Their love story began on a kickball field in Washington DC when he noticed her smile and stepped up his game in order to get her attention. After breaking through her original impression of arrogance, she realized that Chris was anything but- he was sweet, doting, loyal and loving. Monica’s twin sister recalled when she first knew things were getting serious- it was when Monica was willing to take a break from her fast-paced traveling tendencies to sit and write a letter to a boy back home, when everything else could wait until talking to Chris. As their love grew, they stepped more and more outside of their predisposed comfort zones, Chris learning to love life outside of the US, Monica learning to slow her sightseeing skills.

Anyone watching them can’t help but be won over- they could persuade even the harsest of critics that they were made for one another. The way Chris fiercely protects and pursues her, the way she smiles that “first love” grin every time she looks at him. They go together like kickball and grass stains, like vineyards and wine, like spring rain and dazzling sunsets.

Chris and Monica, to try and describe my joy at witnessing your marriage and having the honor of documenting it would take up more space than is appropriate for my blog. Your joy, commitment, exuberance and kindness overwhelm me, and I fell in love with love all over again watching you two. You have the sweetest relationship I’ve ever seen and your joy is absolutely infectious! Thank you, thank you thank you, for blessing of being able to photograph your nuptials- I’m still riding my high from Saturday!

The morning began at the Suites at 249 with a gorgeous dress from a bridal shop in Guadalajara…

Monica’s Nina shoes were the perfect compliment to her dress and her simple bouquet by Good Earth Florals was so elegant!

Brides, THIS is why good lighting is important when it comes to choosing your getting ready location- you can’t fake light like this!

I loved this moment between Monica and her twin sister!

Chris sent over a card and a gift for Monica to read aloud and open in front of everyone…

…and the pair of diamonds earrings ended up being the perfect finishing touch to Monica’s look.

MONICA. There are no words for how absolutely beautiful you are!!

Old House Vineyard where the wedding and reception took place had a small dock with a chain loaded down with padlocks at the end. The locks are latched onto the chain during an Italian key ceremony that takes place within the context of the wedding, and the couple throws the key away into the water.

The rain in the forecast held out all the way through the ceremony and family portraits, but we only had about three and a half minutes to work some magic for Chris and Monica’s photos, and then the sky opened up and POURED.

Monica’s father’s family hails from Venezuela, so it was really important to Monica to infuse her family’s culture in the wedding reception. Mariachi Los Amigos provided the entertainment during the cocktail hour!

Georgetown Cupcakes– ALWAYS a good thing,

It stopped raining a few minutes into dinner, and seeing as Chris and Monica are photo-lovers, they had no problem darting outside with me for a few more shots. Have I mentioned how much I love them yet? Oh, and a huge shout out to my lovely second, Currie. She covered for me inside so we could sneak out!

I think this might be my favorite image that I’ve ever taken.

Tyler of Voila! Event Studio is a genius- she found and brought in the live band Retrospect, and never have I EVER seen a dance floor rock that hard all night long.

I think this was where they pinky swore not to smash cake in the other’s face…

Then Tyler broke up the maracas, glow sticks and sombreros for the hora loca. The groomsmen also came prepare… with lucha libre masks.

All in all? One AWESOME wedding of two of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. Congratulations, Chris and Monica! I hope you’re enjoying Hawaii!

Happy Thursday!