Northern California Wedding Photographer

Welcome Back (to Me)

2010-11-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since....well, everything! since I posted a blog entry, since I had a photo shoot, since I've been here and obviously reading the last post, it was mainly because I had moved to a new blogsite thru Wordpress. It was nice and all, however, much to my dismay it was plagued with spammers. I love the flexibility of it, especially the ability to leave comments on both postings and photos, but I couldn't deal with the spam.

Stay tuned...

My Brand New Blog!!!!

2009-06-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

http://heavenmcclureblog.com/

I'm so excited to announce my new Blog...I was going to wait for a few more weeks before launching, but I couldn't wait. I'm still working on it and not 100% sure yet on the design, but the coolest part about this new blog is that I can easily change the design anytime and however I want. For now, enjoy what I have so far...let me know what you think.

My absolute favorite thing about this new blogsite is that anyone can leave comments, no need for a blogspot id.

Also, no more having to upload photos through hosting site which takes up a lot of time and energy. Although I'm still figuring out the proper resolution because some of the pics look pixelated even though the actual images are not.
Oh well, like I said, still a work in progress.

Wedding: Courtney + Montique

2009-05-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak of Courtney & Montique's fabulous wedding. It was such a beautiful day and wedding at Eagle Ridge Golf Course in Gilroy.

My fave. Absolutely stunning, Courtney!

Tavian's Birthday Party

2009-05-20T21:27:00.000-07:00

It sure was a HOT day, but it didn't stop the kids from running around at the park and chow down on some yummy cupcakes and ice cream.
i just love the expressions from the lil ones' faces...

the birthday boy shy and excited at the same time

Mom handing out cupcakes she made

Dad handing out ice cream cups

"nobody saw me eat this cupcake, right? no? oops! busted!"

the best part of birthday parties, opening presents!

bummer the Celtics lost :(

My Friend's Wedding

2009-05-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, we attended one of my long time friend's wedding. Congratulations Desiree and your hubby, Divyash. Desiree and I have known each other since junior high. Crazy when I think of how time really does fly. Well I try not to think about it coz it just reminds me of how old I am now :(

I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.

(Excuse my new, but temporary watermark. I can't find my old one. Urgh!)

Ceremony at the Calvary Assembly Church in Milpitas

My two babies goofing around while waiting for the ceremony to start

The Bride and Groom

Reception at the Sunol Valley Golf Club

The lovely MOH and sister of the bride, Arlene

Parents of the Groom

My other longtime friend, Sheryl and her husband Abdul

Tahitian dancing performance courtesy of the bride's cousins

Me and Sheryl

Tuesday Rant

2009-05-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

Holy Bajeegeedee! (no idea how to spell it!) I can't believe my last posting was almost 3 months ago. Bad Heaven! Well, I have no special excuses but that my life has been pretty busy lately. The little one is currently playing soccer so when she's not playing, she's practicing. Work is work so there is that and that's about it. Any free time I have I just savor it and spend quality time with the hubby and family.

Hmmm...what I can I rant about today? I know! How out of the loop I've been on certain things, certain people. I feel bad sometimes how I've been so detached from my friends. Now I wonder if I can even refer to them as my friends. I know life take us all to different directions, but I still would like to maintain those relationships. Last month I went to dinner with 3 of my HS friends and it was really nice to see them and catch up on how and what they've been doing and reminisce about the good old days. As far as things I'm completely oblivious to...Facebook! I think I'm one of the last people on the planet that not only have an account, but never even seen one. Social networking sites have evolved from meat market to advertising. I guess I can promote my business on those sites, but I'm sure you know by now that I simply don't have the time.

Okay well that's my rant for the day. I'll try to post sooner than 3 months. :)

What Valentine's Day?

2009-02-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

This coming Saturday is yet again another Valentine's Day. Countless ads of "that special gift for your loved one" are all over tv, radio, internet, stores. Before I met the love of my life, I used to get excited about Vday. I guess it's because it gave me the right to expect something nice and romantic once a year. How sad was that?! I know this is true for many women whether they admit it or not.

Well, as I mentioned, I now have the love of my life (Praise God) and since I've been with him, I stopped caring about Vday because everyday is Valentine's Day for me. Now this entry is not to insult anyone who's all about celebrating Vday nor am I trying to make anyone jealous of how happy and in love I am. I'm just thankful that I have found good, honest, unconditional, true love with my husband, daughter, family, and a handful of true friends. I hope you do, too!

Anyway, Happy Valentine's Day! May you have found true love. If not, I'm sure you will and when you do, book me as your wedding photographer! :)

New Things In Store

2009-01-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

In between 1099 tax reporting and squeezing in workouts, I've managed to shop around for a professional photo printing store. Soon, I will be able to offer a variety of prints and album so satisfy the needs and demands of my clients. Once the details are finalized, I will update my pricelist and post them on my website.

E-session : Courtney + Montique

2009-01-08T23:25:00.000-08:00

Here are some teasers from Courtney and Montique's engagement session. As always, it was so much fun. This was my final shoot for 2008.

Welcome Enzo Miguel C. Villanueva

2009-01-07T23:04:00.000-08:00

Evelyn & Randy welcomed their second son, on December 26, 2008 at 1:00pm. He weighed 6.8 lbs. and measured 19 inches.
Mommy, Daddy, Polo, and Enzo are all doing well. He's such a cutie! I can't wait to take his baby portraits!

Evelyn's Baby Shower

2008-12-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics from Evelyn's Surprise Baby Shower last Tuesday, 12/9/08.

In Your Face!

2008-12-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

Photos by: HBO

I know I haven't posted in over a month, but I've been extremely busy lately with our year-end, the holidays, and everything else. I promise as soon as the holidays are over, I will post more regularly.

Anyways, this isn't really about me or photography related but I can't help but be so happy about Saturday's beating of Manny Pacquiao on Oscar Dela Hoya.

It was a night to remember regardless of who you were cheering for.

It was a star-studded event with so many A-list (and not so A-list) celebrities,
of course most of them were there for Oscar, but it was damn nice to know that they got to see up-close Pacquiao pummel on Dela Hoya.

Nothing against Dela Hoya, but it was irritating how many had predicted that he will knockout Pacquiao in as early as 4 rounds. Whatever! They obviously haven't seen Manny fight or was simply in denial. I did feel bad for Oscar, I really did. But hey, he still got at least $50M plus PPV, and more.

Manny is now the most powerful man in the Philippines. He trully deserves it. He makes me even more proud of being Filipina.

Getting out of the Slump

2008-10-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

2008 Figure Olympia Top 6

To be completely honest with you (and to myself), I haven't been dedicated to my workouts for quite sometime now...almost 4 years to be exact (and 15 lbs later). Bench pressing, squatting 135 and leg pressing 400 lbs are now a distant memory. Long gone are the days when I used to spend 3-4 hours a day at the gym sweating until I'm ready to hurl and pass out. Where on earth did my motivation go? Of course I can justify some of the reasons like job promotion, a side career, and responsibilities with family. I guess I can keep dreaming about my old self, but that's not gonna get me back in shape so I think it's time for me to get out of the rut and draw up a plan as to how I will get there again. Obviously my number one goal is to drop the unwanted excess weight I have accumulated over time. Once I lose it....then what?! My desire to compete is still there (somewhere up there). I just feel like I need to aim for an ultimate goal and competing in figure is just that. At this point I can't quite decide yet since I have so much going on (and something always come up). I guess I'll have to give it a little more time and come up with a decision...maybe once I get past the unwanted excess weight and see what shape and mindset I'll be in then. All I know is I'm not looking forward to eating countless eggwhites, oatmeal, and chicken breast! Oh and not to mention countless hours of cardio.

E-session :: Meesha + Neill Part II

2008-10-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Here's the second part of Meesha & Neill's engagement session. We had such a blast at the shoot and it just so happened to be Neill's birthday.

Meesha & Neill's E-session

2008-09-21T02:23:00.000-07:00

It's almost 2:30am and I can't believe I'm still up after playing 4 hours on the xbox, but I can't help but post a couple of teasers from today's E-session with Meesha & Neill. They were the perfect couple to work with, I felt like I've known them forever. Stay tuned for more!

It's Official!!!

2008-09-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

My website is up and running!!! I'm so excited! It's still a work in progress so I will be updating as I process more shoots, but overall I'm happy with how it is right now. For more up to date posts, continue to check this blog (link is on the actual website). Anyways, here you go...hope you like it! :)

heavenmcclure.com

Helena & Ricardo's Wedding

2008-09-06T21:06:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the happy young couple! Check back for more to come, but for now enjoy these teasers.

Sharon & Joe Engagement

2008-09-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

Teasers from Sharon & Joe's E-session. Enjoy!

A very LONG "camping trip"

2008-09-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

I hate saying goodbyes so I'll just say "See you later" for now. I'm glad the boys got to spend some male bonding time Saturday before Louie leaves this Tuesday to join the US Army. We wish you the best in the next chapter of your life. We hope you find what it is you're searching for.

Now, on to the funny shots we took.

Louie and his Starbucks posedown

Louie and his Zoolander face

Louie and his fist pump

And finally...a normal shot

Back to School

2008-08-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

It's officially back to school today for the little princess. We were planning on going to Disneyland during Labor Day weekend, but unfortunately we can't because I have a wedding and an E-session to shoot for Sat and Sun. So, I decided to take the family to Monterey on Saturday as our last activity for the summer.

Dori! Where's Nemo?

yes, that is a jellyfish and I would hate to get stung by that...

...and these.

I love turtles so I was a bit disappointed because they didn't have 'em...this one is just a picture of a picture :(

Kim & Carlos' Wedding

2008-08-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the happy and beautiful couple, Kim & Carlos.

It was one hectic and very exhausting weekend!

Took a lot of pics between the two ceremonies, tea and church, but here are some teasers...enjoy!

Kim & Carlos E-pics (part 2)

2008-08-04T10:36:00.001-07:00

Belated Happy B-day Princess!

2008-07-27T00:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of my lovely daughter and her guests during her (late) birthday/ welcome home party today. Thanks to our family and friends for showing even though it was such a short notice event. We just wanted to celebrate her 9th birthday since she was out to New Mexico for 6 weeks.

BTW...I'm experimenting on some filters and I really liked this one so I used it for all of 'em.

Bam-bam eating some Palabok

These kids sure love the camera! :)

Kim & Carlos - Engagement Pics

2008-07-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some teasers from Kim & Carlos' E-session. I had insisted on Kim for us to do a late E-pics when she had told me that they didn't have one yet. I can't wait for their big day(s) next month with the Vietnamese Tea Ceremony on the 8th, and the church wedding on the 9th.

They looked soooo cute together!

Back To Reality

2008-06-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 2 months since I've posted. Of course I have a perfectly good reason...I got married!!! I married my best friend on May 31st in sunny Vegas. It was a beautiful (fairly hot) day. I'm just relieved it was all over (so is my husband). I was turning Bridezilla the last final days leading to the big day. It was all worth the stress though as everything went perfect.

Now I'm playing catch up at work, and I'm ready to take on my photography aspirations.

I have several freebie weddings to shoot the next couple months. I can't wait!

My new baby!!

2008-04-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting a pug for quite sometime so I finally went for it. Meet my new baby, Bubba! He's 10 wks old and he's the sweetest, sneakiest, funniest lil pup I've ever known. He likes to play and bug his new big sis, Kimmie, my 2 1/2 year old chihuahua. She's not too happy with this new addition btw. Here he is knocked out on Kimmie's bed. He insists on sleeping on her bed when he has a perfectly nice new bed. Kimmie hates him! She just got her annual shots so she was so out of it, she didn't have the energy to bark at him which she normally does when he gets close to her.

I might as well name him Fat-So coz he's soooo fat!

Kimmie