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Warm Winter Wedding

Palos Verdes, California

Cicely and Robert had a lovely intimate ceremony on the beach at the Portuguese Bend Beach Club on the last Saturday of December. The bride was simply radiant, and super sweet, too. The happy couple couldn’t stop smiling all day.
Cicely and Robert said their vows in a heart made by rocks.
The First Kiss
And off they walk into the sunset…
Which of these two photos do you like better? Classic Photo
or Classic Photo with Grunge Overlay?
The newlyweds held their reception at Cicely’s mom’s house down the road from the ceremony.
And for those of you that think you need months to plan a wedding, this couple planned theirs in only 2 weeks!!!  I honestly don’t know how they did it, that’s a lot of work!
I love the little boy’s face in this photo.
Four generations of women.
Congratulations Cicely & Robert! Wishing you much happiness!!!
FL&R

Happy New Year!

Playa del Rey, California
Last year was a busy one for Polka Photos. I just looked at my resolutions from last year – I got about 50% done. I did blog more, not always once a week like my resolution but I had 77 posts in 2008!

I’m still working on my goals for the new year. One of my personal resolutions is to go out dancing more. When I lived in Chicago I would go salsa dancing a few times a week. Since moving to LA I haven’t found the time. I need to find the time somewhere. Salsa is in my blood, in my soul, like a lover who you can’t get out of your mind. And it’s a lot more fun than going to the gym.
Here’s to 2009, a year to love more, laugh more, and enjoy life more!

This is a photo of dancers Melanie and Tony in my favorite Chicago salsa spot, the Buzz. I miss my Buzz Wednesdays. Anyone want to share their favorite LA place for salsa?
FL&R

A Royal Reception

Long Beach, California
Newlyweds Ashley and Brian held their reception on the gorgeous Queen Mary. I took advantage of the last rays of sunshine to take some photos of the happy couple. Both Ashley and Brian are so much fun. And quite the romantics I might add.
Absence does seem to make the heart grow fonder. Ashley and Brian hadn’t seen each other in months and they’re super kissy which makes for good photos.

I love the telephone booth!
Steady course, get it?
I love the blue of this night sky.
Introducing the new Mr. & Mrs.
Ashley and Brian chose bright fall colors for their November reception. The centerpieces were yellow, orange and red flowers arranged inside carved-out pumpkins. And the cake was to-die-for!
The reception was in the Verandah Grill, formerly the nightclub for the “ship’s elite,” which features beautiful hand-painted murals of circus acts and ballerinas. I couldn’t resist taking a cake photo with the roaring tiger in the background.
Blessing before the meal is served.
Ashley’s dad finishes his toast and Brian’s brother, the best man, goes up to the mic.
First dance…
Bella, one of the flowergirls, twirls her way onto the dance floor.
I love this moment between Brian and his mom during the mother-son dance.
The whole bridal party gets into the swing of things.
Now both the flowergirls are dancing with the newlyweds.
DJ Jon Lundgren spins the tunes, from Y.M.C.A…
to get-down music…
limbo
and even the macarena!
Ashley and Brian enjoy a quiet moment alone…
and a not-so quiet moment.
Time to say goodnight!
And they lived happily ever after!
Many thanks to Ashley and Brian, Ashley’s super nice mom Lynn, and the wonderful staff of the Queen Mary.
FL&R

ala - The one right under “Time to say goodnight” is one of the best and most beautiful you’ve ever taken. Gorgeous!

Sailor Takes a Wife

Mission Viejo, California

I’m designing an album for Ashley and Brian. They said their vows at Mount of Olives Church, where they met, in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends. I thought I’d share some of my favorites from their day, like this moment after the ceremony when they didn’t know I was looking.
I shot a few getting ready photos. Ashley looks so serious as her sister helps her put on her grandmother’s necklace.
The lovely bride holds the flowergirl’s hand as they walk into the church.
Ashley and her dad share a laugh before they walk down the aisle.
The groomsmen and bridesmaids all look lost in thought and a bit nervous right before the processional.
Here comes the bride!
Michael took this awesome photo from the balcony.
There was no flash photography allowed during the ceremony, but the church did have spotlights around the altar.
One of the messages I took away from the minister’s words on marriage was about service. The Bible talks about serving the Lord. The minister suggested we ask ourselves how to be of service to our spouses.
The Vows…
The Rings…
And of course – The Kiss.
Brian is smiling in every photo. He is one happy groom!
Some of my favorite moments are after the ceremony when everyone wishes the couple well.
Brian gives a smooch to his grandma.
Brian’s brother and best man is very wise for his years, but he’s still his mom’s baby.
The bridal party chat with the bride and groom.
Brian’s brother borrowed his sailor hat. It looks like a good fit!
FL&R