This wedding at Hacienda de las Flores was just beautiful in every way. The grounds of this location are just beautiful and the people are so accommodating and helpful. The flowers by Pat Gibbons were amazingly beautiful and the bouquets just a perfect fit. I’ve always been the type who photographs “Real Weddings”. My style is far more documentary than anything else because I think there is so much to be seen in the simplicity yet complexity of emotions, feelings and abundance of love at weddings. I just don’t see the need to fabricate some crazy poses or lighting techniques to tell the story of the day. Yes, I’m not the one who jumps on the current trend train. The wedding of Virginia and Mike was beautiful, joyous and happy just like any other. But they had been hit with a bit of sadness just prior to the wedding. Sadly, Virginia’s father had just died in the two weeks before the day. So this wedding had another element to it. The parent dances were far more powerful than most and when the couple and the moms came together for one big group dance it was just beautiful and you knew these families were going to take care of each other. The families and friends really honored this man that was obviously well loved and respected through out the day. His presence was there in every moment.  This is to me, the “Real Wedding”. Smiles, laughter, tears and a mix of emotions of happiness, sadness, love and joy. This family has a firm foundation. Best to you Virginia and Mike!