Last evening was the last night of the conference and the award ceremony.  So while editing I started receiving congratulation messages and calls.  I had no idea that one of my three prints had just also been awarded First place in the wedding photojournalism category, I was beyond myself and thought of how blessed I was.  A few minutes later my computer and phone exploded.  ”You just won!” a text said, then another “Congratulations!” and another “OMG you just won!” and so on, I was humbled to receive such amazing congratulatory words from so many people and started to answer them.  What I did not know was that the image that had won first place had also just won The Grand Award of wedding photojournalism, until I got a text that read…”YOU JUST WON THE GRAND AWARD!” All I could do was stare at my phone and log into FaceBook to see what was going on and follow the posts of some of my friends.  To my amazement, I already had many more words posted by friends and colleagues.  I am still in a little bit of shock, but more than anything I am extemely humbled and Incredibly honored!  Here are the images I entered…
Take Me Away: Excellence Award, 1st Place Wedding Photojournalism, Grand Award Wedding Photojournalisim

La Rioja: Excellence Award

Sirenas: Honorable Mention

Just a thought-

Sometimes is hard to realize how lucky we really are. I wake up every morning kiss my wife and daughter and begin to look through images of an exciting and loved filled weekend.  I get to capture couples in love.  People whom no matter their differences, their love surpassed all and with a blessing and a few words profess their eternal love for one another.  Nothing matters in those moments, and nothing should.  Race, religion, gender, even language sometimes are things that love can over come and does in many cases.

I am one of those cases, I was born and raised in Mexico and my wife was born in Houston but grew up in the Middle East.  We are a clash of cultures in every way possible, but I never saw that.  All I saw was a beautiful girl standing there in that room at that moment.  I didn’t ask about religion, beliefs, or race.  I didn’t care about her past, but most definitely wanted to see myself in her future.  That is what love is all about.  That is what I look for in a wedding.  I don’t look for the fancy decorations, the shot that will get me published, or the next image that will get me the next award.  I’m looking at being able to get the shot that shows them as they are…passionate, loving, and ready to tackle the world.

I took this image during a wedding at the end of last year.  I knew what I was shooting but it only dawned on me after I stared at it for a while on my screen.  Maybe this image spoke to me because it shows the coming together of cultures, no words were necessary or people.  The garments spoke volumes, it doesn’t matter what you wear, it doesn’t matter what your beliefs or your past has been,  all that matters is that you found someone who took you for you and is willing to spend the rest of their lives willing to understand and love you as you are.  Your past has made you who you are and that should never be regretted.  Hold your head high and the hand of your lover tight for it is with that person that the road will seem much easier and shorter.  Trust me they know that you are not perfect but it is those imperfections that lead you to each other and that is what makes you perfect for one another.

So hold his or her hand tight look into their eyes and I guarantee that you will not see race, religion, gender, or imperfections.  All you will see is a person who loves you unconditionally.

Junebug Weddings is one of the biggest and most prestigious online wedding magazine, blog, and planning resource for brides internationally.  So I was beyond honored and floored to have been named on “The Best of the Best 2012” list.  I have followed this list for years and have always been an admirer of such amazing photos and photographers every year.   To be part of this group of photographers is beyond words, since only 50 photographers and photographs are chosen from thousands world wide.  It is an absolute privilege to be a small part of its 2012 list and look forward to continuing giving my clients amazing imagery on their most important day.  This is a thank you to all of my past and future clients for trusting me with this amazing opportunity, and to Junebug Weddings for this honor.  Looking forward to this amazing 2013!

Venue: OMNI Fort Worth

It is always an honor when another wedding photographer asks me to capture their special day.  Marcos is an incredibly talented wedding photographer from Queretaro, Mexico.  The day was full of love, and I was incredibly humbled to be capturing their wedding day.  The history of the city of Queretaro can be seen at every turn and historic hotels such as Casa de La Marquesa are an amazing backdrop for an already incredible day.

Dress: Angelina Faccenda by Mori Lee

Make Up and Hair: Erika Guevara

Flowers and Accessories: Fiancee Queretaro

Crowne Plaza Queretaro

“When you came to me with your bad dreams and your fears
It was easy to see that you’d been crying
Seems like everywhere you turn catastrophe it reigns
But who really profits from the dying
I could hold you in my arms
I could hold you forever
I could hold you in my arms
I could hold you in my arms forever”

Ray Lamontagne

Venue:  The Royal Playa del Carmen

Sandals: Luna Sandals