event photographer – Paper Ban Photography

Ava’s First Birthday

LITTLE TOKYO, LOS ANGELES

When I first started Paper Ban Photography a couple of years ago, one of my first wedding clients was Jackie and Jim. They were such a nice couple, and I am honored for them to ask me to photograph their daughter Ava’s first birthday.

For Ava’s dol celebration, the family held a party at X-Lanes Bowling in Little Tokyo. To see little kids bowling and getting SO excited about hitting the pins was so adorable! Their eyes would get so big in anticipation as they released their bowling balls onto the steel-roley-thing. Ava, being only one, couldn’t really participate in the funness of bowling, but she was happily hugged and kissed by just about everyone!

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Sanam’s Backyard Bridal Shower

STEVENSON RANCH, CALIFORNIA

In a wedding, there are so many milestones in and of itself. There’s the proposal, the wedding dress hunt, the wedding planning, the bachelor(ette) parties, etc. etc. And then there’s the bridal shower. The bridal shower, where the bridesmaids host a party in honor of the bride, is what I happen to photograph a couple of weeks ago for a sweetheart of a bride name Sanam.

Taking place in her mother’s home, who was also one of the hosts, this intimate bridal shower was decked out in beautiful floral bouquets, stringed lanterns, homemade food and a delectable cake made from their family-owned bakery!

As the event progressed, food was eaten, games were played, but little did Sanam know a surprise was waiting for her. In the middle of opening some beautifully wrapped presents, a knock on the door occurred. One of her bridesmaids opened it, and in waltz her fiancé! If Sanam’s face was smiling before, her face was just lighting up like a Christmas tree at that moment!

FEATURED ON : Showerbelle

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Aram’s First Birthday

GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

Aram’s first birthday was quite the event. This little guy, in his snappy onesie and glasses, received his baptism in the Armenian Apostolic Church in Crescenta Valley. With gorgeous architecture and beautiful window lighting, the christening ceremony went off with such happy spirits surrounded by close friends and family.

To celebrate, the party’s reception moved to Phoenicia, a Lebanese restaurant in Glendale where the room was filled with whimsical balloons! From the table centerpieces to the sweets table, everything is so happy and colorful. And seriously, how awesome is that hot-air balloon cake?!

Aram, congratulations on turning one. I am honored to have been your first birthday photographer. You are now officially a toddler!

FEATURED ON : The Frosted Petticoat

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Parker

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA

The first time I saw Parker, he was only a few days old (see his newborn portrait session here!. I joked to his parents, Nicole and Jeremy, as I photographed his first year birthday party, that 1-year-old little Parker looks SO different than his newborn self, and they completely agreed!

The theme of the party, as you can probably tell when you scroll down, is car racing. I adore all the creative details of the event – traffic light brownies, doughnut spare tires, Chex Mix nuts and bolts. Even his presents mainly consisted of cars! Such a boy, haha. Yet, even though there were plenty of toys for the little guests to play with (especially cars), what became a huge hit was the pool of ice out in the balcony. Love it.

Happy birthday, little Parker!

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Colin

LA CAÑADA, CALIFORNIA

Recently, Colin turned one years old and to celebrate, his parents, Drew and Deborah, threw him a dinosaur-themed party in the quiet Los Angeles County neighborhood of La Cañada. The party decorations looked adorably ferocious with balloons and dinosaur blow-up dolls neatly scattered throughout. Colin noticed them amicably, and when in the vicinity of one, would point to it and make those cute sounds that babies make. Oh, I love photographing babies!

And following the Korean tradition of turning one known as Doljanchi, Colin’s family gathered around the room to see what career path this little guy would take. He dressed up in a cute traditional Korean outfit, and picked up one of the object laid in front of him, which was a ruler.

Congratulations on turning one, Colin! Thank you for having me as your one-year birthday photographer!

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