Monica and Chris a Croatian / Portuguese Wedding

I come from a big family in Manitoba, we would get together for every occasion and celebrate with lots of good food and stories. When I get the opportunity to photograph big weddings like this it really makes me miss my family out east. There is something fantastic about Portuguese and Croatian weddings, the way they are all so close and help each other out. I find that they are so proud of their culture, their family and love to be photographed!

As I drove up to start my day with Monica the house was full of people, laughter and of course food! Before people knew who I was they where offering me food - Love it!

The ceremony was beautiful, talking about the importance of family, love and the responsibility of all the guests to help hold the couple together. The vows that Monica and Chris wrote where perfect, both talking about each others strengths and inner beauty. As the couple kissed to seal their union the bridal party set off streamers and people cheered.

I have to thank the couple and the bridal party for being so much fun to photograph! I love the enthusiasm and laughter. I have to admit the photographs I got of the men running are one of my favourites. And the women those eyes are amazing, and you all glowed in the photographs. Oh and thank you for climbing the rocks in 4" heals, you are all my heros. Monica your ideas for some of the group photographs where perfect and I have to admit my stomach hurt from laughing so hard after your group formals.

At the reception the food was amazing, the music energizing and the laughter was plentiful. As I went around to all the tables to get photographs of couples, I noticed that so many of the couples where married for years, that out of 265+ people there was hardly anyone divorced, or single. They must really know what they are doing, I wonder if they are better at picking their mates or at staying together? Whatever it is I think the world needs to take lessons from your family.

Thank you for picking us to be part of your amazing day and I look forward to photographing your family as it grows. I hope your children get Monicas amazing eyes.
 

Vendors from the wedding

Ceremony location - Croatian Catholic Church St. Leopold Mandic - (250) 721-3980

Reception Location - Our Lady Of Fatima Church - www.ourladyoffatimavictoria.com

Rings - Peoples & Ben Moss

Flowers - Growers Direct - www.growerdirect.com

Cake - Dutch Bakery - thedutchbakery.com

Food - Casa Nova Catering - www.casanovacatering.com

Pastor - Father William Hahn

Hair - Chatters Salon - 406, 2945 Jacklin Road - www.chatters.ca

(if I missed a vendor please send me an email)