Juan and Christine were married on a cool day in late June at the Shadowland Pavilion on Silver Beach. They had a classic formal affair, silver and black details with a touch of salsa as a tribute to Juan’s Puerto Rican roots and their favorite date-night dancing style!
Here we are working with Erick Gerson, my favorite Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo makeup artist of the year!!! I often book hairstylists or makeup artists as part of my entourage and take with me a full team of creatives to make a wedding day simply perfection. Of course, you are welcome to hire your own, but if you don’t have a favorite stylist or are clueless about 12 hour makeup, I am happy to handle the details and make sure you look phenomenal!
Christine was airbrushed with long-lasting foundation, and treated to day-of eyelashes, in addition to the gorgeous color palette Erick skillfully applied. She looked so amazing!
If it makes your girlfriends cry, it’s good.
Meanwhile, without all that getting ready, the guys had some extra time for beach photos!
And then… the moment arrived! Daddy had to give her away.
Christine and Juan were married in a lovely family ceremony, including a special pledge made directly to Christine’s awesome new son, Giovanni. This kind of love and commitment is the absolute point and purpose of a wedding. I love seeing new families begin! 
The reception was held at The Vineland Center (also in St Joe). Cupcakes by Bert’s Bakery.
Juan’s brother was the lucky man to catch the garter. I think he must have plans for his own wedding soon to be so excited!!!
These are the sweetest dances. The father/daughter dance started traditionally enough… but midway through, the DJ broke into Metallica to surprise Dad (one of his favorite songs)!
The mother/son dance was just as sweet for a different reason. Mom still lives in Puerto Rico. You can see the love and tenderness she feels, and the sadness in seeing her son so very rarely. We were all so happy that so many of Juan’s family could make it. There are plans for a destination reception potentially in the works. Living without seeing loved ones often is so hard.
And finally…. the extraordinary dancers, Juan and Christine, take the stage as husband and wife to celebrate their love and friendship. It was a pleasure to watch them move together. These are some of my favorite “first dance” pictures of the year!
