previous post next post

viewing a single post view all posts

Maajed & Tahaane: For No Reason At All

Sat. March 26, 2011 | i do

"So, why are you all dressed up and doing a photo shoot?", we were asked quite a few times over the course of this shoot. The answer? No real reason at all!

I met Maajed & Tahaane a few years ago when Tahaane was pregnant with their first child, Carolina. We spent an afternoon talking about their excitement about her impending arrival, and having a great time! A few years went by and another beautiful baby came, they moved from a townhouse into a home for their family, we got a new president, and life just went on.

One day, Tahaane realized that they were only going to be in the prime of their lives for a short time--they'd wake up one morning and be dancing at Carolina's wedding, celebrating Raif's college graduation, and planning for retirement. It was time to capture who they are right now--a young, beautiful couple in love!

So we planned, and they shopped :) Tahaane found the Liancarlo gown of her dreams, and Maajed went for a tux. And we headed to LA to shoot at a few locations known for their light, color, and drama. And that's how this photo shoot was born!

The first thing I saw after I was done gawking at the gown was the shoes! Tahaane may or may not have bought 6 pairs of shoes (don't worry, most of them went back to the store). These Badgley Mischka ones were the winners:

Maajed told me that he envisioned the shoot being 50% Tahaane by herself, 25% the two of them, and 25% him by himself. Sorry Maajed, I'm not going to leave you out :)

We were all quite taken with the gown:

Something I don't get to shoot at a wedding very often: The groom helping the bride get ready!

The shoot started out well :)

Some accessories:

Maajed checking out the merchandise :)

This necklace was amazing--Tahaane's wedding gift from Maajed. She's never worn it another time, and she decided not to wear it for the shoot either. Oh well, it was fun to see!

I just love this one!

The shoes:

We started off shooting on the rooftop deck of the London Hotel:

We did a few without lighting, and a few with:

Then I saw this spot--I really could have shot in this light all day:

It didn't hurt to have such photogenic models:

And happy ones!

And striking ones:

The thing I loved most about this day is how much these guys just love being around one another. Their energy and kindness is contageous.

Tahaane, you look absolutely amazing. I'm pretty sure Maajed was wiping drool off his chin for a large part of the day:

But like I said, I'm not going to leave you out:

Bowtie!

Normally I'm not a fan of sunglasses in photos, but this shoot was so glam, they had to rock them for a few!

This gold couch should come on all my shoots:

Maybe a large canvas?

Mr. Dapper:

I love love:

Probably the setup that took the most time to get right, but I was most pleased with:

These two...I could look at them forever!!

I was so glad we got to play on the big chessboard outside!

It got shady there just in time for us to snag a few photos and head to location #2...

My favorite hotel, the SLS!

True story, when we were headed over, Maajed called them to let them know we were on the way. He said, "You'll know it's us because my wife is gorgeous and looks like she should be on the cover of a magazine". He was right:

But Maajed, I'm not letting you sell yourself short--you rocked it!

Adorableness :)

I LOVE this one!

The SLS decor is probably my favorite in the world:

It's the perfect blend of modern, quirky, and sophisticated:

The pool deck at the SLS is crazy awesome:

We saw a few movie stars too!

That orange chair makes this photo for me!

Cute cute...

Funny story--when I was shooting from overhead, my baby belly got in the way! I'm not nearly as big as it looks in this picture, but I did have it sticking out for balance (I was on the edge of the bed)--see bottom of the photo!

But it worked out okay!

Inside Bazaar, the restaurant at SLS:

After shooting there, we headed over to Griffith Park. Overdressed? I think not:

Perfectly dressed is more like it :)

There were tons of lush spots--I guess all that rain has done some good up in the dry hills!

The light...let's just say we got there exactly at the right time!

Two of my faves of the day:

Would you believe that a few minutes earlier Tahaane was worried about even walking in the dress? All Maajed had to say was, "I had a picture in my mind of her laying in the grass", and she jumped at the chance and said, 'I'll do it"!

Tahaane, it was worth it:

Payback for Maajed, and a celebratory twirl:

M & T, I hope you remember this day not only as an incredibly fun date for the two of you, but as a moment when you were insanely beautiful, relaxed, and in love. Thank you for letting me freeze this moment for you!

Hide 40 comments for this post

Add a Comment

Email Jessica

previous post next post