Susanica Tam, photojournalist.

Linh and Tao

susanicatam — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:40:55 +0000

Linh and Tao were the picture of grace. Several hundred pictures, actually, as they were required to pose for the requisite family portraits that comes with doing a traditional tea ceremony and banquet complete with greeting guests at the door and wardrobe changes. I look back at their wedding with fondness at the ease of which they navigated the day. Smiles, easygoing, with the confidence and contributions from both families.

My second shooter was Marc Campos who did a fabulous job. I was also VERY impressed by their MC, who was DJ Wasabi from AM1430. She’s flawless and charismatic in three languages and if you’re looking for cantonese, english and mandarin at your wedding, look no further.

^photo by Marc Campos

Linh and Tao surprising their guests with a choreographed, fantastic tango.

^photo by Marc Campos

Pows go Boom!

susanicatam — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:15:23 +0000

Brides are often described as “radiant,” but at Anna and Sam’s wedding last week, it was obvious to many that the groom, Sam was the happiest they’d ever seen him. The couple exuded pure joy and the audience became collectively misty-eyed while witnessing their ceremony. Their festivities were organized in just a short amount of time with the help of some close friends. Anna’s father passed away earlier during the year and the wedding was initially postponed, but seven weeks before their original date, Anna knew that the loss of her parent would forever be with her and not bettered by a wait, and that she really did want to marry Sam, and celebrate their love, now!

The Pow’s wedding day was just a shiny, shiny day and I’m sure, remembered fondly by her family and friends. Anna and Sam met at the Burning Man Festival and kept it as a theme in their wedding, with their invitations, tables and cake topper designed to match.

Planning and day-of coordinating: Sophia LoRenagade
Music: Nutty Jazz*
Venue: Topanga Community Center
Food: Moksha Restaurant
Florals: Mia More

*highly recommended!

Maral + Kyle

susanicatam — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:50:03 +0000

I have known Maral since before she met this boy that became the man of her dreams, so it was with great joy that I was able to be there with the family on her wedding day. Behold, my big sister’s wedding:

The slideshow is HERE!

The wedding was held at the Pierpont Inn, co-ordinator was Pam (on-site @ Pierpont), make-up by Maxine Christians, florals by Maral’s mother, Giti. Everything was beautiful and smelled heavenly.

Angela + Eugene Tea Ceremony

susanicatam — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:24:07 +0000

One of the things I enjoy about shooting lately is the number of different mixtures and backgrounds and amazing various people that combine in unions. A Baha’i wedding with a Persian groom and a Hmong bride, or a Jewish wedding with an Indian bride just to name a few of the inspiring and unique celebrations I was honored to be at. Here’s a traditional tea ceremony from two different cultures, and this ceremony which honors the family is always sentimental for me to see.

legs for days

susanicatam — Mon, 23 May 2011 19:59:23 +0000

Maral and Kyle will be getting married on July 9!

Miriam + Jeff Preview

susanicatam — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 04:45:08 +0000

I always luck out with the best people. The kind, bright, and radiant Miriam and Jeff were married Sunday, April 10 in Costa Mesa. When I met Miriam a few months ago, it didn’t take long to realize we had things in common in the art world. And I couldn’t help but gush at her choices on Beholden and etsy, and promptly went home to peruse 100 layer cake. She was a joy to photograph and Jeff is her perfect match and couldn’t have been nicer. Their band was lively, the speeches heartfelt, and the college friends raucous in a laughter-filled evening.

Mike Goulding and I shot this wedding together, and with Mike on my team, I knew that we were golden. Check it out!

^ photo by Michael Goulding

Venue: Center Club, Costa Mesa
Make-up: Cara @ Flawless Faces, Costa Mesa*
Hair: Michelle @ Flawless Faces. Costa Mesa
Floral: Designs by Tricia
Music: Richard Bernard Band
Co-ordinator, day-of: Kathleen, to love and to cherish inc.

Kammi + Erin

susanicatam — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:44:08 +0000

These two lovely ladies kicked off summer wedding season tenderly for me. It was hot-hot-hot scorcher of a day in the middle of spring, that gave way to a cool garden evening lit by paper luminaries. And oh my gosh, as we sweated to prepare, I discovered something that had been previously missing in my life, called a frozen chi-chi which has something to do with liquor and icy creamy coconut and pineapple, thanks to their friend KC bomber.

Kammi and Erin had their ceremony in a private home called Casa Bella, in the Hollywood Hills surrounded by the fragrance of blooming citrus trees, jasmine, callah lillies, sangria, geranium pink Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap in the bathroom, delightful desserts and 50 amazing-smelling people that loved them. I don’t have to say it was beautiful, because if you look at the pictures, it’s obvious.

Erin and Kammi, I want to squeeze you in a big hug. Weeeeee!

they danced to a love song by an 80s rock band from Germany

susanicatam — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 07:47:21 +0000

Rick and Tanya’s slideshow.

sweet november. new house. puppy.

susanicatam — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 23:10:32 +0000

Lest I be labeled un-festive, I will now share with you my seasonal activities. I received a sweet dumpling squash in my CSA box this week. Not knowing what to do with it, I had to ask google and found this very simple recipe:

Cut the squash in half. Scoop out the seeds. Put a nice pat of butter in the hollow along with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or so. And you get this delicious sweet thing!

This month, I also moved into a new house that I love. This blue house is not my house, but rather, the view from my balcony. Those of you who are waiting on photos from me might have noticed a delay in my production as a result of the move and for that, I offer my most sincere apologies for your inconveniences.

Daisy the puppy, who came to visit during Thanksgiving because her dad left town.

It’s a New Slideshow!

susanicatam — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:37:10 +0000

Ladies and gentlemen, here is the The Great Zanni Van! <——(slideshow)

Rick + Tanya Preview

susanicatam — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 07:17:23 +0000

It is so easy to fall in love with Rick and Tanya. Rick, with his sweet, good-natured attitude and Tanya with her effervescent smile, together, they bring both light and calm to a room. And to a wedding chapel. And to a cafe. More specifically, the Harvard Square Café, where Rick and Tanya were employed at separate times, unbeknownst to each other when they met, but where they would one day get married.

Their wedding was just like them: full of joy and the real deal. The bridal bouquet was all gardenias and my memories of their warm day are laced with the enchanting smell. Like the flowers, everyone involved blended together seamlessly (the fastestwardrobe changes and smoothest transitions I have ever seen,) and their day went off without a hitch. Guests danced to music from Prince to cumbia and everything in between, and the bride and groom shared their first dance to a SCORPIANS song. How great is that?

Here is their preview with plenty more to come.

This is the spot where Rick proposed!

Arash-joon + Kanoongy preview

susanicatam — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 06:45:47 +0000

Kanoong and Arash don’t mess around when they plan events. It was Kanoong that taught me how to properly carve a pumpkin about five years ago when I went to Arash’s house to help him with halloween decorations. I thought we were going to write “Happy Halloween” some construction paper signs or something, but boy, had I underestimated.

A couple hours plus who-knows-how-many-stores later, we emerged out of the Payan residence with artfully created pumpkin masterpieces perched on a lawn festooned with multiple inflatable motorized halloween noise-making ghost castle type things, gigantic plastic flying bats dangling from every which way, tripping over stakes in the yard that featured light-up skulls. That, my friends, is how you know which houses are good for trick-or-treating. I should have known this judging from the amount of effort and focus Arash and the crew put into our high school gaming days. (“Hi, mom, I’m gonna be home late, I’m engaged in battle at Arash’s house, Yes, after 3 am”)

Their Bahai ceremony followed by a Hmong string-tying tradition was truly special and unique and enjoyed by all their guests.

Congrats to two of the sweetest, most calm and genuinely caring people in the world whom I have known for more than a decade. The groom was in my prom picture (which i MUST find now) (Arash, when are we going to play starcraft?) and the bride sat on the executive board of Parkside Apartments and Residential Hall with me. Yay!

Arash + Kanoong Engagement

susanicatam — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 19:20:49 +0000

Enter the goofy, fun-loving Arash and his fiancée, the serene and beautiful Kanoong, and you have this match made in heaven. Actually it was made at USC, where I knew both of these wonderful individuals as RAs (Residential Advisors) in the Parkside Apartments. We shot their engagement at their alma mater, and had a great time doing it. Fight on!

Z + V Preview

susanicatam — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:32:20 +0000

Zanni and Van had one of those weddings that you just gush about to everybody and anyone who cares to listen. It was a labor of love. and incredible. i love them. Gosh I can’t say any more or I might start crying, take a look! More to come!

I would highly recommend all the following vendors. Although some of them may not be available

Venue: Cate School, Carpinteria, Calif.
Food: Stella Mares
Event Coordinator: Sarah Bixler (of Stella Mares)
Floral: Susan Davis + Ellen (Zanni’s aunt).
Additional Floral: Aunt Lucy and Angie, Blair Davis (MOH)
DJ: Mikey Beats *
Event Site setup and lighting: Cousins Pete, Kelli, Aaron and Evan and Dads Michael and John

Jeannine + Josh Preview

susanicatam — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 06:34:00 +0000

Jeannine and Josh’s wedding was an infusion of old-world style at the San Gabriel Mission (built in 1771!) and modern, infectious all-out dance party at the reception. I really enjoyed working with Jeannine and Josh mainly because they were genuinely good sports and not afraid to let loose and be goofy. I couldn’t help smiling as they galloped into their first dance, set to Queen’s “You’re my Best Friend,” and it was obvious they were well-loved by the steady stream and family and friends that constantly surrounded them. Jeannine and Josh are a lot of fun to be around and both of their families were absolutely good-natured, funny, and amazing on the dance floor. In fact, I still crack up everytime I think off Josh’s sister trying to break dance on the ground in her bridesmaid dress. Congrats, you two!

Birds flyin’ high, you know how I feel.

susanicatam — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:07:52 +0000

Nadya and Srini’s slideshow!

Srini + Nadya preview

susanicatam — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:38:03 +0000

I did not know of anyone I could actually describe as “devastatingly charming,” until I met Srini and Nadya. I was intrigued from the start by a curious typo Nadya made to me in an e-mail. Next, I whet my interest at our first meeting, accompanied by a romantic downpour that pummeled the rain covers at Urth Caffe where we sat cradling steaming lattes (me and Srini) and Moroccan mint tea (Nadya). Finally, I was delighted by their blustery, rainy (in LA? in JULY?) wedding day when the clouds parted and sun appeared as Srini took his place and Nadya turned the corner and appeared at the end of the aisle. Some would say this is sheer luck, but those who know this couple would concur: Nadya halted the rain because she simply wanted to when it came time. The picture that emerged from their loved ones’ toasts was of this intertwined force: one part a brilliant girl who can do anything she puts her mind to, tempered on the other side by a man whose compassionate, witty, and similarly headstrong spirit, nurtures their combined identity and warmth. The effervescent joy and sense of humor they drew from their families and community was readily apparent throughout their wedding day.

Nadya and Srini are truly remarkable.

I am honored to have been a part of their lives on this day, and I was fortunate to work alongside photographer Mike Goulding whom I also greatly admire.

Here is just a smattering of photos–they have many, many gorgeous ones!

photo by Michael Goulding

photo by Michael Goulding
(name cards hand-lettered by Srini)

photo by Michael Goulding:

photo by Michael Goulding

Location: Marrakesh House
Day-of coordinator: Laura Gatewood
Floral arrangements: David
Food: Samosa House
Hair + Make up: Yaleny Valdes
Additional photography by: Michael Goulding

Farm fresh summer

susanicatam — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:34:55 +0000

Starting today, the days will be getting shorter! This week I’ll be feasting on blueberries, okra rice, ollalieberry crumbler, white peaches, dandelion green salad (with dried cherries, cold tomatoes, and hot bacon), and strawberry smoothies. Sigh of delight!

Stoltey’s Bee Farm
Has been making honey for 53 years.
10080 Atascadero Ave
Atascadero, CA 93422

Classic Organic Farm and Market
2323 Old Coast Hwy
Gaviota, CA 93117

Restoration Oaks Ranch
Blueberry Picking
1980 Hwy. 101

Avila Valley Barn
Peaches, olallieberries, farm animals, hayrides.
560 Avila Beach Drive,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

I would be so pleased if you put “play that funky music, white boy” on your “do-not-play” list.

susanicatam — Fri, 28 May 2010 21:53:41 +0000

Brides, (and grooms too!) the wedding day is all about you. Even all these special little moments that you might not have seen.

Your guests and loved ones have gathered in honor of you, and it’s because of you that they are there celebrating. So be appreciative and soak it in. Your day has arrived!! And if your bridesmaid slips off with your groomsmen it’s your fault too since they met because of you. Don’t worry, I’ll be there to photograph it. <3

Loving life:

Disclaimer: While Tiffany (in brown BCBG dress) was indeed a bridesmaid, Chris, her boyfriend, was not a groomsman.

My thoughts are tumbling in my head like clothes in a dryer

susanicatam — Mon, 03 May 2010 20:48:20 +0000

…with no static cling sheets.

It’s Sunday night and the beginning of May so I feel obligated to show the world what I’ve been up to, but oddly I don’t know what photos to show. What’s a photo blog without photos you ask? Not a very interesting one. But sometimes writing itself is therapeutic, which leads to better photos, so it’s all connected. I’ve spent a few introspective hours this weekend trying to make improvements to my approach. I checked out the Water, Our Thirsty World photojournalism exhibit, which was inspring. I read a book by my derby teammate, which was inspiring.

Alright, who am I kidding. Them’s too many words in this entry. Here’s some photos instead. Bring it on, May.

Jamie O’Brien chargin’ it

Ali Geiser, going after it

Derby girl Asa Hearts, who will run you down.