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]

Machelle and Leo are just adorable...I mean, just adorable. When Leo told me that he proposed at the Exposition Rose Garden across from USC, we all decided that this was where the engagement photos had to be! Even thought this was pretty much the only weekend all of our schedules coordinated we couldn't have asked for a better day. The clouds cleared up for the few hours we were together and we had the perfect location and beautiful clear skies...and a puppy. In the middle of our sitting a little girl came by with an adorable puppy and a minute later, the puppy was the star of a few of our engagement photos and had the four of us lavishing attention on him. Machelle and Leo, I can't believe how quickly this sitting flew by but you guys were upbeat, energetic, and super enthusiastic the whole time (er, even when I uttered the words, "OK you guys, now, I'm going to need you to stare into the sun for like, two seconds..."). :-)

Karen Leah on 10.05.08 @ 08:17 PM PST [link]

The engagement photos I take are used for a lot of things: Save the Date cards, signature boards, photo guest books, table numbers, Christmas cards...but I think Nikki just gave me a first: she emailed me and simply said, "We want to be in the New York Times Wedding section." Nikki and Shelly think big, and, Ladies, I really hope I see you two in the NYT Wedding section soon! This sitting was a perfect example of all of our plans falling through, but working out for the best. The first FOUR locations Nikki and Shelly chose to take their engagement photos in Downtown Los Angeles were either a) Hosting other people who thought they were perfect wedding locations or b) Shut down for filming. So, we worked fast and kept moving (Even begging a very nice guard at the Los Angeles Downtown Library to let us shoot for the 8 minutes we had before the wedding there was about to start). :-) We shot all OVER Downtown Los Angeles: The Library (before we got asked to leave), the California Club (Before a wedding reception), the Bank Buildings (before we were told no photos, please) and finally, the Disney Concert Hall (Um, before an event they were setting up for) and it was all worth it. They are having a wedding at the Los Angeles Athletic Club next March, with friends and family flying in from all over the country that I am certain-is going to be incredible!



Shelly, Nikki, and their Furbaby Dodger

Karen Leah on 10.03.08 @ 06:19 PM PST [link]