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

A Perfect Match

Palos Verdes, California

Rob and Michelle were married on the anniversary of their first date, which fell on a weekday. The following Saturday they held their wedding reception at the beautiful Palos Verdes Country Club. I love all the red.

Every corner of the room had an interesting detail, including Michelle's parents' certificate of marriage from Vietnam.

The place cards gracefully adorned three sets of vases holding branches.

Michelle's signature purse, she has several in different colors.

After everyone was seated, the couple played a slideshow of photos from their wedding ceremony.

As a surprise to all the guests, Michelle and Rob changed into traditional Vietnamese wedding attire, also called Áo dài.

Some of Michelle's family traveled from overseas for their wedding and they were very excited to see the happy couple.

After greeting every table, the newlyweds changed back to their formal attire for their first dance.

Their guests loved the photo booth. Even the bride got in on the action making silly faces into the camera.

These two boys were so adorable!

All that dancing makes for hungry guests. No worries, there were two delicious cakes to satisfy every appetite.

Thank you again to the sweetest Michelle and Rob!

Labels: Palos Verdes, wedding

Walk Like an Egyptian

San Jose, California

We met the lovely Dianne and Dominik for The Day After portrait session at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. I fell in love with the museum last year, and was happy to photograph here again.

We started at the house by the pond in the peace garden.

Dianne is simply gorgeous. I couldn't help but think of Cleopatra as we walked around the grounds which were adorned with Egyptian symbols like the ankh below.

All of the windows and doorways made for endless photo possibilities.

I can't decide which doorway photo I like the best.

I shot this one facing the sun which made an unusual lens flare.

Dominik has a strong, handsome profile.

I love this moment!

Leaving the garden...

Dianne's only photo request was that we take photos in the water. San Jose is far from the ocean, so we went to this fountain instead.

Dominik on the other hand, had absolutely no desire to go in the water.

But he ended up surprising his wife and going in anyway.

And we ended up with my favorite photo from the day.

It Is Her Love that Gives Me Strength

My sister's love is on the far side.
The river is between our bodies;
The waters are mighty at flood-time,
A crocodile waits in the shallows.
I enter the water and brave the waves,
My heart is strong on the deep;
The crocodile seems like a mouse to me,
The flood as land to my feet.
It is her love that gives me strength,
It makes a water-spell for me;
I gaze at my heart's desire,
As she stands facing me!
My sister has come, my heart exults,
My arms spread out to embrace her;
My heart bounds in its place,
Like the red fish in its pond.
O night, be mine forever,
Now that my queen has come!

~ from love poems found inscribed on The Cairo Vase,

a vase from the New Kingdom Period excavated at Deir el-Medina

Labels: Egypt, San Jose, The Day After, wedding

The Day After Portrait Session

Yosemite, California
Kim knew she wanted some photos in Yosemite National Park, but there was no time between the ceremony and reception. She thought about taking photos before hand, but was concerned about getting her dress dirty. The Day After portrait session was the perfect solution!

The pears were an accent throughout the wedding - so we brought them along.

Kim wanted some photos of their rings, so I thought we could try a few different angles.

This is my favorite ring shot - I especially love the left side of the veil that caught the wind just right. The rings represent their marriage and the pears symbolize the newlywed's last name.

One of the reasons I love these sessions is that no one is rushed. This gives me the chance to try new things. I really loved the light in the park and used available light in a few different ways.

We made our way to the Chapel for more photos.

I wanted to this photo to look like an old daguerreotype so I used a new lens for this effect and then toned the image in sepia. Kim's veil really gives the photo a vintage feel. That and their pose. If you look at the photo above this it almost doesn't look like the same couple!

I love getting muddy if it means photos like these!

I couldn't resist this shot - Anyone know where the inspiration came from?

Many thanks to Kim and Ryan! Michael and I had an awesome time at your wedding and we loved the photo time with you afterwards. Special thanks to Ryan for this shoot. Kim told me he doesn't like posing for photos - but he sure is a natural isn't he?

And they lived Happily Ever After!

Labels: destination wedding, The Day After, wedding, Yosemite

S'More Yosemite Photos

Yosemite, California
You may have noticed a lot of pears in Kim and Ryan's wedding. The couple does make a great pair, but the fruit is actually a reference to their last name. (I won't divulge the name for privacy reasons, which is why I only use first names in the blog.)

Kim and Ryan started out with their romantic first dance.

I loved their reactions to the toasts.

Kim tears up at her dad's toast...

... and later both of them burst out laughing.

The newlyweds incorporated the tradition of the German Wedding Cup. If neither spill a drop, they will have a marriage full of love, faithfulness and good luck.

There is a second part to this tradition. Whoever finishes the drink first is declared the ruler of the nest. Guess who won?

Now it was time for more dancing.

I don't think Kim ever left the dance floor.

I love the chicken dance!

It's time for some serious fun when the shoes come off!

It's getting dark. The bride and groom have a special treat for their guests....

S'mores!

Kim and Ryan sneak away from the fire to enjoy a few more dances.

Labels: destination wedding, night, wedding, Yosemite

Congratulations Kim & Ryan!

Yosemite, California
Kim and Ryan live in the Monterey area, but their family and friends live all around the Bay area. So they decided to have a destination wedding at the beautiful Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite. Their wedding was absolutely breathtaking!

They put a lot of effort into their wedding details, even building the wedding arch themselves. Kim's cousin Sara did an awesome job designing all of the stationery from the invites to the programs to the table numbers. The bride's bouquet was wrapped in her grandmother's handkerchief.

A backdrop of pine trees listen as Kim and Ryan say their vows.

Kim's face is so expressive. There were a couple of times when she looked as if she was trying not to cry.

I love the maid of honor's face in this photo - she looks so happy for the couple!

My favorite first kisses last for lots of photos!

Although I loved the colors, I could see this wedding toned all in sepia tone.

The happy couple!

Kim's mom (on the left) jubilantly throws rose petals at the newlyweds.

And here's Kim and her mom right after the ceremony.

While the newlyweds and bridal party hung out in this meeting room I stayed in the background. I love it when everyone forgets I'm there - my favorite photos are the ones with real emotion.

I caught this shot in the mirror.

The girls are ready to party!

Labels: destination wedding, wedding, Yosemite

Vintage Bride

Yosemite, California
As I was retouching photos from Kim and Ryan's wedding I kept thinking of all the photos taken in Yosemite. Most people probably think of Ansel Adams and his spectacular black and white photos of the mountains. I kept thinking about old sepia photos of early explorers of Yosemite Valley and gold prospectors with long white beards and families in buggies posing in front of the tunnel tree. Not surprisingly, I thought many of Kim and Ryan's photos worked better in black and white.

Here's some of the couple getting ready for their big day. Michael photographed Ryan and the groomsmen.

Kim surprised Ryan with photo cufflinks. They were a special touch honoring the memory of his mother and brother.

Meanwhile I was taking photos of the bride and bridesmaids getting ready. Kim was super organized and prepared - just look at her make-up table!

Kim added many vintage touches to her wedding, including her gorgeous lace veil. I'm not sure if it's actually a classic piece but it has that look.

Kim's ring is an antique while Ryan went with a more contemporary style.

I love Kim's pearls which were originally her grandmother's.

Kim's mom and bridesmaids help with the veil.

The bride was a picture of calm. Except for this one moment, when she looked back at her mom...

Labels: destination wedding, wedding, Yosemite

Love Can Move Mountains

Yosemite Park, California

I'm putting the finishing touches on Kim and Ryan's wedding photos and thought I'd share a quick teaser pic from their day-after portrait session.

I will find out where she has gone,
And kiss her lips and take her hands;
And walk among long dappled grass,
And pluck till time and times are done
The silver apples of the moon,
The golden apples of the sun.

by William Butler Yeats

Labels: destination wedding, The Day After, wedding, Yosemite

On the Road Again...

San Francisco, California
Phew! We just got back from the Bay area: 7 days, 6 shoots, 5 brides, 3 grooms and 1 interior designer. Big thank you to all of them - hope you had as much fun as Mike & I did! I'll post photos in a few weeks. In the meantime, here's one I liked. First person to guess where this was taken wins a sweet prize.

Labels: San Francisco, wedding

Congratulations Tiffany & Jill!

Burbank, California
Here's a quick photo from Tiffany and Jill's wedding. I love the lens flare and the quality of the light as they're walking down the aisle. I'll be posting more photos from their day soon. But now I gotta run - we have some crazy shoots this week on the road that I'll tell you about next week. And there's more super weddings coming soon, too.

Labels: wedding

Beach Wedding

Hermosa Beach, California

Last weekend I had the pleasure of second shooting for the awesome Mark Harrelson. His clients Rob & Michelle are a super cool couple. I had so much fun photographing their romantic beach wedding held on the fourth anniversary of their first date.

I usually photograph the bride getting ready so it was fun to switch it around and start at the groom's place. It was hot inside and Rob stayed cool surfing in front of the fan.

I followed the guys to Hermosa Beach. As Michelle finishes getting ready, Rob anxiously waits.

Their ceremony was on the beach right in front of the gorgeous Beach House hotel. Guests were given cute beach towels personalized with the couple's names, wedding location and date.

Michelle touches up her make-up.

Jim, the father of the bride, walks her down the aisle. And yes, both are wearing sandals.

I love the way Rob and Michelle look at each other.

Michelle sliding the ring on Rob's finger.

The priest blesses the newlyweds as the sun starts to set on the water.

The new Mrs. gets a big hug from her father-in-law.

The newlyweds walk back to the strand and start walking towards the pier...

... passing by popular Hermosa Beach hangouts.

Rob and Michelle's first date was at Club Sushi, where they chose to have their first dinner as a married couple.

This is one of my favorite moments of the night. Michelle steals a kiss from Rob without noticing I'm there.

Congratulations Rob and Michelle! Many thanks to Mark for letting me second-shoot.

Labels: beach, Hermosa Beach, intimate wedding, wedding

Sea-worthy Wedding

Dana Point, California

Leah and Oscar love the ocean. I took their engagement photos on a sailboat so it wasn't surprising they carried the tropical theme throughout their reception at The Beach House. The tables, decorated with seashells and sand dollars, were named after islands and the placecards were colorful cocktail umbrellas arranged in sand boxes. To top it off, a pair of glass seahorses crowned their wedding cake.

The newlyweds are serenaded by a mariachi band as they make their entrance.

The bridesmaids are ready to dance the night away.

The cake feeding got a little messy...

Their first dance

It's not a party until the conga line is formed.

This was a dancing crowd. The floor was packed as the DJ spun his best.

Bouquet toss....

Garter toss...

Looking at the world through heart-shaped glasses.

Let's twist again...

Labels: Orange County, wedding

Congratulations Leah & Oscar!

San Juan Capistrano, California

Leah and Oscar were married at the beautiful St. Margaret Episcopal Church of Scotland. I had met the couple for an engagement session but it was my first time meeting their family. Leah's mom however needed no introduction - the family resemblance was unmistakeable.

Leah checks in on the bridesmaids.

Before the ceremony we took a couple of quick photos of the bride and bridesmaids...

and Oscar with the groomsmen.

The gentlemen headed inside the church as the bridesmaids wait for their cue.

Leah's mom walks her down the aisle.

The rings

The lazo

The kiss

The Newlyweds!!!

Congratulations!

Labels: church, Orange County, wedding

Summer Lovin'

Yosemite, California
We're on our way to Yosemite National Park for Kim & Ryan's destination wedding. Here's their gorgeous invitation (I blurred their last names to protect their privacy).

I have several weddings to blog when Michael & I get back. Gorgeous brides, happy families, & lotsa love!

Labels: destination wedding, wedding

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

Dominican Reception

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Selina & Steve held their reception at one of the beachfront restaurants where we had Caesar salad and yummy Chateaubriand.

After dinner, the newlyweds had more fun planned for their guests. We all met in the lobby...

...and boarded a bus that took us to...

...Jellyfish Beach. Then we...

...took a little boat...

... that took us to a bigger boat where the party was just starting!

As we pulled away from shore all we could see were the brightly lit hotels and beaches.

It was a gorgeous night with the warm salty wind blowing through our hair.

Selina and Steve took to the floor for their first dance.

Pure happiness.

The boat docked by a tide pool where the guests could go swimming...

...and drinking, it was occasion to celebrate after all! Michael swam out there and took some photos with the underwater camera.

Meanwhile the other guests danced the night away on board.

Selina's mom found a quiet place to relax.

All too soon it was time to head back...

... and say goodnight.

Thank you to Selina and Steve for an incredible time. Steve kept checking in with us all night to make sure we were having fun. We loved meeting your family and friends and were very touched by the love they so obviously have for you both.

Labels: boat, destination wedding, Dominican Republic, Punta Cana, wedding

Congratulations Selina & Steve!

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Selina and Steve decided to get married by the ocean because they "love the Caribbean and sun and beach." They had a wonderfully intimate ceremony at the Majestic Colonial with two dozen or so guests from Canada, the U.S. and the U.K.

The day started off with a few sprinkles but the rain held off during the ceremony.

The wind was another matter as Selina's veil fluttered ever so dramatically all afternoon.

Neither wind nor rain clouds could spoil this perfect day!

Steve's dad and grandma.

You may kiss the bride!

It started to drizzle - you can even see some of the raindrops in this photo.

The wedding drew quite a few sunbathing onlookers and at least one photographer.

Everyone's getting in on the photo action!

With one kiss the rain clouds blew away. Now that's magic.

Labels: destination wedding, Dominican Republic, intimate wedding, Punta Cana, wedding

Getting Ready His & Hers

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Michael & I were very lucky to have been chosen by Selina & Steve to document their destination wedding in this tropical paradise.

I started out the day with the bride and bridesmaids in the salon.

Meanwhile Michael was following the groom and groomsmen as they got ready.

Finishing touches....

I love this photo of Selina. It could have been taken decades ago, the iconic bride with flowing veil peering into her future.

Labels: destination wedding, Dominican Republic, Punta Cana, 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

Garter Toss XLII

from Altadena Field brought to you by Polka Photos

As I was editing photos for a slideshow, I noticed how competitive the garter toss has become. So in the spirit of football playoffs, here's my take on the tradition.

As in most sports, there are spectators, photographers and beer.

The Players

The QB eyeing an opening

Game Faces

The Throw

The Catch

The Thrill of Victory

The Agony of Defeat

What we're still missing is the announcer saying things like "What they'll probably wanna do here is use their hands to make that catch." And for those guys out there who didn't get the garter, there's always the next game, er wedding. Play ball!

Labels: wedding

Congratulations Jillian & Randy!

Redlands, California

Jillian and Randy had a very stylish wedding at the Redlands Bowl.

I loved Jillian's look - so classic yet contemporary at the same time.

The flowergirls' dresses featured a black sash just like the bride's dress. Jillian's veil had black edging and she completed the look with black and silver jewelry.

Here's the three of them walking down the aisle.

Their day was absolutely gorgeous!

Did I mention I loved the bouquet? Beautiful deep hues of yellow and orange fitting for a fall wedding and just enough of a splash of color against the white and black decor. The stems were wrapped elegantly in white criscrossed with black velvet.

These shoes went perfectly with the dress! I love that they're not "bridal" but match the style of the wedding. White shoes can be hard to find and for those of you still looking for the perfect footwear, I encourage checking out all designers that make dressy shoes - not just wedding heels. Get shoes you love!

First dance....

The ringbearer wants to cut in.

Jillian's expression is priceless as she tears into the cake. I loved photographing the bride and groom because they truly ignored the camera and just were themselves - smiling, laughing, having fun, enjoying their wedding.

So you like to dance but your significant other doesn't. What do you do? Here's one idea.

He may have taken some persuading, but this ringbearer could cut up a rug. He was doing some complicated overhead arm movements spinning the flowergirl as fast as she could twirl. One day he'll be performing in the Salsa Congress.

It's the end of the night as the newlyweds share a quiet moment alone.

The last photo of the night.

Labels: Inland Empire, 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

Cake Charms!!!

Congrats to Kim who wins the cake charms and a wedding planner! Kim and Ryan will be getting married in Yosemite this June and we had a quick engagement shoot with them and their cute puppy a few months ago. She won the charms by being the first person to email me about the cake charm tradition.

So, what are cake charms?

During Victorian times, small charms were baked into the bride's wedding cake. During the reception, each bridesmaid pulls a ribbon with the charm revealing her fortune. You can keep the tradition alive by placing these charms between the layers of the wedding cake, letting the ribbons drape along the sides. Some brides choose not to have a traditional bouquet toss doing this instead. Cake charms are very popular in the South but the tradition has been showing up in weddings all over. The traditional charms include keys, wedding bells, hearts, clovers and baby carriages but you can also get all sort of different ones like magic lamps, dollar trees, rocking chairs and anchors.

Labels: wedding

Vote for Polka Photos & Win A Prize!!!

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There will also be another prize for best comment as judged by Michael. So if you are writing a comment, please email me at info @ polkaphotos.com with your name and a copy of the comment you left on MyFoxLA to be entered in the prize giveaway.

Labels: Los Angeles, Shameless Self-Promotion, wedding

Congratulations Nicole & Justin!

Ventura, California

Nicole and Justin had a beautiful fall wedding day. They incorporated beach motifs throughout the ceremony and reception. The beach is their favorite place and we took their engagement photos there a few months ago.

Nicole is truly one of the most gracious brides I've met. She's also gorgeous and sexy and very in love with Justin.

Nicole's little cousin entertained himself by jumping off the stairs. Today ringbearer, tomorrow Superhero.

Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center at Buenaventura Golf Course.

Their wedding programs featured a short paragraph about each member of the wedding party. They also included a photo from the engagement shoot in the booklet, which was beautifully accented by a hot orange ribbon, both in keeping with the beach theme.

I love this ring pillow!

Mmmmm cake. This cake was so beautiful - look at all the pretty seashells.

And the clamshell cake topper with the two little pearls - how lovely is that!

Some of the kids started making shadow puppets in front of the slideshow.

Nicole surprised Justin by wearing his combat boots from Iraq during the garter toss. Fortunately for all the guys he only threw the garter.

Justin and his best man.

Nicole and Justin share a sweet kiss after the cake cutting.

Labels: beach, California, wedding

Saturday, October 4, 2008

A Perfect Match

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Walk Like an Egyptian

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

The Day After Portrait Session

S'More Yosemite Photos

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Congratulations Kim & Ryan!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Vintage Bride

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Love Can Move Mountains

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

On the Road Again...

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Congratulations Tiffany & Jill!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Beach Wedding

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Sea-worthy Wedding

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Congratulations Leah & Oscar!

Friday, June 6, 2008

Summer Lovin'

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Congratulations Morgan & Chris!

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Dominican Reception

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Congratulations Selina & Steve!

Monday, February 25, 2008

Getting Ready His & Hers

Friday, February 1, 2008

Congratulations Melissa & Shane

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Garter Toss XLII

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Congratulations Jillian & Randy!

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Congratulations Phuong & Joe!

Friday, November 30, 2007

Cake Charms!!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Vote for Polka Photos & Win A Prize!!!

Congratulations Nicole & Justin!