A few months ago I received an email from Lara & Jennilyn, asking if I’d be interested in shooting their wedding. As a friend of my girlfriend, Shimina, Lara had seen my photos pop up on Shimina’s facebook, and even though they had originally not planned to invest in a photographer, my work had impressed them enough to change their minds. They knew I had no previous experience in wedding photography, nevertheless, they had no doubt that I would exceed their expectations. They trusted me from the very beginning & it meant the world to me.

Months and many emails later, I met Lara & Jennilyn for the first time in person on the eve of their wedding day. However, we were already close friends. When Shimina & I made it to the Stanford Alpine Chalet, the lodge housing all their family & friends for the weekend, and the location of their wedding, I immediately felt at home. Lara & Jennilyn are down to earth folks who enjoy having a fun, relaxing time with their friends & this is exactly what their wedding weekend was all about. While many brides may spend the entire day getting ready for the ceremony, they chose to spend all morning swimming in the pool, enjoying the company of their guests. And when it was time for all the couples to join them on the dancefloor after their first dance, they insisted I put down the camera & dance with my lady. It was important to Lara & Jennilyn that their guests enjoy the day as much as they were. And from behind the lens, through my tear-filled eyes, it appeared that everyone did just that!

Lara & Jennilyn, I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to share in one of the biggest days of your lives. As a photographer, the trust you placed in me means more than you will ever know. Thank you for having fun with me & being your true selves in front of the camera. And as a friend, I am beyond excited for what the future holds for you as a couple.

xoxo,
cristal veronica

PS – If you decide to go through with playing paintball in your wedding dresses, consider me there!