Polka Photoblog - Los Angeles Wedding Photographer

Family Portraits on the Beach

2010-03-08T15:56:00.000-08:00

San Pedro, California

I was excited when Cicely called me about photographing her family. I shot Cicely and Robert's wedding the year before and it was fun to see their family again. We decided on taking the portraits on the beach.

All the girls in the family...

The older cousins...

In a class of his own.

After the beach we went up to the park area for a few more photos.

Thank you for a fun portrait session! We'll start out with the monkey next time. For those of you that don't know the monkey (a Polka Photos exclusive), ask me about it at your next portrait session. It's guaranteed to make you smile.

Postcards from Playa: Sky Trees

2010-03-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

Playa del Rey, California

It's hard to believe that palm trees are not native to Los Angeles. Although the California fan palm - Washingtonia filifera for you botanists - is native to southern California, many experts say it did not grow in LA. Now many different palms can be found all over the city, like these on Dockweiler Beach.

Postcards from Playa: Reflection

2010-02-28T22:44:00.000-08:00

Playa del Rey, California

I love this beachside neighborhood. I'd like to share some of my photos from the beach to the wetlands and everything in between in a series called Postcards from Playa.

This photo is a reflection of the park at Del Rey Lagoon on my car roof.

Congratulations and Be Prosperous!

2010-02-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

I'm lucky this tiger didn't eat me as I was taking his photo. This is Sundar. He's really a sweetheart. Just don't make him mad. It's his year after all, the Year of the Tiger.

Classic Chic Wedding in Santa Monica

2010-02-12T15:51:00.000-08:00

Santa Monica, California

Christina and Zander's elegant wedding continued in the ballroom at Shutters on the Beach.

Immediately after the newlywed's entrance, Christina and her dad start their dance.

The bride and groom then go into their first dance, which was beautifully choreographed with just the right amount of pizazz and romance. Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire would be proud.

What better way to end than in a graceful dip.

Ernie Halter and the band rock on all night long.

Even the shy flowergirl came out of her shell and dances to just about every song.

Everyone has such a great time. The dance floor is packed.

I love the cupcakes by the Vanilla Bake Shop. So many flavors, so hard to choose.

Yummy!

Time to say goodnight!

Thank you Christina and Zander for a fun time. Wishing you all the best!

Congratulations Christina & Zander!

2010-02-10T06:10:00.000-08:00

Santa Monica, California

The one word that sums up Christina and Zander best is Fun (with a capital f). Their beautiful and elegant sunset ceremony at Shutters on the Beach was punctuated with laughter from the couple and their guests. What a great way to start a marriage!

I start the day taking some photos of the couple getting ready in their gorgeous suite in Shutters. Christina is a picture of calm.

She's also ready early. Final lipstick touch-up by make-up artist extraordinaire Poneh Kamrani.

Quick shots of the rings...

Dress and suit jacket

It's go-time. Christina puts on her gown.

Last-minute phone call.

One of the bridesmaids sprays the bride's hair one last time.

A spritz of perfume.

Almost ready...

I love Christina's hair!!!

Zander is running a little bit behind...

He brought their dog Einstein for some photos.

The groom gets ready in a jiffy.

Almost time for the ceremony!

The bride is ready...

Both Christina and her dad fight off the tears.

Walking down the aisle...

One of the couple's friends performs the ceremony. He tells everyone how Christina and Zander met years ago and slowly became friends. They started dating but for years there was no proposal. At one point the officiant asks the guests who thought the couple would never get married - and most of the guests, as well as the bride, raise their hand.

The bride is so radiant.

The sun is setting quickly which always presents a photographic challenge.

The bride and groom laugh with each other...

...and with their guests.

The Rings

Christina can't contain her excitement...

and neither can Zander!

The sun's last rays shine through.

The Kiss

More Kiss

Michael does a great job getting this wide shot of the couple's first kiss.

Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs.

One last kiss before the party starts...

One Person's Trash...

2010-01-23T16:10:00.000-08:00

Not a Treasure

Playa del Rey, California

I was going to blog about how beautiful the beach looks after it rains. I can see all the way to Santa Monica and Malibu on one side, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula on the other. The views are sharp and crisp. Even the palm trees seem brighter against the blue skies.

Many people think photos, unretouched photos that is, don't lie. The truth is, every time you point your camera you are choosing what to show, and what not to show. As many of you know, I went to school for photojournalism and freelanced for several newspapers. A photojournalist's job is to tell the story truthfully. As a wedding photographer, my goal is to tell the story of your day honestly, but also beautifully. So if your wedding location is undergoing renovations and there's a construction-orange fence on one side (which did happen last year), I will choose the pretty trees as the background for your ceremony photos.

I could've done the same thing with this post, but instead I thought I'd share what I really saw on the beach.

The waves were massive, crashing to the shore.

I wondered if the ocean was mad as it spit out all the junk people threw into it.

Nestled in the kelp were pieces of paper, styrofoam, dozens of water bottle caps, and water bottles...

and labels...

and no less than 3 motor oil containers within ten feet of me. How much of that oil ended up in the ocean? One gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water.

Is this the great future in plastics?

Maybe you're sick of looking at photos of all this junk. So am I. And so are other Angelenos like the volunteers for Heal the Bay's Nothin' But Sand cleanups. Next clean-up for Dockweiler Beach is March 20. Anyone want to join me?

Can You Stop the Rain?

2010-01-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

Playa del Rey, California

There's something refreshing about the rain in Los Angeles. It washes away all the grime, clears the air, forces us all to slow down just a little bit. After three days of rain, it gets scary. Flooding, lots of accidents, potential mudslides. Maybe it's time for the rain to go away, and come back another day?

That's Amore!

2010-01-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

Huntington Beach, California

I met my husband a week after the start of the new millennium. We celebrated ten years (!!!) of knowing each other with a romantic and relaxing gondola ride through the canals of Huntington Harbour. Thank you to our awesome gondolier and to Sunset Gondola.

Sunset Gondola imports their vessels direct from Venice, Italy. This gondola was crafted by hand. The details, like this seahorse, are gorgeous.

It's a bit surreal floating in a boat that could have been made centuries ago, passing by modern day cruisers.

Happy Anniversary to us!

If you're interested, Sunset Gondola can be hired for proposals, weddings and vow renewals. And of course anniversaries!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-08T18:25:00.000-08:00

I'm finishing up my last wedding of 2009. Congratulations to Christina and Zander, and their fun-loving dog Einstein, seen here in front of Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica.

If you haven't noticed, Polka Photos is also sporting a brand new logo. More exciting news to come! Happy 2010!

Congratulations Roxana & Claudiu!

2009-12-30T21:12:00.000-08:00

Anaheim, California

Fall weddings are different in Southern California. For one, the days are often still sunny. And warm. Roxana and Claudiu had just such a day for their nuptials.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. First things first. In this case, that would be the getting ready.

Claudiu makes sure his bowtie is just right.

Roxana holds in her dress as her mom and bridesmaid tie the corset back.

Almost done...

Roxana's mom puts in the bride's veil. Both the bride and her mom look so serious in this picture.

The couple said their vows in an outdoor ceremony at Kindred Community Church.

Roxana's mom and stepdad share a laugh before escorting her down the aisle.

He returned to walk Roxana down the aisle.

The ringbearer

The flowergirl is so focused!

Love the polka dot dress.

Michael went around the side to get another view of the ceremony.

Then he took this photo of me.

The ring

Sand ceremony

Prayer

First Kiss

More...

The new Mr. & Mrs.

Now it's on to the reception...

The bride requested a quick stop at her parent's house. She wanted a photo in front of the American flag. Both she and Claudiu emigrated here from Ireland, although they are originally from Romania. Their friends and family traveled from all over to attend their wedding.

And of course we had to include Winston the dog.

Then we went running to the reception at Anaheim Hills Golf Course.

Quick touch-ups before their grand entrance.

Roxana's mom toasts the happy couple, and all the attending family and friends.

The flowergirl's sister took photos all night long.

This salad looks so pretty!

But cake is my true weakness.

Mmmm cake!

First Dance

It's party time!

The ringbearer is getting sleeeeepy.

This is my favorite photo moment of the night. The bride and groom steal a kiss on the dance floor as if no one's watching.

Many thanks to Roxana and Claudiu and your families! We had a great time at your wedding and you made us feel like family. All the best to you both in your new life together.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T14:11:00.000-08:00

Hope your holidays are picture-perfect!

And may all the magic and joy of the season be yours.

Photo Holiday Cards

2009-12-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

I love cards, all cards, Christmas cards, wedding invitations, birth announcements, birthday cards. I get excited when I see a card in the mail. It's almost a ritual from admiring the handwriting on the envelope and seeing which stamp the sender chose, to carefully opening it, feeling the weight of the paper in my hand, oohing the photo or design on the front, and only then opening the card and reading the sentiments inside.

I especially love seeing the cards made by Polka Photos clients. All of my wedding and portrait packages include photos on disc because I believe that photos keep memories alive for years to come. I also think it's fun to use those photos on cards from save-the-dates to holiday cards.

Here's a couple of cute cards from Charlotte's photo session. Her mom couldn't decide between two photos, so she made two different cards. I think both are adorable.

Liz and Joel send out annual newsletters. I love receiving them because it's fun to read their year in review. It's also fun to see which photos they'll choose.

Vote in the People's Choice Awards

2009-12-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

I recently entered the Top Knots wedding photo contest. I would love it if you would vote for my photo of the lovely Ashley & Brian for the People's Choice Awards.

To vote, please click on the link below. There is only one vote per email address. You will get an email from the contest & need to click on the email link to verify your vote. Then click on "return to voting page" and THEN click the vote button under the picture again. Thank you!!!!

Here's the link:
http://www.topknotscontest.com/bin/Rate?image_id=1009008685

Polka Wins the Bronze!

2009-12-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

I received an email this morning from the International Aperture Awards letting me know my photo of Claudia and Tony won the bronze in the wedding division. Woohooo! This year bronze, next year platinum!

Fun With Trains

2009-12-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

Poway, California

I took a trip to Old Poway Park for some fun family portraits. If these faces look familiar, it's probably because I took their family portraits last year.

This family started with Liz and Joel, the very first wedding I photographed. I knew Liz in college, where I was studying photojournalism. Their first kiss lasted less than a millisecond but they've been making up for it ever since. (With their permission I'll try to get a scan of that photo to post for you.)

Their first addition to the family was Eddie, who is a natural in front of the camera.

Then came Jolie, a super cute baby sister for Eddie.

We started out taking some photos around the railroad tracks. Jolie is a happy camper.

Eddie jumps from rock to rock with his dad.

Dad offers a helping hand.

We found a cool doorway for a picture of the whole family.

Then we walked over to the old trains...

... for more family photos.

Couldn't resist a funny photo in front of the condemned sign.

I wonder if the sign was for Jolie's stinky diaper?

Thank you Liz, Joel, Eddie and Jolie for a fun afternoon!

Good Charlotte

2009-12-11T21:25:00.000-08:00

Chicago, Illinois

I met Charlotte on a hot Chicago day. Here she is chillin' on the couch.

This baby likes to fly.

She loves her mom...

and she loves her dad.

And she loves playing with her doggies Ricky and Lucy.

What doesn't Charlotte love? The grass. I think it may have been too scratchy so we only took a few photos on the grass, then took the rest either on her blanket or indoors.

Charlotte has the best expressions. She's just a baby but she looks so grown-up in some of the photos. This is my favorite photo of her.

Then again I love this one, too.

Isn't she a cutie pie?

Thank you for a super fun portrait session! Charlotte is a darling!

Wishes Do Come True!

2009-12-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

Chicago, Illinois

I thought I'd catch up on posting family and baby portrait sessions from this fall.

This is Ava. And yes, she is that cute.

I met Ava's parents, Sandy and Albert, when I photographed their Vegas wedding. I also met Ava's grandma, who wrote a special wish for the couple.

Well her dream came true, and Grandma loves her new grandbaby.

The photo session was very relaxed and we talked about life and photography and even movies. This photo was unposed and I love the casual aspect of it. When I look back on my favorite photos from childhood there's one of my grandfather and me in his backyard. As a photographer I want to create photos of real memories, not just poses.

Grandma calls Ava a perfect angel, and I'm inclined to believe her. Ava is the perfect model.

I met the family in the Grandparent's home. It was a special treat to photograph Ava with her Great-Grandparents as well.

Great Grandma holds happy Baby Ava.

Then we went in the backyard for some more photos. I treated this photo with a vintage 70's look.

Isn't she adorable?

I love all of her funny faces.

Here's the happy family.

Ava loves her doggie!

She's starting to get sleepy....

Daddy and baby...

Time for good night!

Thank you Sandy and Albert, and Grandma and Grandpa, and Great Grandparents, and of course Ava! It was so much fun to meet your little bundle of joy!

Thank You Part II

2009-12-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who purchased prints in October. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, 20% of print sales were donated to City of Hope.

Giving Thanks - Polka Photos Referral Program

2009-11-27T02:06:00.000-08:00

Polka Photos has a lot to be thankful for this year. Michael and I have enjoyed meeting and photographing so many wonderful couples and families. And we appreciate all of your referrals. We love seeing you again at another couple's wedding or party.

As our way of saying thanks for referring us to your family and friends, Polka Photos is happy to announce a new referral program. For every new client referred by you, we will give you a gift credit that can be used to purchase prints, albums and canvas wraps from your online gallery.*

$100 gift credit for every full-day wedding

$25 gift credit for every half-day wedding or other event

$25 gift credit for every portrait session

As an extra bonus, I'm going to share my cranberry recipe with you. (I couldn't let my thank you cranberries go to waste.)

1/2 bag of cranberries from Trader Joe's

1/2 cup of water

3/4 cup of sugar (more or less depending on how sweet you'd like your sauce)

1 bag of frozen strawberries also from Trader Joe's

Boil water and sugar. Add cranberries. Bring to a boil. Let simmer 5 minutes or so. Add frozen strawberries. Simmer 30 minutes or so.

Great with turkey, panko breaded tilapia (from Trader Joe's - can you tell I shop there often?), or waffles.

* If your online gallery is expired but your event was a year or less ago it can be reactivated. If your event was more than a year ago, we may still be able to activate your online gallery. You can also use your credit towards prints, albums and canvas wraps from a new portrait session.

World Famous City by the Beach

2009-11-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

Santa Monica, California

We met Mackenzie and Allan on the Third Street Promenade for some engagement photos. Couldn't resist a photo by the awesome newsstand, where you can find magazines ranging from wedding planning to MMA fighting and everything in between.

Instead of starting out with posed photos, I started by following Mackenzie and Allan on their walk. This gave them a chance to relax and forget about the camera.

Halfway down the block we saw the cutest chocolate lab puppy. Who can resist a face like that?

Mackenzie and Allan are naturals.

Quick stop by their favorite Santa Monica restaurant, Anisette Brasserie. I wanted to give these photos a more vintage, dreamy feel.

I love the shadows!

The cute couple did a quick change of clothes for a different look. They are so adorable!

We headed toward the pier.

Of course we had to take a photo in front of the famous Santa Monica Pier sign.

Awwww!

The many faces of Mackenzie and Allan...

The sun was quickly setting.

Pier with a view...

I wanted to shoot this a little differently. What do you think?

I decided to give one of the photos a vintage postcard feel. I know there are Photoshop actions that accomplish a similar result, but each of my images is custom made by me. I may put together actions for my own use but I like the creative aspect of deciding what mood each photo should have.

Mackenzie is truly a Polka Photos bride - just look at her toenails!!!

We went down to the beach for a couple of quick photos.

Michael took this gorgeous shot of the ring in the ferris wheel.

Then it was time to say good night. Thank you for an awfully fun engagement portrait session! We can't wait for your wedding next year!

Magnetic Attraction

2009-11-22T12:30:00.000-08:00

Playa del Rey, California

Look what I got in the mail from the awesome Mackenzie and Allan.... it's a cute save the date magnet made by MagnetStreet. I love it! Thank you for thinking of me!

Which reminds me, I still haven't posted photos from their awesome engagement session in Santa Monica. Stay tuned for more photos of this super sweet couple!

Stylish Reception

2009-11-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

Chula Vista, California

Mark and Melissa held their reception outdoors in their parent's backyard. Melissa's family did a great job with all of the decorations.

The couple makes their grand entrance to lots of clapping and cheering.

The benefit of a second photographer is a different viewpoint, in this case the grand entrance from the guest's viewpoint.

Mark and Melissa start the evening with their first dance. I don't know what Mark said to make his bride laugh. I love this photo of the moms.

A kiss during dinner under the night sky.

Congratulations Melissa & Mark!

Field of Dreams

2009-11-06T02:53:00.000-08:00

Chula Vista, California

After the ceremony, we went with Mark and Melissa to take some fun portraits.

I loved the colors in this field, and the light and Melissa's red hair.

If you've been reading this blog for a while you know I love shoes.

Now on to the reception...

Congratulations Melissa & Mark!

2009-11-06T01:22:00.000-08:00

Chula Vista, California

When Melissa and I first spoke over the phone, she told me she didn't want the standard wedding photos. That sounded great to me since I'm not a traditional wedding photographer. We did take some formal photos, but most of the photos were candids taken throughout the day. Those are my favorites - the shots that capture a particular moment, a glance, a shared laugh, wiping away tears of joy. So without further ado... here's the Happy Couple and their Day.

I start the day taking getting ready photos at the bride's parent's house and their dog insists on having her picture taken.

I adore these shoes by Nina!

The flowergirl sneaks a peek as Melissa's grandma buttons up her wedding gown.

Finishing touches and the bride is ready to go.

Mark's mom pins his boutonniere.

Melissa's dad walks her down the aisle.

Mark and Melissa wrote their own wedding vows and I must say they are the funniest I've ever heard. Melissa promises her husband-to-be that she will let him go fishing anytime.

The bride's mom and dad get a little emotional.

The flowergirls

Michael captured this photo of the First Kiss from the top of the amphitheater...

and this is mine from the very bottom.

Congratulations!!!

Melissa's grandma gives her a hug.

Then we're off to take some newlywed photos.

Which of these two shots do you prefer... the top one taken with a 24mm wide-angle from right behind the couple, or the bottom taken from a distance with 190mm telephoto???