I love shooting weddings in Las Vegas. It should be said, though, that I’m a traveler at heart, and an “at home” kind of girl, so when it comes to photographing destination weddings, I’m all for it. And if its in my home town of Santa Fe, NM like this one was, then I’m all in. I should start off by saying that Wayne and Marinda really have saved each other. Wayne, falling in love with Marinda and her son, and Marinda supporting Wayne while he served two tours in Afghanistan decided to seal their vows on June 29th, 2012. This is a strong family.
Anytime I get to shoot a soldier’s wedding its such a privilege. Wayne is a decorated Airborne Sergeant in the Army. He willingly puts himself on the line to protect our freedom. And Marinda shares him with all of us. So it was with this thought in mind that really made me passionate about shooting for their special day.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Their wedding was set in the “City Different” of Santa Fe, NM, and Santa Fe really lives up to its reputation. A city steeped deep in Spanish culture, history, and architecture, once you’re in Santa Fe, you’re immersed in culture. Every building made of adobe, each its own work of art. They chose to have their wedding at arguably the most iconic location in all of Santa Fe, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Built in 1714, the cathedral is a pillar of life in Santa Fe. Set in the heart of the Santa Fe plaza, the cathedral towers over most of its adobe neighbors.
Their wedding was a rustic, traditional, catholic ceremony, but with a Santa Fe flair. Instead of a traditional choir, they had a mariachi band playing throughout the ceremony. And although the couple and their guests were surrounded by the cathedral’s gothic inspired architecture, Santa Fe’s charming culture was never absent.
They involved all 3 of their children which made their ceremony that much more special. Their oldest son walked Marinda (very proudly) down the isle and gave her away, while their daughter was their flower girl, and their youngest son their ring bearer. They shared their first dance with their daughter.
It all made for an intimate and beautiful wedding day.
I think the mood of the day was complete as the three of us were heading around the Santa Fe Plaza during the posed photography portion of our day when an elderly man came up to Wayne and said, “I see that you’re a decorated war veteran and I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do to serve our country.” At that moment Wayne just looked down and nodded. Later I asked him why he wasn’t able to respond to the elderly man. He simply answered, “Because I don’t feel like a hero. Its just the right thing to do.” Well, he is a hero, and it was my honor to photograph their wedding.
Without waisting anymore time, here are some of their awesome photos!
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