Kimberly Chan Photography Blog »

Kimberly Chan Photography Blog bio picture
  • Why, hello you!

    I’m Kim. I’m a wedding photographer based in Northern California. Take a peek around to learn a little bit more about me and what I love to do. Weddings are my forte and when I’m not behind the camera documenting love, you can find me hanging out with my baby girl, husband and pup. For more information, head over to the website. Follow up with the latest by clicking on the links below.

Esther + Mario: Santa Cruz Engagement

A typical Tuesday is usually spent editing all day.  So when a couple wants to do a midweek engagement shoot, it’s always a welcome break.  The best part of my job is being able to spend time with our couples and engagement shoots really are one of my favorite things.  A few Tuesdays ago, we made the trip over the mountain to Santa Cruz for Esther and Mario’s engagement session.  We started off in the colorful Capitola area and then drove north in hopes of breaking through the fog to find a bit of sunshine.  It was a fun afternoon filled with laughs, genuine smiles and strolling in the sand.  Which really is the perfect combination for any happy day.

One of their happiest of days is almost here as these two are getting married next week!  It’s sure to be a very special day and I am honored to be a part of it.  Thank you Esther and Mario for being so fantastic and I can’t wait to celebrate with you both shortly! xoxo

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Courtney + Aaron: Big Sur Engagement

I’ve lived in California almost my whole life.  And, somehow, I’ve never been to Big Sur.   A fact that astounded me even more once we headed to this breathtakingly beautiful spot a few weeks ago for Courtney and Aaron’s engagement shoot.  When they mentioned to me months prior that they wanted to do their engagement session there, I was excited for what this location would hold.  Even the drive down from Monterey to Big Sur was amazing.  Every curve and bend presented a new and equally gorgeous view as the road carved it’s way along the pristine mountainside.

Big Sur has a very special place in their hearts because it is where Aaron proposed to Courtney.  And it was doubly sweet because we actually went to the exact spot where he popped the questioned months earlier.  Revisiting a location that means so much to them set the tone for a truly beautiful shoot and afternoon.  They were total naturals and it was such fun getting to know them as a couple.

To Courtney and Aaron, thank you guys for being awesome to work with. We are so thankful to be a part of this happy time in your lives.  We are super excited for your wedding in a few months at one of our favorite venues in Monterey.  xoxo

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July 25, 2012 - 10:58 am

Meg - Oooh. So cute!! I love the tunnel pictures.

July 24, 2012 - 11:58 am

Dallas - Ah, you can almost feel the freshness of the air in these photos! These are gorgeous. I especially love the dramatic ones of them leaning against the railing with the cliff, on the bridge, and the super cute ones in the river 🙂

Kristen + Peter: A Castlewood Country Club Wedding in Pleasanton

I feel so blessed.  A phrase I must have said at least a dozen times at Kristen and Peter’s wedding.  And it was true.  I feel truly blessed to work with such great couples.  These two are as special as they come and their wedding day was nothing short of amazing.

From the moment we arrived, there was an energy and an excitement that shined so brightly.  Both in Kristen and Peter as well as their friends and family.  From the hugs and high fives to the loud cheers when they were pronounced husband and wife, you could feel the love that every guest had for this amazing couple.  I feel so honored to have been a part of it and document this wonderful time in their lives.

Kristen and Peter, I am so happy for you guys.  Thank you for being a complete joy to work with and for your kind hearts.  It has been such fun getting to know you both and witness a love so beautiful.  I can’t wait to see how God continues to work in your lives.  xoxo

A moment of worship.  And an image that captures my heart.

The evening was filled with sweet toasts that had everyone laughing.

These guests knew how to party.  It was a fun night on the dance floor.

A big thank you to all of the vendors that made this wedding extra special.  It is so nice to work with such great people in the wedding
industry.  And a special thanks to Jana Melinda for second shooting.

 

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July 17, 2012 - 11:04 pm

AnnaLisa - You are simply amazing! I love the moments that you captured. The feeling. I agree with Meg, sooo creative :). I can feel the couples love for God.

July 17, 2012 - 11:01 pm

Jana - So gorgeous Kim!!!!! I think I’ve looked at it like 3 times! I love every last detail!!! xo

July 17, 2012 - 12:15 pm

Dallas - Ah, so beautiful! Awesome job, Kim! I love the getting ready ones and the group photos are so much fun.

July 17, 2012 - 10:29 am

Meg - These pictures are soooooo creative! I love them. I’m going to have to pick your brain about how you got some of those pictures, though! 🙂

Hayley + Gabor: A Park Winters Wedding In Northern California

I met Hayley and Gabor for the first time about six months ago.  In a coffee shop.  And as we chatted over warm drinks, I knew I liked them.  As they talked more about the details of their wedding day, I liked them even more.  I could just see the love between them and feel the excitement and anticipation of their big day as they spoke about it. Those are the kind of couples that I am always drawn to.  And throughout these past few months of getting to know them better, I can truly say that they are such great people and one amazing couple.  I’ve been eagerly looking forward to their wedding since and a few weekends ago, they got married at the beautiful Park Winters in Northern California.

Hayley and Gabor talked so highly about this venue that I knew it was going to be amazing.  It was just as beautiful as they described and was the perfect backdrop for their wedding day.   From the dress, to the details, to their vows, their big day was filled with everything that makes weddings oh so special.  I’m known to tear up at weddings and this one was no exception.  There were so many sweet moments that made me feel so blessed to be able to do what I love.

To the happy couple, thank you!  It was such an honor to be a part of your wedding day.  Documenting a love story like yours has been a true pleasure and such fun.  Wishing you a lifetime of love!  xoxo

I love getting to work with such talented wedding vendors.  And makeup artist Marissa Clark Torres and hairstylist Michelle Stehle
always do such a fabulous job.

It’s moments like this that warm my heart.  This photo below is one of my favorites.  Right after the pronouncement and recessional,
Hayley and Gabor embraced and relished in the fact that they were now husband and wife.

Their reception was filled with heartfelt toasts…

dancing…

And these two adorable ladies who had everyone smiling.

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June 30, 2012 - 7:47 am

Lora Ward, Wedding Planner - Nice work. I have two weddings scheduled at Park Winters summer 2013… looking at your images make me smile; can’t wait to return to this beautiful property.

June 30, 2012 - 7:31 am

Park Winters - Hi Kim.. We Love your photos! The couple looks great and we loved hosting All of you. Thanks for sharing these beautiful memories!

June 29, 2012 - 3:34 pm

katie zaboy - I am a huge fan of Park Winters and your images truly captured the beauty of the location as well as the love and joy of the couple and their celebration! Beautiful job!

June 29, 2012 - 7:39 am

AnnaLisa Banuelos - Amaaaaaaazing Kim!!!!!! I’m in love with the location and mostly in how you told the story. The way you captured the images is just beautiful. Looks like they belong in a magazine 😉

June 28, 2012 - 4:37 pm

Jana - soooooo gorgeous Kim! oh my gosh I just love that location, and flower choices, etc. It’s just all so lovely!

June 28, 2012 - 3:42 pm

Meg - What a fabulous location! You did a great job, Kim! I love how you photographed all the different boutonnieres.

June 28, 2012 - 9:29 am

Daniela - Beautiful shots Kim. I love the wedding too and all the details. Well done 🙂

Sarah + Drew: Portola Valley Engagement

Three things come to mind from my engagement session with Sarah and Drew.  First, Portola Valley is oh so pretty.  It’s hard to believe I’ve lived in the Bay Area most of my life and have never been there before.  Second, hearing how couples got engaged is one of my favorite things.  Especially stories that involve a romantic idea for a beach proposal that go quite awry when that spot turns out to be a nude beach (Drew’s plans quickly changed once they arrived and realized it but it sure does make for a great story).  And third, couples that wear their love for one another on their sleeves are the best.  Like Sarah and Drew.

Our session began late in the day last Wednesday and within minutes of meeting these two, I knew it was going to be one incredible shoot.  The love between them is so beautiful and natural.  There was an ease to this shoot that I just loved.  Sarah and Drew, thank you two so much!  It was such fun getting to spend the afternoon with you and being able to tell part of your love story through these photographs.  Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness!  xoxo

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July 22, 2012 - 10:35 am

Uncle Ray - You are such a beautiful couple, the love shows in grand illustration here.

July 6, 2012 - 8:41 pm

Mark Donovan - Wow! The photos are very nice! What great shots!

May 22, 2012 - 3:30 pm

Sarah - Kim. We love them so much. Thank you so much for the most fantastic photos imaginable.

May 22, 2012 - 2:18 pm

Kara - Gorgeous photos Kim!

May 22, 2012 - 10:03 am

Shauna - These are all so good!! Great job Kim!