When Maria contacted me about shooting her and Seth’s wedding portraits at the temple, she let me know right away that her and her fiancé were high school sweethearts. Of course I loved hearing this romantic story, and thought it was especially sweet to learn that Seth had been the one to baptize Maria when she became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I knew all of this information going into their wedding, but it wasn’t until I saw the two of them in person, interacting with each other and one another’s family that it really sunk in for me: These two were meant to be together. It was almost as if, they had never not been together. Seth’s siblings were Maria’s siblings long before their sealing day, and vice versa. It was obvious from the way they embraced not just each other, but each other’s family, as well – so naturally and lovingly – that this was a very special union indeed!

Maria had also mentioned to me that most of her family lived in Peru and would not be able to travel for their wedding, which meant she really wanted her photos to capture the beauty and colors of the temple during the summer, to be able to show them from far away. Just as we were finishing up family portraits out in front of the temple, clouds began to gather and a light sprinkle fell on our heads. We grabbed umbrellas and walked to the side of the temple to begin bride & groom portraits. Suddenly, the light sprinkles turned into a complete down pour of rain, and we ran and hid under an awning over the large black doors. Luckily, the rain passed quickly and the water left on the ground, grass, and flowers only helped to magnify the beauty of the temple and gardens. Everything shined and glistened, and of course, now Maria and Seth can say they had a bit of good luck on their wedding day!