He saw her profile.  Her Myspace profile, back when Myspace was the social network.  He was intrigued and asked her out to the movies.  He tells the story with great detail vividly telling me he remembers her walking up the steps to the platform as he waited to meet her for the first time.  She remembers how sweet and romantic he was, and still is.  Making sure that she is not without all her needs, not without love, not without a perfect wedding day.

It was such a brilliantly beautiful day.  She was getting ready.  He was anxious to see her. She laced up her dress with a small token taken from her grandmother's bridal gown, made sure to have her veil on tight, and toasted with her girls as she was to leave being engaged behind and walking towards being a wife.  His wife.

I feel so extraordinarily honored to have photographed these two on their most special day.  Not because of all the beautiful details, or how gorgeous of a day it was.  I was honored because the amount of love that poured out of their hearts in every breath they took that day.  Anastasia + Duanne made their day uniquely them.  Full of family, love, and excitement.  Pronouncing their "I Do's" loudly and ever so proudly.

Mr. & Mrs. Bonta:  This past year of knowing you has been such a terrific joy in my life.  I have loved getting to know you on a personal level and ultimately becoming your friend.  There are no words to accurately express how honored I was to have been at your wedding.  I cried during Duanne's vows, and smiled when Anastasia and you kissed.  I know that the love you have for each other will not only last forever, but inspire many to love as deeply and as truly as you two do.  Thank you for allowing me to experience such a love.

Love you guys!

Venue:  Crestmore Manor
Coordinator:  Intertwined Events
Caterer:Summit Event Catering
Cake: Tasteful Cakes (951-270-0949)
Florals: Wendie Monrroy (951-781-3106)
Photobooth:  Smile Lounge Photobooth
Videographers: Wicoha Productions
Second photographer & assistant extraordinaire:  Mayra Ariza
Beautiful invitations made by one of my previous brides, Analicia!

A bride that wears flats on her wedding day is a girl after my own heart!

The blue backing behind the lace up is from Anastasia's late grandmother's dress.  A great momento and her something blue.

Anastasia and Duanne opted for a First Look.  This is where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony and have a few minutes alone together.  It is such a treat to have this time to embrace each other and really enjoy taking in the day.

Anastasia: You're freakin" gorgeous!

Anastasia's grandmother was a part of every element of her day.  She was there in every piece.  From the lace back of her dress, to the piece pinned on the sleeve of her dress, and this Franc on her bouquet. It was beautiful to see her grandmother's spirit resonate through out the day.

Anastasia's grandfather wore the French flag and little ties in the colors in his hair and beard.  He gave such a great service!

That is one happy groom!

This was quite possible the best moment of the entire day.  Anastasia's vows were very heart warming and straight from the place only reserved for Duanne.  Duanne's vows were a little different.  For three months, he, with the help of one of Anastasia's cousins, learned his vows in French.  The reason for this was because he wanted Anastasia's grandmother's spirit to be there during this very important step in the ceremony.  And cue in the tears!  There was not a dry eye in the entire place.  It was so special!

A few reception details:

After dinner, the light was absolutely so beautiful.  I took out the bride and groom for some sunset photos around the fountain (which earlier in the day was so bright during the day) and by their grand exit car.  These are my favorite!