May 16, 2009.  Siesta Key, FL

After having the opportunity to relax after Kristina & Peter’s wedding in Chicago, we headed down south to Sarasota, Florida in preparation for the wedding of Brenda & Dan. We were greeted with a forecast of thunderstorms for the weekend, but that did not put a damper on the bride and groom. The wedding could not have been more perfect and the rain managed to stay away until we were safely under cover for the reception. Congratulations, Brenda & Dan! 

May 8-10, 2009. Oak Brook, IL

Our little family had the honor of being part of the wedding of a dear friend and his gorgeous wife yesterday–my husband as a groomsman, our son as the ring bearer, and I had the privilege of singing during the ceremony. From the moment we arrived at our hotel to the moment we checked out this morning, it was one jam-packed, wedding event after another. And we enjoyed every minute of it. Here is just a sneak peak at the revelry and romance. 

REHEARSAL

Father of the Groom

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Bride and Groom

Ring Bearer and Flower Girl

WEDDING DAY

Flower Girl

Bridal Party (from the sidelines)

I had the pleasure of photographing Elena (the daughter of some dear friends of our’s) last month in preparation for the Santacruzan event of last weekend. She needed a headshot for the souvenir program and I was happy to oblige. We did a short shoot at her home and took full advantage of the later sunset hours now that Summer is just around the corner. Isn’t she a beauty? Not only is she a beautiful young lady on the outside, but she is also very sweet and has a gorgeous singing voice. While mom waited in the wings, I captured her beautiful smile and soulful eyes. I can’t wait to take her Senior portraits next year!

May 3, 2009. Rancho Cucamonga, CA. “Santacruzan, a Filipino Cultural Presentation”.

Celebration Hall at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center was host to a crowd of children and young ladies gathered from the Filipino community of the Inland Empire. As onlookers lingered to witness this long-standing tradition, the young ladies (”sagalas”) dressed in beautiful gowns processed around the courtyard, led by little “Santo Nino boys” and “flower girls”. During the month of May, the Santacruzan celebrates the discovery of the cross of Jesus Christ by Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. Each sagala portrays the Accolades of Our Lady, such as Reina Fe (”faith”), Reina Esperanza (”hope”), Reina Justicia (”justice”), etc. One sagala is selected to portray “Reina Elena”, or Queen Helena.