For weeks Rex told Ashley he wouldn’t make it to Christmas in Cincinnati with her family. The two hadbeen dating long distance since Ashely moved back to her home town to work as a pediatric physical therapist. Because of the distance, Ashely was really hoping to see her far away love.
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 November of 2011, I traveled to South America to photograph Agustina and Johann’s wedding. Before and after the wedding, I spent a few weeks traveling through parts of Argentina and Bolivia.
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.
One of my second photographers,Tom Root and I went out shooting on Sunday to stir the creative juices and talk about the upcoming session. We’re both closet hipsters, or wait no, were real artist, or does calling ourselves artist therefore make us hipsters? Either way, we love urban settings, graffiti, chain link fences, cool texture, and exploring-so, I guess according to that description, we might have hipster tendencies 🙂 No matter–if in fact we are, than I’m embracing it!
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!
When Purvi brought up their engagement session, she told me she really wanted pictures captured beneath Christmas lights. She also hoped for snow, not for the whole season, mind you, but rather for the sake of the pictures. “It’s funny because for the pictures, I am hoping for snow on the ground, but in reality, I’m hoping the snow never comes! ”
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.
Dan and Anthony Ponce are well-known local reporters for news stations WGN 9 and NBC 5, respectively. Now they’re being recognized for additional coverage on a different medium, airwave radio. Tune into WLSAM.com or a.m. 890 on Sundays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. to hear The Ponce Brothers discuss national and local topics from the week.
I refer to Ponce’s brother Anthony as my fiance and Dan as my soon-to-be brother-in-law. 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 Ponce Brothers show and even occasionally fill in.
A week ago I flew back to Nebraska to visit my family and spend some time with my nephew Reed. My last visit in October, he was only two weeks; at three months, he’s now starting to look like a little man, rather than an old man. It’s amazing to me how babies start their life resembling the way they’ll look at the end-bald, wrinkly, and maybe just a little crabby 🙂 I’m sure my sister’s shaking her head reading this. It’s just, being an aunt is so marvelous. Really! I marvel at this little baby boy every time I have him in my arms, trying to take in the reality of his existence. It’s pretty out of this World.
Well, enough of my ramblings. On to the pictures. Without further adieu, three month old baby Reed:
“We have been a couple since before either of us was of a legal drinking age. We met at the recreation center of our college.”
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
A few days after Agustina and Johann’s wedding, we jumped in a pickup truck with our guides, Joaquin and Dani, gas tank loaded on the back of the bed, and headed North. After two days of driving, we arrived in Uyuni, Bolivia. Llama farms dotted the countryside and locals sold hand woven fabrics along the road. After having a quick bite of local fare, we headed outside of town to the salt flats. This celestial terrain stretches for miles as far as the eye can see. The expanse of salt is remnants left over from what once was an ocean or sea.
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!
A little more than a year ago I met with Agustina for the first time in a small coffee shop in Lincoln Square. She friended me on facebook earlier when she say pictures from one of my trips. She mentioned she was going to be married in a Argentina the following year and was interested in having me photograph the union. Since then we’ve become great friends, so this trip to South America was extra special for me. Not only was I taking pictures and exploring Argentina and Bolivia (those photos to come in a few blog posts), but I was sharing the experience with two great people!
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.
My sister is the proud mother of her first child, Reed Curtis Thompson, my darling nephew. My trip back to Nebraska couldn’t come soon enough after the little guy was born. I’m so glad I could hop on a flight and get some real quality time with Katie, Ty, and Reed before heading to South America (pictures to come in the next few days) a few short days later. Love you guys!
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Our guide Dani strikes a pose. He wanted to be a part of the portrait session. Dani and Joaquin smile for a photo.
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.
Carina wasn’t able to hold back her tears, so Mamama, gave her a few hearty slaps to snap her out of the crying.
