Marlene originally came from Portugal, and met Art in the States.  When they booked us a year ago, Art mentioned that they would spend significant budget to fly Marlene’s family in from Portugal.  As their big day approached, we started planning for their wedding photography.  Art emailed us that he would like to have most planning done before the arrival of Marlene’s family, so they could spend more time with her family.  “Art would make a great son-in-law”, I thought to myself when I read his email.

I finally met Marlene’s family on the big day.   Marlene’s parents speak very little English, yet that didn’t stand in Art’s way to bond with them.  I remember the moment of father-daughter dance.  While Marlene broke into tears in her father’s arm with music, Art offered his shoulder to her mom, who couldn’t hold back the tears either.  As a father of a four year old girl, I doubt I could fully fathom the emotions of a parent giving away his daughter thousands of miles from home.  However, I could feel their love for Marlene, and their trust in Art to care for their beloved daughter, despite that he doesn’t even speak the same language.  Love just knows no boundaries!

Marlene and Art, congratulations for your wedding and the joint of two families!  Wish you guys all the happy years together!

Kelly’s family originally came from Japan, so she naturally wanted to shoot her engagement at a Japanese garden.   Richard, on the other hand, always wishes to have pictures at the beach.  A little while ago, we spent a relaxing half-day together in San Jose and Santa Cruz for their engagement pictures.  It was a fun and the picture turned out great.  Kelly and Richard, congratulations and look forward to your wedding in September.