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First Look Portraits | Love at First Sight

Traditional Bride vs Trendy Bride

It’s traditional for the groom to see his bride for the first time when she’s walking down the aisle. Many of today’s couples are choosing to make their own wedding traditions and opting for a “First Look.”

First Look is the moment during which the bride and groom see each other privately for the first time on their wedding day. As a photographer, I like to make sure the couple has the space to experience the emotions of the moment. I photograph them from a distance as they smile, laugh, cry, kiss… Many couples that do a first look schedule most of their formal portraits afterwards, before the ceremony.

Some of the benefits of doing a first look:

1. Less time needed for formal photos after the ceremony.

2. More time for you to spend with your guests.

3. Photos of you as a couple with your make-up looking fresh. (And time for touch-ups before the ceremony.)

4. No need to worry about whether you’ll still have sunlight after your ceremony. Not a concern for most summer weddings, but if you’re getting married in fall or winter remember the sun sets early and ceremonies often run late.

5. Experience seeing each other for the time during a private, romantic moment.

Jen and Darin are not a traditional couple by any means. They are not afraid to be different or to start their own traditions. I’m so happy they decided to see each other before their ceremony. I love Darin’s reaction when he sees Jen for the first time and spins her around. And Jen couldn’t stop smiling all day long.

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Getting Ready | Temecula Ranch Wedding

Longshadow Ranch
Temecula, California
Jen and Darin’s wedding is stylish and laid-back, just like the bride and groom.

I start the day capturing details and getting ready photos of Jen. She is so beautiful!


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Temecula wedding photographer, Temecula wedding photography, bride, Los Angeles wedding photographer, Los Angeles wedding photography, rustic wedding photographer, vintage wedding,
Temecula wedding photographer, Temecula wedding photography, bride, Los Angeles wedding photographer, Los Angeles wedding photography, rustic wedding photographer, vintage wedding,
Temecula wedding photographer, Temecula wedding photography, bride, Los Angeles wedding photographer, Los Angeles wedding photography, rustic wedding photographer, vintage wedding,
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Weddings are about celebrating the love between a couple and becoming a family. Some of my favorite photos are of Jen’s mom helping her into her wedding gown and her new mother-in-law fixing the pearls gracing Jen’s neck. My favorite getting ready moment, however, is not a photo. It’s Jen’s daughter Nevaeh hurrying her mother by yelling from downstairs, “Mommy, mommy! Your prince is waiting!” Jen and Darin are lucky not only to have found each other, but to be surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends. Love creates family.

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To Those That Serve and Those That Love Them | Yellow Ribbon Photographers

Vista, California
To  all of those who serve, like Michael, currently deployed in Afghanistan. To Kim, his wife, and to all of the military husbands, wives, and families who wait for their loved ones’ safe return. Thank you for all you do.

Polka Photos is proud to be a photographer for Yellow Ribbon Photographers which offers family portrait sessions at no cost to men and women in the service. If you or someone you know is in the Armed Forces, please spread the word about this wonderful organization. I am one of a few Los Angeles photographers available to travel in Southern California and there are many other photographers across the United States who have also offered their services.

Happy Memorial Day!!!

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