco

Monday, May 06th, 2013 | Filed Under : Portraits

I don’t do senior portraits but Chelsea is the daughter of good friend and I couldn’t say no. In fact I was honored that she would want an old fart like me to photograph her senior portraits. After all, I photographed her parent’s wedding back in 1992. Yes, I’ve been in the business that long. Thanks Chelsea for trusting me to photograph this important milestone in your young life. Let’s hope I’m still around to photograph your wedding!

This is Chelsea with her mom Johanne who’s family I have know since the 80′s. Such a cute mother and daughter photo.

Featured In Today’s Bride Magazine

Thursday, May 02nd, 2013 | Filed Under : Events, Press + Features

Who needs to see the Great Gatsby movie when you can see a Gatsby themed reception in the latest issue of Today’s Bride. I loved working with the talented Nancy Liu Chin of Nancy Liu Chin Designs and Frances Liu of Charmed Events Group on this dramatic black and white themed, Gatsby inspired reception. It worked perfectly with the Palace Hotel. The Garden Court is historical and quintessential San Francisco. Look at all of these lovely details. These photos will take you back in time.