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.

Merry Christmas!

Hope your holidays are picture-perfect!

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

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.