photography – Page 3 – Jess Jones Photos Blog

Elyse’s Maternity Session

I’ve known this girl all my life. She’s like a little sister to me.

We photographed Elyse’s maternity session in the creek that she, her sister’s and I all played in as kids. I have so many special memories of mud pies, rain boots sloshing through this creek and catching anything that swam, crawled or slithered past us.

I photographed her maternity session on an early march morning session in Georgia. Elyse and Hunter are now parents to a precious baby boy named Ledger and I can’t wait to meet him!

Enjoy some of my faves from Elyse’s maternity session.

www.jessjonesphotos.com

Shelby + Kory’s Engagement

What a fun session this was! Shelby and Kory, love wine and snowboarding, so we began our day at LaVina winery in Anthony, NM just outside El Paso. We later headed to White Sands National monument…one of my absolute favorite places to photograph. The white sand is as close to snow as we could get, because THE DESERT. Kory brought along his snowboard to make his photo visions come to life and they turned out pretty dang cool.

LaVina Winery is a really cool place. The building is kind of that Spanish style with beautiful arches and details. They have a beautiful ivy covered courtyard, complete with a stone fountain and wine barrels. They were kind enough to let us take pictures in the barrel room which was unexpected and awesome of them. The walls were lined with all kinds of aging wines in oak barrels. Shelby and Kory posed between the barrels in the chilled room.

Later, we headed outside to shoot in the beautiful courtyard. Shelby and Kory embraced under the ivy arch way and flirted by the fountain. After we had enough of the heat, we loaded up into our cars and made out way to White Sands. It was a long drive, but I welcomed the A/C for as long as possible!

It was still pretty bright outside when we had finally arrived, so we had to kill some time till sunset. The three of us explored the dunes. The sand was soft and surprisingly cool on our feet despite the 80+ degree temps outside. Kory dragged his snowboard up the giant dunes, but turns out snowboards don’t slide very well on sand. I guess that’s why sandbars are a thing.

As the sun dropped lower, we finally broke out the 3 smoke bombs that I had left over from a wedding I shot back in October. A green, orange and purple that totally popped in the white sand landscape. We tested out the green one first, only to discover that the giant green cloud wafting past everybody caused quite a stir. Surely, the park rangers wouldn’t be too happy about it, so naturally, we ducked behind some dunes that were further away, so at least by the time the purple and orange clouds had blown away, we’d be home free back at the cars. #rebels

{I’m not condoning using smoke bombs and fire works at white sands, not sure if its a rule, because I didn’t check, BUT we did grab all our trash on the way out and left the place cleaner than we found it!}

Anyway, we made some really awesome pictures with those smoke bombs and I hope you enjoy!

Jess + Andrew

[Sings]
Who’s that girl??
Who’s that girl?

It’s Jess!
And Andrew!

I’ve been watching some New Girl lately. Can you tell?

Anyway, these two couldn’t be more perfect.

I finally met Jess Riviera after months of chatting online and through mutual friends. When I met her I felt like I already knew her. We chatted immediately like old friends. She’s a little spitfire and a real joy to be around. And really beautiful with that gorgeous red hair! She’s also a fellow photographer who does stunning work! So, I definitely felt the pressure when she asked me to take the photos!

Her handsome hubs Andrew, was due back from a 9 month deployment and she asked me to capture it for them. Jess had the cutest gold balloons that said “Kiss Me” and wore the cutest outfit to reunite with her man. She wore and black and white polka dot flare skirt, a floppy suede hat and booties.

It was a pretty chilly February night at Fort Bliss. The families waited anxiously outside for their men and women in uniform. The army band was playing classic U.S. of A. tunes as we watched the plane land.

This part seemed like it took forever! But finally, Andrew and the rest of the soldiers filed out of the plane. They lined up and marched past their families outside in the waiting area. Jess proudly held up her “kiss me” balloons and guess what? It worked! (No real surprise there!) As Andrew marched past, he leaned in a gave her a quick kiss before heading inside!

Once back inside, we had to wait some more for the guys to get their luggage squared away before they could actually hug their families. This final wait was totally worth it. It always is.

The last obstacle before Jess and Andrew could reunite was a metal roll up door. The guys lined up outside, the smoke machine fired up, the music began to play. As the anticipation built to its peak, we hear a couple of bangs on the metal door that separated the soldiers from their loved ones. The door was raised and they marched through the smoke in formation to the large waiting area.

As soon as the soldiers were released to their families, Jess runs through the crowd of people and leaps into Andrew’s arms. He spins her around, they kiss and hug each other for a few minutes after 9 long months. They are so in love it just radiates from both of them.

After all the anticipation, it was a pretty quick reunion. Both eager to get back home, Jess and Andrew, make their way through the crowds to grab his stuff so they could return to their regularly scheduled lives.

Although, these homecomings happen frequently and after doing a couple of them you start to get the routine, but they’re always emotional. Even for me to watch. I get chills just thinking about the love between Jess and Andrew and seeing her jump into his arms.

The late hours and rescheduling were all worth it, in the end, to see they smiles and the love between families.

So, Andrew, a huge welcome home to you! Thank you for your service! And to Jess, I loved meeting you and getting to know you a little. You had me listening to gangster rap on the way home!

I’m so happy that you trusted me to photograph this monumental moment in your relationship. Wishing you guys a happy time reuniting and many more years of happiness in your marriage!

PS-Thank you to all the troops, especially my own, Ernie Manin, (who’s deployed at the moment) for sacrificing and fighting for our freedom at home. I know that not everything you do is always recognized, but it’s appreciated.

Enjoy this sweet reunion.

Tom + Kim

This was one magical wedding.

It took place in Sedona, AZ. This was my first visit to Sedona and to say I was in awe would be an understatement! This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. When I woke up that next morning in my Airbnb and stepped outside I literally got chills looking at the massive landscape. It was like looking into a postcard. The reds, oranges, yellows and pale greens were stunning. I felt really small looking at the expanse.

So, when I broke out of my landscape daze I drove over to L’Auberge de Sedona. A beautiful luxury resort where the wedding would take place. I found Kim in her room. Her mom, grandmother and aunt were helping with her hair when I arrived. The room was bright and airy with beautiful clean modern decor that somehow still worked with the rugged, outdoorsy surroundings. Kim applied her own makeup beautifully with a little help from the magic of Youtube. 🙂 Penn State played in the background above the fireplace.

While Kim was applying her make up I went to take a look around the resort grounds. There was a beautiful stream running through the property. Large boulders clustered on the banks overlooking the rushing blue waters. The green trees hung overhead with sunlight peeking through the leaves. It was November in Sedona and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect.

I found Tom near the restaurant of the resort. His suit was a light brown tweed with a deep red pocket square accent. The boutonniere was made of succulents. We walked around the resort grounds exploring a bit more. I took some shots of Tom while we anticipated the first look with Kim.

I met back up in Kim’s room to find her stepping into her dress. Her mother, Marianne, helped to lace her up. The dress was a gorgeous David Tutera design. The full skirt had an almost a peachy shade of tulle underneath the white lace. She wore cowboy boots with white knee high socks. The boots even had little hearts on the backs.

The first look was fast approaching. Tom waited for Kim down the steps in the grassy area above the stream. His back was to her as she made her way down the steps to him. Kim’s emotions began to show as the gap closed between her and the groom. Her eyes teared up as she approached Tom to tap him on the shoulder. They turned to face each other with smiles and kisses. I snapped pictures as they told jokes and laughed at one another under the green trees.

Kim shared a first look with her father, Don. He met her at the bottom of the stairs to see his daughter before she walked down the aisle. The father of the bride was dressed in his finest western wear. Complete with Texas star bolo tie.

The both sides of the family came down to meet and greet their new family members. Hugh, Linda, Marianne and Don all looked thrilled and proud of their children. Tom’s mother, Linda, gave Kim a beautiful keepsake box with a silver bracelet inside that said “Family” on it. Along with a cream colored shawl perfect for the cool Sedona nights.

Friends Ari, Kibs arrived on the scene to share some laughs with the bride and groom before we all headed to the ceremony.

It was time for the ceremony and we climbed the steps to the overlook on the resort grounds. The view over Sedona was breathtaking. The Reverand Sterling waited as the wedding guests took their seats. Marianne and her mother, Ruth, walked in first, arm in arm. Next, Tom escorted his mother to her seat next to Tom’s father, Hugh. Tom then took his place next to Rev. Sterling. Everyone stood as the stunning bride was escorted down the aisle by her father.

Tom and Kim exchanged vows that they had personally written to each other. When it was time to exchange rings they were passed through friends and family to be blessed with loving thoughts and prayers for a long happy marriage. The rings were attached to a handmade crocheted pillow made by the bride.

Instead to the typical unity candle or sand mixing, they painted a canvas with garnet and gold (Florida State colors, of course). The canvas had a silhouette of the couple that would be peeled off when the paint dried.

The bride and groom shared their first kiss as a married couple and the bubbles started blowing! The newlyweds turned and marched back down the aisle as husband and wife.

For Tom and Kim’s pictures together as a married couple, we had to go big. You can’t get married in Sedona without taking pictures in nature and in one of the many vortexes. So driven by Don in the Jeep, we headed to picturesque location number one. The sky was a pale blue, the mountains and plateaus behind the bride and groom almost looked like a fake background. It was surreal. On the way to the vortex, we saw a glimpse of a partial rainbow!

Once we arrived at location number 2, we climbed the steep rock stairs to the top of the Airport Vortex. We had 360-degree views of the city and the great landscape that stretched out on the opposite side. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel any magical powers at the top of the Airport vortex, but we did take some unbelievable pictures!

Friends and family were all gathered and waiting once the bride, groom and photo crew arrived back at L’Auberge. It was a beautiful nighttime setting with a long table where everyone sat under a rustic chandelier of Edison bulbs.

Toasts were made to the newlyweds and dinner was served. The filet at dinner was delicious.

Guests took turns writing words of wisdom to the new couple inside the silhouette on the canvas from the ceremony. We all laughed, told stories and chatted over dinner. Tom and Kim cut the cake and of course smashed a little in each others’ faces…gently!

This whole evening took place on the eve of the largest supermoon since 1948. The moon was amazing as it peaked through the trees above. It was a beautiful ending to the start of hopefully a long and happy marriage. What a time to be alive!

Please take a look at photos from the Williams’ special day.

See the rest of this picturesque wedding here.

Venue: L’Auberge de Sedona
Florist: Bliss Floral
Officiant: Rev. Sterling -Sterling Weddings of Sedona
Cake: Sedona Cakes
Dress: Brilliant Bridal – designed by David Tutera

The Kidd’s

I wish every wedding could be like the “breeze” this one was. I’d say the hard part was that five-hour drive to Odessa! The day I drove up to Odessa for Jacey and Oliva’s wedding there was a huge thunderstorm in El Paso when I was trying to leave. The streets were flooded to the point where I wasn’t sure if I should drive through them or not! There were ice plates (whatever those are…) on the highway. Cars were backed up for miles! It took me about an hour just to get out of El Paso and on my way to Odessa. I really picked the perfect time to try to get out of town.

I arrived in Odessa really late at night and I immediately crashed in my hotel. I finally got to actually see the town the next morning and the first thing I noticed were the oil pumps bobbing up and down. They look like little dinosaurs to me bobbing their heads up and down.

Festivities started early Saturday morning. I met Olivia and her beautiful bridesmaids at Charm salon. Olivia was getting her hair done when I arrived. She looked pretty chill. Her bridesmaids were scattered around the salon. Some were having their make-up applied, some were getting their hair braided and the others were chatting and waiting for their turn. They had some delicious-looking donuts to snack on and lots of coffee!

I photographed the bride’s gorgeous dress at the salon along with her cowboy boots that she’d wear under her dress.

I headed to the church to photograph the groom getting prepped. I first met the groom’s mother Ronnie who was beyond helpful showing me around the church and giving me a bit of the day’s rundown. Ronnie also helped me coordinate all the family groups for family photos for which I’m very grateful!

We went to find Jacey in one of the church’s back hallways. What I found was a big goofball! Jacey was joking and had everyone laughing as soon as I arrived.

I photographed the groom with his groomsmen (and groomswoman) out in front of the church. They all wore a beautiful shade of gray with purple accents and of course cowboy boots. They went back to resume their card game.

The bride arrived at the church with her bridesmaids in tow. She scrambled upstairs to the room where she would step into her dress. It took two bridesmaids working together to fasten all those buttons. The dress was stunning and fit Olivia like a glove. She did a little jig when she saw herself in the mirror for the first time.

The bride’s mom met her in the hallway while we were taking bridal pictures. She marveled at her beautiful daughter in her wedding dress.

It was just about time for the ceremony and I found Jacey and his parents down in the back hallway saying a prayer before he’d meet Olivia at the altar. Guests were filing into the sanctuary. Jacey entered with the pastor and beamed as he waited for Olivia to walk down the aisle. The violinist played and the guests rose to watched Olivia as she was escorted by her father down the stairs and up the aisle to meet her groom. Jacey grinned from ear to ear as he saw Olivia for the first time walking towards him.

Her father kissed her on the cheek and took his seat after he gave the bride away. The ceremony began and the pastor led the two lovebirds through the marriage vows. Olivia and Jacey said their I do’s and sealed their new union with a sweet kiss. They turned to face the crowd and sauntered back down the aisle hand in hand.

The newlyweds entered the reception and the groom’s father opened the dinner with a prayer. The guests dined on some delicious looking BBQ with all the fixings with some sweet tea and lemonade to wash it down. Dinner definitely had me dreaming of Georgia.

After dinner, the bride and the groom shared their first dance. Followed by Olivia’s dance with her father and Jacey’s dance with his mother. The bride and groom made their way around the room greeting guests and hearing their blessings on the new couple.

Olivia and Jacey each smashed cake in each other’s faces and then tossed the bouquet and garter to some eager catchers.

The Texas Longhorns and Texas Tech battle it out in the background of the reception. I mean, we’re in true football country. Fortunately, for Olivia, the Texans won! Maybe next year, Jacey?

The reception didn’t exactly end with the bubble exit, but it fits better in line with the story that way. 🙂

Here are the highlights from The Kidd’s big day.

Venue: Golf Course Road Church of Christ
Dress: University Bridals and Formals
Hair and makeup: Charm Beauty Salon
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Flowers: Donna Kidd (flowerlady12@hotmail.com)
Cake: Liz White ((575) 631 – 1708)

Check out the whole wedding gallery here.

What you’ve been waiting for…

With 2016 (almost) behind us. Phew! What better way to up your 2017 game than by being BOLD and celebrating Y-O-U.

How you ask?

With a boudoir portrait session of course! This session is going to change your life and how you see yourself.

Forget about that “Lose 10lbs” resolution and let me pose 20lbs off of you! I hear so many women say, ugh I’d love to do a session, but I need to get in shape first.

No, you don’t. I repeat. No, you don’t.

Its my job to make you look great and I know how to pose you down to your finger tips. You’ll get a makeover, we’ll pick out your wardrobe and before you know it the session will be in full swing. You’re going to have a blast laughing and looking fabulous, you’ll forget you even were worried about those so called…”imperfections.”

Last year’s boudoir marathon at the Hotel Indigo was a blast! 8 ladies bravely came through to show off their sexiness and they looked unbelievable.

I want to do it all over again this year, but with a little twist. In my last boudoir blog post I shared that I was planning another session, but that it would be a special theme this year. Don’t worry, its not going to be cheesy with red hearts, teddy bears and flowers.

I’m so pumped about this year’s theme. The vintage loving girl inside of me is jumping for joy! So without further ado…

This year’s boudoir marathon will be a Roaring 20s themed session at the Historic Gardner Hotel in Downtown El Paso! Think tassels, feathers, antique furniture, costumes and champagne! Check out the rooms here. You seeing my vision yet?

Here’s your invitation to our boudoir soiree…

This event will be held at The Gardner Hotel (311 E Franklin Ave) on January 14th & 15th. Sessions will begin at 9am. There will only be 3 sessions per day, so book now!

This event will be a blast for you, but will also double as his Valentine’s Day gift! Two birds, one boudoir event! Your images and products are guaranteed to be ready to wrap up just in time for Valentine’s day! He’s going to flip!

Bring a friend and you’ll both be all dolled up and ready for a night on the town! Walk right over to one of the many bars and restaurants that downtown El Paso has to offer.

For $350, you’ll receive a professional makeover, and hour long session, with posing direction, access to accessories and props, a glass of sparkly (if you’re 21), and an ahhhmazing experience with a professional photographer and 5 fully edited digital images from your session. Additional images and gift options are available for purchase. Such as gorgeous leather bound albums and a really fun view finder to give your SO.

A View Master! What a unique gift! And it totally goes with the vintage theme!

If you’re ready to sign up, you can do that here!

With this boudoir marathon, you’ll get a sample of what a full session with Jess Jones Photos has to offer. This is going to be an amazing experience. I promise you’ll love your photos!

You’ll walk away from the session with a renewed confidence and a probably a little spring in your step. 😉

Take a look at a few past sessions with a vintage theme.

Still not sure and want a little more information? Send me an email at jess@jessjonesphotos.com or give me a call at 706-905-7459. I’ll answer any questions you have!

Ready to book? Do that here and I’ll send out your welcome email! 🙂

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.

This year’s boudoir marathon is…

Shhhh!!! A secret…for now.

Ok, what I am keeping under wraps is the theme. I’ve never done a themed boudoir marathon and I’m so pumped about this one. It’s going to be in a historic El Paso location that I’ve had my eyeballs on for quite some time. This particular building is full of history and I think its going to be a swingin’ good time!

The last marathon we did was at the very cool and trendy Hotel Indigo. 8 stunning ladies trusted me to take some beautiful pictures and give them a fabulous experience. We all had a blast playing dress up with sequins and furs, drinking wine and listening to our favorite tunes. They walked away feeling like the rockstars that they are.

This time around, I’m opening up JUST 6 spots, because I want to make sure I give each woman the attention they deserve! That you deserve.

Once you arrive, we’ll pick out your first outfit and you’ll begin hair and make up with our pro. We’ll chat and sip some wine while you’re getting prepped. We’ll make you feel like you’ve know us for years, so you’ll be totally comfortable in your skin. And don’t worry about not being a “model”. We’re posing pros, so there’s no need to worry about not knowing what to do in front of the camera! I will pose you down to your finger tips. We’ll go through a series of easy and beautiful poses and you’ll be Ahhhh-mazed when I give you a sneak peek at the back of the camera. Your confidence will soar!

Yes, that’s You in the camera looking unbelievable. 😉

I don’t know where you are in your life right now, but you came across this blog post and you’ve been wanting to feel that fire and that spark in your soul again then you need this experience. It’s something you won’t soon forget. These are photographs that you can look back on when your 80 and say, “Damn. Look at me. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I’m a hottie.” And as you close your album a smile spreads across your face at those fond memories of the day you said yes to yourself.

I’m only going to open up 6 spots, so don’t wait to decide if this is the right time.

You came across this post, you opened it, because you were curious. Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe it wasn’t. Maybe this is something you’ve been wanting to do for awhile. When’s the last time you did something for you?

Its time to mark your calendars, because my next El Paso Boudoir Marathon will be on January 14 & 15th! (Just in time to get your goodies for V-day!)

XOXO,
Jess

(None of these ladies are models.)

Remember…January 14th & 15th!
Ready to Book now? Click Here

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

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