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The best wedding stories are built on connection, culture, and a love that spans borders. When I first met Jason and Dulce at the Triple A Ranch in Ham Lake, MN, for their save-the-date session, the chemistry was instant. True to her name, Dulce is entirely sweet with a smile that lights up her whole face. Jason is the playful counterweight to her demure nature.

Dulce initially worried about how to pose, but with a bit of guidance and prompting, she immediately eased into the session. Many of my favorite photos of them are those raw, in-between moments and stolen glances. Dulce, who previously lived in Canada, moved to Minnesota to be with Jason. Looking at them, it goes without saying that their souls were meant to be together.

For their save-the-dates, they opted for digital invitations, a modern alternative that I love. We got their top choices edited and sent over ASAP so they could share their excitement with friends and family.

Fast forward to their wedding day: a beautiful, hot, and sunny summer day! We kicked off the morning with the groom and his "damos" which is a cheeky name Jason chose for his 13 groomsmen. The camaraderie was undeniable. These guys have been friends for years, and the room was full of energy as they played pool and recorded their own behind-the-scenes footage on a nostalgia-inducing 2000s camcorder. Jason looked sharp in a beige suit and matching Tejana cowboy hat, while his damos rocked classic black suits and black Tejanas.

Next, my video team and I headed to Dulce’s family home near St. Louis Park. The house in Minneapolis was packed with love and anticipation. Dulce was a statuesque vision in a stunning lace dress perfect for the summer heat, paired with white cowgirl boots instead of traditional heels. Her veil, shimmering with hints of glitter in the sunlight, beautifully mirrored the traditional Spanish lace veils worn for Catholic ceremonies.

Watching Dulce’s mother help button her dress brought a wave of nostalgia over me. Having a daughter of my own, I couldn’t help but imagine what my future moment with her will look like, and how deeply I will want that memory immortalized.

One of the most important moments for Dulce was a private first look with her father. We structured this uniquely: Dulce wrote him a letter containing a photo of her as a little girl. Her father is much like her. He is quiet and stoic, yet possessing a noticeable strength.

As he read her words and gazed at the old photo, emotion overtook him. His hands began to shake, and a single tear fell. He lovingly folded the note away just as Dulce made her way down the steps. The moment they embraced left me completely breathless and hardly able to speak.

Following the morning prep, we headed to their Catholic church ceremony. Catholic sanctuaries often have strict rules regarding flash photography and team placement, but our extensive experience allowed us to navigate the space seamlessly without disturbing the service. Relying on natural light and pulling out my film camera when possible, we captured true candids: teary eyes, shy smiles, and pure emotion. The newlyweds practically floated down the aisle, surrounded by a joyful trail of family and friends.

If you work in weddings long enough, you learn that adaptability is your greatest superpower. When we arrived in Buffalo, MN, for portraits, my flash transmitter took a hard fall off my harness and broke. To my absolute horror, my backup transmitter was also out of commission from a recent session.

As a dedicated strobist, I usually live for sunny days because they allow me to pull out my high-powered strobes for those dramatic, high-fashion wedding looks. With only my external flash and good old-fashioned natural light available, I had to pivot completely.

We used the shade of the local library, and I leaned heavily into a light, airy, film-inspired aesthetic. The results were absolutely magical. This proves that real artistry is about how you handle the unexpected.

The party truly started at the Buffalo Civic Center. Jason, Dulce, and their bridal party made a grand entrance that set the tone for an unforgettable night.

As a Mexican wedding photographer, capturing a traditional celebration like this always feels incredibly close to home. Looking through my lens at a room filled with faces that feel as familiar as my own family is always special. The energy of a Mexican reception is unmatched:

The deep humming of voices and unbridled laughter filling the space.
The physical vibration of the floor as heels and cowboy boots stomp to dynamic Bandas and Rancheras.
The timeless tradition of the Money Dance, pinning blessings directly onto the couple's wedding finery.

The highlight of the reception was easily La Víbora de la Mar (The Snake of the Sea). This is essentially London Bridge times a thousand! Jason and Dulce stood high on chairs, creating a bridge with her sparkling veil. Supported by their bridesmaids and groomsmen, they held strong as a massive "snake" of wedding guests held hands and sprinted through the venue and under the bridge, trying to knock them down.

Lately, it seems like the groom is the primary target! This tradition is deeply symbolic. The friends, family, and compadres holding the couple up literally and figuratively have their backs, protecting them against forces that might try to tear them down in life.

Instead of a traditional bouquet, Jason and Dulce threw adorable "Dr. Simi" plushies gifted by a close friend, adding a perfect touch of modern humor to the night. After the women took their turn, the men took over the víbora, bringing a wild energy!

After the women took their turn, it was the men's turn to take over the víbora. This is where things always get wild, and as much as I love it, it always makes me a little nervous for the groom! Guys can be ruthless and tend to go for blood. A great DJ is essential to keep things from getting too rowdy.

While the tradition often involves stripping articles of the groom's clothing to leave a trail down the funeral march which is mimicking the "death" of his bachelorhood. Jason’s guys skipped the clothes and went straight for the toss. Being thrown into the air is a massive act of trust; you have to know your friends are going to catch you. At one point, Jason was completely upside down! Luckily, he emerged totally unscathed and ready for the next event: the garter removal.

Remember when I said Jason was the playful one? He took it to a whole new level. Think Magic Mike, but make it "Magic Juan." Mrs. Estrada received a full-on, hilarious striptease from her new husband, complete with him "throwing it back" before successfully retrieving the garter.

Jason then tossed the second Dr. Simi plushie, which was caught by one of his friends. In a twist of pure fate, when the winner of the bouquet toss and the winner of the garter toss met on the dance floor for their mandatory song, we realized they were actually already married to each other!

To signal that the party was officially on, Jason and Dulce made a spectacular second grand entrance, this time accompanied by a live Banda. The energy was electric, the dance floor was packed, and my team and I documented every single heartbeat of it.

Experiencing the unbridled joy, deep cultural roots, and absolute love of days like this leaves a lasting impression on me. Can I just say? If reincarnation is real, I hope I come back as Mexican in every single lifetime. ¡Que vivan los novios!