A few weeks ago, I had the good fortune of getting a call from Charles Fretzin asking me if I was available to photograph Rita and Victor's wedding and thankfully I was because Rita and Victor were an absolute joy to work with; they seemed to care more about the comfort of their guests than their own. They made a point to personally thank everyone, get photos taken with as many people as they could-and even kept asking me how I was doing in a way that was nothing but sweet, genuine, and completely sincere. But, that wasn't surprising because after 5 minutes of photographing Rita, she was more concerned about taking photographs that Victor would like, like those awesome Superman photos, than herself.

They put together a gorgeous, elegant wedding at The Odyssey in Burbank and while I don't know where the afterparty was (And, for awhile, I don't think they did either) if it was a tenth of how much fun this wedding was, I'm sure you two had an amazing time. Thank you again for trusting someone to capture your day as it happened-I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

Makeup: Kathy Navarra (kmrkmr@earthlink.net)
Transportation: Classic Limos
A Moonlight Limousine Service. OK, seriously, I don't normally do this, but these guys were amazing...they were so nice, and ran early; like, really, really early!!! As a photographer, I try to make the most of every minute I can with my couples, and when the transportation gets them to where they need to be before I even get there-it really makes the day!!!

Karen Leah on 04.30.09 @ 06:36 PM PST [link]

As if having the greatest job ever (next to red-velvet cake tasters and professional paddleboarders) wasn't enough-a happy side effect has started occur over the years-Brian and I have started becoming friends with our clients. It's a little odd at first for me; when I'm in front of the camera, I am the most confident, crowd leading, event planning little wedding photographer/planner/wedding goddess ever...But take AWAY that camera and I am a shy, silly, slightly socially inept wallflower.

Until I met Nikki and Shelly. An old friend of mine introduced her friend, a wedding photographer, to a very sweet couple planning a wedding and not sure where to start (except they knew they liked the Los Angeles Athletic Club which gave them a good starting point) ...and by the time their wedding rolled around, a lovely little friendship grew (and Brian's first Shabbat dinner, thank you again for that). This blog entry was so, so hard to do because I was looking at the photos as both their photographer and friend ("ooh, they'd love this one...wait, will that make sense to people...ooh! that one's gorgeous; oh, wait, she might not like how her..." you get the point).

You two hired us on the spot without so much as looking at my albums off of a recommendation of dear friend, and placed an inordinant amount of trust in us, for which we are grateful. It meant so much to us to be a part of this, to paraphrase one of your friends, "beautiful, perfect white wedding" the two of you envisioned. We got to meet the parents you talk so much about (and yes, Nikki, you were right, your parents did exactly what you said they would-Rhonda gushed about the engagement photos and your dad insisted on a kiss on the cheek-they are adorable). We hope it was truly everything you dreamed of and we can't thank you enough for getting to be a part of it.

Karen Leah on 04.24.09 @ 10:22 PM PST [link]

You know when you meet peeople you're so instantly comfortable with that you let your guard down immediately? For me, that was Steve and Lisa within the first 2 minutes of walking in their door. They're so easygoing, nice as can be, and funny; I don't mean just "ha, ha funny;" I mean that, there were a few moments where I thought, "ooh, I'm your wedding photographer, should I be laughing at that? OMG, what will they think...? eh, too late now." :-) The sitting was no different. I had so much fun and was surprised at how fast it went.

Thank you again! It was great getting to meet the kids before the wedding and we'll see you in a few months.

Karen Leah on 04.13.09 @ 06:57 PM PST [link]

In few weeks, Brian and I will be shooting what is sure to be a beautiful wedding at the 94th Aero Squadron, and if this sitting was any indication, a wedding that is going to be a blast! Judy and Armando were not only super comfortable in front of the camera instantly, but their easy laughter and senses of humor just came through.

Thank you so much, you two. I can't wait to see which photos you choose for your guestbook and we'll see you at the end of the month.

Karen Leah on 04.07.09 @ 06:22 PM PST [link]

I cannot begin to tell you how much I was looking forward to Celeste and Marco's wedding. I instantly liked her when I found out that she shares the same pesky cat hair issue (no, Marco and Brian, it is not a *problem,* it is an *issue*) with me. Seriously, though, Celeste and Marco are the calmest, nicest couple-they have a great energy and a wonderful presence together; they're just a joy to be around.

Their wedding was everything I expected and more. The had a beautiful location at the Calamigos Equestrian Center and the Athletic Club Flower Shop did a stunning job (I was so jealous of the Sterling Sliver bouquets he designed for the girls). I also got to work with one of my favorite videographers, Jeremy of 1acerex1 and the truly fabulous Susie Hansen Latin Band.

A million thank you's for allowing Brian and I to share the day with you two!!!

Karen Leah on 04.06.09 @ 07:47 PM PST [link]

Agueda and Sergio had a beautiful, stress free day from beginning to end. From their sweet pre-ceremony first view and their incredible reception at the San Pedro Doubletree to the stellar performance of Agueda's daughters dance troupe, this day was so much fun to be part of. It was such a pleasure to get to work with the staff of the Doubletree again, and meeting Marco of A Picture Forever was such luck! He was so creative and fantastic to work with. Sergio and Agueda, thank you for everything; I loved being able to spend such a wonderful day with you.

Karen Leah on 04.02.09 @ 05:41 PM PST [link]