Seeing a couple celebrating their love story is beautiful. Seeing a couple celebrate their family and culture in on the same day? That’s something I truly live to see.
From the beginning of meeting Karen, I knew that her wedding day was going to be as sweet and sincere a day as she was herself. Karen and Leo’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and culture that I had the honor of photographing and videographing.
One of the most validating and enjoyable things as a bride to be and wedding professional is the ability to be a part of making someone else’s day as amazing as I would hope mine will be. It’s truly a pleasure to make couples feel more comfortable in their own skin.
celebrating culture on their wedding day
As soon as I arrived at Karen’s family home in Van Nuys, I could feel the excitement and anticipation in the air. The home was adorned with papel picado banners and other traditional details that created a cozy atmosphere. One of the touches I particularly loved were all the piñatas, warm greenery, and touches of handmade pottery brought straight from Tijuana.
Karen and Leo’s ceremony took place in at Saint Patrick’s of North Hollywood, in an intimate hall that echoed their vows and the worship played throughout the mass. The pair giggled their way through the ceremony as the realization of what was happening set in. Once the ceremony was over, the party really began.
As guests arrived at the reception in the backyard of Karen’s family home, they were greeted with the sounds of a mariachi band playing during cocktail hour and dinner. The guests mingled and enjoyed a variety of delicious foods, including tacos, mole, and churros. The bar served up palomas, margaritas, and pina coladas, which were a big hit with the guests.
One of the most fun parts of the day were all of the various performances. Mariachis serenaded the happy couple during their entrance into the reception amidst a shower of rose petals and they continued to be a part of the night, even introducing the folklorico dancers who started right off during the dinner hour. Throughout the night, the couple showcased their cultural heritage with four different folkloric performances from Sinaloa, Jalisco, Guadalajara, and Zacatecas. These performances were not only beautiful to watch but also served as a way to honor their Mexican heritage and share it with their loved ones.
One of the most memorable moments of the night was Karen and Leo’s exit. Working with sparklers is never easy, as often guests are prone to light sparklers too early or to struggle to light them in time. Nevertheless, Karen and Leo’s simple and sweet walk down the middle was calm and a reflection of their personality as a couple: taking the moment in, and smiling all the way.
Overall, Karen and Leo’s wedding was a true reflection of their love and cultural heritage. It was an honor to be a part of such a special day, and I will always remember the joy and happiness that surrounded this beautiful couple.
