“My favorite part of the entire ceremony was actually being married to him at the end!!” Both the bride and the groom were squished into the back seat of my Honda Civic after the ceremony. We were on our way to get their first photographs as husband and wife in the nearby desert. The first thing I needed to do was feed my selfless roommate and his new wife so I grabbed a granola bar from my emergency wedding-day stash. As we pulled up to the site, they babbled excitedly to each other as if they had been best friends their whole lives. They literally leapt through the desert, joy radiating off their faces. They were so happy to have a little time alone with each other during their private husband and wife photo shoot. They braved the desert trail, Josue pulled her nice and tight, they made each other laugh and got lost in each other‘s eyes. I was excited for the dreamy, glowing light that wrapped around my two clients. And I sighed with contentment to see my two dear friends so in love with each other.

This was an especially wonderful wedding for me. It was beautiful to watch you propose and take your engagement photographs. This was the very first wedding I have ever photographed and filmed while being the best man!! Right away I have to give a huge shout out to my exceptional team—Thomas Lamca, Lena Landgraf, Julia Blackman, and Jake Kershinar! Thank you so much for making it possible for me to serve my roomie and his wife this way!!

Josue and Alicia, I loved every moment of this special day. It was fun to be with friends and family, to laugh together, pray together, and play musical chairs!! (I really thought I had a chance at that game!) Some of my favorite moments actually occurred after the wedding when I got to hear some of YOUR favorite moments. I absolutely love hearing you be excited about musical chairs because you wanted your guests to have fun and feel like they were at a big party; you wanted to bridge cultures together. I love that you just loved hanging out with your groomsmen and your bridesmaids because it shows your heart for your friends and your family.

My other favorite part of this special day was when you washed each other‘s feet and worshipped in both English and Spanish as part of your ceremony. I suspect that many years from now  when we are laughing and looking back at your successful marriage, we will see that this component of faith is the anchor that made everything work.

I am excited to be on this journey with you both. I am privileged and honored that you trusted me to capture your memories for the day. I hope you love each photograph and treasure them just as much as I do!! Remember you have an awesome community that is dedicated to supporting you!! And the best is truly yet to come!!

Lots of love,

Josiah

 

Venue: Hope Barn & Gardens |  Dress: David’s Bridal