It's in the way they speak to each other. Big, smart, passionate words they're willing to speak in front of hundreds. Perhaps it's their brazen willingness to expose their emotions is what makes them so real. During their personal vows, they wrote words to each other that could make anyone's soul long in contentment for a true love found. Damaris thanked Donald for marrying her, and his responsive vow was that as long as she smiled–a smile that changed his world–he'd be honored to stay be her side. Forever.
The morning started at Damaris' childhood home and it was filled nothing but unadulterated love. It percolated in every room and seeped through the window sills. Damaris' family hails from the Dominican Republic, so merengue music filled the air and laughter danced along the bum-bum-ba beats, only competing with Damaris' gleeful proclamations I'm getting MARRIED today! When she arrived at Vibiana for her wedding, she took a few deep breaths and waited for her groom in the gold dome she envisioned since booking the historic venue. From a slight distance her aunts, parents, and cousins cheered as they saw Donald approach his bride. Laughter. Donald laughed in disbelief at the sight of the gorgeous woman he was going to marry. The girl who took his breath away when he was college freshman at USC, had morphed into the woman of his dreams. And as long as she smiled–a smile that changed his world–he wanted to wrap his arms around her and stay by her side. Forever.
Big D and Little d…just like you promised it would be, your day was perfection. Moreover, your wedding day was filled with everything it should be: Joy, Laughter, No Drama, Hugs, and Kisses. I know now how and why you are so fabulous…you are mere reflections of your amazing families and I feel like an added member. So much so, I fully intend to visit your aunt's Dominican restaurant for some serious grub! 🙂 Thank you for calling me from New York and booking me…our first conversation was just the start of this new friendship and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you. Have fun in Thailand and sip on coconut soup in my honor! 😉 Much Love and Appreciation…J*
Damaris found her Lazaro wedding dress shortly after getting engaged two years ago…and it was perfect!
While I was shooting wedding details at Damaris' home, these little cuties wanted to follow me and make sure I was doing my job! 😉
A little merengue on the wedding day never hurt…
JD hung out with Donald as he reviewed his wedding vows in the Groom's room at Vibiana…
Just moments before starting wedding photos at Vibiana…
I know I say it all the time, but, really, I lovelovelove when a bride and groom opt to see each other before the ceremony…their moments are so beautifully amazing and a time for them to share their first views as husband and wife together. And just look at the amazing light pouring in for their first wedding photos at Vibiana!
Damaris just radiated fabulousness…
While the ceremony was still being set up at Vibiana, I worked around the others because the light was pretty amazing…
I could take wedding pictures at Vibiana and never run out of places to shoot…this place is amazing!
As I was shooting family formals, Damaris was waiting patiently with her parents for Donald's family to join them. I usually have the mother stand next to the bride, so when I asked if her father wouldn't mind trading places, her mother told me in hushed tones that he wanted to stand next to his daughter for the remainder of the pictures. It's just that he's so proud today, she explained. I assured her it was fine and with that, Damaris' father quickly kissed his baby and this candid is my favorite from the day…
Okay. So I'm not Tyra Banks' biggest fan (com'on…she's gotten a little crah-azey lately!), but I'm gonna steal a line from America's Next Top Model because it's so fitting. This bridal party drank some “Fierce Juice” before coming ready for pictures…just LOOK at them! They're all so ultra fab.
In more sensical terms, I'd like to point out that by a bride and groom opting for a First Look, they're afforded the luxury of capturing all family and bridal party pictures beforehand, allowing them to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Love it!
The newly minted Mr. and Mrs…
Just after the ceremony, Damaris and Donald took some time to relax on their own and we ventured to the Vibiana rooftop because the light was simply insane for more wedding photos….
Damaris…thanks for ‘smiling with your eyes'! 😉 LOVE IT!
Just before heading down to cocktail hour, Donald asked if we'd be able to photograph Damaris in the Groom's Lounge of Vibiana because…wait for it…the light was good. HELLO?! Is he not the most perfect groom ever?! Donald, you're my fav! 😉
Both the wedding ceremony and the reception was held at Vibiana, but the main room was transformed during cocktail hour…
The First Dance…
JD always focuses on getting a few tight shots during the First Dance and I always appreciate them…
Talk about knowing how to throw a wedding…Damaris and Donald's friends and families rocked Vibiana until 2am!
To see more of their fabulous wedding pictures at Vibiana, feel free to CLICK HERE for a slideshow!
