Kevin Chin's Blog

Julie + Chris Surprise Proposal | Calistoga Ranch | Napa Valley

Kevin Chin — Sun, 19 May 2013 23:55:43 +0000

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.

Happy Mother’s Day

Kevin Chin — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:53:45 +0000

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.

Chelsea Senior Portraits | San Francisco

Kevin Chin — Mon, 06 May 2013 07:04:31 +0000

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

Kevin Chin — Fri, 03 May 2013 04:38:26 +0000

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.

Featured On Grace Ormonde Wedding Style

Kevin Chin — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:48:20 +0000

Love the black and gold themed decor that Frances Liu of Charmed Events and Nancy Liu Chin of Nancy Liu Chin Designs created for this truly elegant dinner hosted by the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

9 Months Family Portrait | Rendy + Tom | Foster City

Kevin Chin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:54:26 +0000

After doing Rendy & Tom’s 3 month family portrait indoors (see post here), they wanted to do their 9 month family portrait session outdoors. These photos were taken a few months earlier this year and it was still chilly outside. Have no fear, big sister Kayla had her fur hooded jacket on and was ready to brave the cold. She was definitely ready for her close up!

See Rendy & Tom’s 3 month family session here.

3 Month Family Portrait | Rendy + Tom | Foster City

Kevin Chin — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:24:42 +0000

Rendy and Tom have two beautiful girls who I will be photographing over the next year. They realized that their little girls are ever changing at this early age and they wanted all of their precious moments documented. This is little Alyssa at 3 month. Check back later this week to see their 6 month photo session.

Check back here later this week to see the next series of photos at 6 month.

St Patrick’s Church / Bently Reserve Wedding | Christina + Matt | Part 2

Kevin Chin — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:33:26 +0000

Check out the couple’s reaction to the speeches. Their expressions say it all. Congrats again to Christina & Matt on such a glamorous wedding done San Francisco style! Both St Patrick’s Church and the Bently Reserve are quintessential San Francisco venues. See part 1 here.

Timeless b&w images never go out of style such as this shot of Christina & Matt at the alter,

I love that the couple used their parent’s champagne glasses for their wedding. Such a nice personal touch.

Bridesmaid’s speeches are always full of emotion.

And groomsmen speeches are usually something funny and embarrassing. I just love the range of emotions during speeches.

Father / daughter dances are always so sweet. Christina is definitely daddy’s girl.

My awesome team captured both photo + cinema for Christina & Matt’s wedding.

See part 1 here.

Ceremony Venue: St Patricks Church

Reception Venue: Bently Reserve

Coordinator: Amy Frugoli

Florals: Kellye Kodak Clifford

St Patrick’s Church / Bently Reserve Wedding | Christina + Matt | Part 1

Kevin Chin — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:32:35 +0000

Outdoor weddings in California are always beautiful but I love the glitz and glamour of a city wedding. Christina & Matt started their day getting ready at the Le Meridien Hotel with views overlooking the San Francisco skyline followed by a cable car trolly chauffeuring us around the city for bridal portraits. So much fun and so many great photos and video footage captured before the couple walked down the aisle for their “I dos”.

Wedding Coordinator: Amy Frugoli

Florals: Kellye Kodak Clifford

Featured In Signature Weddings

Kevin Chin — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:02:05 +0000

Congrats to Lisa & Charlie for having their beautiful wedding grace the pages of Signature Weddings magazine. I love magazines and I love Signature Weddings. This Malaysian based wedding magazine always features the mot beautiful weddings from around the world. I’m so honored to have my weddings featured in their last 3 issues!