Wednesday, December 31, 2008

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...











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.

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Sunday, April 6, 2008

Sail Away!

Newport Beach, California
Leah and Oscar wanted to do something different for their engagement session. Since they loved the water they decided to have their photos taken on a sailboat.



Leah was as comfortable walking around the moving boat as on land. Not too much a surprise since she was on the sailing team in high school and even taught sailing to kids one summer. Oscar got his sea legs pretty quick, too.



I on the other hand kept thinking I'd end up overboard at some point. But I love a challenge - especially when it involves a new photo adventure!



We couldn't have had a better day. Calm waters and the bluest of skies.







This reminds me of the old Nautica perfume ads.



Leah wore a silver starfish necklace.







Time to head back to the dock.





"Come, cuddle your head on my shoulder, dear,
Your head like the golden-rod,
And we will go sailing away from here
To the beautiful land of Nod"
Ella Wheeler Wilcox



Thank you Leah and Oscar for a great time! We'll see you in a few weeks for your wedding!!!

And many thanks to their friend Laura and her parents who took us out on their boat.

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Wednesday, March 5, 2008

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.


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posted by Polka Photos at 3:26 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

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