Christ Episcopal Church
408 S. Broadway
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 540-1722

Bluewater Grill
665 North Harbor Drive
Redondo Beach, CA 90277-2004
(310) 318-3474

Patti and Dirk LOVE Redondo Beach! When I had met them for their initial consultation they let me know straight up everything is going to be in Redondo – engagement pictures, ceremony, and reception! No problem, just tell me where to show up! They ended up having a wonderfully low-key wedding at the very quaint Christ Episcopal Church. This little chapel on a residential street in downtown Redondo honestly looks like it belongs on a midwest road with the wooden steeple, American flag, blue skies and sun pouring down. So perfect.

After the ceremony, Patti and Dirk seriously just wanted to go on a walk to their favorite places. This was great! I got to just follow them around downtown and document a series of romantic points from their relationship. The street where they go to church, their favorite restaurant (Chaba), and the beach! It was truly a fun and relaxing time . . .

The beach was awesome. There were TONS of people everywhere, lots of rubberneckers checking out the wedding couple, good fun.


The reception was at the popular Bluewater Grill on the marina. Great food, great location.

Here are a few details from the party. Beautiful hand painted wine glasses for everyone, lots of flowers of course. I purposely include a picture of the DJ table because the music was DEFINITELY a center point to the reception. Old school DJ spinning true vinyl, btw. Way to go you guys . . .

I wanted to share this final picture because I really, really liked this moment. It happened just before the grand entrance at the Bluewater Grill. Patti and Dirk were sitting together in the manager’s office, just finished a shot of tequila and were as relaxed and happy as ever. Documentary style, just chillin’, getting ready to have a CRAZY TIME!

Thank you Patti and Dirk! Best wishes, hope to see you again soon.

Huntington Memorial Hospital
100 W. California Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 397-5000

I photographed Jennifer and Kevin’s Aquarium of the Pacific wedding last year. It was such a uniue and beautiful wedding, I will never forget it. Jennifer wore this beautiful light blue wedding dress while they exchanged vows before the the blue waters of the main aquarium. Well, they created another unforgettable memory for me this last week when they invited me to photograph 2 day old Mason Alexander. This turned out to be an emotional experience because it reminded me of my own baby being born 6 months ago.

This is my favorite Mason photo of the session. He looked at the camera and was so inquisitive, it was a perfectly captured moment . . .

Mason chillin’ in his “box” with his lojack on . . .


One of the most beautiful moments of the hour was when Kevin came in and held his baby. Little Mason kept grabbing out at Kevin’s face and just wanted more of him. They say that a baby can recognize his father’s voice the moment the he comes out of the womb – this was proof enough.

I had bugged Mason enough for some photos and he really just wanted to pass out in his Mommy’s arms. He did just that right before I walked out.


Jennifer had Mason’s “going home outfit” laid out and ready to go! She was excited to take her little man home and start a family.

Thank you Jennifer and Kevin for sending me updates on your lives and your baby. I look forward to seeing you again in a few months.

Every once in a while Hoffmann gets some treats from the wedding industry! I received a great surpirse last week when Dayna Lewis from A Very Special Day Event Coordinating came by my place and brought a friend!

Susan Goldfader creates distinctive party favors for any event! Different candies wrapped up, boxed up, jarred, dipped, etc. She can create themed favors for your event, full size candy tables, and even custom candies. The name of her company is Favoritz and here are a few of the treat that she left for me. Well, I thought she left them for me but my wife found them pretty quickly.
That is saltwater taffy custom ordered from the east coast!

White chocolate seashels, chocloate-dipped Oreo cookies, mmmmmmmmmm yum . . .

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Photographing families is such a fun experience. One of the reasons is that families (like people) come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. As a photographer, you never know what kind of photos you will end up with until the session starts rolling. The result is always something unique for each family.

The following pictures are the result of “mini-sessions!” These were scheduled all on the same day and are the result of one “Mommies Group” doing some sweet planning. All I had to do was show up and the families started arriving every half hour for photo sessions. Mini-sessions are a perfect way to introduce your kids to a photo time. The sessions are short and can be very candid as well.

Look at Cameron in this top photo, he was so shy at first even though we have worked together several times. It was just a few minutes later though that he gave me a wonderful welcoming smile . . .

Guess who’s turning two?!?!?! hahaha . . .

Older brother with his younger siblings (yes, they’re twins!!) . . .

The little guy on the right was so serious the entire time, so funny . . .

This little girl can melt your heart, beautiful . . .


This little miracle baby was born at 7 months, now fully healthy and ready for his first photo shoot! . . .


How to get your kids to cooperate?!? Bribe them with some Smarties . . .


Contact Hoffmann to schedule your next portrait session – family, baby, children, etc.