Kimberly Chan Photography Blog »

Kimberly Chan Photography Blog bio picture
  • Why, hello you!

    I’m Kim. I’m a wedding photographer based in Northern California. Take a peek around to learn a little bit more about me and what I love to do. Weddings are my forte and when I’m not behind the camera documenting love, you can find me hanging out with my baby girl, husband and pup. For more information, head over to the website. Follow up with the latest by clicking on the links below.

Michelle + Jake: Moss Beach Engagement in Half Moon Bay

I love getting the opportunity to photograph couples who come out to visit California from other parts of the country.  I adore meeting people from all over and it also helps me view California with a fresh perspective.  I often take for granted how vast and varied our landscape is and it’s one of the reasons why I love living here so much.  That’s why seeing it through a visitor’s eyes is sometimes so refreshing.

I had been wanting to do a shoot at Moss Beach for months and months and I thought this session would be the perfect one for this location.  Half Moon Bay is notorious for being cloudy on almost every shoot we have had there but on this particular day, the sun was shining and the light could not have been any more lovely.  Pair that with a couple like Michelle and Jake and you get one amazing session.   I love couples who are affectionate and playful with each other and these two were total naturals in front of the camera.  Thank you Michelle and Jake for a wonderful afternoon by the beach.  You two were such fun to photograph!  xoxo

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The True Power of Love

I had another blog post all ready to go in celebration of one of my favorite times of the year.  But life changed so quickly in a matter of hours and my heart hasn’t quite recovered.  Even after many rewrites later, it’s still all about love.  And the undeniable power that word brings.

In the midst of the deep pain of losing my grandma suddenly last week, there were glimmers of hope and the truth that love does conquer all.  After the most emotional night of my life, we were driving home and the tears kept falling.  We shared some of our favorite memories of her.  The kind that made us laugh and smile even through the pain.  I was so emotionally drained and even as we sat there in moments of silence, you knew my thoughts.  You knew how much my heart was aching.  We turned on the radio in hopes of some sort of distraction from it all and the song ‘God Gave Me You’ started to play.  I’ve always loved the song but the lyrics touched my soul in such a deep way in that moment.  Even though my heart was broken over the deep loss of someone who meant the world to me, having you next to me and supporting me through it all is a true gift that God has blessed me with.  One that I never want to take for granted.  In that moment, I was thankful even through the tears and heartache.  For the blessing of you as my husband, best friend and my biggest supporter.

This year has shaped up to be one that we didn’t expect in so many ways.  Curve ball after curve ball seemed to keep coming our direction and it’s easy to get lost in the hard times.  But with each trial, our love and faith stand firm.  The roots of our relationship continue to grow deeper and deeper.  One thing that always remains at the end of the day is my unwavering love for you.  I’m so thankful for the comfort and happiness you bring to my heart and our lives every single day.

When I met you 12 years ago, I had no idea the impact you would have and continue to have on my life.  It’s something that the word blessed can’t even begin to describe.  God has given me you for hundreds if not thousands of reasons and I’m eternally grateful for each and every one of them. He’s given me you to hold my hand through all that life brings.  To pick me up when I can’t stand on my own.  To joke with.  To wipe away my tears in the hard times. To cheer me on and support me when the going gets tough.  To laugh and smile with during the great times.  And a best friend to walk next to me every step of the way.

If this last week has taught me anything, it’s to love.  Out loud, passionately and with all your heart and soul.  Treasure those who mean the most to you. To my husband, my Matt, I love you more than words can say.  Happy 5th wedding anniversary, hubby.

“God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you.” – Dave Barnes

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August 12, 2013 - 12:34 pm

meg - Yay!! Happy Anniversary!

Love this pic of you and matt!

Amy + Mike: A Castlewood Country Club Wedding In Pleasanton

It was a warm spring day as we drove to Castlewood Country Club for Amy and Mike’s wedding. It’s always a nice treat when we get a wedding at a venue we’ve shot at before. There’s an instant comfort and familiarity but also a desire to make the images unique and the aspiration to see the venue creatively through a fresh perspective. Castlewood is wonderful for that because there are so many lovely spots and locations throughout the property.

I love it when so many of the wedding details reflect the couple and especially when the bride has had a creative hand in making them. Amy is a talented graphic designer and I absolutely loved their gorgeous invitations that she created.  She also chose some of the most beautiful paper flowers for the bouquets which I became quite obsessed with by the end of the day. From the table names to the cake toppers to the cute Lego boutonniere’s, Amy and Mike’s love of sports shined through many of the details.  These details set the tone for a beautiful and personal wedding day that I was so honored to be a part of.

Amy and Mike, I’m so excited for you guys and it was a true pleasure to work with you both. Wishing you a wonderful life filled with love, happiness and many sports games.  🙂  xoxo

 A special thank you to my friend Jana Long for second shooting.

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July 12, 2013 - 6:31 pm

Meg - Great job, Kim. I love those by the palm trees as well as the ones of the couple under the castlewood arch. 🙂

Wendy + Johnson: Niles and Coyote Hills Engagement in Fremont

I’ve got to hand it to Wendy and Johnson.  We’ve had plenty of cold engagement shoots.  And our fair share of windy ones too.  But their engagement session was probably the most cold and windy one yet.  These two were such troopers as they braved the elements and they kept smiling the whole time.  I love clients like that.

Despite less than ideal weather, it was a great afternoon with these two.  We started the day in the adorable town of Niles and finished up the shoot at Coyote Hills Park.  Wendy and Johnson are such a sweet couple and really do seem like the best of friends.  They were a joy to photograph and I know their wedding is going to be amazing.

And their big day also happens to be tomorrow!  We’re so excited and honored to be a part of it.  Wendy and Johnson, thank you guys for everything and we can’t wait for what is sure to be one lovely celebration tomorrow!  xoxo

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Kelly + Steve: An Admiral Kidd Club Wedding at Point Loma in San Diego

Every single wedding I shoot is incredibly special. And having the honor to photograph a close friend’s wedding is like a bonus serving of your favorite cake, extra sweet and lovely.

I met Kelly and Steve in college. I immediately loved Kelly’s bubbly and endearing personality. We quickly became close friends and I’m so thankful for her friendship to this day.  Steve and Kelly are truly one of those couples who are meant to be. As long as I’ve known Kelly, I’ve known Steve as well and I can honestly say that these two are as sweet as they come. Their love for one another is so special.  Documenting their love was such a pleasure and honor and couples that adore each other as much as these two do are the best.

Kelly was one of my bridesmaids in my wedding.  She was a source of love and support as she stood next to me and shared in the happiest day of my life. It was quite the full circle moment as I documented her wedding day. The lines of friend and photographer quickly blurred as I photographed through tears of joy as the special moments of their wedding day unfolded.

Kelly and Steve, thank you so much for your friendship. Matt and I are so blessed and thankful to know you guys and are excited to see what the bright future holds for you both. Welcome to the married club!  We love you and can’t wait to come and visit again soon!  xoxo

A special thanks to Chantel Hansen for second shooting.
Wedding Venue: Admiral Kidd Club Catering & Conference Center
Wedding Planner: Lindsay Johnson, First Comes Love Weddings & Events
Officiant: Ceremonies by Bethel // Makeup & Hair: Brides by Brittany

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June 20, 2013 - 11:56 am

Brittany ~ Brides By Brittany - LOVED creating magic with you for this beautiful day! My team absolutely loved dolling-up Kelly & her party… what a perfect day! Your images are amazing and I can’t wait to share them! xo Brittany ~ Brides By Brittany

June 20, 2013 - 10:23 am

Veronica - This wedding and the photos are ridiculously pretty. You rock!

June 20, 2013 - 9:05 am

Dallas - So bright and happy. Beautiful bride, and beautiful work!

June 19, 2013 - 9:57 pm

Steven - WHAT AN AWESOME JOB!!!! Thank you so much Kim!!!!!!

June 19, 2013 - 4:38 pm

Dad Donahue - Great job Kim! Father of the Bride is quite pleased…..Mom is crying too.

June 19, 2013 - 4:16 pm

Kelly - THANK YOU, KIM!!! I love them!!!!!! What a special day!!!! Love all of the details and everything!!!!

June 19, 2013 - 3:22 pm

Lauren - These are gorgeous, Kimmy! I loved the ones in front of the blue mosaic background as well as the one of the bridal party spread out on the staircase. Congratulations Kelly & Steve! <3

June 19, 2013 - 3:02 pm

Melissa - So beautiful!!!! Love these so much!

June 19, 2013 - 2:54 pm

Jana - oh my word these are STUNNING!!!!!!! Always beautiful work my friend. I love the bridal party on those stairs!!!!! so fun!!!!

June 19, 2013 - 2:49 pm

Meg - Freaking amazing job as always. I love how you captured all the details. So creative!