Los Angeles Wedding Photographer - Polka Photos Photo Blog: Wedding Photography, Photojournalism, candid photos

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Playa del Rey, California

I'm thankful for so much this year.

I'm eternally thankful for my husband, and my family, and my friends.

I'm thankful for all of the wonderful brides and grooms whose weddings I've had the honor of photographing.

I'm thankful for all of you who read my blog.

I'm thankful for my awesome former co-worker who invited us over to her parents for Thanksgiving dinner.

I hope that all of you are having a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving!

These Boots Were Made for Walking

Middle of Nowhere, California

Thought I'd share a quick photo I took yesterday. We're in the middle of some exciting and fun shoots. I'll keep you posted!

Congratulations Ashley & Brian!

Long Beach, California

Michael and I were excited to photograph Ashley and Brian's wedding this weekend on the Queen Mary. We met Ashley for the first time last year when we photographed her dad's wedding. Ashley is super nice and a lot of fun, and so is her husband Brian. They were also super romantic. Congratulations!!!

Labels: wedding

The Happy Couple

Laguna Beach, California

I'm editing photos from Billy and Karissa's lovely wedding and came across this one, which may just be my favorite. I love this moment between them. I photographed this through a screen door which gives the photo a hazy, soft look. More photos to come soon!

Labels: wedding

Go Vote!!!

Everywhere, U.S.A.

What are you doing reading this blog? Go vote! I promise, it'll be here when you come back.

What are you waiting for? Oh, you already voted. Yippee!

The Big Night

Burbank, California

Tiffany and Jill threw an awesome party celebrating their marriage.

Their first dance was to "Come What May" from the movie Moulin Rouge, which is one of Mike's favorite songs.

Tiffany's sister tears up during the toasts.

Jill's mom gives an awesome toast which includes a poem about her daughter.

It's playtime!

And dancetime!

Tiffany and her sister do the bump.

The bouquet and garter tosses were my favorite parts of the reception. Just look at all the women jockeying for position behind Tiffany.

Wait for it, wait for it...

Almost...

Look at that reach!

She scores!!!

This felt like an Olympic moment.

Jill was hysterical. Here she is in her Fonzie pose. "Aaay!"

She just makes it look easy.

The prize...

Eyes on the garter...

Let's get ready to RUMBLE!

Almost got it...

Blocked!

No one's going down without a fight.

The scrum is on!

Now that's what I call Full Contact Garter Toss!

After that spirited event, everyone's ready to get back on the dance floor.

Olivia's had a looooong day and she's pooped...

Thank you Tiffany and Jill and your families for a wonderful celebration! We had an awesome time and wish you all the best!

One last shot...

Labels: wedding

The Big Day

Burbank, California

I wish I had a tape recorder with me sometimes. As the bridal party was lining up, Jill's mom said the most heartfelt words about love to Tiffany. I told myself I have to remember what she said... well I forgot. I do remember she almost made me cry.

Tiffany and Jill were married at the lovely Castaway Restaurant in Burbank.

I love this photo, from the proud mom and daughter to the happy dad, their expressions say it all.

Speaking of expressions, here's the patient flowergirl and ringbearer.

Tiffany is stunning. I loved her dress! She reminded me of Veronica Lake, very glamorous, the golden era of Hollywood.

They both look so serious here...

but that quickly turned into smiles and laughter.

I love this moment between Tiffany and Jill right after the ceremony. The world around them seems to have vanished and they only see each other.

Jill's Best Woman (and also the Officiant)

Party here we come!

Labels: wedding

Getting Ready for the Big Day

Burbank, California

Tiffany and Jill had their families over while they got ready. Jill helps Jake get ready first.

He looks so handsome!

His sis tries to help with Jake's hair but she can't quite reach.

Mike captured this awesome image of Jill putting the finishing touches on his 'do.

Tiffany was in charge of make-up - she did all the girls' make-up and then her own.

A little bit of blush for Olivia and a some hairspray for Jake.

She is so adorable!

I love this photo of Tiffany.

Almost ready...

Tada!

Labels: wedding

El Dia de los Muertos

Hollywood, California

Today is the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday honoring one's deceased friends and family. Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts its 9th annual Dia de los Muertos this year. If you're in the Los Angeles area, I highly recommend checking it out. These are some photos from last year's celebration.

There is a line of people waiting outside the cemetery gates. This little girl can't contain her excitement!

I felt so underdressed.

Altars decorate the side of the road. They usually have photos of the deceased...

...and food, as well as drink and sometimes even cigarettes. Reminds me of the Egyptian burial custom of including all that the dead loved in life so they can use it in their next one.

These altars are all creative...

and beautiful like this homage to Frida Kahlo, one of my favorite artists.

Some are political...

or hi-tech, like this one honoring our fallen troops,

or flamboyant

or funny.

Calaveras, or skulls, are everywhere.

Even Johnny Ramone got in the act!

One of the highlights of the day was a terrifying and beautiful dance performance. I wish I knew the name of this group.

The Day of the Dead is thought to have it's beginnings during Aztec times (although some say it was celebrated even earlier). After watching this dance I can see why they were great warriors. I can only imagine the terror of being held captive while dancers decked out in skulls spin around and stomp their feet. Add a full moon and it sounds like something from a horror movie.