Wedding – Page 3 – Jess Jones Photos Blog

David + Elissa

I met David and Elissa nearly a year ago at Trade Craft coffee. They had found me online and I liked them as soon as I met them. They both loved music. David had played in a band that toured around the country and Elissa once upon a time worked in Vegas! After talking to them for a few minutes about their wedding, I knew it was going to be saweeet.

I arrived at the hotel to find the bride and her bridesmaids getting ready for the big day. Fortunately, all of Elissa’s friends have some sort of make up/hair styling skills! Elissa was getting her long locks braided and curled as I arrived. Bridesmaids were in varying stages of applying makeup and getting their hair done. Elissa’s make up was a rockstar shade of pinky-orange on her lids and a dark red lip.

I went to grab her dress and shoes to go photograph out of the room and I was thrilled when I discovered it was pink! This gorgeous dress was a beautiful shade of blush with black appliqué details around the bodice. The back laced up with black ribbons.

The gorgeous bouquets arrived and I took them out to the pool for their photoshoot. They were made of gorgeous pink roses and white hydrangeas.

Elissa truly looked one of a kind when she stepped into her dress. Her mother and sister helped lace her up.

I found David and his boys upstairs having some beers and discussing the big day. They were also reading the instructions on the pocket square manual. 🙂 I made them all pile on the bed and take a picture. I think they loved it.

Everyone headed to the Desert Botanical Gardens for the ceremony. It was a warm sunny day in El Paso. The ceremony area was a covered patio and surrounded by native plants to El Paso. Friends and family filed in and waited for the bride to enter. David waited nervously at the altar for Elissa. This sweet guy teared up as the stunning bride was escorted down the aisle by her father. A huge smile spread over Elissa’s face as she saw David for the first time.

The couple’s close friend, DJ officiated the ceremony. He surprised Elissa with a special edition of her favorite book, Alice in Wonderland. The first time she saw the gift was when he presented it at the altar to read his notes for the ceremony. The ceremony was short and sweet. They exchanged vows and took part in a hand wrapping tradition to bind the couple together. They shared their first kiss as newly weds and threw up the rock symbol as they enthusiastically made their way back down the aisle hand in hand.

After the ceremony we headed back to the hotel to load up on the Dryft Party Bus. The white bus pulled up to the hotel and this little old lady with white hair steps out. She’s wearing and leopard print shirt, white pants and lavender lipstick. She is grandmother goals.

It was an old school bus painted white and decked out with stripper poles, club lights and a Michael Jackson video on repeat! The wedding party blasted music, danced and drank beer. We headed to our first stop at Memorial Park to take some pictures of the wedding party.

Our next stop was Tom Lea Park overlooking downtown El Paso where I took photos of the new husband and wife. I couldn’t take just typical pictures of these two though. A couple months before the ceremony I suggested to Elissa that we use some smoke bombs to make their pictures Epic and that’s what we did. We made some epic smoke bomb wedding photos.

It was time to head to Selarom Ballroom to get the party started. The sun was setting and casting a gorgeous light through the windows of the ballroom. The tables were decorated with crystal skulls…yasss! Pink and black guitar picks that said “David picks Elissa” were sprinkled on the tables. The three tiered cake was a conglomeration of ribbons and white chocolate skulls that smelled ahhhmazing.

David and Elissa shared their sweet first dance. They seemed calm in each others arms and a sense of “we finally did it” hung between them. As sweet as their first dance was, the real surprise came in the form of the daddy/daughter dance. The wedding day was the first day that I had met Elissa’s dad. Just knowing him briefly, he seemed to be a quiet man, who seemed like a real guy’s guy. I found him hanging out with David and the groomsmen earlier in the day. He got around with the help of a walker and oxygen. Having said that, you would think the first dance would have been a slow side to side sway between father and daughter. Nope. Wrong.

It did start out with a sweet back and forth sway to Butterfly Kisses which always makes me cry, but suddenly made a 180 about thirty seconds in to Elvis’ Blue Suede Shoes and they started twisting and boogying on the dance floor. They really rocked out when Turn Down for What Remix kicked in. The grins and surprise from everyone in the room said it all. He had the time of his life dancing with his daughter. There weren’t many dry eyes in the room after that dance.

The wedding party looked like they had a blast dancing. I’ve been saying everyone in El Paso has the “good dancer” genes. Guests took turns in the photo booth wearing funny hats and masks. The bride and groom even had a chocolate fountain that looked absolutely divine. People were lined up to the back wall to get a little chocolate fountain action.

The bride and groom had the bouquet and garter toss, but not before David tried the garter on his head. #weddingtrophy

The dollar bills started flying when all the guests jumped in line to pay for a dance with the bride and groom. I think they racked up enough cash to enjoy several good honeymoon dinners. 🙂

It was such a pleasure to be able to photograph this wedding. David and Elissa are great people and are so perfect for each other. There is just a sense of calm when they’re in each other’s presence. I loved photographing this unique wedding and I want to wish these newly weds a very happy life long marriage!

Cheers (to the Chews!)

Enjoy this snippet of photographs from the Chew’s wedding day.

Watch me whip…watch me nay nay.

Peter + Latoya

I met Peter and Latoya at the Corner Bakery in El Paso, Texas. It was a busy trip for the two of them, because Latoya was living out of town at the time and they had to get in as much wedding planning as they could while she was here. Latoya had a bubbly personality and Peter seemed genuine and professional. They were pretty opposite, but they complemented each other well. We talked about some of the wedding details and their expectations of their big day. At the end of the meeting they had decided to book me!

After the meeting, Latoya and I would text and chat while she was living in Virginia. She really became like a friend to me not just a client. While she was living in Virginia for work she would text me just to say hi and check in. I was still fairly new to El Paso, so it was nice to be able to talk to a friend every now and then.

Peter is a successful realtor in El Paso working for Keller Williams Realty. He spent several years serving his country in the US Army and now gives back to fellow veterans looking to buy and sell their homes. So, if you’re reading this and you’re in the military and you’re looking to buy or sell a home call my boy, Peter Huerta! (#shamelessplug) (I don’t know if that $50 bonus referral is still on the table, Peter…Peter?)

Alrighty, flash forward to the wedding day, I met Latoya and her bridesmaids at the Anointed Hands Salon in El Paso. Everyone was already getting their hair done. The bride was in the chair getting her hair curled and her crystal tiara placed just right by the owner, Stephanie. Latoya seemed chill and relaxed and had a fun laughing and joking with her bridesmaids.

I headed to the Abundant Living Faith Center where the ceremony would take place. Peter was there with his groomsmen, son, Isaiah as well as Latoya’s son, Allen. They all joked and took turns jabbing each other as they put their purple vests on to prepare for the ceremony.

Shortly after, the bride and all the bridesmaids had arrived and began applying their make up and getting into their purple dresses. The cute little flower girls played games and ran around the church playing tag.

It was finally time for Latoya to show her mother and bridesmaids the finish product. Latoya stepped out of the dressing room as her bridesmaids, mother and sister gasped at the gorgeous bride. Latoya’s dress fit her like a glove. The Alfred Angelo dress was a unique silver color with a crystal rhinestone belt. Silver accents were everywhere including her chrome fingernails!

The ceremony room was lit up with purple, pink and blue stage lights. White light strands hung over head. Peter nervously walked into the ceremony area with pastor, Jared Neiman. They waited and exchanged a couple words on stage as they waited for the wedding party to enter. Allen, Latoya’s son, would walk her into the ceremony and give her away. Sha’Vonne Williams sang soulfully as the ceremony began.

The wedding party entered couple by couple and everyone stood as the gorgeous bride finally entered. Allen looked handsome in his fitted suit and was so proud to walk his mom down the aisle. Peter looked lovingly at Latoya as he waited to take her hand at the altar.

Peter helped Latoya up the stairs to meet him and the pastor. The pastor gave a quick sermon about marriage and then began the exchanging of vows. They shared a prayer, took communion to signify their unity in marriage and in God. As they exchanged rings the pastor made a special note of the gorgeous rings. Latoya proudly flashed her bling to her friends and family. Peter did a great job picking that out!

Pastor Jared pronounced the couple husband and wife and they shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Peter and Latoya turned walked hand in hand out of the sanctuary where they waited for friends and family.

Friends and family poured into the gathering room to share their blessings with the newly weds.

After everyone had greeted the couple we went outside and finished up all the wedding party and family photos. The church windows made a cool modern backdrop. After the pictures at the church, everyone headed to the groom’s parent’s house for a gathering.

I met back up with the couple just in time for some gorgeous sunset photos. I scouted out a place and had Peter and Latoya meet me there on the way to the dinner at Mi Piaci Italian Restaurant. I found an empty lot with a view of the mountains. The sun gave us some gorgeous light as I photographed the newly weds. They held hands, kissed and danced in the El Paso sunset.

The couple opted for a small intimate reception dinner with just close family and friends. The dinner took place in the upstairs party room of Mi Piaci. There were two long tables on each side of the dimly lit room. Candles and flowers decorated the tables. Peter and Latoya shared a smaller table to themselves in between the two long tables. Their wedding cake sat on a stand on the raised area above the couple. The cake was a unique separated three tiered cake where each section sat on a different cake platform. The beautiful cake was decorated with purple flowers on top to match the bridesmaids dresses.

What really made the reception, were the memorable toasts from friends and family. Peter’s groomsmen (who were fellow veterans) shared stories both happy and emotional of the times they had shared and the trials they each had gone through together. In those moments, I realize how loved Peter and Latoya were and how much THEY loved their friends and family. Peter has gone out of his way to help his friends when they needed it the most and they were beyond grateful. The stories from each person who shared stories at the reception left the whole room with teary eyes.

Peter and Latoya put put a huge emphasis on keeping God at the center of their marriage and that was felt throughout the day. I’m wishing you both many happy years of marriage!

So, without further ado I give you Peter and Latoya’s wedding day! 🙂

Find and order from the whole wedding gallery here.

Rock n Roll Bride Sneak Peek

Pink dress? Check.
Party bus? Check
Smoke bombs? Check
Black Diamond? Check
Crystal skulls? Check

Have a peek into the fabulous wedding of David and Elissa!

Once all the photos are edited, you’ll be able to view them here.

Thanks for viewing!

Jess

Zach + Sara’s Marfa Elopement

When Sara contacted me about her Marfa, TX Elopement, I was thrilled (and that’s the understatement of the year!) I had been dying to go visit Marfa as soon as I discovered it let alone photograph a gorgeous elopement.

The day of the elopement, I drove three hours South to Marfa. I booked my night at El Cosmico where I had also been dying to stay. Luck was on my side, because I landed the Kozy Coach with the hand chair that Beyonce sat in!

As soon as I arrived into town, I headed straight to the pink Marfa Courthouse. I met the Justice of the Peace, Judge David Beebe, that would be marrying the two. He was not what I expected a JOP to be, but was what I expected a Marfa Justice of the Peace to be. We both waited for Zach and Sara to arrive having not met them before. As we waited, Judge Beebe filled me on the police chief drama and it was starting to sound like an episode of Parks and Rec or VEEP. He was a real chill laid back guy who was musician in a former life.

The courthouse was a gorgeous building with winding staircases. The dark wood bannisters shined when the sunlight hit the glossy finish. The dark green carpet added a regal Victorian flair to the room. From the bottom floor you could see all the way to the top circle cut out on each floor.

When Zach and Sara arrived, I was pretty stunned at how gorgeous they were. Zach was very handsome, with some light stubble on his face and flowing hair that suited him perfectly. He wore a crisp white shirt that had freshly been laundered (thanks to a local dry cleaner that saved the day!) He wore a silver and turquoise bowler tie and white rose boutonniere that Sara had crafted. Sarah was a stunning bride in her white bohemian dress that fit her like a glove. She wore a luscious flower crown and carried a wildflower-esque bouquet that she also made. Her long dark hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders and down her back. She also wore a matching flower arm band that was the cherry on top of her boho bridal look.

We all climbed the stairs to the very top of the courthouse. The room was warm and bright. We had a 360 view of the downtown square. It was not what I expected for a courthouse wedding.

Judge Beebe chatted with the couple before he performed the ceremony. He asked things like long had they known each other, where they were from and he filled us in on some Marfa trivia, etc. The Marfa street sweeper was a big topic of conversation because he was loud and kept interrupting the ceremony. We were pretty sure that he had circled the town square more times than necessary!

The ceremony was short and sweet. The two exchanged rings that Sarah had crafted while they waited for their actual set to come in. They sealed the deal with a kiss and were pronounced husband and wife. After the ceremony, the excitement in the room was palpable. I felt like they almost should be jumping up and down for joy. Judge Beebe left to sign the marriage certificate and the three of us took a few shots in the top of the courthouse.

After, we got what we needed we headed downstairs and I had to shoot more photographs in the building because it was that awesome. I photographed the couple running out of the courthouse with their excited faces on (which didn’t really leave the whole day. 🙂 )

We arrived back at their mod hotel, so they could gather up a few items for more pictures later in the day. It looked like hobby lobby had set up shop in their room. Sara had definitely been hard at work making wedding crafts. She did a fabulous job, because all the pictures look like they walked out of a Pinterest board.

Next, we headed to the cowboy church radio tower which is a pretty famous Marfa landmark. Its an old church that has been turned into radio tower that basically just transmits NPR from what I could tell on my travels. We drove to El Cosmico next, where they took a break in the hammock. The three of us headed to my Kozy Koach, but not before making a bee-line to what we all thought was a bar. Alas, it was just a mirage. However, three nice guys shared their cold Dos Equis with us.

We shot a few fun pictures by the teepees. We were followed by this cute little cat the whole time. Oh and the bunny rabbits that were hopping around made El Cosmico seem like a pretty magical place.

Zach and Sara had a small white cake with white chocolate shavings to cut. The topper was two paper hearts combined. Neither Zach nor Sara held back when it came time to feed each other. Cake was flying everywhere and unfortunately the cat didn’t want the scraps.

We ended the day in the nick of time before the sun went down. We found a pasture not far from El Cosmico and hopped the fence. It wasn’t as easy as it sounds. I photographed the couple as they twirled around the the West Texas field among wild flowers.

A patrol car rolled up beyond the fence. I’m sure it had something to do with us hopping fences on private property. Fortunately, he drove away once we left the field. (This is where I usually say its better to ask forgiveness than permission) I guess the officer must have been in a good mood. #relief

Sara and Zach were a blast to photograph and spend the day with. They looked like models and were high on love which made it super easy to capture many a happy moment. I couldn’t take a bad pictures of them and that made it really hard to narrow down all these gorgeous shots.

Congratulations to Zach and Sara as they start their new life together!

Once they’re completed, find the entire gallery here.

Peter + Sacajawea’s Sneak Peek

I’m very excited to share the sneak peeks of this beautiful El Paso wedding. Peter and Sacajawea are currently living the dream on their honeymoon to Bora Bora! (Totally jealous). So, I’ll start this post out with a couple of palm trees, so we can all just imagine were laying on the sand looking at this view.

I don’t want to give away too much now, but once I’m done editing, you can find the whole wedding here.

Jess

Nancy + Andy

The vibe of this wedding definitely didn’t start like it ended! And it ended with a bang!

I began the day at Nancy’s house as she got ready for the day without all the hustle and bustle that normally occurs during wedding prepping. It was just Nancy, her mother, father, brother and niece that helped her get ready. Her mother, Gracie, helped the beautiful bride put on her wedding dress from White Lace Bridal Boutique in El Paso. Her train was long and the top of her dress was full of rhinestones and sparkles. She wore beautiful blue shoes with a crystal pendant on the tops.

The first time her father, Jose Silva, stepped into the room to see his daughter after she was dressed was full of quiet emotion. There wasn’t a huge outburst but you could tell by the look on his face that he was holding back tears. Nancy hugged her father as Nancy’s brother entered to see the final results.

The finishing touches were applied when her father and brother put on Nancy’s earring and her mother helped with her beautiful diamond bracelet.

Nancy’s niece, Naomi, helped Nancy put on her sparkly white flats so that she could comfortably and stylishly, walk around. Then she helped her put on her garter that was adorned with a blue flower.

A few of Nancy’s bridesmaids showed up at the house to help with last minute details. After everyone was prepped and ready to go, Jose, Nancy’s father, helped her into the black Charger that was waiting to take her to the ceremony.

We caravanned to San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church, where Andy and the groomsmen were already waiting. Another wedding had just finished up and that party was right outside the church taking pictures and and mingling. The priest was preparing for Nancy and Andy’s ceremony.

Their ceremony quickly got underway not long after we arrived. It was a traditional catholic ceremony. There was a simple guitar player at the side of the sanctuary playing soft music between prayers. Both Nancy and Andy’s parents along with the wedding party sat in the the front rows behind the couple as they prayed and took communion. A couple of members in the wedding party participated in the ceremony by reading scriptures. The maid of honor, draped the ceremonial lasso around the couple for unity and the best man presented coins to the bride and groom for good luck.

The newly-weds completed their prayers and were announced husband and wife. They marched out of the sanctuary followed by their family and friends. I caught Andy as he wiped his brow as they exited the church. Following the ceremony they spent some time in the church’s foyer greeting friends and family.

After the ceremony, it was time to load up and head to take pictures of the wedding party. We went to Memorial Park and I began lining up the bridesmaids in their blue lace dresses. The groomsmen arrived and made a bee-line for the snack truck. Andy was kind enough to bring Nancy and bite of hamburger and a blue slushee to re-energize. I managed to squeeze the whole wedding party under some shade and snapped a few fun pictures of them before everyone melted in the heat.

I took Nancy and Andy to their own photo spot at the El Paso Rose garden. As we walked through the garden, I snapped pictures of them dancing and enjoying each other’s company among the pink roses with the appropriate titles.

It was time for us to head to the reception, the Mariachi trio was playing at the door as Andy and Nancy entered the EPIC rail yard. The reception area didn’t need much decorating, because the place is so awesome already, but they had some roses and succulents scattered throughout and painted blue vases on tables that tied the decor together. There were beautiful carved wooden elephants that greeted everyone as they signed the guest canvas. Trains were passing by the windows right out side the receptions room. They weren’t loud, I don’t even remember hearing them over the DJ’s music.

Dinner was served and it was the groom, Chef Andy’s, own recipes. A delicious herbed chicken served with perfectly seasoned veggies and mashed potatoes. People lined up to be served and then hit the bar for refreshments.

After the announcing of the wedding party, I quickly grabbed Nancy and Andy and ran up to the rooftop and took a few more awesome pictures of the couple in the setting sun. The buildings of downtown El Paso stood off in the distance and the Franklin Mountains were directly behind them.

Nancy and Andy shared their first dance, followed by heartfelt father/daughter dance and Andy’s dance with his mother, Gloria who cried as she danced with her son.

I think the coolest part of the night was when the DJ pulled out a huge bin of those long colored balloons. Almost everyone was out of their chairs swinging balloons in the air to the music. The colors of the lights and the balloons accompanied by the awesome music really got the party started! (I’m sure the open bar helped too 😉 )

I had never seen a reception with such a cool party atmosphere. It was definitely REALLY fun. Young and old alike had a blast dancing and swinging the balloons through the air.

I have to give the DJ, Rhythm and Dance Factory D.J. Service, some props because they did an amazing job keeping the party going and their lights were amazing! They were an awesome team.

Another part of the reception that I thought was really cool, was when the DJ had Nancy and Andy make a bridge with their hands as they stood high up above their guests in chairs. The party single-filed under the Diaz bridge and snaked around the room until the song ended.

After the dance train, it was time for the garter and bouquet toss. The bride tossed the bouquet from high up on her chair to her single ladies and the groom flung the garter into the small crowd of single gents, but not before he wore the garter on his head.

At midnight, it was Nancy and Andy’s actual 10 year anniversary of being together, so they shared that moment together dancing and then invited the other couples to join them on the dance floor. Everyone had some dance skills. Must be in the El Paso water.

I left the reception with everyone still partying into the night.

Cheers to Andy and Nancy!

Vendors
Flowers: Angie’s Flower-Erika Pegueros-dreamweddingselpaso@gmail.com
Cake: Angie’s Flower-Erika Pegueros- dreamweddingselpaso@gmail.com
Hair: Sol Hair Illusions, Lupe Solis, https://www.facebook.com/solhair.illusions
Wedding Dress: White Lace Bridal Boutique, http://whitelaceboutique.com
Bridesmaid dresses: Bridal-Novas, Silvia, https://www.facebook.com/Novas-Bridal-Wear-Evening-Wear-Collections-165539690153896/
Tuxes: The Tux Shoppe, Chito Aguilar, www.elpasotuxshoppe.com
Mariachi: Mariachi Trio-Los Aventureros, David Martinez, www.facebook.com/triolosaventureros.com
DJ: Rhythm & Dance Factory DJ’s / Pro DJ Rentals, https://www.facebook.com/RDFactory/?surface=rese

Marfa, TX Elopement (Sneak Peek)

Zach and Sara are like one of those gorgeous couples that every photographer dreams of shooting and I was lucky enough to be the one to capture their amazing day!

Makes me want to forget the big wedding and run off to get eloped in the magical land of Marfa, TX.

Enjoy these sneak peeks, because I can’t get enough!

Justin+Alicia+White Sands

I couldn’t be more pumped to shoot Alicia and Justin’s wedding at White Sands, NM. White Sands is one of the coolest places that I’ve visited since being in the Southwest and I was thrilled when the opportunity came up to shoot a wedding there.

This wedding was unique, because of a couple reasons:
1. Alicia and Justin
2. It was on June 20th (the first day of the Summer Solstice)
3. It was also the night of the full Strawberry moon

I thought it was super cool that Justin and Alicia came down from Washington state to have their wedding ceremony in White Sands. They’re a unique couple who have been together for a long time and finally decide to tie the knot. They reside in Tacoma, WA and are a fun, laid back adventurous couple.

They rented gorgeous house in Las Cruces, NM and stayed their for the long weekend with their closest friends and family. I arrived to the smell of some delicious looking food and celebratory tequila shots being thrown back. Everyone was super cool and it looked like they were having a really chill day.

Alicia’s best friends helped with her hair and makeup which turned out beautifully. Her blond hair was curled and her friend’s braided a few tiny braids throughout for a boho accent. Her makeup was very natural and true to Alicia’s non-fussy personality.

The bride’s mother, Flora, help lace up the beautiful white, lace dress the was made by the ahhh-mazing designer, Grace Loves Lace. Alicia looked like a boho princess as she danced and flipped her skirt around the room. Her mother in law, Pamela, gave her a gorgeous turquoise statement necklace to wear with her dress.

When it was time to head to the ceremony, we all hopped in the car and caravanned about an hour to White Sands. The Organ mountains were a beautiful site along the way.

The ceremony was as unique as the couple. It took place on top of a giant soft, white, sand dune under the bright blue sky. Their family and friends circled up and joined hands and their friend performed the non-religious ceremony. There was a tribal drum, family in a circle and there was supposed to be sage lit to cleanse the ceremony, but alas, it was too windy. It was a sweet ceremony. Alicia and Justin held hands in the sunset and shed a few tears throughout the ceremony.

Afterwards, friends and family shared hugs and well-wishes for Alicia and Justin. We took a few more pictures as the sun was setting over the sands. I couldn’t let them leave without grabbing a silhouette shot of the newly wed couple on top of a sand dune in the orange and blue dusk light. And it turned out to be one of my favorite shots ever!

We headed back to the house to catch the after party celebration. I had to stop along the way to take some shots of the Strawberry moon that was rising from behind the mountains. It looked larger than your typical moon and it was bright orange!

Back at the house, the newly-weds started off the celebration right by, what else? But jumping in the pool…wedding gear clad, of course!

After they dried off, it was time to toss the bouquet and garter, Justin tossed the garter in living room as the single men gathered and scrambled for the garter behind him. Alicia, took to the balcony to toss her bouquet from the second floor to her bridesmaids down below.

The guests casually dined on a delicious steak dinner. And just before I left, they group popped the champagne as parents of both the bride and the groom shared toasts to the new couple.

What are awesome and laid back wedding it was and I’m so glad Alicia and Justin chose me to be their photographer.

Here’s a couple shots from the day. Cheers!

Matt + Maegan

This is a special wedding to me, because it was the first wedding that I booked in El Paso. It actually kind of fell into my lap. It happened when I was out with some girlfriends for dinner. {Bear with me, I’m throwing out a couple names} Our waiter, Josh, was the bride’s brother-in-law and he mentioned that his wife (Cassandra) and her sister (Maegan) were opening Small Cakes, a cupcake shop in El Paso. So, naturally, I asked if they catered to weddings and gave him my card…just in case. He replied saying that his sister-in-law, Maegan was recently engaged and in need of a wedding photographer herself.

She contacted me not long after and soon Maegan and Matt were set on June 11, 2016. I was ecstatic and not only, because cupcakes were going to be involved, but more so, because I felt like I was getting back into my groove of what I gave up to move here. It was at least a step in the right direction.

When the wedding day finally arrived, my awesome second shooter (Megan) and I met Maegan [lots of Maegans] and her bridesmaids at the Hotel Indigo where the hair and make up team was already at work beautifying the ladies. The room was bright and full of love from her best friends and family. I began photographing the details from the dress to the shoes to the jewelry. Megan, went to photograph the guys, who were mostly busy trying to remove gobs of hair gel from the groom’s son, Jordan’s hair. ha-ha!

Maegan and Matt both spent some time through out the day to write a letter to each other that they would only open if times got tough and I hope they never have to open it! They also spent time finalizing their vows that they would read to each other later in the day.

Megan photographed the guys in front of this awesome mural behind the Hotel Indigo as they took turns zipping around the parking lot on a motorized scooter.

Back in the bride’s suite, the bride’s daughter, Olivia, had just arrived and was so thrilled to see her mom. “You look so pretty, mommy!” Olivia exclaimed when she saw Maegan in the make-up chair. It was so sweet, it made my eyes get a little misty. (It never fails, I always cry at weddings.)

More tears were caused by Maegan’s mother, Sandra’s, reaction to her gift which was an embroidered handkerchief that read, “Mom, to dry your happy tears on my wedding day…” I guess I needed one too! Her mother’s reaction was so sweet. I knew that gift meant a lot to her. I even got emotional looking back at the photos as I was editing.

Maegan’s beautiful best friend gave her a tiny little book on a keychain with quotes for a happy marriage inside. She had everyone in tears with her speech and surprise gift.

My second shooter, captured Matt’s sweet reaction as he opened his boutonnière. Maegan surprised him by attached a picture of his parents who had recently passed away. Even though Matt wasn’t one to really show his emotions in front of everyone, looking back through the images, I could see that he was really touched by the gesture. His parents were definitely felt throughout the day.

After everyone was finished prepping, we all headed to the beautiful, Ardovino’s Desert Crossing for the ceremony and reception. It was a gorgeous ceremony that was set up on the back patio of the venue. The ceremony overlooked the surrounding desert and mountains. Trains were passing back and forth in the distance.

The wedding party entered the ceremony followed by the beautiful bride who was escorted by her father, John Hurst. Matt beamed as he watched his gorgeous bride walk down the aisle. The groom’s sister lead with a few words in memory of their parents. And under the beautiful green vines and bright orange flowers the couple read their sweet vows to each other. After exchanging rings and sealing the deal with a kiss and slightly battling the wind. Maegan and Matt were wed and waltzed out of the ceremony on cloud 9!

After, shooting the rest of the wedding party and some family pictures. I quickly grabbed the couple and we shot their portraits in the desert as the sun was setting. It was a really gorgeous moment. The light was perfect.

Finally, it was party time. The wedding party entered into the reception area of Ardovino’s and the newly wed couple impressed the whole room with their choreographed first dance. Followed by the sweet dance with her father. And, I think everyone had tears in their eyes when Matt and his sister danced to “Hey Brother”.

After the delicious dinner was served the party really got started. People were dancing, taking pictures in the photo booth and having a blast! Heartfelt toasts to the newly wed couple from friends and family lead to more happy tears and plenty of laughs from the whole room. Maegan and Matt cut their gorgeous (and delicious) wedding cake made by the very talented Honey Bee Cakes.

The wedding party ended the night on a high note with an awesome fun group dance… turned dance battle with several wedding guests to the 90s hip hop jam, “My Boo”. That dance perfectly summed up the mood of the whole night.

There was plenty of love felt throughout that whole wedding day and I’m very glad that I was chosen to be a part of it! I won’t forget that as I was telling Matt and Maegan goodbye at the end of the night she said it felt like fate that we met, because everything just fell into place beautifully.

I couldn’t agree more. Wishing Maegan and Matt a long and very happy marriage!

Enjoy these beautiful pictures from The Roger’s wedding.

Cheers!

Enrique + Mary

I thought Mary and Enrique would be getting married in Vegas, so when she contacted me to shoot the wedding I was thrilled that they thought of me again. I photographed their engagement session last year in the unbloomed cotton fields of Santa Teresa, NM.

At 107 degrees, Mary and Henry’s wedding day was definitely one of the hottest days of the summer! And for that reason, most of the photos were taken inside of the El Paso Country Club. Mary arrived and put her dress on shortly before the ceremony as her bridesmaids helped her get ready. We briefly took some bridal photos around the clubhouse and out on the golf course. Mary carried a gorgeous rhinestone bouquet and wore the cutest sparkly Betsy Johnson wedding heels. Her hair piece and make up were perfect. She truly looked stunning.

Enrique and some of his groomsmen arrived to the venue. Enrique surprised Mary with a new Pandora charm as she greeted him. A couple of the bridesmaids helped the groomsmen pin on their boutonnieres, which were of course flower brooches with rhinestones.

All of the gorgeous bridesmaids looked super cute in their gold toned short bridesmaid dresses and sky-high heels!

The theme of the wedding must have been “Bling”! And that theme continued throughout the reception area where the tables were covered with beautiful silver and sparkly center pieces. Oh and they had an ice sculpture with their initials “M+E” carved into it!!

Guests arrived and took their seats as the wedding party waited to enter the ceremony. The ceremony was conducted in both spanish and english for all guests to understand. The mothers of both the bride and groom lit the candles to start off the ceremony. The bride’s son Ossie, was a big part of the ceremony. He didn’t want to leave Enrique’s side…that is until he got antsy and wanted to sit with his grandparents.

The beautiful ceremony included a string quartet which performed classical music throughout the ceremony and into the cocktail hour. Guests mingled with delicious looking cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in hand. The bride and groom bounced around from guest to guest chatting and hearing from friends and family their blessings for the future.

As sunset approached (and the day had finally cooled down), I took Mary and Enrique outside to the beautifully manicured golf course to shoot some portraits of the couple. The light from the setting sun was just perfect. The couple showed off their comfy converse sneakers! (Mary’s were bedazzled with beautiful crystals!) The couple looked happy in a quiet moment together and teased each other as I captured their moments around the course.

Mary’s son, Ossie, caught up when he saw that mom and Enrique were leaving him out of all the pictures! He sat still for a moment to take a couple cute pictures and then resumed playing in the sand trap of the golf course.

Back inside, the guests were entering the beautifully decorated reception area. Mary changed into her goddess-like reception dress with head piece to match. The DJ announced the newly wed couple’s entrance and they were seated at their own table complete with a “Mr. and Mrs.” sign and their initials projected over head in the beautiful lights. The DJ did a wonderful job with the lighting and the fun atmosphere that was starting to elevate the party. Mary’s father said grace over the meal and the Mexican Trio band played festive, but romantic tunes as dinner is served.

Please enjoy the pictures from Mary and Enrique’s gorgeous wedding.

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