I had my first wedding coverage this weekend, and I am feeling so much gratitude.
This weekend started on Friday when I covered my first civil wedding of Mariana and Abisai. I went in nervous because I wanted to do my very best, and I know that these are moments that can’t be repeated. The civil wedding started with me meeting the judge, who, as it turns out, is named Carmen too and knew my family. She is one of the kindest, gentlest people I've ever had the chance to meet.
Then came the bride and groom, and my nerves grew, but instantly Mariana was so kind to me as she always has been and immediately put me at ease with her kind and calm attitude. Then the ceremony started, and even though I was taking pictures, I found myself getting lost in the moment. That was the first civil wedding I've ever witnessed, and seeing the love everyone had for each other and complete devotion brought tears to my eyes, and it does as I am writing this.
We were inside for all of it until it ended. Abisai, Mariana, and I went outside to do a mini couple’s photoshoot, and this is where I got to see them interact more, and they are one of the two most in-love people I've ever met. They are really kind and respectful towards each other, playful too, but most of all they both seemed so absolutely at ease with each other. It was truly striking, and they were wonderful to work with.
Then came the wedding day, the big event. I was again nervous, but because the previous day had gone so well and my work was received well, I felt mostly excitement for the couple; I found myself really rooting for them. I remember seeing Mariana for the first time with her dress on, and that’s when it really struck me that she is a literal bride who will be walking down the aisle today, and watching her walk out of her home with her wedding dress on was something I will never forget.
Then we went to Las Terrazas. I had been there the previous day with no arrangements yet, and walking in again with everything set- the hand-painted dance floor, the imperial tables, and every single Alcatraz felt almost like walking into a movie set, a scene from a movie, and looking back now, the civil wedding felt as if it happened a week ago or two. Time flew by so fast for those two days. I don't think I have ever felt and been as present as I have for those past two days. I completely forgot the outside world, and having Cesar there- my second shooter by my side made me feel incredibly secure.
I shed a few tears during the religious ceremony. I felt kind of ridiculous for doing so. I promise I fought the tears as much as I could, but it was all too much; the scene was beautiful: the bride and groom looking at each other, at their parents, who I couldn’t help but feel grateful that they still had them in this world and were able to watch their children form new lives the way it should be. It was so beautiful and spotlessly orchestrated by Jose Luis, the wedding planner and sassiest Virgo I've ever met, who I got to watch in action and see how much he enjoys his work and how good he is at it.
The moment that stuck with me most, and the one I'll never forget, was Mariana and Abisai standing on the dance floor, looking as elegant as ever, in front of their wedding cake when L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole started playing, with fireworks behind them. I lost my mind; I literally could not believe my eyes and ears. It was so perfect. Like a scene out of The Parent Trap, that I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to witness, let alone capture with my camera.
I feel like the luckiest photographer in the world. I can’t and will never be able to express enough gratitude to Mariana for choosing me. Something in me has changed for the better; something feels healed forever. Being there, directing the couple, and the constant admiration I felt for everyone involved was overwhelming; from the bride and groom, their parents, Jose Luis, Cesár, the other team of photographers who were so kind and the band! They were incredible too.
Everything I've done in my life and career that has led me to this stage of experiencing things like this has made everything worth it. I hope that by writing this, I can convey how this experience has felt, just how much it meant to me, and how completely thankful I am for having been chosen. I could not have asked for better people and team for my first wedding coverage.
