Could Leo and Machelle be any sweeter, more thoughtful, charming, considerate or just plain cute?!?!? Not possible. No matter how many guests were there, no matter how large their bridal parties, Machelle and Leo always made sure everyone was OK, making a point to get to all their guests, at the church and the reception (not a small feat in this case)-even checking in on us...and how can you not love a girl who makes a point of having garlic mashed potatoes on the menu (And yes, those mashed potatoes at the Doubletree San Pedro were totally worth the calories).

Machelle and Leo, like your engagement sitting, thank you for being up for anything, and for humoring me as I kept crying out "wait, you guys look so cute-let me get a couple more!!!!" (Which, as anyone who has worked with me knows, a couple means, well, always more than "a couple"), :-) and once again, for being so incredible to work with.

Karen Leah on 11.25.08 @ 10:32 PM PST [link]

It's not uncommon for me not to meet the groom until the actual day of the wedding; however, in this case, I didn't even get the chance to meet Amanda until about an hour before her wedding. All I knew is that she was a referral from a referral and over the phone, she was sweet, bubbly, energetic, and pretty open to any sorts of photos.

It was such a nice surprise to see that BOTH she and Dave were that, and more. Their wedding flew by in the blink of an eye was but an incredibly fun, exciting evening where almost everybody seemed to be up out of their chairs on the dance floor, by the "impromptu" bar set up by the firepit or by the incredible sweet bar that Amanda set up (well, actually, it was more like a sweet ROOM with all of the pastries and gorgeous little cakes to choose from).

Amanda and Dave, thank you, thank you, thank you, for letting Brian and I capture your day; we had an incredible time and a lot of fun reliving the day through these photos (as you will soon as well).

Karen Leah on 11.16.08 @ 08:56 PM PST [link]

Robby and Kim were an absolute joy to be around; we had an incredible session (one that seemed to fly by far too quickly) at the Rose Garden at Asuza Pacific University. It was where Robby surprised Kim for their first date...literally so, of course, it was the perfect place (and one of my new favorite places to photograph) for the engagement photos. :-) Their genuine warmth and affection towars each other was infectious and a true privilege to be able to photograph.

I absolutely cannot wait for your January wedding to get to work with the two of you again.

Karen Leah on 11.09.08 @ 10:45 AM PST [link]

I knew that I liked Jose before I even met him. Often times, I don't meet the groom until the actual wedding day, which is what happened in this case. But, when I walked into Adela's room, saw her beautiful dress and the "little blue box," and she told me that Jose, upon seeing that she was going to buy traditional "bridal jewelry" for her wedding said, "why don't I just take you to Tiffany's instead?" and actually DID, I knew I liked this man...and why shouldn't he take her to Tiffany's and let her pick out what she wanted; she was a stunning, and incredibly sweet bride who deserved every tasteful, elegant trinket in those "little blue boxes."

Jose and Adela had a beautiful ceremony at St. Callistus in Garden Grove, followed up by, what has to be in our years of photographing brides everywhere from castles in Ireland to actual working ranches in Sunland, CA: the most original, simply coolest background ever-the backyard of Adela's uncle.

This was not a back yard. I mean, yes, it was in the back of somebody's home, but this was small city. It was a working old-west replica; from the jail, to the saloon to the town center complete with gunslinger and dancer replicas. I could've shot here all DAY!!

And, when our scheduled photo time was over, and Adela and Jose were happy to keep going, making them late to their (gorgeous) reception, Anais from Confetti Events and Catering got us back on track immediately! It was a truly impressive feat.

Adela and Jose, when you wrote that, "I don't have anything but nice things to say about you and your professionalism the day of our wedding! Your patience and kindness was very much appreciated with our BIG wedding party," I meant every word of what I said when I wrote you back and thanked you and Jose for being so incerdible to work with and for giving us such an amazing experience.

Karen Leah on 11.09.08 @ 01:59 AM PST [link]

I first met Ramon at the wedding of Candice and Matt earlier this year when he was with SoCal DJ (and, BTW, while he and Eric still work together, go check out his site at: DJ Avenue) and I was so excited when he called me a few weeks ago for photos. It was such a win-win: he and his beautiful girlfriend Lennae really wanted photos of just the two of them, and I love doing "just because" sittings and was thrilled to get to work with him again. Bonus!

We shot all over Olivera Street, Union Station, and everywhere in between the two places that looked like it would make for a fabulous background and had a wonderful time (and it was so cute whenever Ramon would whisper "can you get some photos of just her for me?" awwwwww).

You guys were great (and yes, we are getting together again when I can get Brian to Disneyland for his first trip) and the rest of the many, many photos we took will be coming your way soon.

Karen Leah on 11.01.08 @ 07:08 PM PST [link]

I am giddy. I don't use that word, I really don't, but upon seeing this image, there was actual squeeling and little shreaks.

I've used Edna from Square Eye Photography to design a couple of stunning albums for me, so when I needed a postcard for the Bridal Show I'll be in on 11/16/08 at the Pasadena Hilton she was my first choice.

With a great deal of humor and advice, she helped me through my font anxiety (any scrapbooker or DIY project bride would understand), gave me amazing design advice, and put together something I am incredibly proud to show.

So, thank you, Edna for your beautiful design, thank you to some of my friends and family-those who I knew would give the most honest brutal opinions, and thank you to all of my brides who gave me the coolest reactions when I told them what I was using their photos for, ranging from, "sweet" to "yea me!" to an entire email of smiley faces.

Karen Leah on 10.31.08 @ 07:55 PM PST [link]

We have a new member of the Karen Leah Photography family: my new Dell.

If I could upload photos, I would (I am going through such work withdrawl right now-but my house is spotless); and will when it's up and running and all customized (It needs a decal; I'm thinking Hello Kitty). I am in awe of this machine. 52 pounds. It's gorgeous. Even the box was decorated. Brian instantly started plotting what games he wanted to install on it. I instantly looked for the lock preventing this. (World of Warcraft does not scream, "wedding").

I am speechless. The word "tower" doesn't describe it...it's SILVER!! I mean, it shames the rest of my office equipment; Brian and I just stared at it when it was all set up...when we noticed that it has color coordinated lights we turned the lights off, sat cross-legged on the floor and stared at *MY* new lit up toy like children.

The previous machine served us well. It retired itself after many faithful years of service. But, um, while I wish it had consulted me before "retiring," (Hey, I worked every weekend since May, except my 30th birthday, it should too) :-) it did its job well and helped me create come amazing images over the years.

And CS4 premiers this week!!! CS4 with all of the new toys and filters my new baby can hold!! Ahhhh!!! Hurry up, Monday, I need to get to work!

Karen Leah on 10.16.08 @ 10:49 PM PST [link]

When I first meet brides and groom, I always ask about their weddings. I love weddings. I want to hear all about your color scheme, your bridesmaid dresses, your location, your dress, shoes...I want to picture your day as you envision it.

So, I was talking about Louisa's wedding with her (after gushing over her stunning ring...hey, I had literally been engagement ring shopping that afternoon and had fallen in love with one similar to hers, it was fate) :-) and when she pulled out an actual color swatch and her wedding logo I was in heaven.

Her wedding planning was no different from that initial, well organized meeting. Louisa and I would check in with each other (and I got to see her fabulous photos from China); and when the schedule for the day was ready her wonderful and talented coordinator, Helen of A Timeless Occasion, sent it out for all the vendors to review-and Louisa made sure we had an extra few minutes factored in for photos. (That's were we got those fantastic photos of her reception dress in the garden below).

Louisa and Matt threw an incredible celebration at The Altadena Town and Country Club. From the photobooth from Photobooth Los Angeles to the karaoke center (perfectly located next to the bar) it took, not only Courtney and I, but Brian as well, to cover all three rooms. This wedding was also a fantastic bonus for me because I never get to work with both my second shooters. When I saw the photo list (or, as Brian corrected me, the Photo Matrix-he was very impressed with this list) that Louisa sent and the time we had, I really wanted to make sure they were fully covered. So, sorting through all of the images and getting three different persepectives was incredible!!!!

As usual, Commerce Flowers did a stunning job on the floral arrangements (Courtney and I had a field day) and anytime I get to work Jeremy of 1acerex1, one of my favorite videographers, I know it will be an awesome day.

Louisa and Matt, thank you allowing us to be part of your fun, charming, wonderful, yet *very* personalized wedding...and for being so incredibly patient with the computer issues I've been having. I have been absolutely dying for you to see these photos and can't WAIT until I can get the rest to you.

Karen Leah on 10.11.08 @ 12:48 AM PST [link]