James Joo Photos shares the intimate elegant wedding day of Jess and Hugh at La Maquette.
You beautifully captured la maquette in the last details of preparation and all setup. How did this add to the experience of the album?
Thank you for the kind words. I was very excited when I heard my couple Jess and Hugh decided to have their wedding at La Maquette. I used to walk by La Maquette and the sculpture garden every day when I worked near Church and King years ago, thinking it would be awesome to shoot an event here – and here we go.
The placement and styling of the ceremony created an immersive experience with the sculpture garden. How did you frame and document the ceremony to communicate this?
I believe the sculpture garden and La Maquette create special energy together. I had a quick moment to capture the all-friends-group shot in front of the wall filled with full green leaves in the sculpture garden, which is one of my favourite shots. With full sunshine with little clouds that perfectly diffused the light, laughter, and happiness in a little nature – perfect summer wedding vibe.
Thanks to all the vendors and the staff at La Maquette who were extremely attentive and organized with attention to detail – made it possible for me to capture the beautiful moments of the couple’s very special day.
What were some of the priorities your couple shared for how they wanted their wedding experience to go and how did you reflect these qualities in your photographs?
My couple Jess and Hugh are huge givers – they wanted me to take more photos of the guests than themselves so that the guests can get the most out of it. The guests were a bit shy at first however, since I had more time to interact with them they eventually got more comfortable and being themselves in front of the camera. Thankfully I was given full trust and creative freedom on how the pictures would be taken, which enabled me to go above and beyond while having fun.
How would you describe the wedding reception design and the experience created, and how did you effectively capture this?
I love how La Maquette offers two different themes by floor. The first floor has checkerboard flooring with black and white themed furniture and the wall while the second floor adds a rustic and modern vibe with the special solarium dining area looking out to the sculpture garden with full of natural light. It feels like you’re at two different places that add extra dimensions to the final album.
Looking back what makes you the happiest about this album?
Every element that was present at the wedding and looking through the album from start to end makes me re-live the moment. It was one perfect summer wedding I envisioned capturing thanks to the couple fully trusting me, the friends and family for being comfortable in front of me taking photos of them, the flowers by Liza, and last but not least every staff at La Maquette making the event go so smoothly. Much much appreciated!
Painter Alex Katz describes how important it is to be in the immediate present.
Does this resonate with your process?
Absolutely. Being in the immediate present and feeling the love in mixed emotions is very powerful and lasting. You get to witness a glimpse of their story and history grown with the time that all come down to love expressed. When I select the photos and edit, the love I witnessed at the present moment of the wedding is the main source of my selecting/editing process. I try my best to deliver the love witnessed into editing so that when the final album is ready they can feel it.
Photographer: James Joo Photos
venue : La Maquette
Flowers : Flowers by Liza
Makeup: First Brush By Anna
Hair: Shiho Style
