As I was walking up to Marina's room at The Doubletree Hotel, I knew I would be able to tell right away if she was nervous, overwhelmed, unhappy with her hair, or needed me to make her feel at ease.
But when I walked into her room, she was the calmest bride I've ever seen! Completely ready, happy, relaxed and looked absolutely STUNNING.
They chose to do their "first look" prior to the wedding and I discreetly shot the pictures, while watching them sweetly interact, looking so happy, relaxed and excited to begin their new life together.
I saw this wedding not only through the eyes of a photographer, but also as a friend that was fortunate enough to witness the beginning of their relationship blossom, and now turn into a lifelong commitment, and it was very special to me.
Before the wedding, I gave Marina a handkerchief I was given at my wedding (something borrowed!) and told her to wrap it around her bouquet stem, just in case she got emotional and needed it during the ceremony. She smiled and explained, she'd be fine and didn't think she'd need it.
Sure. Everything is just fine. Until you're standing in front of your closest family and friends, staring at the person you're going to spend the rest of your life with, promising to be with him for (GULP) forever and ever, until "death do us part".
As they shared their vows, I saw the tears well up in Marina's eyes. And I got goosebumps. And then I choked up myself.
A quick vision of the first time Aaron came over to our apartment danced through my head, never realizing at the time, it may come to this day.
I thought about how honored I was that they chose me to capture one of the most important events of their lives.
This blog post is a bit longer than most, but this was wedding holds a special place in my heart and I didn't want to leave a thing out.
Congratulations Marina and Aaron. I love you both with all my heart. Have an amazing honeymoon in Mexico!
For an AWESOME SLIDESHOW CLICK HERE!
Venue: Los Verdes Country Club
Second Shooter: Brian Leahy
DJ: Michael Angelo Music
Floral Design: Christine Morales Andrie
Videographer: Zoom In Films
