My name, pictures and magazine were also mentioned on the Despierta America show on Father’s day and today as well as on the Univision website. Thank you again Poncho and Lina for letting me capture the love of your beautiful family!

Shortly after that trip, John surprised me with a ticket to Italy for a workshop with Jose and Gene Higa as an anniversary gift. I felt like I was in the clouds, and still do. I met so many incredible colleagues who I now call friends. We felt such a special connection – like a big Italian family. I learned so much from Jose and Gene, and will be forever grateful. I also met Ann Hamilton, who has the most beautiful heart. To have my hometown friend Bob Davis at the workshop as well was awesome, and he even took some portraits of me (thanks again, Bob!). Joel Serrato, thanks for being such an inspiration! The Chianti Farm Villa where we stayed was great, and Jen Curtis went above and beyond to make us all feel special. The models, the style, the hair and make-up by Mar, and everything else was just perfect! I loved everything about my Italian experience – from the workshop to the people to the culture and landscape. One week in my life that will forever stay in my heart.

The ceremony was held at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago.

The entire wedding was truly exquisite, where Ali Phillips from Engaging Events By Ali did an amazing job.

The reception was held in the Renaissance Ballroom at the InterContinental Hotel Chicago.

Thank you to Modern Photographers for contacting us about it.

The day of the shoot, we picked up Lauren and headed out to the location. Once we got near I knew it had to be something with planes, his passion. He then said ok we are here. We drove over to a particular area and there were helicopters sitting there. He then told us that he lined up the day to shoot with military helicopters since they were in town. It happened to be Marine week. He wanted to do it because of his love for flying and being in the military and all. It was a fun time! He was so happy like a little kid in a candy store.

Once inside we met some of the pilots and crew. They were excited to see us there, and were so awesome with Lauren. They ended up taking us to a secluded location on the ramp where a few of the helicopters were. The day was perfect and so were the gentlemen that helped us. Special thanks goes to Capt. Ryan Lynch, SSGT. John Tedder, SSGT. Jason Gibson, SGT. Mario Land, and SGT. Luis Menaramos with the United States Marine Corp based at MCAS New River, NC
with unit HMH 461 for giving us the guided tour and being fill-in models themselves. These guys were awesome and I was so glad we met them. And thanks to Lauren for providing the beauty and for being so awesome for doing everything I asked of her even though it was cold out. Thank you sweetie, you are such an angel! :)

Updated: We were so excited when we found out that our image was featured on the Today show! You can find it here: Today Show – Brides get down and dirty.

While I was posing the model, the guys insisted on cleaning, and I felt like it was a perfect shot because it reminded me of what John always does, clean.




And here is my guy posing with all of them

My Fav!!