Mr + Mrs Valencia [Whittier, CA]

I had the honor of photographing my cousins wedding in May. It was a very special honor to be able to capture and support my cousin Cristina on her wedding day and throughout the entire process. Our family is close and always try to help one another when possible. Our grandma and my sister made the cake, our uncle performed at the reception, I helped with the flowers and photos and the rest of our families helped countless other ways! Cristina and Ryan put a lot of effort into their wedding; keeping time, budget and thoughtfulness in mind throughout the entire planning. During all this process Cristina is finishing up her Masters and literally finishing finals the DAY before her wedding! Ryan moved to Whittier to be closer to Cristina and give her support when possible, as they’re both from Orange County.

They’re high school sweethearts and have known each other since junior high. Cristina and Ryan stayed together throughout the trials of long distance love while both attending college away from home. One day as we were chatting, Cristina described their separation as “gut wrenching pain”. They’ve grown up together and paved their lives along side each other; and now are planning their lives together as one. They experienced young, blissful love that grew into realistic goals and challenges, aka adulthood. Through these changes and challenges they’ve managed to continue to accomplish great goals, grow closer together and plan their future as husband and wife. They’re incredibly smart and are each other’s yin and yang. Ryan is loving, supportive and affectionate. Cristina is driven, loyal and goal oriented.

Cristina graduates from Cal State L.A this month and the couple will move to Santa Cruz in August where Cristina will go on to start her Doctorate. Our family is incredibly proud of Cristina and her accomplishments. We’re excited to see what the future holds for these two!

Cristina and Ryan; Thank you for taking me on your wedding journey with the two of you! I’m honored to be apart of this special time in your lives! I wish you guys a lifetime of love, happiness and success! Remember; be patient, be each other’s #1 fans, share blankets, Cristina-hug Ryan, Ryan-the key to Cristina’s heart is carbs! Oh-and name your first child after me.. (that was for you Ryan! I’m kidding…)