"Our Favorite Day Photography"

Shelly & Brad's beachside wedding at the Casa Romantica

2011-10-17T00:55:00.000-07:00

This wedding was so beautifully organized by the bride and groom as well as the staff at Casa Romantica that we had an awesome time. A warm afternoon breeze + a California coastal sunset + the old rustic charm of a great venue + the coming together of great families and friends = Brad & Shelly's wedding!

Congratulations Shelly & Brad! We wish you both all the best!
-Our Favorite Day Photography

Elise & Rollie's Foresty Wedding

2011-09-25T01:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a glimpse from one of my favorite weddings this year. We had a blast shooting this for Elise and Rollie at Camp Stevens. It was a gorgeous setting, located deep in the forests of Julian, CA. on a warm September afternoon. Enjoy the photos.

The Dress

The Rehearsal

The Preparations

Anticipation for the First Glimpse

Bridal Party Portraits

The Procession

The Ceremony

The Singing

The Portraits

The First Dance

H I T C H E D ! ! !

Congratulations to Elise and Rollie!

-Our Favorite Day Photography

Rima & Jesse's Wedding

2011-08-04T03:22:00.000-07:00

It was the perfect Saturday weather, sunny and cool. Not one dull moment at this wedding, which began late in the afternoon at Brookside Park in Pasadena and ended at the Rocco Room for the reception. Many congrats to you Rima and Jesse Thank you for being so fun and free spirited. We had lots of fun photographing your wedding!

-Our Favorite Day Photography

Details

Preparations

First Glimpse

The Ceremony

Portraits

I like cake

More Portraits

Azordegan Family Portraits: Australian Gothic Style

2011-07-31T01:02:00.000-07:00

Never mess with a man and his family. Especially when that man is holding a pitch fork.

Recently, I was in Brisbane Australia for a day visiting my good friends Haami and Jen! It had been nearly 10 years since I seen them but the best part was meeting their children. Ian and Ellen are absolutely adorable...and quite the actors as well. Just look at their rendition of the American Gothic pose. Much love to you Haami and Jen. Enjoy the pics everyone!

-Our Favorite Day Photography

Matu - Portraits

2011-07-14T02:57:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I have seen longtime friends express their creative talent in such a manner that is truly a source of pride for me. One friend in particular, whom I've had the privilege of working with, who in the last 10 years has continued to evolve as a musician, is Jason Matu Green.

When Matu first approached me about doing the photography for his self titled EP, we agreed that the visual style of the photos should compliment the sound of the album, which had a hint of that 50’s blues / rock / soul sound. We decided to give the photos our own version of a 50's Chess Records look, which I'm especially proud of.

If you haven't heard Matu perform before, make sure you catch his upcoming show on Wednesday the 27th of July at the Silverlake Lounge. $8.00 admission will bring you some good ole' fashioned soul music...some of the best that LA has to offer. Be there before 9pm. (Silverlake Lounge: 2906 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026)

If you like to hear more of Matu's music, click here.

If you like to see his time lapse music video, click here.

Best of luck, brother!

-Our Favorite Day Photography

Mona Mossayeb's Portraits / Head Shots

2011-07-10T00:09:00.000-07:00

It's always great photographing people who have a love for their craft but equally as important, also radiate inner beauty. When you have the privilege of working with such clients, they leave an impression. Not just because of how they have an effect on the work you do but also because of who they are. Mona Mossayeb is a very talented and gifted actor, whose inner love and confidence are an integral part of her personality. It was a pleasure working with her! Enjoy the photos everyone.

-Our Favorite Day Photography

Golshan Family Portraits

2011-07-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic time photographing the Golshan family for their portraits. Here are a handful of the portrait photos from our photo shoot in Huntington Beach. Truly a wonderful and humorous family. Enjoy the photos and feel free to leave your comments below.

-Our Favorite Day Photography

Sharmain & Tyler's Wedding at The Turnip Rose

2011-06-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

Sharmain, beautiful and elegant in her dress, is escorted down the steps by her father, who then embraces the newest member of the family, his son-in-law Tyler. I love the expression on the bride's face as she catches the first glimpse of her husband to be. It was an exquisite June wedding, held at The Turnip Rose. Here are a few teasers for the day. More to follow soon.

Congratulations to Sharmain & Tyler for this beautiful and memorable wedding at The Turnip Rose!
-Our Favorite Day Photography

Venue: The Turnip Rose
Photography: Our Favorite Day
Video: Our Favorite Day

Golshan Family Portraits - Teaser

2011-04-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

It was a day of walking through thistles and thorns! Here are a few teasers from our photo shoot in Huntington Beach over the weekend. My brother and I had a great time photographing the Golshan family for their portraits. Even though we had to watch every step on the horse trail, we were in great company nonetheless. Enjoy the teasers for now and I look forward to sharing more soon.

-Our Favorite Day Photography

Dipti and Dana's Sunset Wedding

2010-12-01T13:53:00.000-08:00

A beautiful sunset wedding by the beach in La Jolla. Congrats to Dipti and Dana on this new stage of their life.

-Our Favorite Day Photography

A Sneak Peak into Marc & Sabrina - 20 Years In The Making

2010-10-28T00:08:00.000-07:00

May 1991

Marc and Sabrina meet in an Eagle Rock High School production of Fidler on the Roof. They pass each other at the wrap party without so much as a Mozel Tov.

June 1991

Marc strikes up the courage to ask Sabrina on a date to a Dodger game but not enough courage to get to second base.

July 1995

Both Marc and Sabrina return from different parts of Europe to Eagle Rock. They try for the second time to have a first date, this time at Griffith Park Observatory - but somehow, the stars were not aligned.

May 2008

Through the power of the Internet, Sabrina locates Marc on Facebook and makes contact. She breaks the 13 year silence with phrase: "Hey Eagle Scout, guess who.”

June 2008
Marc invites Sabrina to see his band perform at a dive bar in Glendale. Sparks fly.

June 2008
Marc asks Sabrina to coffee, which turns into great conversation, which turns into dinner, which turns into drinks, which turns into what came to be known as the Third First Date.

The Venue

Preparations

Anticipation for the First Glimpse

First Glimpse

The Procession

The Ceremony

Portraits

The Couple

First Dance

The Laytash

Congratulations to you Marc and Sabrina! What a great story!

-Our Favorite Day Photograpny

a Sneak Peak into Nadeem & Gina's Genius Wedding

2010-10-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulation to Nadeem, Gina and all their families for putting together such a beautiful celebration!

-Our Favorite Day Photography

A Sneak Peak into Melissa & Mark's Wedding Celebration!

2010-09-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

This was the second member of the Lugo family whom we were able to offer our photography services to for their wedding day. It was a pleasure and a blast to participate in the making of this special day. Congratulations to you both, Melissa and Mark.

-Our Favorite Day Photography

First Glimpse

First Kiss

This is my Avatar "Tree of Life" / William Wallace "Marrying his love under the moonlight of the forest" shot.

A Sneak Peak into Monica & James getting Hitched!

2010-08-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a little teaser for Monica & James's Wedding day, Saturday August 7th, 2010 at Lowes Santa Monica Beach Hotel. More Photos to come soon.

A Magical Glimpse into the Purple day of Lua & Eugenio

2010-07-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

Lua and Eugenio held their wedding at the Rococo Room in Pasadena, CA. My assistant and I got their early in the day to capture all the usual preparations of Lua & Eugenio getting ready. When we got there, we found that everyone who was close to the bride and groom were in some way involved with the preparation and decoration of the wedding day. From the perspective of a vendor who was hired to perform a service, throughout the day I was able to see how intimate and special this day had become for both Lua and Eugenio because of the responsibilities that their family and close friends took upon themselves and offered back as an act of love. A glimpse into their beautiful day can be seen below. Enjoy!

Congratulations Lua and Eugenio on this new chapter of your life!

-Our Favorite Day Photography

Arpan & Neha Kotecha's Engagement Party

2010-07-03T15:17:00.000-07:00

Proud Parents + Families and Friends carrying Gifts + Colorful Sari's + Long Scarves + a Million Bracelets + Children with Chocolate covered Mouths + a Cool MC + a Tight DJ + Curry, lots and lots of Curry = a whole lot of awesomeness. Oh yeah...did I happen to mention that Arpan and Neha are also engaged?

Congrats on your engagement Arpan & Neha!

-Our Favorite Day Photography

SIAMAK & SHARAREH'S WEDDING

2010-06-03T23:14:00.000-07:00

One of Siamak and Sharareh’s Groomsmen started his speech by commenting on how after getting to know Sharareh, he understood why Siamak fell in love with her. In her he saw a mirror image of himself…his perfect counterpart.

Although I haven’t had as much exposure to Sharareh as I have with Siamak, I can also see the validity of that statement. Sharareh’s concern throughout the Wedding for those around her made me realize what a warm, genuine and hospitable woman she is. It’s not hard to see why so many people love her.

Knowing Siamak over the past 20 years, I have grown to respect his ability to start a project and see it to an end regardless of the obstacles in his path. His talent, chivalry, respectfulness, devotion, charm and honesty are not only manifested in his personal life but as well as his professional life. I have always been impressed by how likeable and accessible he maintains himself even with a full plate of being an Event Promoter, Radio Talk Show Host, and Co Founder of the Noor Film Festival on top of being a family man and now a newly vowed Husband.

Each celebration makes its own impression that is unique and lasting. One of the most touching moments of this Wedding was watching Siamak standing at the end of the aisle waiting for his beautiful wife to be, Sharareh. The sight of his bride brought him to tears. He couldn’t even wait for her to walk down the isle. Instead, he wiped his own tears, proceeded to approach her parents who were accompanying her down the isle and offered his respect and gratitude to them. He then lovingly kissed her hand and chivalrously accompanied her down the aisle to their Wedding Sofreh (The word Sofreh means “spread” like a table or food spread and appears in many Persian celebrations).

Their wedding was held on May 30th at the Los Angeles Marriott Hotel on a warm and Sunny California Day, surrounded by their family and friends. The following images are a glimpse into their wedding day.

The preparations...

A lively send off...

Click here to find out more about the meaning and symbolism of each item on the sofreh: http://www.persianmirror.com/wedding/sofreh/sofreh.cfm)

These eggs were decorated and hand made by the bride and her mother...

In loving memory and tribute to the Groom's mother...

My favorite part of the day...

Congratulations Siamak & Sharareh!

May 30th, 2010

WHERE'S THE RAKE, JB ECKL?

2010-05-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

I got my start as a professional photographer about 10 years ago by getting involved in the music scene shooting bands, concerts and studio sessions (www.BobbyAazami.com). It all started when I was approached by an artist who was recording his first album for Def Jam Records to shoot his studio sessions and promotional shots. This is where I made my transition from shooting the inanimate and stillness of landscape / architecture to capturing the unrehearsed and candid moments of life and the people in it.

Having spent the past 7 years between LA and Chicago and now recently having become a full-time LA resident once again, I hadn’t given myself enough time to immerse myself in the music scene as I wished I could have. In the last year, since the launch of Our Favorite Day Photography, my main focus has been on weddings, engagements and family events. Not really realizing how much I had missed working with artists and the music scene, I was itching for a chance to revisit my roots.

When I received a call from JB Eckl (www.JBEckl.com), enthusiastically informing me that he’s been recording a folk album consisting of some original music as well as remakes of old songs, a spark went off in my head.

To my surprise, he then proceeded to say, “Bobby, I am recording an entire album today. I am mastering it tomorrow and going on tour with John Rezin on Saturday. At some point, (and by that, he really meant Friday, 2 days from the time of our conversation), I want you to do my photos”.

The breathtaking foothills of Topanga Canyon, which is practically JB’s backyard, is where we set our scene. After some scouting earlier in the day and some chit chatting over a latte, we returned - only when the light was magical.
Congrats on the new CD, JB and good luck with the tour!

LAYLI & BAKTASH'S "POST ENGAGEMENT" PHOTOS

2010-05-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

  On route to Pensacola, FL., I decided to make a stop at Rapid City, South Dakota to visit my brother Baktash and his wife, Layli. As I sat in their kitchen one day, raiding their fridge and eating all their gluten-free food...I realized they've been married for almost a year now but never had any engagement photos. The absence of such photos in my brothers life bothered me. I was going to suggest a "Pretend Engagement" photo shoot but decided to keep my thoughts to myself and continue indulging myself in their ridiculously amazing gluten-free food.

   One morning, I awoke to the smell of gasoline. I heard voices whispering profanity. I opened my eyes just in time to see a wave of petrol splash into my face. Through my burning eyes I could barely see the hooded figure dousing me. Another figure silently observed. He broke his stillness by shaking a box of matches near my ear and wrapping my wrists in duct tape. They hurled me into the back of a Honda Element where they stuffed dozens of donuts, twinkees, and ding-dongs down my throat, sending me into a deep sleep.

   When I awoke my wrists were free. I pushed myself up and saw the Badlands of South Dakota stretch into the horizon. I stumbled out of the car. Baktash and Layli were standing before me. Changes of clothing were hanging from nearby racks. Layli, her eyes ablaze with a tremendous ferocity, pointed at my camera equipment, which was stacked neatly beside their clothes. When they saw a moment's hesitation on my part, Baktash removed the box of matches from his pocket, slid the cardboard aside, and removed a single stick. He pressed it to the box and waited...

Kaushik & Priya: An Epic Indian Wedding

2010-04-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

This was my first Indian wedding and by far, one of my most memorable weddings.

The following images are a timeline of this two day event. Our story begins on March 19th, 11:30 AM in Dana Point, CA., as Priya Chaudhri, the bride to be, prepares herself for the Mehendi (the application of Henna as a temporary form of skin decoration). A long standing tradition in India dating back several centuries, the purpose of the Mehendi is not just for beautification. It is mostly known to bring good luck to the wearer. The darker the color, the better the luck.

As the sun set that evening, the festivities for the Sangeet began (literally translates into English as "sung together" or "singing with instrumental accompaniment"). In the old days, Indian weddings that would include these events would last up to 10 days. Nowadays, due to the shortness of time and demanding work schedules, it is usually a two day affair. On the evening before the wedding, family and friends would gather to sing songs and make jokes about the in-laws, about the bride leaving her parents home as well as humorous advice to the would be husband on how to have a successful marriage. And yes, there is also dancing. Lots of it.

This man does Yoga. Everyday. There's no other explanation for this.

The greatest minds in criminal mischief, gather together and plot out a series of devilish yet masterful acts that would, no doubt, forever leave an impression with the groom.

But the presence of children made them reconsider.

Saturday morning, March 20th, 11:00Am: The distinguished groom, Kaushik Misra, also known by many as Ricky, rode to the ceremony on his ornamented horse and was led to the venue by family and close friends...

...accompanied by a traveling DJ and a percussionist. The festivities had begun.

The groom's presence evoked an old tradition...the stealing of his shoes. A handsome reward is expected in exchange. Traditionally, it is supposed to be the bride's sister who steals the shoes from the groom...but in this case, so many women rushed to the horse that it remains unclear who was the first to actually remove the shoe. One of the shoes can be seen held up at the right side of the frame.

"Vengeance will be mine, unless i get my slippers back!"

-Kaushik Ricky Misra

Negotiations begin...

"We refuse to negotiate with anyone who shows up to a negotiation wearing sunglasses!"

-Sarah Kapoor, The holder of the shoe

Fortunately, an agreement was made.

The ceremony begins with the introduction of both proud fathers...

...followed by the Tilak, a sacred mark that is put on the forehead. Made with sandal paste and red tumeric powder, the mark is applied to both bride and groom and indicates auspiciousness.

Parents of the groom proudly walk their son down the aisle, while one of the flower children finds encouragement from his mother...

Father of the bride (right hand side) waits to escort his daughter down the isle. Meanwhile, one of the younger guests (left hand side) takes advantage of the moment to collect some souvenirs for herself.

Father and daughter share a moment...

Introducing: Dr.'s Kaushik and Priya Misra!

March 20th, 2010

Congratulations Ricky & Priya!

-"Our Favorite Day" Photography

Ayyam-i-Ha Concert, 2010

2010-03-17T02:03:00.000-07:00

Recently, Tom Price (featured below) organized an impressive concert on Sunday night, the 28th of February at the Los Angeles Baha'i Center. The purpose of the concert was to celebrate Ayyam-i-Ha, a 4-5 day festival period in the Baha'i calendar where Baha'is are encouraged to celebrate the creator and his oneness by showing love, fellowship, goodwill and charity towards humanity. It was an awesome concert with an impressive line up of musicians, vocalists and producers, who took the stage in support of this event. Click on image to see full composition. Enjoy :-)

South Africa: Through My Lens

2010-01-09T15:03:00.001-08:00

Here is a video slideshow i put together, through the brilliance of Animoto, to show my time in South Africa. I had the privilege of staying there for a period of five weeks to work on a video / photography project that would raise HIV awareness.

These photos are independent from that project, but still show the beauty of a country (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Soweto and Alexandria) and its people, that are on the brink of a social revolution.

It was an awesome time to work on a great project, that led to working with and meeting some great people - the salt of the earth. Enjoy the video.

-bobby

Ramin & Tracey got hitched!

2009-10-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

When Ramin and Tracey met to discuss their wedding day with us, they explained their vision for their wedding day was one of pure simplicity:

"We preferred an informal atmosphere which reflected who we are and what we believe. Rather than have our attention be on the raft of traditions and what nots which surround typical weddings, we wanted to focus on the ceremony and the setting." -Ramin and Tracey

With respect to the photography, they wanted a range of photos of family and friends, and of themselves which would be timeless and classic. Rightfully so. Not only was it their wedding day, but friends and family had shown their love for this union by traveling as far as Australia and the United Kingdom to see these two share their vows for one another in Chicago, IL.

"Our favourite moment of the day was undoubtedly the ceremony itself, the ambiance of the room, the music and the readings. We also loved the time we spent after the ceremony in the garden and on the steps of the Temple with our photographers which was relaxing and surprisingly intimate." -Ramin and Tracey

The ceremony was held in the auditorium of the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette, IL. The vibe was pleasant, cozy and loving. Prayers, poetry, music, vows and laughter were among the many things exchanged that day. Here are a few photos to reflect the beauty and sacredness of that day...

"We love these photos because they reflect us both as individuals and as a couple." -Ramin and Tracey