February 23, 2017

Wookie Rookies

February 23, 2017/ Catalyst Wedding Co

Born in Oregon and raised in the Northwest and in the Midwest, I never saw much diversity. As a result, I always saw my skin color and hair as something to be ashamed of—something I should try to hide, cover up, straighten, or make to align more with the American standard of beauty. As I’ve grown up, I’ve slowly started to embrace who I am, kinky hair and all. In a classically modern wedding setting, I wanted to showcase that journey of self discovery with a sleek, elegant, and beautifully natural bride of color.

February 14, 2017

Wedding Inspiration // Royal Blue + Metallic Gold

February 14, 2017/ Catalyst Wedding Co

Styled shoots are all about creativity and the spinning entree choice was such a cool way to present your guests their menu options. On top of that, our model's bolero is removable, making it the perfect way to transition from a formal ceremony to a more laid back reception! And for colder wedding months this is the perfect accessory to add a bit of warmth! It's funny because we originally planned on a sunny styled shoot, so at first when we saw the wash out weather we were mortified, but I think all in all the rain really added to the intimacy and portrayal of the couple, proving that a rainy wedding day can still be just as gorgeous, if not more!

February 09, 2017

12 Questions to Determine What Kind of Wedding You Should Have

February 09, 2017/ Catalyst Wedding Co

You just got engaged! Congrats! Don't freak out. Here are 12 questions to ground you and lay the foundation for your wedding priorities. And if you're already partnered, these questions are a good way to check-in with your loved one.

December 20, 2016

Wedding Inspiration // Lace and Quartz: A Vibrant Urban Elopement

December 20, 2016/ Catalyst Wedding Co

For this shoot, we sought a unique and unexplored space. The interior of the recently opened Cambria Gallery in the SoMa neighborhood just south of City Hall was an inspiring discovery. We fell in love with the combination of colors and textures and the urban, modern décor. Marble, quartz, and exposed brick give the showroom a very dramatic and industrial look, particularly when paired with a bold, graphic print. The space inspired an urban, yet feminine vibe and a chic, modern, yet approachable look for our shoot.

October 04, 2016

How to Ditch the White Wedding Dress & Just Be You!

October 04, 2016/ Catalyst Wedding Co

I’ve been at 400 weddings in 15 years. I’m sure I’ve seen every kind of white dress you can possibly imagine, and frankly, I’m over it.

It’s 2016, people! You can stand out as a bright flower in a summer full of white-dress-black-suit friendweddings!

You can be memorable and amazing! You can be excited about being yourself!

You can express your gender identity! LGBTQIA+ couples don't have to try and fit into what their straight friends are doing, unless they want to.

You can put that weirdly large wedding dress budget to use in hiring a better photographer, getting engagement photos, having cocktails or better quality food, or going on your honeymoon!

April 05, 2016

Keeping it Real with Vivian Chen Photography

April 05, 2016/ Catalyst Wedding Co

My mission as a wedding photographer is to capture and share authentic wedding day stories. Whether my couples are eloping at San Francisco City Hall or getting married on a rainy day in the middle of an Oregon forest, my job is to be there to photograph all the candid moments in between beyond the epic posed portraits. I want my wedding photos to feel true to my couples and the reality of their wedding day. I’m drawn to catching the tender glances my couples share throughout the day, the times when nervous anticipation gives way to liberating laughter, and the elation in their eyes when when it hits them that, "Yes! We’re getting married today!"