Jay Tsai’s blog

Thank you for all of your support!

nobody@vox.com(JAYTSAI photography) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:59:52 -0700

Going forward, I've moved my blog to my own site: Jay's New Blog

Please continue to come and visit and drop me some comments!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Vicki Agus Engagement

nobody@vox.com(JAYTSAI photography) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:19:20 -0700

It was a cold day! I guess that's to be expected in the middle of October. Vicki and Agus were such troopers throughout the shoot - even though it was very cold, their spirits were high throughout the entire shoot. It was touching to see Agus was always attentive to Vicki, rubbing her arms and putting his arms around her to keep her warm.

They choose 3 locations for this particular shoot - Legion of Honor, Baker Beach, and Pier 7. Granted this was an engagement shoot, it felt more like a day-after shoot since they were both in their formal attires for the shoot at Legion of Honor. I was surprised by how many other couple were there for their engagement shoot - I counted 5 couples simultaneously in there!! There was also a wedding on location, so the full bridal party was in there as well. It wasn't easy to try to avoid getting other people in the shot!

Vicki and Agus were so relaxed in front of the camera. It also helped her sisters were there for moral support and kept the mood very light. Throughout the day, there was always a big smile across their faces! I had a great time working with both of them.

Their wedding is coming up in 2 weeks, look for more pictures of them in a few weeks!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Sundiep Vivek Wedding

nobody@vox.com(JAYTSAI photography) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:07:07 -0700

The day started with pouring rain. Yes, in the middle of September in California. I can't remember when is the last time this happened! Granted that meant the wedding ceremony had to be moved indoors, it was nevertheless a beautiful ceremony and reception.

Before the ceremony, I arrived at Sundiep's house where family and the bridesmaids had gathered to get ready. For some of the bridesmaids, it was their first time wearing a sari! It was my first time seeing how it's put together, and it was far more complicated than I had imagined - seemed like there were bobby pins everywhere holding it in place.

The wedding was held at the Dunsmuir Estate in Oakland. After the rain, everything seemed so green and vibrant. One particular thing about the estate was the large number of wild ducks and turkeys roaming the property. Granted they were generally shy and stayed away from people, we encountered a white duck that seemed particular drawn to the bridal party. It made for some great moments.

I always find the dancing at Indian weddings extraordinarily energetic - old and young, guys and gals, everyone gathers on the dance floor with no reservation and a great time for all. This evening was no exception. The vibrant colors of sari also help create some fantastic images.

Congrats Sundiep and Vivek! Hope you guys are having a great time in the land down under!

Check out more images from the wedding on my portfolio page: www.jaytsaiphotography.com/portfolio

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0001

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0002

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0003

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0004

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0005

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0006

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0007

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0008

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0009

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0010

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0011

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0012

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0013

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0014

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0015

Sundiep Vivek Wedding 0016

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Sundiep Mehendi Party

nobody@vox.com(JAYTSAI photography) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:08:24 -0700

Last week, I photographed Sundiep and Vivek's wedding. It was based on a mixed format blending both traditional Indian elements with western style. In a few days, I will post pictures from the wedding.

Before the wedding, Sundiep's family hosted close girl friends and family over for a mehendi party (I was the only guy!). It was an occasion of celebration for the bride and all of her girlfriends as well as an opportunity for everyone to get their hands painted in hena tattoos. I saw some incredibly elaborate designs, and everyone had a great time! Afterwards, the sisters taught everyone how to dance in the traditional Indian style (screw in the light bulb!) - the funny part was the CD didn't play in the normal CD player and everyone ended up dancing around a laptop!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Indochine Ana Mandara

nobody@vox.com(JAYTSAI photography) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:52:52 -0700

I had the pleasure to photograph "An Indochine Night at Ana Mandara", hosted by the Asian Chefs Association and Ana Mandara and mcee'ed by the San Francisco bay area CBS5 evening news anchor Thuy Vu. The food was fantastic, with various tasting stations set up for the guests. Later, the fashion show hit the stage with traditional Vietnamese ao dai.

------------------------------------------------

Event Format:
Chef Tasting – each chef will be preparing 1-2 special items that reflect their talent and cuisine. These items are carefully picked by chef Khai Duong from Ana Mandara. Chefs are Kelly Degala of Pres a Vi, Philipppe Striffeler of Hotel Nikko, Yoshi Tome of Sushi Ran.

The Tasting will be paired with wines

Wineries: Phuket Beers, Non-Vintage Scharffenberger Brut Spakling, Mendocino, 2005 Perrin Reserve, Cotes du Rhone Blanc, France, 2006 Yalumba Viognier, Australia, 2005 Heron Merlot, California, 2004 Hope Estates Shiraz, Australia

Menu:

Ana Mandara:
Vietnamese Crispy Roll, Crispy Shrimp, Triangle Roll, Duck Sausage, Barbeque Baby Back Rib, Bo Bia (Vegetable Roll), Seared Rare Beef Salad, Crispy Risoto Rice, Lobster Ravioli
Assortment of desserts

Sushi Ran:
Sushi Rolls: King Salmon, Shrimp, Bitter Melon
Hamachi Sashimi with Spicy Miso

Hotel Nikko:
Pickled Sour Pork Sausage (nem chau) on Cucumber with Sliced Fresh Garlic and Chili Peppers
Vietnamese Seafood Cole Slaw in Cordial Glass with Spicy Ground Peanuts

Pres a Vi:
Curried Beef Tenderloin with Curried Aioli, Fried Shallots and Chili Oil
Kona Kenpachi with Soy, Lime and Sesame Dressing on Pickled Daikon and Cucumbers

Poleng Lounge:
Lemongrass Beef & Pork Skewers w/ Spicy Peanut Nuoc Cham dipping Sauce Sugarcane Shrimp w/ Vermicelli Rice Noodles & Green Mango
Pandan Sweet White Corn Tapioca (vegan)

Indochine Ana Mandara 0001

Indochine Ana Mandara 0002

Indochine Ana Mandara 0003

Indochine Ana Mandara 0004

Indochine Ana Mandara 0005

Indochine Ana Mandara 0006

Indochine Ana Mandara 0007

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Mylinh Billy Wedding

nobody@vox.com(JAYTSAI photography) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:18:36 -0700

Wow, what a beautiful wedding! At first I really didn't know what to expect. The entire day was spent at Ana Mandara in Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco, including tea ceremony, wedding ceremony, and the reception. I had my doubts when I first heard all 3 would be held indoor at a single locations, but the planning, decor, and ambiance was just perfect!

Mylinh is a wedding coordinator in the San Francisco bay area, and she certainly knows how to pull off a wonderful wedding. The details throughout the day was unbelievable. From the wrapping around the bouquet to the monogram jewelry, from the table settings to the floral arrangements, there were stories behind them all. They had rented out the entire restaurant for the day. The day started with a simple but elegant tea ceremony around noon. The tea ceremony was not without it's touching moments.

The restaurant then shifted gears to become a ceremony venue. Tables were pushed aside for chairs in the middle of the restaurant. After the ceremony was over, guests had a chance to relax at the bar upstairs or the patio outside. Finally, the restaurant was then transformed into a stunning reception hall.

Mylinh and Billy were definitely one of the nicest couples I've ever photographed - they were always considerate and kind to us. In front of the camera, they were not shy to let their true selves shine through. Congratulations, Mylinh and Billy!

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0001

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0002

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0003

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0004

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0005

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0006

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0007

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0008

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0009

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0010

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0011

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0012

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0013

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0014

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0015

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0016

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0017

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0018

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0019

Mylinh Billy Wedding 0020

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Lauren Baby Session

nobody@vox.com(JAYTSAI photography) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:20:53 -0700

Lauren was the 2nd of the baby sessions I did this weekend. She was so playful throughout the entire session, never had a down moment. The parents taught her to identify many of the items around the house as well as countless number of expressions. She happily went around the house pointing at the various objects as well as posing many "unique" expressions for the camera. It's was such a fun session!

This next weekend will again be a busy one as I have weddings on both Sat and Sun. Happy Labor Day,everyone!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend