Fly Out to UK: Tobiah Tayo Photography

I am so happy and eager to show you the photographs when I found this UK wedding two days ago. Amazing pictures with genuine emotion, and beautiful bride and groom at the beautiful setting.

Introducing the talents behind the lens: Tobiah & Laura from Tobiah Tayo Photography
And, their philosophy in photography in their own words:

We love to create not just stunning photographs, but art. We feel that photographs are a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. A moment that is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.

We have a unique style which we feel sets us apart from the tens of thousands of other photographers in your area! You cannot compare photography. You can only recognize when a photograph makes you feel something special.

Our photographs are all about drama, atmosphere, emotions, style and fun!
We love to take lifestyle portraits, relaxed wedding photographs and believe that it is vital that the experience is enjoyable. If not it won't show in your photographs.

To see the wedding photographs, please visit Tobiah and Laura's blog.


Have a wonderful Derby weekend (especially to Louisville folks)!
Ladies, if you are interested at the special hats on Kentucky Derby Day, do check out some of the Derby Hats we posted here last year.

Des Moines Wedding Photographer: Nicole Thomas Photography

Great found!
Drake got talent (she is my senior, indirectly)! Her name is Nicole Thomas - drake graduate, Starbucks fan, and most importantly, she loves what she does everyday which evolves around photography.

Here is her approach to photography in her own words:

My approach is simple. I aim to capture the story. I want to capture every fleeting moment as the day unfolds. Photography is an art in the finest sense, and I strive to make sure that all of my clients have not just a new photo to display for the year, but a unique piece of art that you and your family will treasure for years to come.

Nicole, you really live up to your dream. I am inspired by your parents' graduation message to you too! Here goes the message: "find what you love doing, and then do it so well, that no one can take their eyes off of you." And now I am one of them who cannot take my eyes off your art work (beautiful and meaningful photography). Thanks for sharing your works on your online portfolio.

My dear blog readers, let's begin our day with this gorgeous featured wedding from Nicole Thomas Photography!

Happily married couple: Stephanie and Sean
Wedding date: 8-1-2009
Wedding venue: St. Ambrose Cathedral/Catholic Pastoral Center
Catering service: Christiani's Catering

A few notes from the bride:
I am lucky to have such a wonderful husband that was extremely supportive and involved in the wedding planning process; it definitely made our day more special.

A few notes from the groom:
Just sitting back and taking it all in was the highlight for me; I enjoyed every minute. As cheesy as it sounds, if I had to pick one highlight, it would be watching Stephanie in her gown. I could not take my eyes off of her the entire time.


Stephanie and Sean made up a lovely and cute couple, indeed! How nice to have your husband sharing the wedding planning process with you! Bravo!

The angle and artistic value of this picture is stunning. The background/wall looks like a natural photo frame for this picture. Isn't it pretty?

Beautiful church and people = Perfect match!

A different perspective of church interior from the lens of Nicole. Well done!

A traditional church wedding with a modern twist in serving the dessert of the day. It seems like miniature cakes/cupcake trees are gaining their popularity in the wedding trend nowadays. Are you going to have one for your wedding too?

I adore group photo with interesting color coordination (the chromatic effect). I wonder if this is Stephanie's something blue* for the wedding?
*English wedding tradition "something old, something new; something borrowed, something blue; and a silver sixpence in her shoe."

If you like Nicole's style and would like to engage her for your wedding day, you may visit her website and blog to find out more.


Happy Thursday!

Des Moines Wedding Photographer: Nuzum Photo

Today I am going to share with you a beautiful engagement session shot by husband-and-wife photographers, Steve and Ashley Nuzum from Nuzum Photo. (Yes, they are based in Des Moines!)

What made these pictures stand out?
1. The waterfall and greenery as the background of the picture.
Natural green always look good in picture; with the waterfall, it creates spectacular effect to the picture (no more boring picture).
2. Colorful blooms.
This always work well in the picture. The more color palettes, the merrier for the picture. Another reason to love Spring!
3. Texture of a surface (a building or object for the picture).
Be it branches-covered (picture 3) or brick wall (picture 4); find something with obvious patterns rather than a blank white wall as your picture background. You will love it!






We were saying to find a background with great texture, did we? But why blank white wall for the following picture? This is an exception for finding a blank white wall to sit down, relax and enjoy the engagement photo shoot. And do not forget texture and color on fabric counts too (the lines on his shirt and color of her pants)! In this picture, the couple's outfits and their affections toward each other played a dominant role.

Thanks Steve and Ashley for sharing these beautiful pictures in your blog. Great job!



Hope you all have a great Wednesday!
I am heading out for some shopping. See you tomorrow!

Des Moines Wedding Photographer: Huffaker Photography

I realized sources of most pictures I have posted in Yours Moment come from photographers based in West Coast. So it is always my interest to find out some talented photographers in the Midwest, starting from Des Moines.

Just as I am checking out some portfolios from Des Moines Photographers, I found this...engagement photo by Clint and Christie Huffaker from Huffaker Photography.

This is so editorial! The groom-to-be looks charming and the bride-to-be is stylishly pretty!

Depending on your personal style, sometimes the theory "less is more" is sufficient to spice up your engagement shoot - just like the one shown above.


Happy Tuesday!

Monday = Past Weekend Plan + Brian Khang Photography

Welcome back dear! How was your weekend anyway? Hope you had a relaxing one after all the Spring cleaning at home =)

As for me...I truly had a great time - a weekend packed with activities around Des Moines - a lovely quiet town in Midwest.

Since I hurt my neck last Wednesday and unable to go to the gym as we usually did on Saturday; my husband compensated me with a great new-release comedy movie by Jennifer Lopez and Alex O'Loughlin - The Back-Up Plan! I wanted to watch this movie ever since I first saw the movie preview few months ago. Although the review on this movie is not impressive, I personally think it is a good movie with well-written plot. As the story goes, you will realize many similarities in the relationships some of us have been through. To conclude our wonderful date night, we went to a local German Pub, Hessen Haus, and tried out some German dishes and of course, their extensive list of German beer. Everything was great. I highly recommend you to visit this place if you happen to stop by Des Moines next time!

Despite of cloudy day on Sunday, I treated myself for a golf course with my husband and two other friends of us. As first timer in golf course, I am pretty satisfied with my performance using my new-bought golf set (from my hubby) last Friday (thanks honey!). Although I did not reach par for any of all nine holes at the course, I did hit some nice strokes! I am so proud of myself!

Conclusion, do not underestimate how much more you can do in the small town!

Let's move on to today's e-session by Brian Khang, a wedding photographer based at Southern California.

I love the idea of bringing some props to your engagement session, especially something that ties the two of you together. It does not only spice up your engagement photos, but it also help to showcase your personality as a couple.

The engaged couple, Katherine and Alvin, had their love story recorded in Brian's blog. (By reading their love story, you will better understand why guitar is surrounding their engagement pictures.)







Congratulations to Katherine and Alvin!

Last but not least, do check out Brian's bio in his new blog!

Have a great Monday!

How About A Wedding Ceremony By The Beach?

The sun does not show up here in Des Moines, IA today; but that is okay because I have a beautiful beach wedding ceremony to share with you ^.*

No reason but somehow I like how the photo below turned out to be.

The setting is amazing! I wish I were one of the guests at this wedding!

Yet another beautiful shot of the day.

To view more pictures of this beach wedding, please visit Jessica Watson Photography website.


Hope you have a great weekend!

Where To Have Your Reception?

Wouldn't you want to celebrate union of the two of you in this beautiful setting at Atlanta's Foundry at Puritan Mill?

This reception hall filled with earthy-tone decor (woodsy and a little greenery) seems to be my ideal reception venue when I first spotted this wedding in Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Ivory Drapery + Gorgeous Sunlight = The Beauty of Nature (Love it!)

How about you?







Happy Thursday!

Rustic Wedding At Napa Wine Country

Alright, I know it has been a while where I did not get to update my dear readers with new pictures/ideas/wedding planning tips. I miss it too.

I have to admit that Yours Moment new home is not 100% done yet; it is about 95% done. The only 5% left is having my web designer to teach me the way to maintain my own website and upload new posting to it. For a non-web-designer/specialist (like me), there are a lot of new things I need to learn indeed.

You might not find new postings on the new website, but you definitely get to see some photos and my older postings in the website. So please feel free to visit me there and I hope you like the new layout and design as much as I love!

While I am learning how to upload and maintain my new website, I would like to keep you "busy" with some beautiful weddings around the world. During this period of time, I will post a wedding each day (weekdays) until the official launch of Yours Moment website.

Thank you for standing by me!


Here comes the Rustic Wedding pictures. It was first seen in Elizabeth Anne Designs and the wedding is photographed by Ray Soemarsono of Apertura.

Our focal point on this wedding is the rustic decors all over the wedding reception venue. The couple/floral designer beautifully incorporated floral and fruits into centerpieces and place setting. I love the brilliant idea and the color scheme just worked out perfectly!












Happy Wednesday!

Looking Forward To YM New Home!

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you had a great long Easter weekend with friends and family.

I will be taking a break from blogsphere this week to prepare a surprise party for my hubby; you will see me in Yours Moment new home next time. See you there!

Here's a sneak peek of Yours Moment new home!

Warmest regards,

Yours Moment is one-year old today!

*** Happy Birthday ***

Photo Credit: Flickr

Thank you!

Easter Tabletop Decorations: Series #5 {the end}

Today I am going to show you these Neutral Country Style Easter Brunch and Tea Time Table Settings from Love Home UK. This page was found on Monday when I started our 2010 Easter Tabletop Decorations series and I told myself "I have to show this to my readers on Friday! What a great decor inspiration for less (you have owned most of the decorative items and the only thing you need to do is bring them out and set up the table in your creative way or the way Love Home UK did.)!"


There is nothing fancy or over the top design presented in this table setting, however, it managed to pull off a very homey and comfortable environment that makes me want to sit here for breakfast every morning! A long table by the window that allows sunshine into the room, simple display of tableware on wooden tray, make use of the eggshell candle holders, bring in fresh flowers arrangement, hand-written your serving menu, and a personalized name card cookie for your guests. Would you want to join me for breakfast/brunch?


Afternoon Tea Party
Lay out a pink and lime shade table runner on your dining table and it gives you an instant Springy look. To complete the look, you may arrange jugs of fresh flowers, English teapots and cups, heart-shaped place cards, and hang decorated egg on each chair. Lastly, a sweet touch to send your guests home with an embroidered Easter egg cozy and some bunny cookies. They will never forget the Easter Tea Party at your place this year.
(WordWeb: Cozy - A padded cloth covering to keep a teapot warm.)


* * *
FYI, Yours Moment blog will turn ONE on this Sunday (April 4, 2010)! Thank you everyone for your support and good comments for the past one year. We are going to celebrate its one-year anniversary by giving it a new look. Hopefully we will be able to publish it next week, as my web designer and I are still working on some details of our brand new YM website. I am so excited and can't wait to show you Yours Moment new look next week!

Hope you have a wonderful Good Friday and Easter Sunday!