Heidi is the coolest and only sister of Tessa (whose wedding Brett and I’ve photographed 3 years ago, but I had not blogged her wedding here - Sorry Tessa! I will eventually get to it!), and it was our absolute thrill to join Heidi and Alex for their small intimate wedding/gathering at Santa Barbara Courthouse. The courthouse’s COVID rule was still pretty “strict” so only 8 people could be near the judge and couple. Heidi was six month pregnant then (and I was 6 weeks pregnant; but my pregnancy ended at 12 weeks; it happens and it’s very common…) I’m happy that we were able to celebrate that “6” week/month pregnancy together though :) hehe. Anyway, Heidi’s baby girl is expecting in Sept.!!! Ahhhhh!!! Super excited!

They’re planning to have a bigger party/reception next year and Tessa is the most excited aunt in the world to dress the baby as the flower girl. I can’t wait either!!!

“I knew to expect something special when we hired two former news photographers for ur day - but I’m seriously blown away by their work! Thank you Annie and Brett for documenting this day as only you two can.” - Akiko

Akiko and Sebastian’s wedding at Valentine DTLA was filled with love and celebrations with people who hadn’t been able to see one another since the pandemic started.

Akiko is a TV journalist - sounds familiar? yes, I was a journalist too! hehe, and Sebastian is a DP (director of photography). They met online back in 2015, when they were both living in LA. Akiko didn't have a profile photo set up - so Sebastian took a leap of faith in reaching out. They met up for lunch in downtown first and spent the first 6 months of our relationship in LA. Then, Akiko decided to take a job in Singapore, and they began a near 4 year long, long-distance journey. Sebastian works freelance as a DP, he was able to fly in for several weeks to a month at a time. He also took up some jobs in Southeast Asia so they could be in the same city for longer. After 2.5 years in Singapore, Akiko decided to move to Hong Kong with the same company (the opportunity was just too good to pass up!). So they spent another year of long distance, this time between Hong Kong and LA. The plan was to eventually move back to LA (where Sebastian is based), but when another job opportunity popped up in New York in 2019, he encouraged her to take it. For the last 2+ years, he has been splitting time between LA and New York, where Akiko is currently based.

“Put simply, our relationship has been all about managing different cities and travel, and finding a way to stay in the same city.”

When I first met Cat, a vice president of A&E Network/Lifetime, and Sean, an amazing musician and writer in Los Angeles, we laughed a lot - OUT LOUD - almost too much because my face hurt. She burst into laughters like I would (which is actually insanely hard to find for some reasons! lol) and the way Sean adores Cat was simply incredible.

Their original wedding was in Los Olivos of Santa Barbara County, but basically everything was canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19 pandemic. So what did we do? We had everyone tested for COVID and got together at their home backyard in LA, just with 12 people and their dog Tito. Sean’s best friend Glen officiated the ceremony.

I personally was very touched by the love Holland and Maddy (Sean’s daughters) have for Cat. I get choked up just thinking about their (including Cat’s) acceptance of life and all other amazing emotions.

The day was simply beautiful, welcoming and cozy; filled with love and euphoria.

By Annie Bang

Holland and Karen (Cat’s step-daughter and niece also junior bridesmaids) get ready in a bathroom.

By Annie Bang

Cat (left) and her step-daughters Holland and Maddy try on flower decors.

By Annie Bang

Holland does Maddy’s hair while Karen puts her own makeup.

By Annie Bang

Maddy and Holland.

By Annie Bang

Happy Cat!

By Annie Bang

Kris (left) awaits with a bowl of mac and cheese while her daughter Karen and Sean’s daughter Holland get ready in the bathroom.

By Annie Bang

OMG!!!! CAT!

By Annie Bang

Cat in the bathroom as her mother’s wedding dress is hung in front of the door.

By Brett Butterstein

Sean high-fives the dog Tito in his bedroom.

By Brett Butterstein

Sean gets ready in his bathroom.

By Brett Butterstein

‘Do I look okay?’

By Brett Butterstein

‘Can you hear me?’ Cat’s aunt Connie tests audio with Glen (Sean’s best friend & the officiant) to film the wedding ceremony.

By Brett Butterstein

A flower leaf in Cat and Sean’s swimming pool.

By Annie Bang

Girls walk to their car.

By Annie Bang

Cat’s father Ted holds her arm in the car, on the way to the ceremony.

By Brett Butterstein

Their dog Tito waits by the front door.

By Annie Bang

Glen and Sean are ready!

By Brett Butterstein

Cat and Ted enter the house.

By Annie Bang

Sean tears up after seeing his bride Cat.

By Annie Bang

:D

By Annie Bang

Their dog Tito is wearing a scarf that says “My Hoomans are getting married!”

By Annie Bang

They cannot help but LAUGH a lot!

By Brett Butterstein

Reflection of the ceremony

By Annie Bang

Sean tears up while reading his vow to Cat.

By Annie Bang

Cat’s sister-in-law Kris wipes her tears.

By Brett Butterstein

Cat gets choked up talking about how much she loves Sean’s girls, Holland and Maddy.

By Annie Bang

Cat puts the wedding ring onto Sean’s finger.

By Brett Butterstein

TA DA!

By Annie Bang

Newlywed couple!

By Brett Butterstein

Cat hugs Karen in the bathroom.

By Annie Bang

Sean in a sun hat.

By Brett Butterstein

Maddy in the sun hat.

By Annie Bang

So happyyyyyy!

By Annie Bang

Ted gives an envelop of cash to the couple.

By Annie Bang

Their happiness is infectious.

By Annie Bang

Cat and Maddy <3

By Annie Bang

Karen and Maddy, and her bunny pet in her room.

By Brett Butterstein

Speeches.

By Annie Bang

First dance as Mr. & Mrs. in their backyard.

By Annie Bang

DONUTS!!!!! Maddy is so happy.