The year I went to college, my parents started an adpot-a-student program at our local junior college. (I like to think they missed me, so they felt like taking care of another daughter.) One of the first students my family "adopted" was a girl from Brazil who came to play on the volleyball team. She was a fiery, hilarious, sarcastic, beautiful girl who we all fell in love with. After many pool days, holidays, and moving days, we started considering Mariana family. Mariana was only in Borger for two years, but during those years she met and fell in love with a charming, cute Puerto Rican boy named Charlie who played on the baseball team. They stayed together throughout the rest of college, and both ended up back in Puerto Rico. 

You can imagine our excitement when Mari told us all that she was planning a wedding! Of course, we had to be there. And- be there in FULL force. Shawn, Lauren and I photographed, my Mom decorated, and my Dad walked Mariana down the aisle. I am so glad we got to be a part of such a special event. Charlie and Mari- we love you!

This was my first Puerto Rican/Brazilian wedding to photograph, and it was an adventure. This wedding didn't start until 8:00 pm and went until 2:00 am- with a suprise you will see later at 12:30! And let me tell you- those Puerto Ricans know how to dance! I was thankful to have the camera- a.k.a. an excuse not to have to strut my ultra-white-girl awkward dance moves. We had a blast, and it went by so quickly. Here are some of my favorite images from their wedding day. 

This stance- sooo Mari...

At 12:30 some special dancers came to keep the party rolling- and they certainly did!

Congratulations Charlie + Mari! Thanks for letting us be there!