When I walked in the door, I was greeted by Diana’s stunning long-sleeved, lace wedding gown hanging in the foyer and a rack of sleek beaded bridesmaids dresses close by. Every last detail of Diana’s was timeless and personal. She and Cristian had wedding bands engraved with the word “Forever” and their wedding date on the inside. She had embroidered handkerchiefs made for both of her parents. She got dressed in her childhood bedroom, where her little teddy bear still rested on her bed, watching. Because family is such a strong influence on Diana, we tried to make sure that we incorporated elements of her home into the detail images. When we arrived, Diana was seated and the final touches were being done to create her glamorous wavey hairstyle. Before getting ready, Diana read Cristian’s sweet love letter that he had written to her. One of my favorite moments on the wedding day is the exchange of letters and gifts between a bride and groom in the morning before they see each other. Sometimes there are tears, many times there are giggles, but it is always such an insightful moment into the relationship between the couple–Diana’s moment was no exception. You could see Cristian’s love for her on her face as she read his card. As soon as she was finished, she went upstairs with her mother and three sisters to have one last family moment as just the girls of her family.
Meanwhile across the water at the BRIDGEWATER MARRIOTT, SERENA was with Cristian preparing for the life changing moments that were yet to come. His preparations were serene and his details were equally on point to Diana’s. His attire consisted of a perfectly tailored dark blue suit with black lapels, a perfectly tied white bow-tie, and sleek black shoes and cufflinks.
The rain on the outside had nothing to compare to the bright glow inside the church. Diana & Cristian lit up in a way I had never seen when they finally saw each other at the top of the aisle. Cristian’s face processed through a thousand emotions while he waited for Diana to make it to him, but from the moment that they were side by side, both were absolutely giddy with love.
After an incredible bridal portrait at their reception site at the Bridgewater Marriott, we went to take couple’s portraits. Not that you would know from the images, but it was pouring all day long and we were trapped indoor for most of the day. Fortunately, the entryway to the Marriott had a large overhang that overlooked a pretty lush garden area that was the perfect backdrop for some outdoor portraits.
The good news is that when it rains, it isn’t the end of your wedding portraits by any means. In fact, I’ve come to absolutely love shooting in the rain. Some of our most beautiful images have taken place on rainy days. And some of our favorite rainy day portraits have been of Diana & Cristian!
There are so many more details from this wedding that we would like to share with you – but we already have! You can read more of their incredible love story in parts one, two, and three.
