Desmond Charles Photography

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e friends and gave us incredibly helpful and thoughtful advice on our wedding planning.  We were so impressed by their work and the impression they made, we didn’t bother considering any other photographer.  They were very familiar and knowledgeable with our venues (Stanford Memorial Church and University Club of Palo Alto) and shared their experience and wisdom with us on how to plan our day.  They have such a warm and caring energy to them that we knew that we would be in good hands. And they did not disappoint.  We were even more impressed on the day of our wedding. Again, they were very familiar with our venues and knew exactly the best spots to take the most beautiful shots. They were efficient and also extremely accommodating of our requests and those of our guests. They also took the time and attention to adjust lighting and take multiple shots to make sure that our shots came out perfectly. Our pictures came out perfectly.  Both Desmond and Roxy have extremely artistic sensibilities. They framed the shots and had us pose in ways so that the pictures looked fantastic and were able to capture the joy and love we were feeling that day. We were also impressed by the ways in which they knew to nuance the shots for us as a same-sex couple. They were a joy to work with and we highly recommend them. They are simply the best. 

Memorial Church. After our initial meeting, we knew that Desmond and Roxy would be our wedding photographer(s). Their portfolio and our initial conversation proved what we know now: they two of them are experienced, knowledgeable, extremely talented, and the awesome type of people we love to surround ourselves with. Desmond and Roxy consistently went out of her way to make sure Ray and I were satisfied with everything before the wedding in the planning, during the big day, and afterwards. Desmond and Roxy obtained a "shot list" of the key photos a month before the wedding; they visited both the ceremony location and the reception location the weeks leading up to the wedding to scope the perfect shots, lighting, and logistical plans; they showed up early on my wedding day and split up, allowing amble time to capture pictures of our enormous bridal and groomsmen party (19 total); Desmond rode in the limo with me and my bridal party to the church, capturing an amazing dance party on our way to the church; when we arrived, he captured on of the most memorable moments of my life: a "first look" between my father and I outside of the church; when we entered the church, Roxy had my father and I look back, capturing the anticipation and emotions right before we entered; they ran up to the balcony of the enormous church to get panoramic shots. After the ceremony they were able to work with tight time frames imposed by the church, and manage to get the formals we were hoping for at the altar. They also orchestrated our wedding party pictures in the main quad of Stanford. When we arrived at the reception, Desmond pulled Ray and I aside and got pictures of us alone in the reception hall. After the reception began, Desmond and Roxy also pulled us outside during sunset (I suggest for all brides and grooms). We were able slow down time, getting some time alone to reminisce about the ceremony. The pictures of the speeches were also a highlight for me, as well as the first dances. Desmond and Roxy captured the exact emotions we felt that day. I am able to relive them each time I look at the pictures. Within two minutes of meeting Desmond and Roxy, we knew they truly cared about us and our event, and would be there to not only capture our day, but to celebrate in it with us. That is special and unique. In fact, they stayed much later than we initially discussed in our contract, dancing with us, capturing so many group shots and fun moments on the dance floor. At the end of the night, we agreed to get dinner sometime together, and I am happy to say we made good on that. Desmond Charles Photography is a shining example of professionalism and creativity. Every image of our wedding jumps off the page, as if coming to life. Desmond has a way of blending the authenticity and "realness" of people with magical auras. One thing that really stood out was how well the two of them worked together. They were truly partners in every shot and it was very beautiful to watch. We hope we have a marriage like theirs (and awesome kids too!). We love everything that is Desmond Charles Photography. We are lucky that we met them, and we know they will be a part of many more life memories in the future!

rk speaks for itself. From the day my wife and I met these two, we absolutely knew that they were the right people for the job. They presented us with their work by sharing multiple customized albums (made out of high quality materials) along with very cool slideshows of recent weddings they shot. But before they shared their work, they shared their philosophy and approach in order to give my future bride and I an opportunity to see if it was a good fit for us. From there, they worked with us and created a detailed schedule to ensure all of the shots that we wanted were set in stone. Additionally, they met us at the venue (a few weeks ahead of the big day) and walked us through their vision and welcomed our feedback as well as our ideas of the shots that we wanted. Our wedding took place at Sanborn County Park in Saratoga in a redwood forest so being able to “see” the shots ahead of the event really gave us an excellent perspective of what the final product would look like. Of course they worked closely with our wedding coordinator so that everything ran smoothly the day-of. In a nutshell, their work ahead of the wedding allowed my wife and I to focus on other things because we knew that we were in great hands. The big day came and from the very beginning, both Desmond and Roxy, were so, so helpful, friendly and professional to our vendors, friends and family. They directed my fiancé and I to ensure we had the shots that we wanted as well as the shots they had envisioned. Furthermore, they were able to work with our videographers in order to make sure that both photos and video captured the right moments and complemented one another. Everyone at our wedding kept asking us, “where did you find those wonderful and friendly photographers?”. To say the least, they really brought out big smiles in everyone. They didn’t just take pictures. They captured intimate moments, the surreal redwood forest and the emotions that made our wedding so special. At the end of the day, my wife and I were completely blown away by their pictures. From the “getting ready” pictures to the pictures of our ceremony and reception, every single shot was so, so special and unique. We’ve received a lot of comments like, “that shot should be in a magazine”, “that looks dreamy” and “wow”. We highly recommend Desmond Charles Photography. Their hard work, dedication, level of professionalism and overall positive energy is second to none. I’ve worked with photographers in the past that simply give you direction and take shots. Not the case here. This team really thinks about the final product, incorporates their customers ideas/vision and delivers amazing pictures. If you’re looking for photographers that are going to deliver high quality and unique pictures that capture the right moments,look no further Desmond Charles Photography is it. Because of their work, dedication and final product,my wife and I are able to look back on our wedding and feel the emotions jumping off each picture. Thank you Desmond and Roxy.Your work is amazing and we're so glad we went with you!

They were willing to travel to meet me (I live in San Jose, they live in SF) so we could discuss my overall vision and they brought several books to look over. We did our engagement shoot where we were getting married in Sonoma, and he did extra homework to start planning for the big day. Any time I had an idea (no matter how crazy it was!) he would email me some examples that could help me! I felt so comfortable and beautiful on my big day... that's priceless for a bride! Thank you for a lifetime of memories!!

he Four Seasons Hotel in Palo Alto. We wanted to re-shoot (2 months after the wedding) in full wedding attire. Desmond came with years of experience in runway photo shoots and various corporate magazine spreads. I explained our lighting concerns and explained that we needed help knowing how to stand (pose) etc. I knew right away he was our man. He coached us into some beautiful shots with perfectly balanced lighting. These are the portrait shots and we're very happy.

ic duo to everyone and have loved every photo I have seen of my wedding. Love love love these guys!!!

ly lucky when we compare Desmond and Roxy to other wedding photographers. Here's why: Time to eat: We had plenty of time to eat during both our cocktail hour and dinner reception. Desmond and Roxy are experts in gathering large crowds into group photos and ushered one group after the other. During our dinner reception, we planned to go around to our 15 tables for table photos. Desmond and Roxy suggested that they bring the tables of guests to our sweetheart table instead. We got through all the tables in about 30 minutes and had plenty of time to finish our dinner and mingle with our guests. Accommodating yet mindful of our schedule: Many of our guests each had more than one instrument with which to take photos (iPhone, DSLRs, polaroids, you name it). Desmond and Roxy graciously allowed them to step in every now and then during the time reserved for the bride/groom photoshoot, yet were extremely professional when they needed to whisk us away so that we could stay on schedule. Our family and friends loved them: They made our bridal party and family feel extremely comfortable by making an effort to learn their names. Talent: The photos on their website speak for themselves. Desmond and Roxy photographed us in a way that reflects our personalities. They also arrived to our venue early to scope out romantic settings for bride/groom shots. Special moments: The best part of our wedding was seeing everyone we care about in the same place at the same time. Desmond and Roxy made sure to position themselves so that they captured not just us and the bridal party, but the priceless expressions on our guests' faces. Thanks for helping us create such beautiful memories, Desmond and Roxy.

to refer me to anyone they had used or knew of. I happened to get a reference to use Desmond from an acquaintance at work. We first used him for our engagement session. We did the session in the middle of January in the city and on Baker Beach. I remember being freezing cold and thinking I was going to have goosebumps and be shivering in all of the pictures. Well I was wrong. Desmond delivered engagement photos that were so amazing that we did not have to look any further for a wedding photographer. Desmond and his wife Roxy did a great job of managing our wedding day. There was never a moment that they were not taking advantage of the time that they had. For example, I had them arrive at the hotel where we were getting ready at 2:30pm. When they arrived, the hotel room was messy and there wasn't much opportunity for photos. Roxy and Demond were quick on their feet and took my wedding dress, shoes and jewelry over to the venue to get started on taking pictures of them. I can truly say that as a team Desmond and his wife Roxy really put their heart and soul into my wedding. They treated it as if it were their own. I was sooo anxious to get our pictures. As soon as they arrived, the first thing I did was watch the slideshow they put together. Our entire wedding day was relived through the slideshow and all of our pictures! I have one word.... AMAZING!!!

hen the day of our wedding reception finally came, I was not ready at all to face that many people. We started off the day taking pictures with Desmond and his wife, Roxy. I have never felt more relaxed and comfortable in my whole life. Before the actual day, I was convinced me and my equally unphotogenic husband were going to make a mess of the pictures that would forever hang in family members' living rooms. But the way Desmond and Roxy were with us (I know it sounds cliche), I literally forgot they were taking pictures. It felt like we were just having fun, playing dress up at the beach. By the time we made it to my reception, they had completely melted my stress away. I couldn't have been happier with the party, people and all, and I am eternally grateful to them for being able to pull out that side of me on what i was sure was going to be a day doomed to tears and hyperventilating. And the pictures turned out so well, I can't stop looking at them. I never thought we could look that beautiful together. All in all, and I mean this, they made my wedding.

a result does an amazing job. Flashing back to way we chose Desmond - we were introduced to him and his wife Roxy (who assisted on the wedding day) at their home and right away we had a connection. Erik and I had been meeting with a few other options, as I was being very thorough in my research, but right away we knew that DC was the going to give us exactly the results and experience we were looking for - and we did not get that wrong! Being new to getting our photos taken professionally, it was awesome to work with Desmond for an engagement session and it definitely helped get our nerves in check! Seeing the results from that day got us so excited for the big event. I had various calls and meetings with Desmond (he ALWAYS found the time to be available), as he really wanted to make sure he knew that we wanted. The photos from the wedding definitely blew us away! Desmond and Roxy (who was just supposed to be his assistant, but was a complete rock star on the day!) captured such incredible moments and did it in such a seamless way. Desmond 100% is not only a great photographer who knows he way around a camera and the equipment, but he has such an artistic eye that he is able to make something really special and natural happen with all of his photos. Finally, for our album - the quality, organization and story-line, and overall appearance was just perfect. Looking at it ever 8 months after our wedding day, the images and moments captured brought back all of the special memories and events perfectly. There is no other way to have the feelings and occasions of that day recorded. And as a plus, the outside of physical album is so beautiful that it is definitely something you want laying around your living room. I highly recommend Desmond for a wedding photographer, and I know that whenever we need more professional photography, Desmond will be our first choice! Looking forward to working with you and Roxy again! Thank you for everything!! Nicole and Erik

Gate Park. We used several locations in the park for the photos and they all came out great. We were so pleased that we decided to hire him for our wedding as well. Throughout the planning process, we actually developed a friendship with the both of them which made the day of a joy. Like having someone that really cares about you capture those very special moments that some photographers might miss. They were so professional and they timed out the outside light so our shots were perfect. During our ceremony and reception they remained incognito and never got in the way. We have the most amazing shots and we are so grateful to have met them. Rochelle and Matt

ce working with Desmond and Roxy: Initial meeting - They had great reviews on a wedding website, so I gave Desmond a call. We arranged for an in-person meeting (highly recommended). This is when we also met Roxy. We went over the plans of our wedding and what types of pictures were are looking for. They were great listeners and were opened to our suggestions. (We wanted to have a least one photo with everyone at our wedding, and we wanted to keep a list of "must have" shots. In addition, we wanted to do some "silly" shots at the church.) Planning - We worked with Desmond and Roxy mostly over emails during the planning phase of our wedding. They were very responsive to over email, and wanted to be kept updated on our wedding plans. Venue - Once we decided on a location, we met with Desmond and Roxy at the wedding venue to look for places for the photo-shoot. They were great at making suggestions and having a "plan B" option. (Since our wedding was in March, the weather was unpredictable.) I'm so glad we scoped out the places before our wedding because it rained in that morning and we had to resort to our "plan B". In addition, we got married at a church that had many restrictions and we had only 2 hours for the ceremony. Desmond and Roxy were very respectful of their rules, but also were able to give us the shots that we wanted. Day of Wedding - Desmond and Roxy were truly professionals and we got MANY compliments from our friends and family. They were very organized during the group shots and the shots were so perfectly executed that we had time left over in the church to do more "couple" shots. We did not have to worry about anything that day, and they worked seamlessly during our wedding. Post Wedding - We had discussed with them about wanting some photos a few weeks after the wedding to show our relatives overseas, and Desmond went over and beyond our expectations. He completed our photos very quickly and we were able to show ALL of our pictures to our overseas relatives. In addition, they provided us a slideshow of selected pictures from our wedding, which told the story about the day. It was great to be able to show that to folks who could not come to the wedding in person. The pictures were stunning and we got many compliments. I feel that the pictures really expressed how we are (and our personalities) and not just the same poses as I've seen in other wedding photos. In summary, we LOVED working with Desmond and Roxy. We would highly recommend them to anyone. Oi-Yan and Rich Wedding on March 31, 2012

he was able to capture all the fun given all the different lighting we put him through (indoor daytime, indoor night time candlelight, high sun outdoor, sunset outdoor, and even night time moonlight) They were such a pleasure to work with and I can't say how totally happy we were with the pics. The hardest part for us is editing it all down to an album because we love so many! As fellow artists and photographer we probably had him worried with our picky eye but he exceeded even our expectations.

ress. I’ve been in weddings where the photographer wasn’t organized, took too much time, stressed out the couple, put them/us in cheesy poses and the photos showed their lack of artistic vision. By trusting Desmond and Roxy to do our photos, we had a loving team that were 10 steps ahead of us and literally cleared the path of all obstacles allowing us to enjoy every moment. As we look back on the images, I breathe a huge sigh of relief because they truly captured the happiest time in our lives and we can share in it for generations to come. THANK YOU DESMOND & ROXY!

nalism, quality of work, their contagious energy, and eagerness to capture and bring to life all the special moments of our wedding! Our wedding day pictures are absolutely beautiful! The quality and variety was beyond any of our expectations (especially our wedding album!) Desmond and Roxy are very talented husband/wife team and I would recommend them to any future bride and groom looking for a timeless, creative photographer!!

s yet, but my engagement pictures turned out great, and Desmond made everything way less awkward. We are not the picture posing people. Desmond and Roxy were great during the wedding. We were way behind schedule and they checked in to make sure we still wanted to take all the pictures we originally scheduled. They made sure we had everything we wanted regardless of what family members decided we should do, and they made faces at the kids so the family pics would turn out nice. They were taking pictures at all times. It was so crazy I don't even think they had time to have dinner! I can't wait to see the pictures.

ndard shots....they give you depth, angles, and perspective. They take a wide variety of shots...so plenty to choose from. I like that they also took several of the same shots in horizontal view, vertical/portrait view, and "artistic" view that really captured the moment. That way you can have the picture fit a certain frame orientation in your house. My husband and I both agree that the pictures captured look as if they are the pictures you see in frames that you purchase from the store. They are very elegant and classy...and timeless. Desmond and Roxy really give a 110%. They meet with you prior to the big day. Discuss what shots you would like. Scout your location for lighting and ambiance. And they stay until their work is done. They don't look at the clock in the middle of the festivities and say "oh sorry, our time is up, we can't finish shooting (insert event)". They deliver quality! Very happy with them as our vendor. Our guests even commented on how nice they were and what BEAUTIFUL pictures they captured. A++

o happy we chose to work with Desmond and Roxy.

me that those be tastefully shown. Desmond and his wife Roxy were amazing throughout the entire day and when I saw my pictures, they brought me to tears. I HIGHLY recommend using Desmond for your wedding, we have decided that he will be our professional photographer for our pregnancy, newborn and family shots! He is that great to work with!

ut the natural beauty of my wedding day and helped calm me (semi-bridezilla) and feel at ease--they are extremely organized, patient and tireless! They took countless pictures and captured both posed and candid shots at our request. Not a single family member was left out of the shots (they kept a list to be sure). Also, they came before the wedding (for pre-wedding shots) and stayed until the very end which is almost unheard of with many photographers. They captured pictures of everything on my checklist. When Desmond and Roxy showed me the slideshow set to the the music of our first dance, I literally cried. It took me right back to the moment. That is what a master photographer does--capture the right moments and bring out your emotions. That is exactly what they did. The hundreds of pictures they shot are a testament to the pure and honest happiness in our faces that day. Whatever your occasion, Desmond and Roxy are top-notch photographers and consummate professionals! I would employ them all over again, as well as in the future. Book them and don't look back.

you want him to cover and then some. He's organized, he's a great listener, and he is a calm and warming presence. He understands how important these life events are because he himself treasures the same moments in his own life. He brings that to bare with great talent and great care. My wife and I could not be happier with our wedding photos. You can't go wrong with Desmond.

hich also included his wife/ partner photographer I felt really comfortable that his style would bring together all of the memories and moments that I would want to savor forever. Upon receiving my pictures I realized that along with the important moments he also caught all the details that us brides slave over for months. Truly when we start planning we all have a vision of this day and I can confidently say that his style captured my vision of what this day looked like in my head. It also helps that Desmond's energy is soothing and easy to have "backstage" with you, the groom, the bridal party, the parents...need I say more? I am so thankful that I was able to use Desmond Charles Photography for my big day.