Smiling Orchid Faces

Today I took a little break and went to the Botanical Gardens Orchid Show. It comes to St. Louis once a year and is well worth checking out. I suggest going on a sunny day so you can see these little charmers in their best light. I had no idea a flower could smile, frown, or stick its tongue out at your for that matter, until I saw an orchid. :) These are a few of my favorites.

Tulum, Mexico

I just returned from a vacation I took to photograph a wedding in Mexico. My dear friends Chuck and Michelle were married by Indian Chief Phillip, on the beach of Tulum. It was one of the most peaceful and precious ceremonies I have ever been a part of. There were so many unique elements to their wedding. The Native American drumming, singing, and chanting was very powerful and gave us all the feeling that we were all a part of something very special in that moment. One of my favorite parts was the blanket ceremony. Michelle's mother and sister unfolded a specially made blanket and wrapped it around her. Chief Phillip said a few words about the sacredness of marriage, and then asked Michelle if she was ready to share her life forever with Chuck. Her answer was symbolized as she opened up the blanket and invited him in. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!!!

As soon as I got home from the trip I went right to work on the pictures. I knew I had captured some very special and very "magical moments." Here's a small handful of some of my favorites.