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

Congratulations Roxana & Claudiu!

Anaheim, California

Fall weddings are different in Southern California. For one, the days are often still sunny. And warm. Roxana and Claudiu had just such a day for their nuptials.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. First things first. In this case, that would be the getting ready.

Claudiu makes sure his bowtie is just right.

Roxana holds in her dress as her mom and bridesmaid tie the corset back.

Almost done...

Roxana's mom puts in the bride's veil. Both the bride and her mom look so serious in this picture.

The couple said their vows in an outdoor ceremony at Kindred Community Church.

Roxana's mom and stepdad share a laugh before escorting her down the aisle.

He returned to walk Roxana down the aisle.

The ringbearer

The flowergirl is so focused!

Love the polka dot dress.

Michael went around the side to get another view of the ceremony.

Then he took this photo of me.

The ring

Sand ceremony

Prayer

First Kiss

More...

The new Mr. & Mrs.

Now it's on to the reception...

The bride requested a quick stop at her parent's house. She wanted a photo in front of the American flag. Both she and Claudiu emigrated here from Ireland, although they are originally from Romania. Their friends and family traveled from all over to attend their wedding.

And of course we had to include Winston the dog.

Then we went running to the reception at Anaheim Hills Golf Course.

Quick touch-ups before their grand entrance.

Roxana's mom toasts the happy couple, and all the attending family and friends.

The flowergirl's sister took photos all night long.

This salad looks so pretty!

But cake is my true weakness.

Mmmm cake!

First Dance

It's party time!

The ringbearer is getting sleeeeepy.

This is my favorite photo moment of the night. The bride and groom steal a kiss on the dance floor as if no one's watching.

Many thanks to Roxana and Claudiu and your families! We had a great time at your wedding and you made us feel like family. All the best to you both in your new life together.

Labels: fall wedding, intimate wedding, Orange County, wedding

Merry Christmas!

Hope your holidays are picture-perfect!

And may all the magic and joy of the season be yours.

Labels: California, Christmas

Photo Holiday Cards

I love cards, all cards, Christmas cards, wedding invitations, birth announcements, birthday cards. I get excited when I see a card in the mail. It's almost a ritual from admiring the handwriting on the envelope and seeing which stamp the sender chose, to carefully opening it, feeling the weight of the paper in my hand, oohing the photo or design on the front, and only then opening the card and reading the sentiments inside.

I especially love seeing the cards made by Polka Photos clients. All of my wedding and portrait packages include photos on disc because I believe that photos keep memories alive for years to come. I also think it's fun to use those photos on cards from save-the-dates to holiday cards.

Here's a couple of cute cards from Charlotte's photo session. Her mom couldn't decide between two photos, so she made two different cards. I think both are adorable.

Liz and Joel send out annual newsletters. I love receiving them because it's fun to read their year in review. It's also fun to see which photos they'll choose.

Labels: Christmas, holiday, portraits

Vote in the People's Choice Awards

I recently entered the Top Knots wedding photo contest. I would love it if you would vote for my photo of the lovely Ashley & Brian for the People's Choice Awards.

To vote, please click on the link below. There is only one vote per email address. You will get an email from the contest & need to click on the email link to verify your vote. Then click on "return to voting page" and THEN click the vote button under the picture again. Thank you!!!!

Here's the link:
http://www.topknotscontest.com/bin/Rate?image_id=1009008685

Labels: Shameless Self-Promotion

Polka Wins the Bronze!

I received an email this morning from the International Aperture Awards letting me know my photo of Claudia and Tony won the bronze in the wedding division. Woohooo! This year bronze, next year platinum!

Labels: Shameless Self-Promotion

Fun With Trains

Poway, California

I took a trip to Old Poway Park for some fun family portraits. If these faces look familiar, it's probably because I took their family portraits last year.

This family started with Liz and Joel, the very first wedding I photographed. I knew Liz in college, where I was studying photojournalism. Their first kiss lasted less than a millisecond but they've been making up for it ever since. (With their permission I'll try to get a scan of that photo to post for you.)

Los Angeles family portrait photographer

Their first addition to the family was Eddie, who is a natural in front of the camera.

Then came Jolie, a super cute baby sister for Eddie.

We started out taking some photos around the railroad tracks. Jolie is a happy camper.

Eddie jumps from rock to rock with his dad.

Dad offers a helping hand.

We found a cool doorway for a picture of the whole family.

Then we walked over to the old trains...

... for more family photos.

Couldn't resist a funny photo in front of the condemned sign.

I wonder if the sign was for Jolie's stinky diaper?

Thank you Liz, Joel, Eddie and Jolie for a fun afternoon!

Labels: baby, family, portraits, San Diego

Good Charlotte

Chicago, Illinois

I met Charlotte on a hot Chicago day. Here she is chillin' on the couch.

This baby likes to fly.

She loves her mom...

and she loves her dad.

And she loves playing with her doggies Ricky and Lucy.

What doesn't Charlotte love? The grass. I think it may have been too scratchy so we only took a few photos on the grass, then took the rest either on her blanket or indoors.

Charlotte has the best expressions. She's just a baby but she looks so grown-up in some of the photos. This is my favorite photo of her.

Then again I love this one, too.

Isn't she a cutie pie?

Thank you for a super fun portrait session! Charlotte is a darling!

Labels: baby, Chicago, dog, family, portraits

Wishes Do Come True!

Chicago, Illinois

I thought I'd catch up on posting family and baby portrait sessions from this fall.

This is Ava. And yes, she is that cute.

I met Ava's parents, Sandy and Albert, when I photographed their Vegas wedding. I also met Ava's grandma, who wrote a special wish for the couple.

Well her dream came true, and Grandma loves her new grandbaby.

The photo session was very relaxed and we talked about life and photography and even movies. This photo was unposed and I love the casual aspect of it. When I look back on my favorite photos from childhood there's one of my grandfather and me in his backyard. As a photographer I want to create photos of real memories, not just poses.