Polka Photos

06/15/2024

What do you think of this dress? My take - both the bride and her mom look gorgeous!

One Louisiana mother of the bride is causing a stir online for her wedding day attire.

05/20/2024

So sweet!

05/12/2024

Happy Mother’s Day!

03/08/2024

Happy International Women's Day!

01/07/2024

What’s your proposal story?

This is the story of Yasushi Takahashi. He is the man who traveled across Japan with a GPS tracker to Create a 7,163-km drawing to propose to his girlfriend. It's been since certified as World's largest GPS drawing.

In 2008, after planning the route, he quit his job and spent six months going around and exploring places he had never been to before, mainly walking but occasionally utilizing a car, ferry, and bicycle.

The amorous adventurer's elaborate proposal was then recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest GPS drawing done by an individual, a record he still holds to this day.

And by the way, she said yes. 💍

12/25/2023

The best feeling is seeing your clients’ Christmas card and knowing they have the same sense of humor as you. Also, I had each of those expressions last week. Have a wonderful holiday and don’t be afraid to express your true feelings!

Thank you Celeste for allowing me to share (and to Dave and their awesome family!).

11/24/2023

Thankful for life's bounties, big and small.

07/04/2023

I spent the morning photographing the float assembly for Emerson Avenue Community Garden. Here are Don and Mary ready to drive in the Westchester parade in the EACGC's ladybug float filled with flowers from the garden. If you're in the Playa/Westchester area, consider becoming a garden member. Happy 4th of July!

06/18/2023

Happy Father’s Day!

03/21/2023

After photographing as many weddings as I have there isn’t anything I haven’t seen, except this.

02/20/2023

I love a good proposal story! What’s yours?

02/14/2023

Happy Valentine's Day!

12/31/2022

Wishing you all a Happy New Year 2023!

12/25/2022

Hope your holidays are full of wonder and joy!

11/24/2022

Thankful for all my amazing clients!

Wishing you a great day with good food and even better company!!!

11/19/2022

When the groom is a magician…

10/02/2022

A caramel apple bar would be perfect for a fall wedding!

Caramel Apple Bar - great idea 🍏

09/29/2022

Back for one more weekend!

Fall Portrait Sessions from Polka Photos - https://mailchi.mp/bb9f705907ba/fallportraits

08/16/2022

Who loves Art Deco? I created a Great Gatsby inspired styled shoot that was just published in Strictly Weddings.

Many thanks to the wonderful models Naomi and John, lighting assistant Michael, my mama Lala for the flowers, and set helper Nick. And of course the awesome vendors:

Makeup Artist: April Lenz Makeup Artistry, LLC
Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Formally Modern Tuxedo
Dress Store: The Dress Outlet
Dress Designer: Jovani
Bride's Shoes: Elegant Park
Earrings & Headpiece: BABEBEYOND
Ring: Blue Nile

I wanted to photograph a love story on the grounds of the Fabyan Villa in Geneva, IL and an abandoned grotto in the forest nearby. When I learned “The Great Gatsby” took place in 1922, I imagined what might have become of Jay Gatsby’s mansion after everyone left. Maybe Gatsby left it to Nick C...

07/08/2022

Finally had a chance to edit the photos from Monday's fireworks as seen from the beach in Playa del Rey.

01/02/2021

I love proposal stories!

“When a nurse in South Dakota went to administer the Covid-19 vaccine to his boyfriend, an E.M.S. supervisor, he was surprised with an engagement ring. ‘It’s been kind of a crazy year, and you know it’s been a fun ride to have you in my life,’ his new fiancé said.”