Two days before Christmas, her mother asked Ashley to make a last minute gift run.  The shopping route took them past Ashley and Rex’s Freshman dorms (where they met nine years ago). There, waiting on the same steps they climbed together on a daily basis, was Rex. Ashely’s mom pushed her out of the car, (she at least stopped first) leaving the two alone.  As she approached, Rex bent to one knee and amongst hundreds of glowing candles, asked Ashely to be his wife.  She happily accepted!

In La Paz, Bolivia, Agustina and I started each morning with coco mate, an herbal tea to help with altitude sickness. Then, we strapped our cameras to our shoulders and hit the streets. We scaled the winding roads, (slowly!! The altitude was pretty rough.) heading first to the black markets where indigenous women in black boiler top hats and long velvet skirts, sold dried baby llama carcasses, plants, and herbs for good fortunes.

Though the gutters were grimy, the vendor stalls were filled with vivid colors. Past the black markets, we reached shops filled with woven Alpaca fabric and handmade crafts. With a light tone, Agust called to the shopkeeper, “Case,” using the native local word for a title of respect.

Slowly each woman went back and forth, offering one price and shaking their heads at the other. Often, after 20 minutes of negotiating, we’d leave without making a purchase. ‘What happened?’ I’d ask.

“I told them to remember my face for when I return after the wedding because I’ll back and want them to make me a good price”

I was surprised by this,”Will they really remember you?”

“Oh yes, and they’ll give me the Bilivian price.”

We spent hours absorbed in this simple routine. We took our time. What habits of America I still held on to slipped away she as each afternoon we walked without glancing at a clock and each night we ate dinner later and later.

By the time I arrived in Argentina, I knew if there was a schedule, it would be up for interpretation. Of all people, Agustina’s Grandma maintained these culture traditions with fervid dedication. She invited us to dinner and we spent an hour chatting in the living room-she speaking loud, enthusiastic bits of English, while I racked my mind for to remember phrases from my high school Spamish lessons.

More images to come… Check back for Part 2

Chicago Ave. was our location of choice for this adventure.  If you follow the train tracks beneath the overpass, you find a walls of graffiti and remnants of vagabonds. The light poured in like one big, oversized soft box, creating a perfect source for going over different descriptions.  I made Tom turn this way, that way, then all the way back around again while I showed him hatchet, Rembrandt, and back, rim, and beauty light.

We had a blast shooting-(though our next workshop we’re happily accepting volunteer models).  We channeled scenes from Stand By Me-balancing on the rails like gymnast on a beam.  We took the tracks one direction, than back the other. After about an hour or so, our fingers were numb from the cold and it was time to go back.  I’m already looking forward to our next workshop adventure!

Unfortunately the snow did come, but not soon enough. Still, there’s one redeeming factor in the streets being dry–it made it much easier for Purvi to cross the streets in her Christmas gift from Mohit, classic black Louboutins, with that signature red strip that matched perfectly with her darling peacoat.

I refer to Ponce brother Anthony, as fiance, and Dan as my soon-to-be brother-in-law. Obviously, I know them well. So, I wasn’t surprised when they spent the entire shoot rifling off nonstop movie quotes, and cracking each other up. I’m glad they have each other, so someone thinks they’re funny. Just kidding guys, you’re great comedians, but please keep it on the radio and out of my photo shoot.

Dan and Anthony learned from their father, Phil Ponce, longtime host of Chicago Tonight. Phil will be a frequent guest on the The Ponce Brothers show, and even fill in on occasion.

Keep up the good work guys.

Well, enough of my ramblings.  On to the pictures.  Without further adieu, three month old baby Reed:

Eleven years later, the couple, who scored higher than anyone EVER for knowing the other best in their marriage preparation class, sealed the deal.  This self-described quiet, introverted couple, said their vows in an intimate winter ceremony  in front of their immediate family and very close friends.

In an e-mail to me before their wedding, Patti wrote, “we really just enjoy each other’s company.” I could see this from our first meeting.  They laugh easy, and seem utterly comfortable with each other. It was a joy to see them marry and celebrate at their reception afterwards.

I have to give the couple props (especially Patti-you’ll see why in the pictures) for bearing the cold during their portrait session.  They were troopers!  Thankfully, their reception was quite cozy at the Keith House also known as the Prairie Avenue Gallery.  In this beautiful building in one of Chicago’s historical districts, they shared in laughs, cheers, dancing, and even a little karaoke!  Congrats Patti and Alfred.  All the best to you both!

I’d like to give a big shout out to the following vendors:
Cake: Amy Beck’s Cake Designs.  cakes@amybeckcakedesign.com

Caterer: Maison dbarranco22@yahoo.com

Florist: Flowers-Flowers. www.flowers-flowers.com joanne@flowers-flowers.com

Venue: Prairie Avenue Gallery – Keith House events@prairieavenuegallery.com

Black Hearts Hair House- 773.525.4344

Makeup Artist: Esther Soto-esther.soto@yahoo.com

Bride’s Dresses:

Ceremony Dress – Allure Bridal

Reception Dress – David’s Bridal

Bride’s Maids Dresses-David’s Bridal

Tuxes: Formally Modern Tuxedo

On the dry cracked land, dressed in their wedding attire, I snapped pictures of the newlyweds. It was a beautiful setting for a couple that radiates. Thank you for having me along to document your wedding and experience Bolivia and Argentina!

A few Outtakes:Our guide Dani strikes a pose.  He wanted to be a part of the portrait session. Dani and Joaquin smile for a photo.

Dani uses a stick and plastic tube to siphon gas into the tank. This was a first for me!

Argentina was stunning, full of joyful laughter, and inviting. Agustina’s family was incredibly warm and sweet. It was amazing to meet them in person after hearing so many stories!

Check back soon for Johann and Agustina’s day after session in Uyuni, Bolivia.

I thought I’d share a few images of the remarkable vistas just a short drive outside of Agustina’s hometown, Salta.

Salta is famous for traditional gauchos, cowboy’s who herd the native horses.

The Wedding Day:

On the way to the venue where Agustina was to get ready, a person driving beside pointed out a low tire on the vehicle. “Do you think I should pull over?” Agust asked. “I think we better.  You don’t want the tire to blow out along the way.”

We pulled off at a small auto shop, where the mechanic said she’d need to change the tire. “Well ok then, but can you just try to do it fast because I’m getting married today, ” Agust said with a smile.  Throughout the whole trip she referenced the Saltena lifestyle–a casual approach to things, especially schedules. For such a thing to happen in America might send the day in a tail spin, but Agustina just shrugged and carried on. 

Agustina finalized the table arrangements for the reception while having her hair done.

Agustina’s grandma, Mamama, goes over last details for the day.  She is an amazing woman, a classic matriarch with a big heart and impeccable taste.

Agustina had her one of a kind dress made in Salta, inspired by a dress worn Christina Applegate wore to the Oscars. 

The church was overflowing with guests excited to see the couple married.

In Argentina, it’s tradition to follow the religious ceremony with a civil ceremony, which took place at the reception site.

When Agustina first came to America, she lived with The Borelli’s as their family au pair. Seven years later, they are all very close. Lisa and Mark Borelli flew in from Chicago for the occasion, to the delight of her family and friends.

Johann’s sister’s, Annie and Carina toasted the happy couple on behalf of their parents, who weren’t able to travel from Chicago, and their distant extended in the Philippines. Carina wasn’t able to hold back her tears, so Mamama, gave her a few hearty slaps to snap her out of the crying.