This wedding was a testament to the power of cultural fusion and family bonds. By prioritizing their traditions, values, and unique needs, I was able to create timeless images that honored their love story while celebrating their heritage.

final thoughts

• Flexibility and empathy go a long way in building trust with clients facing unexpected life events.

• Tailoring services to fit each couple’s unique needs ensures they receive the best experience possible.

• Capturing multicultural weddings requires deep cultural understanding and thoughtful planning to honor traditions authentically.

Key Takeaways

Photography — East River Photographer
Make-Up — cynthia_m_jimenez
Venue — Russo's on the Bay
Highlight Video — (shot by Alvin Caal)

The Wedding Day

Family portraits were a priority for the couple, which extended longer than expected and resulted in missing the sunset for couple portraits. With a quick pivot, we utilized the venue’s indoor spaces to create elegant nighttime portraits, ensuring their love was beautifully captured despite the change in plans.

• Sunset Photos vs. Family Priorities:

A highlight of the day was the mariachi band that led the bride and her family through the streets of Brooklyn, a joyous nod to her Mexican heritage. To ensure comprehensive coverage, I coordinated with my videographer to follow the bride while arranging for a second shooter to document the groom getting ready nearby. This decision allowed for seamless storytelling from both perspectives.

• Cultural Traditions and Coverage:

The bride got ready at her parents’ apartment, a small but meaningful space filled with family, warmth, and the aroma of homemade tamales. Despite the limited space and lighting challenges, we made it work by finding creative ways to capture details and special moments—hanging the dress strategically and styling vignettes where space allowed. The presence of their beloved cat added a unique element, requiring adaptability in capturing flat-lay details.

• Intimate Getting Ready Space:

Navigating Logistical Challenges

The couple exchanged vows at the bride’s cherished church before celebrating at an elegant Brooklyn venue. From the mariachi-led procession to a lively reception featuring a perfect blend of cultures, the entire day reflected their love story. The groom, affectionately dubbed the bride’s “Scottish knight,” embraced her traditions while adding his own cultural touch, making it a true fusion of their backgrounds.

Originally planned for October, the wedding was postponed for a year after the heartbreaking loss of the bride’s grandmother. In Mexican culture, mourning for a full year is a deeply respected tradition. The couple reached out to discuss the implications of moving the date, and despite the contractual agreement, I chose to prioritize compassion and flexibility. With no conflicting bookings and an understanding of their situation, I waived any rescheduling fees, ensuring they could focus on honoring their traditions without added stress. My philosophy is rooted in delivering a meaningful experience, and in situations beyond a couple’s control, I strive to provide support, not obstacles.

POSTPONEMENT DUE TO CULTURAL TRADITIONS

2. Wedding with heart

Challenges and Solutions

expo, where she was drawn to my bilingual ability and cultural understanding, making it clear that she needed someone who could truly capture the essence of her traditions.

This enchanting Brooklyn wedding brought together Mexican-traditions and Scottish heritage in a heartfelt celebration of love and family.  The bride, deeply connected to her Mexican roots, sought a photographer who could engage with her Spanish-speaking family - especially her grandmother.  we first met at a wedding 

Overview

The couple initially opted for my Grand Collection, which includes an engagement session. However, they had already done an extensive engagement shoot with another photographer and didn’t feel they needed another. To better fit their needs, I offered to extend their wedding day coverage by an additional 30 minutes instead. This tailored approach ensured they received value without redundancy.

1. Customizing the Photography Collection

Customizing the Photography Collection

When the bride's grandmother passed away earlier in the year, they needed to reschedule.  Understanding the weight of the moment, I adjusted my schedule without extra fees, ensuring they had time to grieve and honor their traditions of mourning for a loved one for one year without any celebrations.

How I helped

The wedding at Russo's on the Bay was a perfect fusion of love, culture, Brooklyn charm.  From a bagpiper procession to a vibrant mariachi band, every details honored their heritage.   The night was filled with laughter, romance, heartfelt speeches.   The dance floor set the stage for a grand entrance, where the couple appeared magically to a beautiful blend tradition and modern celebration

The celebration

A magical blend of Mexican warmth and Scottish tradition set against the backdrop of Brooklyn.   They wanted a day that felt like home, family, and celebration, weaving together cultural elements with effortless elegance.

The couple's vision

Russo's on the Bay Wedding: Estefani & John's Mexican-Scottish Fairytale Celebration in Brooklyn