Our friendship began commiserating over geometry conundrums and a teacher who insisted the learning process was figuring it out ourselves. It grew over passed notes in the halls of our high school, and whispered conversations in English during Spanish camp week. My senior year, while my interest in photography was just budding, my Graphics teacher gave us the best assignment yet – produce a portrait portfolio. I instantly knew who I wanted to photograph – my beautiful friend, math partner, and Spanish partner-in-crime, Destiny. She made a beautiful portfolio easy.
So a year ago, when I asked Destiny if I could shoot her engagement photos as my gift to her and she accepted, I was happy.
Two weeks later, when Destiny asked me for the honor of shooting her wedding, I was ecstatic.
On August 27, 2011, my photography journey came full circle as I shot my first model in her gorgeous wedding dress on the happiest day of her life.
Special thanks to my second shooter, Karney Li, who helped capture some of the gorgeous images seen here, including the ones above and below!
Fili’s first look says it all.
If you’d like a preview of how big their celebration afterwards would be, take a look at the size of their wedding party
12 groomsmen and 12 bridesmaids!
Destiny and Fili celebrated like no other couple by incorporating the marriage of their Mexican and Samoan cultures into a breathtaking series of dance performances.
The dance floor heated up when Destiny spontaneously jumped in, wedding dress and all, and performed a number with her old dance team.
The bride and groom then engaged in the cultural tradition of the “money dance”, in which guests pay the bride/groom to dance with them.
The first dance was tender and sweet, as Destiny sang softly into Fili’s ear and Fili couldn’t stop smiling if he tried.
I couldn’t resist sharing this side story: About two hours into the epic dance portion of the night, I sat down on the edge of the stage to catch my breath. Moments later, I felt a little hand on my back. I turned around and stared into the wide almond eyes of my tiny fan.
As the first strands of the next song picked up, the smile turned into a tiny bop, and seconds later she had me dancing with her. Needless to say I was reenergized in an instant. =)
Destiny and Fili, you are an incredible and beautiful couple, inside and out. I wish you every happiness as you embark on this blessed life journey together. Thank you for the honor of sharing this incredible day with you – it was absolutely unforgettable!
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