Garden Family Portrait: Kathy’s Sweet Vacation

A garden family portrait is always a great idea for capturing moments of your family members in a more relaxed mood, and there are more angles to play with! The pandemic has just made us realize how time is valuable, and that every opportunity to bond and create new memories should be made. Photos capture such moments and freeze these experiences to look back on years after.

Follow Instagram @lizranolaphotography for more family portraits.

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Family Portraits by the Lake

Just by the corner of Portia’s parental house is a lake with a stunning sunset view and clean air. We headed there for a quick family bonding and to have outdoor family portraits by the lake. I took photos of them hanging out together and being silly, and it’s great to release those hearts of a child – simple, appreciative, and just choosing to be happy.

The fam also headed up to the lighthouse for some portraits and to have a 360 view of the humble village. It was great that they were all up for it!

The photo session ended with a great sunset photo of them and went back to their lolo and lola. 🙂

For Instagram posts, follow us at @lizranolaphotography

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One Big Happy Family

Vivienne, our former bride, organized a family photography session last year in time for her Lola’s birthday. It was classic, fun, and sweet as everyone blocked two hours from their busy schedules. The apos most especially had fun posing with their lola. And when lola wore her sequined, red and long gown, everyone was in awe!

Venue: Beyond Concepts Studio

Styling: The clients’ own

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Jason & MJ: A Love Like That, an Intimate Garden Wedding

Jayson and MJ’s intimate garden wedding centered on God, and it was beautiful to witness. Love, laughter, tears, and holding hands filled the place. Truly a love like that is something we all hope to have.

Ceremony and Reception: Savanna Farm by Solange, Tagaytay

Video: Wild Ones Videography

Documentation: Ceremony-reception only

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Follow IG @lizranolaphotography and FB @lizranolaphotography for more of their photos 🙂

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Fitz and Radz: Love and Peace

Fitz and Radz’ two day engagement in Benguet was all about love and peace.

Venues: Mt. Yangbew, Mt. Kalugong, and Mt. Kalugong Kape-an/Cafe, Benguet Province

Although it was a slightly rainy afternoon, we took the chance to catch the sunset at Mt. Yangbew, just in case it would appear. The trek was muddy and thus, harder, as expected, but it was breathtaking at the top.

See their fun engagement shoot here.

The golden light colored the entire sky, and there was I time when I instructed Fitz and Radz to just stare at the view and enjoy it. The fog added a dreamy feel amidst the rocks, and our shoot at Mt. Yangbew was capped with a gorgeous sunset that was so clear and vibrant, like it didn’t rain that afternoon.

Next day, we headed to Mt. Kalugong, about an hour away from Baguio City, where we took quick shots at the coffee shop (coffee and food were great!) before heading to the rock formations and the trees.

The engagement was almost shoot-as-it-happens, where no concrete plans or pegs were followed. It was spontaneous, that even the dogs from the cafe agreed to join!

See their fun engagement shoot here.

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Fitz and Radz: Relaxed photo shoot in Baguio

Two days of fun, laughter, love and wackiness for Fitz and Radz’ relaxed photo shoot in Baguio City and the mountains of Benguet province (there’s a part two for this!). They filled their shoot with the things they love–coffee, travel, and hanging out. It was simple yet soulful. It’s the kind of engagement I love documenting!

Venues: @seollemcafe and around Baguio City

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Lola Inday’s Colorful 90th Birthday Party in a Garden

Last first week of June, Lola Inday celebrated her 90th birthday at Ferwoods Garden in Quezon City. Her friends, families and relatives enjoyed and participated in the joyful evening as some haven’t seen each other since the lockdown happened.

Lola Inday was royal. The moment she walked, all eyes were on her and the guests were happy to see her! In return, she greeted everyone with her sweet smile, laughed and exchanges hugs with them. She was sociable, loving, and prayerful–just beautiful inside out!

Sir Jac, the son of Lola, told me that she keeps her good health by still doing light household chores, being active everyday and eating vegetables. I could sense that she is well-loved because she is loving too. The smiles and gestures from guests, and her former colleagues and long-time friends who took the time to be there and celebrate were all testimonies of how loving she is.

The celebration started with a mass, a thanksgiving for a milestone of reaching ninety, and having a healthy, fulfilling life.

The guests were also entertained with many kinds of dancing. There were boogie, a few jazz and some quirky moves from the grandchildren as they gave bouquet of flowers to their lola. Moreover, there was a portion of the program as well when lola gave brief advices on how to live long and have healthy relationships. The party ended with sweet birthday wishes from relatives from other parts of the archipelago and the world. Everyone went home with big smiles on their faces.

Venue: Fernwoods Garden, QC ; IG

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A Relaxed, Intimate, and Natural Yacht Wedding in the Bay

No sponsors. No flower girls. No best man or bridesmaid. No invitation. No bouquet. Just pure love on a yacht and cruisin’ with dear friends.

Adrian and Regina were my 2020 couple. Their wedding was supposed to be held in Tagaytay, but Taal erupted, and then COVID-19 happened. Having rescheduled twice, they decided to just get married in the simplest and most intimate way–on a cruise with just seven of their closest friends and cousin.

It was a sunset wedding, with soft clouds that made the whole seascape appear soft. The ceremony was brief but touching, followed by a cruise in Manila bay in the evening. This scene was very relaxing as they drink-and-chill, and exchanged laughter, smiles and stories, while enjoying the beautiful cityscape and cool breeze. Their night ended with a simple buffet in the hotel.

Documented in a natural and candid style, the shoot was almost journalistic, focusing on the emotions, the feel and what the moment gave, just as how Adrian and Regina wanted it to be. Weddings, no matter the size, will always be special.

Preparations and Reception: Conrad Hotel Ceremony: Gallo Yacht Charters HMUA: Katrina Guzon

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Ethan and Serene’s Fun Story

Last January, my former couple, Steph and Eugene, (see their engagement photos here)gathered with their families and a few friends to celebrate their twins, Ethan and Serene’s fun story of their baptism and first birthday.

They were dressed as Woody and Jessie from the Toy Story movie.

The fun story started with their blessing and baptism at Christ the King Church, followed by a short family portraits and the birthday gathering at their house. Most of the guests who were not able to attend to follow protocols tuned in to their live preview.

Beautiful cake and cupcakes designs by @cafevidadesserts

Let babies be babies! So the twins changed in their most comfortable wear to get curious in their playpen!

Steph and Eugene were very thankful for the their families and friends for showing their love and thoughtfulness to Serene and Ethan. Truly, the pandemic shows that people could still stay connected and express their love in creative ways!

Follow instagram account for more of this feature @lizranolaphotography and on FB Page @lizranolaphotography

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Sckye’s the Limit!

Last March 2021 was Sckye’s maternity and family photo shoot at the Mango Farm.

The area was to ourselves so safety was secured, and the kids, Mia and Margot were able to play and run freely!

One cute moment was when we were shooting their family photo, Mia repeatedly ran to the camera and back to her fam, and I let her (but just not close enough, hehe, I asked her to go back as she ran nearer!)

We spent a few moments for Sckye’s solo portraits, and I liked Sckye started talking to Noah and caressing her belly.

We’re happy to have had this opportunity to shoot and capture memories before a lockdown again. Indeed, it’s an invitation for all of us to create more memories with our families as much as we can. 🙂

Visit my IG to see their pics too and like them! Also in FB Page.

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Backyard Play Place for George and Elise!

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The quarantine won’t stop the kids to be kids, so mommy Sophia (our former bride) setup a backyard play place with a mat for picnic and a portable pool for her children, George and Elise. They ate breakfast on the mat, danced, jumped, and the highlight of the day–swam in their mini pool!

Elise dancing to Blackpink music!

It was a special day as they celebrated George’s fourth birthday and him and Elise’s moving up day from Kinder and Grade 1 accordingly. Elise made a blue greeting card for George with a hand drawn star on the cover, while mommy Sophia gave him a Lego toy.

They even posed as their favorite marvel characters!

Here, George was imitating the hand gesture of his ate!
Elise was a natural!

Kids remind us the happiness in simple things, thus, the reason why we smile too when we see them enjoying. Let’s make as much memories as we can with them!

Let us look at more of their photos below!

Kids’ breakfast! To make it more realistic, they really haven’t eaten yet when we shot this.
A lovely photo of the siblings, with George’s wacky side shown here (and in most of the photos!) and Elise’s modest smile 🙂
Solos of the kids, with a quick one with mommy Sophia. I guess we know now where George got his wackiness!
The “graduates.”
George, when I asked how happy he is that day 🙂

You may also view the photos on FB here, and on IG here. Like and follow!

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Kenzo’s Under the Sea Birthday!

When a kid’s parents are wacky, expect the same on the kid’s photoshoot!

Kenzo’s parents, Mabelle and Shogen, wanted something different for their child’s first birthday. They wanted more than an under-the-sea theme, so they dressed Kenzo as a lobster, and they were the cook! It was super cute and funny!

We also changed setups where his grandparents could join. They couldn’t pass the moment without their beloved cat, Jack, who was quite shy in front of the camera.

In between breaks, Kenzo had a quick photo shoot with his official birthday cake. The very detailed cake came with several cupcakes with underwater themed fondant sculptures. Nobody wanted to eat the cake!

As a finale, Kenzo successfully smashed his cake which he really enjoyed doing!

It was a fun celebration despite having his grandparents (and me!) as his only visitors because of the pandemic. Truly, having an intimate celebration doesn’t make it less special.


Behind the scenes: As me and Mabelle finish the setup, Shogen takes a selfie with Kenzo before dressing him up.

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Anton and Nikki: His Will Be Done

NIKKI mentioned that this praise and worship song, Your Will be Done, was her song at a time when they were questioning about pushing through with their wedding during a pandemic. The lyrics “your will be done”, is a complete surrender to God which gave them peace at an uncertain time.

As I was photographing her, she told me that her colleagues in Malaysia were very supportive for her and Anton. She was allowed to go home to Manila, continue to work remotely, and get married! This became one of their major signals to push through with their wedding.

Massive changes were decided to consider health and safety of everyone–stripping down their guest list from 150 to 11 as the most crucial. An intimate celebration indeed, but one that was high in emotions. The entire day was full of smiles, happy tears, music and singing! In fact, Anton and Nikki led in singing the prayer and worship at the start of their reception. Their souvenir was a roll of kraft paper with the lyrics of the song, Your Will Be Done and All Creations Sing, tied by a keychain of the guests’ names written in script. As the observer, the photographer, I felt it was very sincere. To share a part of them as a couple, a part of them that’s so important, that is, their faith, was powerful.

Anton and Nikki’s wedding showed bare essentials–love in its purest form.

Venues: Artemis Place, Makati @artemisplacemakati / Nuestra Senora de Gracia (NSDG) / Romulo’s Restaurant, Jupiter St. Makati @romulocafephilippines

Gown: IG @wisle.weddingisle

HMUA: IG @chillcres 

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Tony and Mely’s Golden Anniversary

My parents have reached the 50th year. It is a blessing indeed. My dad who’s 87, and my mom who’s 79, was asked by the friendly priest “What is the secret?”, and my mom answered, “Prayers.” Simple yet powerful.

Because of the pandemic, the original plan of traveling abroad with the family was instead turned into a Zoom meeting with relatives and having only 4 guests at the church. Afterwards, we had a simple get together at home with a cake cutting and a surprise! Thanks to my cousin’s wife, Ate Dianne, for putting together the beautiful and delicious cake, with the surprise money inside which the seniors really enjoyed!

Truly, the size of an event is not only measured by the numbers. A better idea is to measure it by the love, laughters and smiles. We enjoyed every bit of the intimate celebration.

Church: Immaculate Concepcion Parish, Marikina City

Cake: D’s Sweetroom https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=d%27s%20sweetroom

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=liz%20rañola%20photography

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Wis and Bianca: Love from God

A love from God

Wisdom and Bianca met at a triathlon event in Kuwait several years ago. Bianca’s dad was a pioneer member of the group Filipino International Triathletes Kuwait, or FIT Kuwait for short. Convinced by her dad, she joined the group for the first time in an event, where she then met Wisdom, whom she called Kuya at first because of their age gap. There were cajoling from their friends and, from Bianca’s own words, their personalities clicked. You know what they say, listen to your friends. 🙂

Wisdom noticed that he was happier and more energetic whenever Bianca would join the group’s trainings, so he started messaging her and soon after, they were dating.

They said that their love grew at a wrong timing in their lives, but God guided them through, they strived with God, and this was how they both knew they wanted to get married. And yes, they did! September 2020, they celebrated with several of their close families and friends. It was an intimate celebration. It was full of love and smiles, and I saw what Wisdom mentioned about him being more energetic with Bianca around. Hehe!

Their journey was blessed by God, and is still being blessed now with Willow, their six month old baby 🙂

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Lloyd and Migs: Big Love!

Wacky, happy, touching, crazy. These are the words I would describe Lloyd and Migs’ wedding! Big love it is!

They got married last year, Feb 15, 2020. And from what I remember, it’s a kind of wedding where everyone enjoyed and didn’t get stressed out. Everyone was happy for the couple outside and from within.

Here is a short list on how to enjoy your wedding day based from what transpired during their celebration, which, of course, is applicable with or without the pandemic; the only difference is just the number of guests. So here they are, described through photos 🙂

  1. Love.

2. Dance.

2. Laugh with each other.

3. Invite your squad-family, close relatives and friends.

4. Be creative with your gifts.

5. Sing.

6. Drink (responsibly).

7. And just enjoy the day!

Wedding Coordinator: Eventist Manila Event Coordination – Eventist Manila c/o Adora Alcance Real @eventistmanila Video – Hello and Co @helloandcocinema Church – St Michael the Arcangel Parish Church Preps and Reception – Raffles Makati @rafflesmakatihotel Bridal Makeup – Jasmine Mendiola @jasminemendiola Bridal Hair – G Mande Hair @gmandehair Entourage Makeup – Pam Dionisio Flowers and Event Styling – Amante Fleurs @amantefleurs Host – MJ Foz @mjfozee Bridal Gown – Pronovias by Mi Sueño @pronoviasph

All layouts and illustrations for Liz Ranola Photography

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Mel and Nanette’s 30th!

This month of January, I opted for anniversaries as my theme for my photo blog. Last week’s feature was Tito Mar and Tita Ofie’s golden wedding anniversary (http://www.lizranolaweddings.com/wedding/mar-and-ofie-golden-love/). Now will be about Sir Mel and Ma’am Nanette’s 30th wedding anniversary. Why anniversaries? Because we ought to learn from them about what real love is and what it takes to choose to love. Simply put, they are the perfect role models for relationships! 🙂

Sir Mel and Ma’am Nanette celebrated their anniversary two years ago with the flower theme. It was a wonderful night of dancing, smiles, singing, and heartfelt and funny speeches from colleagues, friends and families, and of course, love. Everyone went home smiling! Below are several pages from their beautiful wedding album. 🙂

Venue: Discovery Suites, Ortigas
Illustrations done for Liz Ranola Photography

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Mar and Ofie: Golden Love!

Last year of December 2019, Tito Mar and Tita Ofie celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with their families and friends. It was a simple one but filled with smiles, laughter and hugs!

Fast forward to 2020, pandemic started, and their daughter and families, I remember, told me that they were just extremely thankful to have went home from the US to see their parents, and their children to see their ‘lolo’ and ‘lola’. They were thankful to have gathered together and saw their relatives and friends before the pandemic. And most importantly, they were thankful they were able to celebrate their parents’ renewal of vows.

So, for my first photo blog for 2021, I want to share this day, this love that has surpassed the test of time. We ought to learn about real love from our ‘lolos’ and ‘lolas’. Let us start our year right with positivity. 🙂

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Si Cali ang Bida!

January of this year, I took photos of the first birthday of Cali, the daughter of my former couple, Melvin and Azelea. We went for a short stroll at a nearby park before the party and took a few photos (a good place because there were lots of trees and you could sit on the grass).

Jollibee parties are fool-proof! Kids and adults always do enjoy, especially with Cali’s guests and who are up for the game! A simple and very Pinoy kind of birthday, I love that aunties and uncles teach kids at a very young age our culture of the “mano po.”

We miss gatherings, we miss parties, we miss hugging, kissing, and practicing the “mano po” culture. One day, this pandemic will end and we will all be able to celebrate with friends and families again. For now, let us reminisce and share the memories we’ve had 🙂

Venue: Jollibee Shell Station C5

Cake and Dessert Table Styling: Nectar and Frosting Cakes and Cupcakes


















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Raymund and Regina: An Intimate Wedding

“Less is more,” Mies Van der Rohe has said this. And this pandemic couldn’t teach us more about this than now.

Raymund and Regina had a very simple wedding. No preparation shots, just straight to the ceremony and the reception. Yes it is possible. And it might be the trend for now since we are faced with a pandemic with no cure yet. Of course, getting married in a big number has its plus side like having more friends and families to invite and celebrate with you.

An intimate wedding, however, lets couple simplify what they really need. First, they’d have to choose for their guest list people who are really dear to them, the top of mind. People who hold a big part in their hearts, their growth, and their well-being. Second, getting married takes lesser time the normal pacing of weddings. Third, well, the cost is a lot more less. Fourth, you will have more time to have a chitchat and bond with your guests. There are other things to add to the list of why choose an intimate wedding, but it all boils down to this–couples are stripped down to what is essential. And I think love is like that–essential. Everlasting. Simple. Not easy, but simple. And so, this less becomes more.

Church: Our Lady of the Abandonded, Marikina

Reception: Rustic Mornings

Top Illustration: Bleps Carlos

Below illustration: Liz Ranola Photography

MUA: Kris Bacani

Hair: Ogie Rayel

Dress: Mark Tamayo

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Adam’s Wish Came True!

Mommy Bernice, my friend from college, told me that it was Adam’s wish to have a new sibling.

I asked him to draw his baby brother and oh, what a sight! He drew himself listening to his brother from her mommy’s tummy, and he named him Ben. It’s the most creative drawing of a baby!

His parents, Bernice and Archie, were my friends in college. And Bernice was 8 months at this time, so we did the photoshoot at their house to make it more comfortable for them. It was a maternity and family photo shoot at the same time. 🙂 Lots of good lighting coming inside their house in the morning and it’s a great thing they had a bit of greens outside which was perfect for a family photo. 🙂 They also prepared a peculiar ultrasound photo of Ben touching his nose (hehe!) and some blue balloons for props.

The photo and Adam’s drawing added to the personal feel of the shoot. Our half day was simple, light, and natural, just like the way we wanted 🙂

Keep on staying at home. Keep on smiling and loving, and keep staying safe everyone!

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Matthew the Little Racer

In these trying times, let us remember the memories we had with our families, and continue to make more memories with them in our own homes. As much as we all wish for this pandemic to end soon, it is also showing us, or reminding us how family is very important. Suddenly, the world gave us more time to be with them, to be more caring and selfless. The parents of Matthew, Mike and Lian, both work in a hospital abroad; they are saving lives. May we do our duties as best as we can to stay safe so that we can go out again, play with our kids and enjoy nature, just like what this amazing family did months before the pandemic.

Let us finish the race and keep our faith!

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The Star Who Fell from the Sky: Isla with Her Family

In reference to Waldorf school’s tradition of the story of a star coming down from the sky through a rainbow to join a family, Mommy Ros, Dad Momon, and their children, Evey and newborn Isla, did a family photo shoot in vibrant colors. The mood was dreamy, happy and sweet.

The shoot was done at the comfort of their own colorful home. The rainbow wall was an instant favorite. Getting idea from the children’s book of Waldorf, I had extra parchment papers which I brought in the shoot to make clouds posted on the rainbow, with fairy lights inside for a more dreamy effect. There was a beautiful table setup done by Ros called The Nature Table depicting a star descending on a rainbow to join the family on earth. Ros handcrafted Waldorf dolls for the scene to represent their own family, and crowns for Isla and Evey.

Gnomes made of felt cloth beside a wooden sculpture of Pinay Doulas
A representation of Isla on the left, joined mom, dad and sister on the right

The shoot was candid and light, just as we wanted.



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Lloyd and Migs: Happiness is You

Lloyd and Migs’ happy prenup photo shoot! Couples always tell me they don’t know how to pose, so I just let them be themselves by doing some things they love, such as getting goofy, just like Migs and Lloyd. Usually, couples are naturally happy when they’re together, and I love it when I see they’re enjoying the moment, not so much posing, just actions. It’s when couples become comfy that they give me their best smiles and sometimes their own gimmicks. And that’s when I click the shutter.



Coordination: Eventist Manila Venue: Cintai Corito Gardens















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Biboy and Aika: #KMtoAngeles

Biboy and Aika were schoolmates in UPLB. She was a college crush of Biboy, and he waited for the right time to pursue her. He didn’t rush.




Years after being together, they were blessed with a baby boy, Ilio, and decided to have a church wedding to celebrate and give thanks for all their blessings. It was a perfect sunny day, with lots of funny moments! I just let them be themselves–happy, wacky, and sweet.









Biboy and Aika’s wedding went all the way with the Filipino theme (you probably figured that out as you’re scrolling, hehe)–from the dresses and barongs, to wedding symbols, to the souvenirs, the church styling, the kalesa ride from the preps to the church (and back), and even the food. They styled everything using native products such as woven Inabel fabrics, wood, capiz shells, embroidery and laces. Of course, one couldn’t miss the true Filipino spirit of love, warmth and hospitality. 🙂


Aika’s mom, a Fine Arts professor, collaborated with Biboy’s mom and a few graduates of the college Fine Arts to conceptualize and meticulously DIY (mostly) the overall styling of the wedding. Aika and her mom are also both into baking, hence, the not-REALLY-your-typical kind of bouquet for your bridesmaids, the egg beater with crocheted flowers!

The bridesmaids’ “bouquet” and hats for the groomsmen

Biboy’s mom

Aika and Biboy’s mom getting very busy with design details
Aika’s bouquet and flower girl’s
woode crane details for the male Principal Sponsors
Local desserts as souvenirs wrapped in Inabel cloth, a centuries-old hand-woven tradition of the Ilocos region

Hand-painted clay pots with mint plant as one of the centerpiece designs


Long table beside the lake at reception


Apo Nena Bed and Breakfast, the venue for the preps and reception, after it was styled, told that they didn’t know their area could be such a great place for a garden party.

The stage 🙂



Their wedding was beautiful inside out.

Wedding Organizer: Mye Malihan Video: Jason Magbanua Gown: Hannah Kong HMUA: Anna Tiglao Artistry Styling: Joint efforts of families and friends of the couple Venue: Apo Nena Bed and Breakfast and Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur Layout Illustrations: Liz Ranola Photography







The 85 steps to the entrance of Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, a UNESCO World Heritage site
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Mario and Aika: The Calm in the Storm

Well, literally, there was a storm when I shot their engagement photoshoot. But as we all know, relationships are not always walks in the parks, and it’s when people love more. Real love is choosing to love the person despite the rainy days.

Mario and Aika were college schoolmates, but their relationship started only after their school days. From then on, they were inseparable.

We shot first in Crisologo in Vigan at night; the team were prepared for the the thunderstorm weather reports (LOL), and Mario and Aika were okay to shoot under the rain. There was blackout in the town, but at least there was a restaurant with a generator, and one side of Crisologo had open lamp posts! Rain shot is a challenge, but I love how it can be sweet too.

The next day, the sky wasn’t looking so good and it kept raining the entire morning, but we were surprised we had an overcast for a few hours. Hence, we were able to shoot outside the Bantay tower and church, and a few minutes at the beach at Santa, Ilocos Sur. We capped up the shoot at the beach with a bang–strong winds and rain! And we got the perfect shot 🙂

Venues: Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Bantay Church and bell tower, and Santa beach Coordination: Mye Malihan Wardrobe styling and props: Rochelle Bakisan




























































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Oh the Places Clea Could Go!

Clea’s first birthday was simple yet super fun kind of reunion. It was an intimate celebration with Jamie and Wilson’s close relatives, families and friends. Having held at Stacey’s, the kids enjoyed spending time at the play area; Clea wanted even to eat the donut displays! I’m sure when Clea gets older, she would enjoy looking at her photos and the memories her family had during her birthday!

Clea, may you grow loving, smart and kind. May you continue to be the source of your parents’ joy!

Venue: Stacey’s BGC Illustrations and Layout by Liz Ranola





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Moses and Elijah’s Mario Brothers’ 1 UP!










Moses and Elijah’s first birthday was such a fun and lively party! There were a lot of dancing and singing games. The girls enjoyed singing A Whole New World while the boys enjoyed following the steps of K-pop moves. The adults participated eagerly the Name-that-Tune game. ! The program ended with all the kids (and kids at heart, especially grandma!) danced in front as the performers sang. The entire place felt so much alive; you gotta see all the photos!

Venue: Valle Verde 4 Social Hall Stylist: Kids Party Hub Coordinator: Celebrations by Che Cake: Sugarbox Videographer: Big Dipper Co. Hosts/Performers: One Groove-Madz Activity Areas by: Play Smart, Butchie Balicha, Pintwora Face Painting, Paparazzi


































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Johnny and Honey: Itinakda

Johnny and Honey are one of my most welcoming, respectful, joyful and loving couple I’ve had. As a photographer, it was such a pleasure to document their gestures of love for each other and their families.

They were also very prayerful, each word was felt thru their expressions.




Their wedding was full of heartfelt tears, laughter, surprises, hugs and kisses. It was indeed a great day for Johnny and Honey together with their guests.

Preps: West Ave Suites Ceremony: INC Lokal Fairview Reception: Don Jose Heights Clubhouse Florist: YsabelaFlorist Rings: Melissa’s Jewelry Box Video: Barlee Locayon Films Church Photo/Video: Studio125
Gown and Suite: Riad kashlan couture Coordination: Edwardson Lim Events Hair and Makeup Bride: Jay Herrera Entourage Makeup: Harmony by Catherine Diala/Tres Simbulan Catering: Ma Del’s Cuisine Catering & Food Services

{We weren’t able to shoot the ceremony as the INC Lokal has its own official photographer inside the church and within church premises.}


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Daniel and Sush: Forever will be Fine













Daniel and Sush’s love story started in their church. Both were busy serving in their own ministries, so they started out as friends.

Their wedding was beautiful inside out. As a photographer, I can tell their guests and families were really happy for them. Their thank you speeches for their parents and yaya were very touching which made Daniel and Sush, their parents and a few other guests cried as they listened. There were funny moments too–Daniel’s instant laugh trip with his groomsmen, Sush with her one and only sister Eeay, Daniel’s priceless and animated reactions as Sush marched down the aisle, when Daniel couldn’t resist playing the bass with his bandmates that he left the holding room for a while, Sush’s mom spilling out a few childhood stories during her speech, and all the laughing and smiling from their guests, relating to their love story. These moments, we love, for they show closeness and genuine happiness for Daniel and Sush.












Hotel: Seda Vertis North Ceremony and Reception: Oasis Manila Wedding Coordinator: Events and Elements Video: Wit and Grit Films HMUA: John Pagaduan Gown: Vee Tan Studios Flowers and Styling: Eve and Company Catering: Josiah’s Cake: Pinx Cakes Hosts: Chuck Araneta and Corinne Discipulo

























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Sam and Betty: Happiness

When Sam told Betty that he wanted to pursue her, that night, she reached out for her bible and prayed for it. The verse she turned to said:

“So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men.”–Philipians 2:29

She couldn’t have a much clearer instruction. 🙂

















I’ve known Betty and Sam for quite sometime now, Betty being a photographer as well and a colleague of mine before in a studio, and Sam was always there during our company and friends’ gatherings. So when it was time for us to shoot their wedding day, it was a delight as we worked with our friends and co-suppliers in the wedding industry, and to see the rest of our friends as well. It was a reunion, most importantly, we were all very happy for Sam and Betty.

We helped out with the tasks of documenting the wedding, some assigned separately with preparations, the ceremony and reception, so that we all get to experience being a guest (sometimes it’s nice to be a guest, hehe).




Venue: Grand Hyatt Hotel, BGC Coordinator: Aze Ryan Ching HMUA: Lindsay Co-Alog Designer: Karen Ferrer HMUA Entourage: Kaycee Lim Band: Ben and Ben Invitation Designer: Ayi Mondragon Flowers: Gathered Creative








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Al and Ana: God’s Gift

When one realizes that you need a God who will guide you in your life, your path lightens up, your standards raise and things become clearer with what you really want, especially with relationships. These two, Al and Ana, didn’t settle for anything less. They waited for each other to be ready, until it was the right time for them to be married 🙂

{Event Coordination} Sheryl Salva and Purple Sheep Events Team

{Hosts} Katherine Janice Alhambra and Yvan Ignacio

{Hair and Make-up}Leigh Espinosa

{Wedding Gown} Tina Basa Reyes {Coat Barong}. Barong de Calado by Andrew Badiola

{Catering and Styling} CVJ Food Catering

{Videographer}. Midnight Faculty Media Productions

{Venue} – Valley Golf and Country Club






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Chino and Kath: All Out Laugh and Love

Chino and Kath were one of my most smiling couples I’ve photographed. No photo was dull with these two. I just asked them to be themselves, look at each other, and instantly, they smiled every time they did. It was automatic, something I see as not because they’re used to being photographed and smile is what they should do, but because love and joy are there. It was genuine. There were a few crying moments, especially with the wedding march, and when I asked Kath to look at her bouquet (which she handmade btw) with a photo of her dad on it.

Chino being a drummer and a lover of 90’s rock music, their entrance was hence, in leather jackets! They rocked it like two college teens going on a concert of their favorite band!

Their wedding was a lot of fun, with all their guests supporting them and smiling with them.

Preparations: DKL Staycation Venue: Don Jose Heights Clubhouse Church: Holy Trinity Parish Video: Jay Alejo HMUA: Mhec Gado Gown: Concha Espana Couture Groom Suit: Ian Manila Rings: La Real Jewelry Invites: Annasthetics Design

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Daniel and Sush: Fine Time


Let’s take a tour into what a typical day in the lives of Daniel and Sush looks like. I always want my couples to be as they are, and their engagement shoot to be as natural as possible, a reflection of who they are. So they did a lot of activities–drinking coffee and tea, working, playing the bass, reading, praying, hanging out, joking one another, and laughing eighty percent of the time. As Sush told me after seeing the photos, she never laughed this much in a day. This, we are all glad. Hehe.

Venue: Ayala Westgrove HMUA: John Pagaduan Outfits: Couple’s own









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Adam’s DIY Wreck-it Ralph Themed Party

Adam celebrated his seventh birthday in Wreck-it Ralph themed party. His parents, Bernice and Archie, are Fine Arts graduates, so they DIY most of the props and designs of the party–from the candy corner, Adam’s poster, table center pieces, the building ‘pinata’, even to their costumes!

The kids, and adults got excited when the magic show began, the balloon sculpture show and the games commenced. I do always love it when the host includes parents in the games, it gives the audience an excuse to laugh even more and the parent participants to be smart to win the game (hehe). I loved the Star Wars inspired skit prepared by the host and his assistant (see the photo essay to see how it went!) wherein the kids got really involved as they coached the host, and Adam even wanting to fight Darth Vader! It was sooo funny!

Overall, it was a fun afternoon of good laughs, good food and good company 🙂

Venue: Pacific Village Clubhouse Catering: Center Table Catering, Inc. Event Stylist: Little Red Riding Hood Host/Entertainer: Alexander Lagula Cake: Belle’s Sweet Treats Food Carts: Arce Dairy, Ultimate French Fries Corner Facepaint: Arjhay Face and Body Art Photobooth: Happy Lens Photobooth

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Amazing Gymnasts

Meet Kite, Eunice and Leila. They are three young gymnasts whom I had the privilege to photograph. They are tough. They are disciplined and persevering. Truly, when one engages in sport, it does a lot of benefits not only to one’s body, but mostly to one’s character.

Their coaches were there to assist them during the shoot. They were our guide, and they tell the girls if their stunts and form was good or if they should repeat it and improve it for the shoot. Of course, they give time for the kids to rest as well! I was already impressed by their stamina at an early age, especially when Leila had blisters on her hand after her stunts at the bar grips–no complains whatsoever from her! We ended with a group photo of course, as the kids were chilling out already.

Venue: Club Gymnastica

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{BLOG} How to Pull Off a Simple Wedding

“Bakit yung mga couples mo, mukhang mayayaman lahat?” A friend once asked me, to which I replied, “A lot of them are simple and tasteful people.”

Hello guys! I hope you are doing well despite of the lockdown. We all wish for things to go back to normal as soon as it can! As you know, the events industry is one of those badly hit (economically) by the pandemic. It is hard for us suppliers and for our clients too who have prepared for their events like weddings, corporate, baptisms, birthdays. Cancelling it, or should I say, postponing it, is heartbreaking especially if you have prepared for it for a year or more (as in the case of weddings), but it is something we must comply for everyone’s safety. For our clients, I think you can look at the situation as a time for you to ponder on what you really want and what matters the most, and look at it as God giving you more time to prepare. SO, in line with this, I will be giving some tips for our clients (and future ones) to help you prepare your event, FROM A PHOTOGRAPHER’S PERSPECTIVE.

THE QUESTION IN THE HEADLINE? That really was asked by my friend while looking at my portfolio, and I laughed at her! I’ve had couples who like it grand. I also had couples who wanted it simple, some very intimate, narrowing their guests to fifty. However the couple want to celebrate their wedding is totally up to them–grand, moderate, simple–it is their prerogative. But for those who want to go simple, here are a few tips on how to pull off a simple wedding, without looking like a low budgeted one. These are based on observations from the hundreds of different weddings I’ve covered as well as insights from co-suppliers. Also noteworthy here, the sample photos shown here may not necessarily be a simple kind of wedding, as it is mainly shown for sample purposes on the tip being discussed.

  • Try to book suppliers that are of the same price range. Don’t burn your money for a grand reception venue, but serve bland food. People will remember the bad, sad to say. One bad supplier can affect the rest of your other suppliers one way or another. And as my mentor in photography once said, if the make up is bad, his pictures will get affected; if the coordinator is not good, the bride will get stressed and and his pictures will get affected… and so on.
  • Choose carefully your photo and video suppliers. I am not saying this because I am a photographer (hehe), but it is a must to say that they are your eyes during your wedding. You make the memories, they capture them, and this is really important. Some couples told me that they don’t remember a lot of things that happened during the wedding, and it is through looking at the photos and videos that they knew what traversed–who cried, who laughed hard, who got surprised, etc. After all the years, it is the memory that will make you smile. Invest on these artists who have good eyes and the passion on their craft.
Matt and Val. Look at their eyes and hands–Val’s fingers intertwined and Matt’s hands straightening up his coat. They were excited when the priest announced them as husband and wife.
http://www.lizranolaweddings.com/wedding/matt-and-val-oo-may-forever/
Karlo and Dianne’s simple kiss at the arch of Caleruega Church. This was their 10th wedding anniversary.
http://www.lizranolaweddings.com/wedding/karlo-and-dianne-we-still-do/


Jan meeting Ghen.
http://www.lizranolaweddings.com/wedding/jan-and-gen-oh-joy-begins/


Jikkie and Jen. Everything in this photo speaks of joy.
http://www.lizranolaweddings.com/wedding/jikkie-and-jen-gods-answer/
  • Get a wedding coordinator, even if it is just on-the-day. Some weddings I have covered opted to give this task of coordinating to their friends or relatives. This is okay if they are good. But sometimes, they don’t know how to, and it is not easy for us suppliers to do our own jobs if we can’t feel there are coordinators, even if there are. It is better to leave the job to those who really know it.
  • The RTW wedding gown that fits you. One of the most expensive to book are gowns and suit designers. They are expensive for a lot of good reasons 🙂 But for that economical wedding, one option for you is Divisoria, you might just have to allot a day for it! Another option would be shopping malls. I’ve had a lot of couples who had RTW gowns. With just a few adjustments, they’ll fit perfectly and will look like it’s custom made. Just a tip on buying one, go for the matte looking fabric, because shiny ones (the likes of satin) cause unwanted light reflection on the camera. You can go without beads, and fitting is important 🙂
Erika. Who would have thought her gown was an RTW?
http://www.lizranolaweddings.com/wedding/benson-and-erika/


Mary
http://www.lizranolaweddings.com/wedding/cookie-and-mary-all-the-happy-people/
  • It is safe to indicate, “Strictly formal,”or “strictly no denims” in your invites. Guests in denim, shirts, the ones who look like they’re going shopping in malls and not attending a wedding, are eye-catching amongst your other guests who made an effort to dress up. Even when they’re just on the background and blurred, it is still an eye sore (sorry, just being honest here). Of course, if it’s a rodeo themed wedding, then it’s an exception. oftentimes, we can’t post this photo for aesthetic reasons (check other blogs and you wouldn’t normally see photos with guests wearing denim). An option for the guest aside from wearing your color theme is you can specify to go for white, beige or something light colored. These look good in photos, even when it’s a simple, plain blouse. As they say, one can never go wrong with white. Black and grey, if it is okay for the couple, is a safe color too. Unless stated otherwise, weddings are semi-formal to formal events, so it is but right to dress accordingly.

These are all for now! I hope you learned a thing or two. Feel free to suggest more if you have other ideas! Stay safe everyone!

Liz 🙂

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Matteo at Seven: Matteo’s Ninja Party

A unique birthday party in parkour style! When Matteo’s parents told me that it was their son’s idea to have a parkour workshop for the kids (including him of course!) as the main event for his birthday celebration, I instantly got curious and excited! “I want the kids to play and have fun. I don’t want any clowns or magic shows,” Matteo’s parents relayed to me as his reason for deciding such an activity. This kid is smart, I thought. And true enough, the kids had sooo much fun and energy, I got tired chasing them! LOL (I don’t usually tire easily; I’m used to the physical demands of shooting events). It’s a good kind of tiredness for me, and I could see the kids got tired too, but everything was worth it as they were focused on giving the best they can to complete the physical activities individually and as a team. I loved that some kids even looked like parkour professionals as they did their stunts! I loved the game Monkey Tail as well, wherein they all crawled and jumped like a monkey and catch each other’s tails, even the coaches’ tails! The last activity was a group effort, a bow and arrow kind of game, who’s aim is to protect their respective bases and hit the target mark!

After the workshop, they went to the dining hall to eat–no programs, just candle blowing and bonding with families and friends. 🙂

Venue: Ninja Academy

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John and Nerissa: On Top of the World


When John and Nerissa messaged me for a hiking kind of engagement photo shoot as it is their dream to have one, and since they don’t have the time anymore to do so like before, I immediately said yes!

John and Nerissa are two very humble, kind and gutsy people. Wanting to do the full hike, we started our day very early at around five in the morning, and ended shooting at around six in the evening. Exhausting, of course, as it was 90% rocky. It’s not for the faint heart (and knees LOL!), but the experience and the view were all worth it! The shoot was one of the many times where I felt it wasn’t work because I got to visit a new place, actually felt and appreciate the place, and the couple became my new friends!

Congrats John and Nerissa on your engagement and on your wedding very soon! I wish you all the best for your marriage 🙂

 

Venue: Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River in Tanay, Rizal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Traveling with Royce

Royce celebrated his first birthday with airplanes, hot air balloons, maps, suitcases and–the most important of all when traveling–a curious and happy heart!

Included in this post are some pictures of his pre-birthday photoshoot done at UP Diliman. We did a few shots where Dan and MC, who were my former couple before, reenacted a scene from their engagement photoshoot at a sorbetes cart! As I put it side by side, it’s cute to see Royce with them now.

Royce’s birthday party was super fun despite the rain! People still came, the setup lived up to the travel theme, the kids and adults enjoyed the games, puppet show and the bubble show. I like that the entertainer showed unusual tricks with bubbles, and the little ones went crazy! Outside, it may be raining, but inside the hall where the party was, it was sunny, a perfect weather for travel!

Venue: Albergus   Party Stylist by Sugar Rush by Lora     Props for Pre-birthday by Vintage Hub Manila

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Chelsea and Lucas’ Camping Party!

Just a few weeks ago, I’ve blogged about Stella’s camping party for her first birthday. Now, because it is summer, here’s another camping themed party for Chelsea’s 7th birthday and Lucas’ 1st birthday! Love the simple yet colorful setups, the postcards notably containing some words of advice related to camping. I loved also that it is very evident Chelsea loves her baby brother so much. The kids had so much fun too with the games, the magic and the puppet shows! The program ended with an impromptu smash-the-cake by Lucas, with Chelsea helping her out! You can tell he enjoyed it, and the kids too!

 

 

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Camp Stella: Stella Lucia’s First Birthday

It was a rainy day during Stella’s first birthday party, and it poured blessings from families and friends! Done in camping style, the kids enjoyed their “taka” coloring and the carabao ride! The adults enjoyed bonding with friends and relatives! And with Mariel, the mom of the very adorable Stella, as the crafty artist from Craft MNL, the place and the “stage” was dressed with DIY. Metaphorically, it was a sunny day inside, a perfect weather for Stella’s camping 🙂

 

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Karlo and Dianne: We Still Do

 

 

 

 

It is Karlo and Dianne’s 10th wedding anniversary, their first church wedding, and a baby on the way. With these said, they are definitely blessed and have a lot of reasons to be joyful about!  And what better way to celebrate this love than with their families and friends who have been a big part of their family of three (going on four!)

Preps: Splendido Hotel Tagaytay     Church: Caleruega     Coordination: Imbitados Events     Video: Aisle 1401     HMUA: Paul Unating     Gown: Amonn Velasco     Flowers (church): Serge Igonia of Loi Floral Sense

 


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Benson and Erika: Celebrate Love


There are five things I love about this wedding: Benson and Erika being chill and joyous people, they were surrounded with people who are genuinely happy for them, Benson’s dad’s long (and funny) messages with a lot of quotes from Shakespeare(his dad is British), Erika’s dad’s message and quotes from the Bible (to match with Shakespeare), and Erika and Benson approaching each of their guests to say their gratitude (it is a sweet gesture to do so). The implications of these gestures I guess are the many reasons why their long distance relationship worked. I felt it’s a relationship that’s based on understanding, on hope, on knowing and accepting everything and on support from their families and friends. As what a friend told me, love is a choice. One chooses to love despite of.

Coordinator: Maxine Covar Events https://www.facebook.com/maaaks

HMUA: Makeup by Nicole Ceballos https://www.facebook.com/nixxxole

Venue Styling: Ginger Event Styling https://www.facebook.com/StyledbyGinger

Video: Son of Chrome Visuals https://www.facebook.com/sonofchromevisuals

Wedding Invitations Designer: https://www.facebook.com/heymonet/

Shot at Valley Golf and Country Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

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Micah’s Pre-debut: Gatsby

One of the few instances that I’m able to direct poses for my clients was Micah’s pre-debut shoot in Gatsby style! I loved that Micah was a pro in character and in posing. I wanted to show the daring and fun side of Gatsby, keeping it appropriate for the age, and Micah pulled it off so well!

It was also with great help by our very talented co-suppliers that the shoot became a success. We also had good venues, despite a few challenges, but these limitations turned out to be good avenues for our creative juices to flow! The shoot was chill, fun and enjoyable. 🙂

Venue: Okada Manila and City of Dreams     Art Director: Liz Ranola     Videographer: Fly Motion Pro     HMUA: Wilma Santiago Esturco     Stylist: Aldrin Ramos

 

 

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Jan and Gen: Oh Joy Begins

I love people who have happy dispositions. It shows how appreciative, thankful and positive they are. Jan and Gen are good examples; very kind and accommodating, and so as their families. So, it’s but natural to see all these when everyone gathered during their wedding. One of my most emotional weddings I’ve covered (see the photos below!) words are not probably enough to describe how they’ve felt, especially during the ceremony. 🙂

 

 

 





Almost every wedding I cover has something memorable and that stands out. And it was that moment when Jan took some alone time, away from the guests at the church, and prayed.  I also loved it when Gen suddenly bursted into tears as she left the hotel for the church.


Jan and Gen’s meeting was very simple–through a text! Jan saw in his friend’s phone a contact named Neneng. He got curious and texted her; it was Gen of course! And to quote Gen, “from text mates to happy ever after.”







Prenup Venues: Casa Bendita and Pilila Windmills     Wedding Coordinator: Bridal Gallery     Videographer: Fly Motion Pro      Gown: Mila de Leon Santiago Couture     Barong: Meldy’s Bridal Gown & Barong     HMUA: Michael Celestino     Hotel Preparation: Citadines Ortigas      Church: Christ the King, Green Meadows      Flower’s: Lara’s Flowershop



















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Cheryl’s Family Bonding

Cheryl’s sister and husband were “balikbayans”, and there’s no better way to bond than go out of town for a short break where they can dine together, play, and have a little sight-seeing. So together with her own family, Bryan and Bryce the baby boy, and with her mother, her sister and her husband, they went for a day trip to Tagaytay to do all these! We started off at Breakfast at Antonio’s, then to Sky Ranch and to Cliffhouse. It was, yet again, a shoot-as-it-happens kind of family portraits. I love it! We all loved it! No pressure, just enjoy, do whatever you like (though I make suggestions of course), and be as you are kind of shoot! The kind gig where I didn’t feel like it’s work, like I was just a friend who happened to be there too, so they invited me. Hehe.

We left Manila very early in the morning to have breakfast at, of course, Breakfast at Antonio’s. Bryce played in the lawn and we did a quick family shoot as we waited for the food to be served. Then we headed to Sky Ranch for some rides! Bryce enjoyed the airplane ride with his dad, and as Bryan got dizzy, it was touching to see Bryce’s concerned look as he put his hand on his dad’s forehead 🙂 Cheryl and her sisters played some kind of shoot-the-bottle, and Bryce caught some crocs and rubber duckies in the mini pond. The family also rode the blue train that went around the vicinity. To cool off the hot weather, we spent the entire afternoon at Cliffhouse for “merienda” and another family photo shoot.

The day was priceless as they shared stories and laughter. A great moment before heading back to the crazy city. 🙂

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Paul, Pia and Pipay’s Family Vacation

I love seeing my couples’ families grow! And as an example, I took photos of Paul and Pia’s beautiful garden wedding at San Pablo, Laguna. Now, with their source of joy, Pipay, we headed to their parent’s vacation house at the middle of vast greens! Armed with just their smiles, the shoot was like a weekend of quality time–relaxing and playing with Pipay amidst natural setting– just perfect for a short getaway from work. I love that it was so simple, no setups, no styling (just our natural good tastes 😛 ).

Paul and Pia being bikers, a ride on a bike had to be a part of our shoot, and Pipay enjoyed it!

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Mia at One Week

Meet Mia, the little blessing of Sckye and Macky. With Mia mostly asleep, posing her carefully was perfect and our shoot was so serene. Shot using just natural lighting from the window, the effect was mild and soft-looking. 🙂

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