• Julie + Kris | Summit House
  • Marta + Carlos | The Castaway
  • Maria + Brian | The Reef
  • Kal + Tony | Ritz Carlton
  • Danielle + David | Laguna Village
  • Kristy + Maoni | Ritz Carlton
  • Iodely + Mike | The Grand
  • Laurel + Cody | Balboa Park
  • Jen + Dan | Ebell Club
  • Lily + Ozzie | San Juan Capistrano
  • Julie + Chris | Franklin Canyon
  • {Erin + Clay} Blythe, CA
Charla BLUE

About charla BLUE photography

Hi! I am Charla...a creative lifestyle and wedding photographer in Long Beach, California. I did not find photography. It found me. And it was love at first click!

Thank you for stopping by. Leave a comment and let me know you were here. Cheers!

{Alexis + Mike} Redondo Beach | Palos Verdes, CA Engagement Photographer

September 3rd, 2010

Alexis & Mike were destined for a life together. They’ve known one another since they were 14 years old. They even dated for a short period of time in high school. They went their separate ways but always lived parallel lives, somehow just missing one another. They never forgot one another and kept a place in their hearts for the other. It wasn’t until one evening they finally crossed paths again and that night sealed their fate. Alexis even declared to a friend that night that she would marry this man one day. After a long evening together and never wanting it to end, Mike took Alexis home. Only to discover that she lived next door to the rental his parents owned. The same rental he had been visiting every month to collect rent. They couldn’t believe it. It was a sign to them both. Nine years later with a beautiful 4-year old daughter, they will finally seal the deal. I loved hearing their story. And I am so thrilled to be a part of their “happily ever after”.

These two are a blast to be with. Alexis is super fun and spunky. Mike has such a calm but strong nature about him. They balance one another out and I have such a sense of their love, just being around them together.

Their home is in Redondo Beach and they decided to stay close to home for their shoot to capture a glimpse of their life together. It was perfect! They are just stunning together…

A big shoutout to Amanda of Artistry Make-Up. She did an amazing job on Alexis’ make-up!

We visited their favorite Mexican restaurant (Ortega 120) for some delicious guacamole and tableside margaritas. This is now my favorite Mexican restaurant too! I can’t wait to bring Dan back here.

And this is the place they finally reconnected after many years of being apart and was the beginning of their life together. We had to capture them here…Patrick Malloys in Hermosa Beach. By the way, don’t you just love Alexis’ tee? YES! Thanks for a fun night, guys!

{Danielle + David} Trash the Dress | Laguna Beach, CA

August 24th, 2010

I was super excited when Danielle asked me if she could do a Trash the Dress session with her wedding package instead of an engagement session.And I was even more excited to shoot it and so stoaked that Danielle’s goal was to go INTO the water. YES! Love this girl. I didn’t actually realize that it meant me getting wet too…but that’s exactly what it took to get the shot. We started with David’s Harley, another fun addition for me to shoot, and then headed down to the beach at a very high tide.

{Alexis + John} Long Beach Engagement Photographer

August 24th, 2010

I had such a fun night shooting Alexis & John’s engagement session & party! They are friends of a friend of a friend…if you catch my drift! Really, next weekend I’ll be shooting Melly & Chas’ wedding. And then their friend Courtney’s wedding in March. And finally Alexis & John’s wedding in July. How’s that for word of mouth? Thank you friends & clients…I LOVE YOU!

But on to this session. A&J needed absolutely no warming up to the camera. They were ready at the first click. Gotta love that…because it’s a rare occurence. Here’s just a glimpse into our session…

 
 
 
 
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{Danielle + David} Trash the Dress | Sneak Peek

August 24th, 2010

Tonight, I shot my first ever Trash the Dress session. It was super fun and it got my creative juices flowing. You might remember this couple from their May wedding. What I was not expecting…was that I would also be “trashed”. I walked alway with a very wet lower half, but was very happy that none of my equipment got wet. Here’s just a sneak at the fun we had tonight…starting with David’s Harley.

 
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{Marta + Carlos} The Castaway Wedding | Burbank, CA

August 11th, 2010
Every once in awhile you meet a person (or people) and you are just drawn to them. Because they are positive and nice, and just all around good peeps! That is Marta + Carlos! In the midst of her wedding day, she was concerned that our vendor meal was not the same as hers. Concerned to the point of offering some of her prime rib to us! How sweet is that?
Marta + Carlos wed at The Castaway in Burbank and the day could not have been more perfect. Great weather. An awesome venue. And friends & family to celebrate with. I’m always so happy to play a part.

Enjoy your sneak peek. And thank you for letting me be a part! And another thank you to A Timeless Memory. You guys are always a class act to work with!

Venue: The Castaway
Videographer: A Timeless Memory
Florals & Coordination: Sophisticated Parties & Events
Officiant: Rich Cowley
DJ: Sunny Williams
Bakery: Jaqki
Dove Release: John Maska

I kinda fell in love with this little guy. He loved the camera and could seriously bust a move.

{Studio 404 Weddings} Grand Opening

July 30th, 2010

Last night was the official launch of our studio, Studio 404 Weddings, to the wedding industry. We had an amazing turnout and the night was pretty much perfect. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and a special thanks to all of our awesome sponsors.

Primal Alchemy - for the delicious food
Yve – for making us pretty
Candice of DeLovely Events – for the feautured vignette
Lyndsey of Jack & Lola Photography – for capturing the festivities and our first shot of the four of us
Signature Party Rentals – for all the cocktail tables and linens
Steve of SoCal Ceremony Music – for the lovely jazz music to entertain our guests
Jose of Long Beach Musuem of Art – for the wine

Meet my partners (from left to right): Monica Majors, Erica O’Brien, Amy Schoenbaum, & me! All photos by Lyndsey of Jack & Lola Photography. Here’s just a sneak peek from the evening…

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{Laurel + Cody} San Diego Zoo Wedding

July 28th, 2010

I grew up watching Three’s Company and I have always had a bit of an infatuation with Southern California and the San Diego Zoo from watching that show (it seemed like such a far off land from the woods of Washington). I’ve always wanted to go to the SD Zoo but have just never made it there since living here in SoCal. I certainly never thought my first visit would be to shoot a wedding! How cool is that?

Well, Laurel & Cody tied the knot at the Zoo. I loved how they incorporated the playfulness of the venue into every detail, down to the shoes! It was super fun and I was happy to be there to capture it all.

Laurel changed into a second dress & shoes for the reception. Love it! And again love the continued zoo theme in her attire.
While I was shooting the girls at the hotel getting ready, Carol headed over to their house to capture the guys. I LOVE what she captured!
I love it when couples write their own wedding vows. It is inevitably more emotional and heartfelt.

Congratulations, Laurel & Cody!

{Studio 404 Weddings} My New Storefront

July 25th, 2010

It has been so incredibly exciting, scary, and just a bit overwhelming launching our new consultation studio (with a wedding florist, cake designer, & graphic designer/stationer). I honestly have not done a ton of work since I was even gone for two weeks, but the space has occupied my every thought and has contributed to a few sleepless nights. I’m so proud of all of our work and incredibly honored to be working with these three other talented women.

I’m still in the process of getting more images on the walls and printing sample albums but I wanted to post our work in progress. We get our new window signage next week. I cannot wait! I honestly have to pinch myself every time I take the keys out of my purse, put it in the door, and open it! It’s such a fabulous feeling to know that I am a business owner and doing something that brings me so much happiness and joy. So many doors are opening and I’m enjoying this journey. Please follow the journey with us….

Follow us on Twitter: @404weddings
LIKE us on Facebook: Studio 404 Weddings
Visit our site: Studio 404 Weddings
But most importantly, come visit us in person: 404 Termino Ave, Long Beach

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{Laurel + Cody} San Diego Zoo Wedding

July 11th, 2010

So, my new goal is to post a sneak peek of at least one image (although maybe more) within a day of shooting a wedding. So this is my second week in a row of posting a sneak peek for my couples. Easier said than done!

I shot Laurel & Cody‘s wedding last night at the San Diego Zoo. It was a dynamic location and I loved all their decor details that matched the venue. So fun! I was also smitten with Laurel’s wedding dress. Simply stunning…

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{Julie + Kris} A Summit House Wedding on the 4th of July

July 7th, 2010

Ladies & Gents, get ready for a massive wedding post full of fun, love, & laughter!

Julie & Kris tied the knot a second time to one another on fourth of July at the Summit House in Fullerton. They were engaged on the fourth two years ago and were married a year later in Vegas because Kris got called to active duty in Iraq. He always promised Julie the big wedding in front of all their friends and family one day. So this holiday holds tons of memories and importance in their relationship together. I’m so happy I got to be a part of their day (a special thanks to Timeless Memory for the referral). Another huge thanks to Carol Cobb for second shooting.

If all of that wasn’t special enough, they are expecting their second child together. A baby girl! They even announced the gender of their little one during their reception. Julie was definitely a glowing bride! I love this first image of Julie getting ready because you can actually see her belly bump from the side. Otherwise you could barely tell she was pregnant in her wedding dress.

You know this couple is loved! They had ten bridesmaids and groomsmen on each side. The more the merrier! It made for some fun bridal party shots…

I love these shots, so I had to put them in color too!

The couple with their little boy…
The highlight of the day was the choreographed routine the couple did with their best man and maid of honor. It was amazing! They danced to a montage of popular songs that included Can’t touch this, Baby got back, Thriller, Walk like an Egyptian, Material Girl, Macarena, Cotton Eyed Joe, and too many more to remember. It was really incredible and a total surprise to their guests. You can really tell how much fun these two have together. 

The finale included Kris doing the lift with his best man from Dirty Dancing to I’ve had the time of my life. It was so funny! I cannot wait to see the video footage from this performance again.

If that performance wasn’t amazing enough, the best man performed his toast in the form of a song. It was hysterical and at the same time, incredibly touching. There were many tears (mine included). Once again, an awesome display of the love and friendship these two have in their lives.

Julie & Kris, it was an absolute honor to capture your wedding day. You two are the reason why I love this job so much. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your day. I feel incredibly blessed to have been witness to it! I know that your life will be filled with much laughter and love. God Bless! 

On another note, the Summit House is an incredible place to be married. It is a beautiful venue, moreover they have the most incredible customer service I have ever seen in the many venues I’ve shot at. My second shooter and I kept commenting to one another how attentive they were to the bride, groom, their wedding party, and all of us vendors working there. The Summit servers followed the wedding party around with champagne and hors devours the entire time we were shooting them. I was super impressed and it was a pleasure working there!

 

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