Category Archives: Real Weddings

Daisy and Rob’s love for guns, and each other.

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Daisy likes Beretta and Rob likes his Glocks. Sometimes two people that work together can have amazing chemistry with each other. These two are no exception. These two met at the range after they were assigned to the lanes next to each other. After trying each other’s pistols, they found that they have much more in common than their weekly range trips.

Several rounds and a couple years down the road, these two have decided to get married. Their Wedding taking place in San Juan Capistrano, these two could not have found a better to venue for their wedding. After getting ready, Rob and Daisy elected to have a first look right before their ceremony.

First Looks are a great way to get romantic photos before the wedding ceremony. It does break tradition, but don’t let that fool you. The anticipation, the romance, and all the emotions are all still there. A first look is one of the few times during a wedding that a couple can take some time to slow down and appreciate each other before their day goes from 0-60. During this time a groom has a chance to appreciate the details in her dress, her hair, and smell her perfume before it fades, even her lovely smile. While the bride can embrace him before anybody else can and inspect the little details that makes his suit his, it could be his cuff links, his tie, and in this case, the pistol he chose to carry to his wedding. While breaking tradition is generally frowned upon, it’s a great idea to slow down and enjoy the little things.

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

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A few tips on hiring a Wedding Photographer

Laguna Beach Engagements | Miguel Pola Photographers

Ok, so now that your engaged, Now what?  Where do I start…  After the dust settles from the excitement of your engagement. Most couples try to figure out where to start with their planning endeavors. The majority of the time the first thing that is thought about is “Where should we get married?” Once that is taken care of, usually the next step is to start shopping for your photographer.  Lately, with the increase of quality that digital cameras have to offer, you are finding more and more people calling themselves “Professional Photographers”.  We would like to give you a few tips on what to look for when you are soliciting Wedding Photographers.

  1. The Photographer’s Visual Perspective: It is sometimes referred to as the photographer’s eye.  Here is where you need to take notice to what the photographer sees during the day of events. How do these images make you feel? Are they unique or do they look like every other photographer’s work you’ve looked at. Do they look extremely staged? Does the bride and groom look uncomfortable? Does they look like they are having fun?  Are they romantic enough for you?  Are they too riske for you? Do they tell a story?  Finally, which photographer’s work puts a smile on your face and do you feel connected to.
  2. The Photographer’s Experience: In my opinion, experience is a big factor.  It’s important that the photographer that you are gravitating to has experience dealing with the day’s hectic people and schedule. Don’t base your choices on costs.  Wedding days consist of lots of emotions, personalities, and sometimes egos.  The question you should ask yourself is “Does this photographer have what it takes to deal with my families diverse dynamics?”  It’s important for a wedding photographer to be “Chameleon Like” to fit in with the mother of the groom that can’t stand the new wife…   Or the overly eager wedding coordinator that has her job to do. Even your crazy uncle Leo who decides that the line at the appetizer bar is more important than the family photos that he’s supposed to be in. With experience comes patients and an understanding of what a client’s needs are. We are contacted 6-8 times a year to create an album for clients who’s photographer has either gone out of business or just handed them a disc of images. This is a dis-service. It is important that your photographer has the ability to create these memories for you to enjoy with your family.
  3. The ole’ Switch-e-roo.  Now that you’ve decided on what studio will be photographing your wedding. Be sure to get in writing that the photographer you chose (hired) will be the photographer that will show up to your wedding.  Some companies offer multiple shooters to choose from. Others offer services and often double, and even triple book weddings on any given day. Sending any photographer to cover your event. Make sure that the photographer that you interviewed and who’s work you fell in love with, will be the same photographer that will photograph your wedding.

Finally, A photographer with an easy going personality with experience that is flexible enough to fulfill your needs would be your best choice. Ultimately, you should love their photography and there products that they have to offer. Great photography + great personality+ great products  + awesome experience = Happy Clients (Bride & Groom)

These are just a few tips to help you choose the right wedding photographer f0r you. We hope that this article was helpful for you while you are planning your beautiful wedding.  I wrote this article to share an insider’s point of view.  It’s through experience and having had the privilege of photographing hundreds of weddings  that I consider myself both an expert on wedding photography and an expert wedding photographer.  I really hope that you’ve found this article useful in your search to get the best wedding images from your wedding photographer.

If you have any questions about our wedding photography, Please contact us at the links below. Feel free to share this post on your facebook page by clicking the share button below.

Written By Miguel Pola

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10 Great Guest List Tips

Miguel Pola Photographers | Orange County wedding photos

Every once in a while I run into a great article of information. My buddy Diana Romero of Ah Le Party Wedding & Event Planning wrote a nice little article on tips for your guest list. You can read it here or visit her blog to read it.  Thanks Diana for the wonderful bits of info you provide for brides. We at Miguel Pola Photographers would like to wish all the newly engaged couples who got engaged of the Holidays the Warmest of Congratulations on your engagement.  Be sure to browse our Wedding portfolio to see some of our amazing couples.

 

 

10 Great Guest List Tips

1. Create a guest total depending on your venue limitations and budget
2. Create an A and B list with the A list having the total guest count number
3.  If one side is paying for the wedding such as the Father of the Bride, please set a limit on their list
4.  It is appropriate to give both families the same limit on their lists
4. It isn’t necessary to invite all of your co-workers.  Only invite co-workers if you associate with them outside of the office
5.  Mail out your invitations to your A list ten weeks before the wedding
6.  Write the names of who is invited on the envelope to clarify who is invited (for example just the parents names if children are not included)
7.  As you receive regrets from your A list guests, begin sending out invitations to your B list
8.  Children?  Inviting children costs less as a whole since they eat less and take up less space
9.  If you are inviting single friends keep in mind that if they have a significant other, it is appropriate to invite the significant other
10.If you receive RSVP cards with a number higher than invited, kindly inform the guests that there are venue limitations

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3 reasons to check out Travis & Stephanie’s wedding

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Beautiful, Crazy, Fun!
Several months ago, Travis popped the question to Stephanie with one of the most extravagant proposals ever. We photographed their engagement session in numerous locations around fullerton Ca. If you haven’t done so check out their engagement session here.
Months later Travis and Stephanie finished what they started on the beaches of Hawaii here in the heart of Fullerton. In a quaint location known as Villa Del Sol.
Travis rubbed his hands together nervously as he witnessed his bride walk beside the historical fountain in the center of the courtyard. She clutched onto her brother’s arms as they marched excitedly down the aisle. The anxiety, obvious in their faces, went away the moment Stephanie’s Brother handed her off to Travis.
As the sun went down and the daylight faded, the lights strung across the courtyard, above the dance floor flickered on and brought on the beauty of Villa Del Sol. Travis and Stephanie, joined by their family and closest friends, danced the night away. With hardly a dull moment throughout the night, this wedding was as fun as it was gorgeous.
 Stephanie and Travis, we’d like to thank you for trusting in us to capture your gorgeous wedding. I can’t wait wait for you to see your wedding album, it’s gonna knock your socks off!

Fullerton Ca. Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

Fullerton Ca. Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

Fullerton Ca. Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

Fullerton Ca. Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

Fullerton Ca. Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

Fullerton Ca. Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

Fullerton Ca. Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

Fullerton Ca. Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

Fullerton Ca. Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

Fullerton Ca. Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

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Marriage Requirements in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico DestinationWedding Pictures

Puerto Rico has lots to offer anyone who is planning a destination wedding. For one, you or your guests do not need US Passports to travel there from the US. They have some of the most amazing beaches in the world. They also have many five star resorts that offer great service and exceptional hospitality. So If your thinking of having that beautiful destination wedding on the beach with your closest family and friends why not make it in Puerto Rico.

If you are a Southern California Bride and you are looking to have a Puerto Rico Destination Wedding we are you studio. See, there are some advantages of hiring our studio for your Puerto Rico Destination wedding needs. Some of them being very simple. I speak spanish fluently. So I can communicate all your venue personnel. If your family is from Puerto Rico I’ll fit right in, giving your crazy uncle a hard time and having a great time with your family and friends.

You will find it easy to fulfill all your needs here at our Orange County studio. After your wedding,  you will be able to visit with us in our studio to proof your albums and any other products that may be in your package. You won’t have to wait and wonder when and if your product and service will meet your standards. Our wedding studio is one of Orange County’s sought after wedding photography studios. Even if you on the east coast we would still be able to proof your products and video chat online as we get to know each other. My laid back, fun personality allows the two of you to feel comfortable in front of the camera. Which makes capturing amazing images of you and your handsome / beautiful fiance, while in Puerto Rico, effortless. While planning your Puerto Rico Destination wedding, you may find it hard to coordinate with all of your vendors that are in Puerto Rico. With our studio, you will find it easy to make your photography plans a reality. Our new online booking system allows you to add what ever your heart desires to your package. With secure online payments made easy.

Puerto Rico Destination Wedding Photography | Orange County Wedding Photographers

While looking through a magazine (Bienvenidos) my brother brought back from the Island. I ran into a great article of information on Marriage requirements in Puerto Rico.  I was able gather the information just for you.

I hope that it is useful for you in your planning…

Marriage Requirements in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has so much to see and do that couples opting to marry on this beautiful Caribbean island will be tempted to spend their honeymoon here, too. But before you can say “I Do” in this tropical haven there are a couple of things you should know.

Residency Requirements

To get married in Puerto Rico , you don’t need to be a resident or an American citizen. If either party is a citizen or a resident of a country other than the U.S. a declaration certifying  that he or she is not married must be sworn before a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer paths in that country. This declaration must accompany the application.

Marriage License

A marriage license is required a must be requested in writing via the registry address  below. Both the bride and groom must appear in personal the time of applying for the license. The amount of time needed to complete the license requirements is around two months, so prepare in advance.

Laboratory tests

A medical certificate with a VDRL blood test is crucial for the marriage process.  You can submit a medical certificate from a lab in the state or country you reside  (the test cannot be older than14 days on the the day of your  wedding).

Authentication of documents

A quick visit to the Demographic Registry and $30 worth of license stamps gets your license authenticated.

Identifications

Don’t forget to bring a valid photo identification or your original passports. Non U.S. citizens will need a passport  and  a declaration certifying that he or she are not residents of Puerto Rico, the purpose of the visit is to get married and that he or she will not stay in Puerto Rico longer than the U.S. territory entry states. This declaration must be sworn before a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer thats in that country.

Other Certificates

If you have been divorced or are a widower, please bring the corresponding certificates.

Religious and Civil ceremonies

For your marriage to be legal, it must be performed either by a registered minister, judge or authorized clergyman. Written consent of parents is required where individuals are under 21, but over 16 years of age.

Where to obtain a marriage license

All marriage licenses in Puerto Rico are expedited by the Demographic Registry, and that actually is a one-stop shop. You can contact them by phone or mail regarding any doubts you may have obtaining  your marriage license or certificate. Or download the your marriage license application by clicking here PR Marriage license App

Demographic Registry
P.O. Box 11854
Fernandez Juncos Station
San Juan, PR 00910
Tel (787)767-9120

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