J. ANNE

She asked me long before the wedding what she should use on her invitation.  Should she use her real name, Christina, or her childhood nickname that had never left her, Beana.  After long debate, she chose Christina.  But for the purpose of this blog, we’ll go with Beana.  Because that’s what her friends do.

Beana and Mario chose to be married on October 10th at St. Francis Assisi Catholic Church, and to have their reception at Bali Hai Golf Resort.  Quite frankly, they could not have chosen a better Las Vegas day for their wedding.  There were big white clouds puffing around the blue skies, and as we joined Mario and Beana for their details and getting ready portraits, it just felt right.  It just felt like we needed to be heading to church that day for a full mass, and the marriage of these two beautiful souls.

Beana is the youngest of three girls, so her two sisters and a few of her other dearest friends helped her get dressed the morning before her wedding.  Her Mom was there to look on, and help her get ready, as well.  It really was a lovely morning with excitement brimming from the house!

Beana got her dress in Los Angeles, and she sent me photos of her fitting.  She was stunning in the fitting room, but as it all came together on her wedding day, it was perfectly magical.

This is the moment that we were walking out of the house, and getting into the limo.  We were heading straight to the chapel, and I don’t think that Beana’s expression hides any part of the fact that it was the happiest day of her life.

The memory that I have of Mario and Beana’s wedding is an overwhelming sense of family.  Beana and Mario are such loving, caring, and genuine people to begin with, but it seemed as though every decision that they made during the planning process their friends and family’s needs were at the forefront of their thoughts.  During the reception there are times that I would have to pull Mario and Beana aside to make sure that we got all of the group photos that they wanted, and at every turn, hugs were being given… cousins were shedding tears… and happiness was shared.

Beana made sure to have a table full of the wedding photos of those who had married before them.  Those who they looked up to, and I couldn’t help but snap a photo of each couple with their wedding photos.  The legacies being created in this family are definitely cherished.

Beana worked it for me.  I mean, werrrrrked it.

The mariachi band that played throughout the cocktail hour and the beginning of the reception was seriously on point… both with their music, and their wardrobe!  They were also so accommodating, and excited that I asked them to join us for some of the bride and groom’s first photos as husband and wife!!

Beana and Mario.  There aren’t words to express what you both mean to me.  I have shared stories with you that have never been heard by any other couple… and even some  of my friends… and you helped me find my car after your engagement shoot… ha ha ha (wink, wink!)!!  You are seriously dear friends, and I can not wait for our lives to cross paths again.  You are both amazing people.  Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of the first day of your marriage.  It was truly an honor.

Makeup – Melissa Ferreira
Videography – Caterpillar Weddings
String trio: Las Vegas wedding music 
Flowers, cake, linens, DJ: Cili at Bali Hai 
Invitations & Seating board chart: Paper & Home
Photography: J. Anne Photography
Music: Mariachi Colima