Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

From our family to yours. We want to wish you a very sincere Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. May all of your Christmas wishes come true & that the New Year bring you Health, Love & Happiness.
The Pola Family

Fashion Shoot in the streets of Orange, Ca.

At The Christmas Party on Monday Giesla Prishker and myself were talking about photographing her model friend who came out from Miami for a few a few days. We wanted to something fun but urban. So we went down to downtown Orange. Rudy Arpia, Alfonso Moreno, Rudy Loza & the famous Gisela Prishker were in attendance. Overall were all were able to capture a ton of amazing images. Here are some of my favorites.

Christmas Party!

On Monday evening I headed out to meet up with a bunch of new friends. I take part in a fairly new photography forum that is fully in spanish. Forodeforografos.com. Its a a new forum designed to share help and learn from different Photographers from around the world. From highly experienced to the novice photographer. The Forum (which was created by my friend Rudy Arpia) caters to 21 Latin American Countries. One of the members decided to suggest to have a 1st annual Christmas Party. Thats were Monday comes in. We met up at Maggiano's Little Italy. Let me say the food was amazing! Just wanted to say thank you for all of the members who came.

Leather Craftsmen Christmas Pizza Party

On Wednesday, Rudy Arpia & I drove up to hollywood to the Studio of Robert Evans, for the Leather craftsmen Christmas Pizza Party. Robert Evans is the Wedding Photographer to the Stars. He shot Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes', Brad Pitt & Jennifer Aniston's Weddings. It was awesome! We got to meet some amazing people in our industry. It's awesome to be able to hang out with other photographers and catch up with or meet them for the first time. I was lucky enough to meet Joe Photo for the first time. Aside from being a kick ass photographer, he's also a genuinely great guy! Others there were, Becker, Jessica Claire, Joe Buissink, Lauren Hillary, Sara France, John Barber, Mark Weisberg, Jules Bianchi, John Mireles, Chenin Boutwell, Gisela Prishker, Steve Hoffmann, Kurt Hilmerson and plenty others. Special thanks to Ira Gershoff from Leather Craftsmen for putting on such a great event.

Newport Beach Wedding, Aboard the ICON

Venue ~ ICON Newport Beach, Ca.

Well the surprise is over! As some of you are aware from a previous post. When Drew proposed to Kim, he not only took the roll as the groom to be, but also as wedding Coordinator. Kim had no idea where and how she was going to get married. She only knew she was going to get married on the 11th of November. She was given specific instructions to be ready for pick up by a limosine at 3:30 pm. The Driver was told not to tell her where he was going. When Kim arrived to the ICON she was super excited.

The ceremony took place in the Newport Harbor. It was led by Mr Simpson. (Drew's Father) With it being an evening wedding we were able to take advantage of the mood and romance for their romantic session together. With plenty of music and lots of energetic friends and family the night was a blast.

Let me first say... "Hey Drew you hooked it up! Great Job!" Also thanks for having me! You two are great!

Here are a few images of their awesome evening. Feel free to comment on this post or any other post.

Queen Mary, Long Beach, Ca.

Venue ~ The Queen Mary in Long Beach Ca.

I met Rudy & Amber through a previous client and mutual friend Jonathan & Colleen Goebel who's wedding we shot earlier this year. From the moment I met Rudy & Amber I knew we were going to have a great time together. Rudy, being a artist, really wanted someone to capture their wedding day photos in a unique way. Thats where I come in. ;) The day began somewhat hazy with a left over marine layer. As the day progressed to the ceremony, the sun came out to greet us in all it's majesty. Beautiful blue skies, a nostalgic venue made for Titanic like wedding.
I do have to say Amber was a bit nervous, but Rudy on the other hand was cool as a cucumber. They exchanged vows aboard the beautiful Queen Mary. The minister who married them was the same person who introduced them to each other. He got ordained just for their wedding. How awesome!
I just want to thank Rudy & Amber for allowing me to be a part of their Wedding day. Here are a few images from their amazing wedding. Feel free to comment, or just stop by to say hi.

El Adobe, San Juan Capistrano

DJ~ Let the Music Play ~ Alan Reno
Florist~ Cinderella's Flowers - Norayma
Live Band~ Flock of 80's ~ Alex Mackey
Cigar Rollers~ Cuban Cigar Factory - San Diego

With possible showers in the forecast, and my weather lucky charm Greg Bumatay as my second shooter, we were fortunate and blessed with a beautiful day as Scott and Sommer became one. There is so much to say for Scott and Sommer. They were an absolute delight.
Sommer and her mom spent day and night creating labels of famous names for each and every table. Some of the names included John & Jackie Kennedy, Ricky & Lucy Ricardo, even Herman & Lilly Munster. Very creative!
The ceremony was held at the beautiful El Adobe Restaurant in San Juan Capistrano. It was a beautiful twilight ceremony. Illuminated by the only alter lights and candle light. Absolutely gorgeous!
I wanted to thank Scott and Sommer for allowing me to be a part of their special day. You guys are awesome! Don't forget to comment. Here several images from that amazing evening!

Okay maybe more than several. But I couldn't resist! ;)
~ Miguel