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02-02-2008

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!
Posted in Los Angeles wedding photographer,wedding
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01-22-2008

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!
Posted in Los Angeles wedding photographer,wedding
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01-14-2008

New Year Goals

Los Angeles, California
I don’t believe it’s already two weeks into the new year! I’m busy working on a few albums – actually I’m still looking for the right album to complement the photos. One of my favorite album companies is Kolo. There are a few local stores that carry their line but the selection has been meager lately. I’m probably going to end up buying some online.

I jotted down a few of my goals for this year – the list is still a work in progress but I thought I’d share it with you all.

Polka Photos Goals for 2008

1. Have fun at every shoot
This is always my goal. I love seeing the world through my viewfinder and trying new techniques to capture different moments. I’m excited before every wedding and I don’t want that feeling to ever go away.

2. Decrease turnaround time
Most of the time I spend on your wedding is actually in the weeks following your wedding. I usually end up with a thousand or so images that are edited into the best 500-700 photos. Each image is individually toned to look as good as possible. I make some images into black & white, sepia or other color effects depending on the vision I have for the photo. The entire process usually takes between 40 and 60 hrs. My goal is to have the online gallery up 2-3 weeks after the wedding date.

3. Blog at least once a week
Well, I’m already behind on this one.

4. Find a studio
There’s a studio I rent for shoots but I’m looking for a permanent place that’ll be a work/live space. Almost found one last week but it was not meant to be.

5. Update website

6. Make new sample albums

7. Shoot more with my vintage cameras
I acquired a few cameras over the years – Brownies and a Holga and an old Russian camera given to me by my uncle are among the treasures. This is the year I will actually find the film and start having fun!

8. Keep updating this list

Posted in about me
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01-02-2008

Happy New Year!

Los Angeles, California

Thank you all for a great 2007. Special thanks to my loving husband, family and friends who mean the world to me. Thank you to my awesome clients – you were wonderful brides and grooms and I enjoyed photographing each of your weddings and I wish you only the best as you start your new lives together. I’m looking forward to 2008 and photographing all the couples who are counting down the weeks to their special day.

Wishing you all a New Year that brings you everything you desire!
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01-01-2008

Christmas in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
Our family usually has a big dinner on Christmas Eve. In the past few years with the addition of new husbands and wives and lots of children, the family has expanded, much like our waistlines at holiday time, and the clan no longer fits around the dining room table at my mom’s house for the traditional dinner.
This year we decided to celebrate early and have Sunday brunch at The Barn of Barrington with all of our extended family. We even had some family fly in from Poland and my cousins surprised us by driving all the way from South Carolina.
Here’s the youngest, Ella, preparing to give a concert.
Mini-Chopin concentrates on the keys as her hair flies around à la Paderewski.

Then the moment we’ve all been waiting for – no, not dessert (although the mousse was exquisite, if I do say so myself)… Presents!!!

I love giving presents. The best part is watching the recipient open his or her gift. Sara is happy with her present, a pink purse made by my sister Alicja.

Opening presents can be tiring!
Olivia sneaked off into a corner to finish looking at her gifts but was soon joined by her curious cousin Sara…
… who was going on and on about something or other.
My grandmother would have loved to see everyone together. She passed away last December at the age of 99 but her presence was certainly felt today. My aunt brought a framed photo of her taken a few Christmases ago to place on the table.
My mom, sister, Michael & I opened our presents to each other the next day. Mom, Alicja & I used to watch Alias together every Sunday night so we got her spy-themed presents including an Alias book and…
night vision goggles.
Even Saba, the dog, got presents. Who knew she was on the Good List?
Chicago may have snow and freezing temperatures but our hearts were warm as we headed back to LA early the next morning.

Posted in Chicago
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