Huntington Beach, CA

Gasps rippled across the 125,000 person crowd as double overhead sets were followed by triple overhead sets at the US Open of Surfing last weekend. Never have I seen Southern California waves this big - nor a crowd as massive as the one that descended on the already overpopulated Huntington Beach. With Hurley putting a record breaking $100,000 up for grabs, the competition became steeper this year with a line up of All Stars including Fanning, Machado, and Kelly Slater. It was the local underdog Brett Simpson however that took on the “giants” and came out on top. Simpson, the twenty-three year old Huntington Beach native beat out Mick Fanning in the final heat and was carried ashore by throngs of family, friends, and fans.

Rarely (if ever) do I travel somewhere out of the country I have never been without any regard for where I am going. What I mean is that while I did go to the Dominican Republic, an Island in the Carribean with a great sense of culture and people, I did not go for that….I went for my Honeymoon.  Katie and I drove straight from the airport to the beautiful “Majestic Elegance” and never really stepped foot off of our “make believe” and perfect beach compound. The week of relaxation was perfect and I had to force my self to pull out my camera one day and take a couple photos. Here is a little taste of our week.

(click the thumbnails to view more)

So I have not posted in several weeks due to my wedding, honeymoon in the Dominican Republic (photos to come), and settling in to our new home in Belmont Shores. Katie and I are still getting settled but I should be back shooting more now. Here are some detail photos of Katie’s absolutely beautiful dress. Click on the thumbnails below to view more.