Matt + Laura :: Peru

Posted on:

27 July 2010

Matt and Laura have a love story that is incredibly romantic and practically Shakespearean; filled with drama, love at first sight and travel over long distances. The abridged version, however, is that they met over a Thanksgiving celebration while serving in the Peace Corps in Peru. Both were working in different cities and would take bus rides over the Andes to meet in a city in Northern Peru called Cajamarca. Given the importance that Peru had in their relationship and the large number of friends and “family” in Peru, they decided to return to the country where they fell in love to celebrate their wedding. Incredibly, about 60 people from around the world made the trek to Cajamarca, and combined with the Peruvians from across the country that came to Cajamarca, it became one of the biggest international destination weddings I’ve ever seen! After getting to know Matt and Laura better, however, it is no surprise that so many people came to witness their  marriage. Both have devoted their lives to serving others, and are obviously so beloved by their friends and family.

The wedding was held at a converted hacienda and bullfighting ring resort in a little town outside of Cajamarca called Banos del Inca, an area that is filled with hot springs where Atahualpa himself used to spend time. As the town is in the Andes, the temperature shifts dramatically over the course of the day, and in the early morning when it is still very cold, the hot springs create an incredible, surreal fog that covers everything. It was incredibly beautiful and unlike anywhere I’ve ever been! The lovely wedding was completely bilingual and incorporated both American and Peruvian wedding traditions, including Peruvian “dancing horses,” a huge spread of cuy, and a suprise marinera dance by Matt and Laura. It was such a unique and sweet wedding, and I could not have been more honored to get to return to Latin America for such a special celebration.

And also an enormous thank you to my dear Joel; I cannot imagine doing this trip without you, and to Miss Megan for the wonderful referral.

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Fort Lauderdale Wedding Photographer :: Matt + Wendy

Posted on:

11 November 2009

A few weeks ago, I had a whirlwind trip down to Fort Lauderdale to photograph Matt and Wendy’s wedding! I have been so blessed this year to have couples invite me to shoot their events all across the country, and a sunny wedding in Florida, where Wendy’s mother lives, was the perfect cap to the travel this year. I met Wendy at my friend Margaret’s wedding in Chicago last year, and knew that I wanted to shoot her wedding. Matt and Wendy are both very active in the close-knit improv community here in Chicago, and unsurprisingly, they are always laughing and smiling. Seeing them in another context was so neat and interesting—they are so obviously in love and make such a wonderful unit, and I was so privileged and happy to be able to share in a wedding with such a delightful couple.

Here are a few favourites from their day:

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