iwona.com blog

I had a great privilege to photograph John and Lena’s wedding last Saturday.  I love my job.  I love working with people and seeing their personality come out on their wedding day. 

We started off with some getting ready photos at the Grand Bohemian downtown Orlando where the couple was staying.

As we were leaving the hotel, a very, very tall and handsome man appeared in a hallway and Ashlyn (Lena’s maid of honor) said that it is possibly a member of a LA Lakers that were playing the Orlando Magic that evening.  For those of you who know me, I am not a shy person and will do virtually anything for my brides, so without even thinking, I ran up to this very, very tall man, asked him if he really was a “Laker”  (and he had such a charming smile, sigh… ) and after the confirmation I kindly asked for a photo with Lena.   So, here it is a little surprise for Lena on her wedding day.  A photo with Pau Gasol, #16, Forward for the Lakers.  I had to look it all up on the Lakers website, LOL. 

Lena and John were fun, fun, fun…

They chose the historic and romantic Casa Feliz in Winter Park for the reception. It was a beautiful day, not only for them, but also for me. Thank you for letting me capture your most precious day!

Congratulations!

I was just awarded top 5 Photographer by Professional Photographer Society of Central Florida!  How cool is that!  I feel very privileged and honored to be a member of such a fine group of photographers and friends here in Orlando. They have been my biggest supporters, best source of inspiration and knowledge.  That’s where I find my best friends. They are my best assets professionally and personally.

I love you all! Thank you! You are truly awesome! I couldn’t do without you!

here is a pic from our 2008 Award Party. 

I’m so glad I didn’t call it the “daily blog”, lol…..I had so many great photo adventures since the time I last wrote that it would be really hard to try to catch up now. Las Vegas was great (only in Vegas you will meet a “real” Rocket Girl that I’ll write about later on) and after that was Florida School (where I was studying under the best of the best photographer and a friend Curt Littlecott). Then came a fantastic trip to Europe where I spent 2 months. I photographed there a couple of breathtaking weddings (especially one in Florence, Italy) and met many great people.  I came back in the middle of September and have been busy, busy, busy……I decided I still occasionally will add a story or photo from the summer but for now I’ll start with the most current event which was the wedding of Gabbie and Phil just a couple of days ago.  The venue: stunning Bella Collina in Monteverde, FL was the perfect location for this California couple’s wedding.

I have been pretty bad updating my blog….I have no idea where people find the time to do that.  It seems that between work, family, volunteering, there’s barely enough time to sleep. Well, I’m at the airport right now waiting for boarding the plane to Las Vegas, so here is my “free time”.   I finished shooting a beautiful wedding of Kristen and Brett last night, backed up my files at home and packed up to make it to the airport by 6 am. I’m going to the WPPI convention (Wedding and Portrait Professional International), which is the best convention there is in the world. I’m going to see some remarkable work of the industry gurus and pick up a thing or two from their classes.  The schedule is packed with awesome classes and activities including a very special reception to which I got invited as a finalist of Best of Wedding Contest.   Yep, you read that right…two of my images I’ve entered made it to the finals and will be displayed at the convention.  I’ve entered “Cheers!” and “Just a glimpse…” to a humor category.  I love the candid look of both of them.  I just love candids….the true character of the subjects really comes out. Anyway, keep your finger crossed for me….the winners will be announced in a few days. By the way, kudos to those who returned the signed model release forms so fast to me.  You are guys awesome; I wouldn’t be able to enter the images without your help….and of course thanks for those awesome moments that I was able to capture.Time to board….wish me luck! 

Steve and Janie have been married for 15 years and have 4 beautiful children! They found some time and decided to have a very special V-day….they travel from Utah to celebrate the  V-day alone and have a photo session that reflects their love, devotion and a great sense of humor….

I took a break for a little bit to do something that’s important to me…..spend same time with a little boy and his family from Make a Wish Foundation who came here from Chicago. Meet Maxi, one tough four-year-old cookie who has already went through a lot of pain and suffering in his life.  He is doing well now and I was more than happy to be his guide and translator on his Orlando vacations.  We visited ALL Disney parks, Sea World, Universal Studios and Island of Adventure. Maxi was full of energy even after the adults were getting worn out…what a trooper!  

The family stayed at the Give Kids The World Village that hosts only families with Children with life-threatening illnesses.  It’s a truly whimsical resort where Christmas comes every Thursday, you get to eat banana split for breakfast and be tucked in in bed by a giant Rabbit. (www.GKTW.org).  If you ever have a desire to volunteer for a good cause, the GKTW always welcomes volunteers.  As a matter of fact, their operations is based on volunteers  so go ahead, give them a hand,  you will be glad you did when you see the little kids being care free and happy.  

I’ve just received my new camera  –nikon d3 is fantastic!  i don’t want to put it down.  It’s so fast….9fps and the high ISO capabilities the best in the industry.  I knew that Nikon had to came up with a full frame camera and so they finely did.  It took them a while but it was worth the wait. Check out the reviews.  

Shawna and Kevin are totally cool!  They are nice, they are fun and open.  They will be getting married in May and I know it’s going to be a great and very dynamic day because I’ve met their bridal party and they are crazy fun…. Last night Shawna together with her mom and mom-in-law came to pick their engagement photos for their guest signing book and I can tell all three of them are such a great friends.   Here is a couple of pics.

We got our Christmas gift early this year…A baby squirrel decided to spend some time with us.  We’ve found her cold, dehydrated and abandoned in our garage.   She was about 7 weeks old. …the kids made her a nest very appropriately in an old santa clause hat.  Happy Holidays!