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

Congratulations Morgan & Chris!

Orange, California
One of the nice things about a Southern California wedding is the weather usually cooperates - even in winter. Morgan and Chris were married on a sunny Saturday afternoon in February at The French Estate. I love this moment they shared right after their ceremony.

The French Estate is filled with antiques and souvenirs from around the world. The groomsmen relax before the wedding in one of the rooms.

If you read my blog you know I love shoes. And the brides I photograph have the coolest!

Morgan fights back the tears before the ceremony.

It's time... the bride and bridesmaids get ready to walk down the aisle.

And they're married!!!!

Weddings are unpredictable. That's what makes them fun to photograph. Here two of the groomsmen have their own Chuck & Larry moment.

Introducing the new Mr. & Mrs.

Morgan and Chris had a wish tree instead of a traditional guestbook. The tags inscribed with good wishes blow in the wind as the sun sets behind them.

Night falls and lights twinkle, the perfect time for romance.

While Morgan and Chris are at their aptly named sweetheart table, I sneak away with the bouquet to take some photos. I'm a litle concerned since there's no light, but I found a cute bench and I love the look of the available light mixed with bounce flash.

This cake feeding started out nice...

... but Morgan let her new husband have more cake than he bargained for.

I don't think he minded, the cake was delicious!

Ahhh... love is in the air.

Morgan's grandparents have been married over 50 years and going strong.

Don Panzik played great tunes while the guests danced the night away.

It's time to say...

... goodnight.

Labels: garden, Orange County, wedding

Congratulations Melissa & Shane

Altadena, California

Melissa and Shane were married on a sunny afternoon at the beautiful Altadena Town & Country Club. They chose not to see each other before the ceremony so they sneaked away for a few minutes afterwards for some photos.

The colors the couple chose for their reception and flowers fit the room perfectly. The tables were elegantly dressed with shimmery celadon overlays topped with beautiful orchid and purple flower centerpieces. The florist did an incredible job putting it all together.

The striking bouquet.

The bridesmaids wore brown strapless dresses but they each chose different heels for the occasion.

Everyone is a little anxious for the ceremony to start.

Melissa peers out the window.

I do!

The first of many dances as husband and wife.

It took a while, but the bridal party got everyone up & grooving.

Then it was time for the Dollar Dance.

Look at all the guys lined up to dance with Melissa!

Shane's line was pretty long, too.

But everyone patiently waited her turn.

Thank you Melissa and Shane! We loved photographing your wedding. And thank you to the Altadena Town & Country Club which put together a wonderful day and for the yummy dinner!

Labels: garden, wedding

Congratulations Phuong & Joe!

Santa Clara, California

We first met Phuong and Joe on their engagement shoot in San Francisco. We were excited to see them get married in a lovely mid-day ceremony at Freedom Hall and Gardens in Santa Clara.

We started the day at her parents' home. Phuong has three brothers. The youngest is getting his hair cut by Mom for the Big Day.

Meanwhile, Phuong is getting her hair and make-up done by a family friend.

Joe, his brother and brothers-in-law are all smiles before the ceremony.

The sun came out for Phuong and Joe's wedding ceremony on this crisp fall day.

The bride and groom are reflected in Phuong's grandma's shades.

Sealed with a kiss!

I love this photo of Phuong taken right after the ceremony. Her mom is bustling the dress.

The toasts were very moving. This is one of my favorite moments during a wedding because you can not only feel the love that the couple has for each other, but also the love and good wishes everyone has for both of them.

The gorgeous (and delicious) cake.

Phuong and Joe waltzed for their first dance. It looked great!

They didn't stop there - here they are dancing to another slow song.

Left, left, right, right, back, back, rock, back, rock, kick turn, and repeat.

The maid of honor dancing and serenading. She and Phuong grew up together and she came all the way from Vegas for the wedding.

Quiet moment after the guests depart.

Labels: California, garden, wedding

Congratulations Santy & Ernesto!

Bloomingdale, Illinois
I flew back to Chicago for Santy and Ernesto's wedding. This was my first time meeting both of them, although I had spoken with Santy on the phone quite a few times so I felt like I already knew her. She managed to impress me anyway. I would officially like to present Santy with The Most Patient Bride Award. It was a very busy day to say the least.

I meet Santy and her bridal party at a hotel lobby. When her sister goes to check-in, the room isn't ready. It won't be ready until the start of the ceremony!

Plan B goes into effect. While waiting for the room to hopefully be ready early, all of the bridesmaids, aka Santy's sisters, sisters-in-law, daughter and niece, and her mother-in-law go the lobby restroom to change into their beautiful dresses. Santy helps them get ready with all of the finishing touches. Not once does the bride break a sweat. She tells me she knew something was going to go wrong and shrugs it off.

Finally the room is ready and we all hustle upstairs. Santy's bridesmaids help her into the dress and we take a few more photos.

After the ceremony we take some photos in Cantigny Park in Wheaton. I love this one of the bride and groom. It looks like a vintage photo.

We take some more photos by this rustic gazebo. Santy and Ernesto are naturals!

This was the last photo of the day. Congratulations again!!!!

Labels: Chicago, garden, wedding

Sarah & David

La Jolla, California

Here's some more photos from Sarah and David's beautiful wedding at La Jolla Woman's Club.

The Groom and the Groomsmen

The Bride

The Ceremony

The Homage to 70s Wedding Photos

The Happy Couple

Labels: garden, La Jolla, wedding

Congratulations Sarah & David!

La Jolla, California
What a beautiful couple - both inside and out. Sarah and David were all smiles during their wedding at La Jolla Woman's Club. I'm still in the editing and toning process, but here's one photo that caught my eye.