This past weekend we had the amazing pleasure of photographing Ana + Rocky’s wedding at the St Stanislaus Catholic Church in Modesto. Being December we knew that there was a chance it could rain but we had our fingers crossed that it would hold off at least for one day. Sadly, it was not to be, but this super sweet and awesome couple weren’t going to let a little bit of moisture ruin their wedding!
We started their wedding off right, doing a First Look with both Ana + Rocky along with their son before some quick rainy portraits and then heading inside the beautiful church. It was a fairly typical Catholic ceremony, but watching their friends and family members witness these two tying the knot was truly heartwarming. Every single person in the church (including us!) had a smile on their face as they recited their vows to each other.
After some quick family portraits and just a few more rainy pictures we headed on over to their reception. Their cupcakes smelled so good and we loved their cake topper! It’s always awesome when a couple can put their own spin on traditions. Rocky even made Ana some amazing Legend of Zelda themed shoes so she could be comfortable dancing during the reception! How amazing is that?! All the video game references during their reception warmed our little nerd hearts!
For the first time during a reception we got to see a tradition called the “Snake Dance”. We had heard of it before but had never got to actually see it until now. From the bride…
“It is Mexican tradition that unmarried people have to do the “snake dance” at a wedding… The bride and groom stand on chairs and form an arch (either by holding hands or holding up the bride’s veil). The men and women are then divided and one sex goes first then the other goes. They have to hold hands and follow the rhythm of the music (called “La Vibora de la Mar), which gets faster and faster. The participants struggle to keep the “snake” together, while running through tables, chairs, and under the arch of the couple. At the end of the game, the bride throws the wedding bouquet and the groom throws the garter. This is supposed to symbolize that the bride and groom will have a strong marriage and nothing will be able to make the marriage falter.”
It was so much fun and a little difficult not to get run over!
We just want to say congratulations again to Ana + Rocky and we wish you all the happiness!
Venue: St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Reception Site: Ceres Community CenterDJ: Latin DJ’s
Bakery: Delightful Cravings
Linens: Piccolina’s Party
