Yesenia & Jose at California's First Church

what i am about to say may label me as a nerd, but mocking be darned, i love learning about history. i also love photography. when the two get to mingle in my viewfinder david is a happy camper. yesenia and jose chose to get married in california's first church, Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcala. if you have never been there, go. even if you don't get married there, it is a beautiful place to see and learn about. as you scroll through these images try to imagine you are in old california, circa 1769. get lost in time. never mind the rolls royce, just pretend it's a horse and carriage.
here is yesenia and jose's chapter in the book of california history.

can you hear the bells ringing through the san diego river valley? they call out to family and friends to come join together and witness this most blessed union.

jose has gathered his closest compadres...

the youngest of which shall bear a ring for jose's beautiful bride.

carved by hand and assembled with care, these doors, like yesenia and jose's love, will protect them from any storm that may come and will stand the test of time.

please take your seats friends. the brides maids are entering.

yesenia entered on a ray of sunlight.

and the two shall be as one.
(how funny would it have been if they yelled out "wonder twin powers activate!" as they lit the unity candle? just a thought.)

being in this church was so humbling. it was neat thinking of how many couples have been married here through time. this church has been witness to so much history. sorry, i geeked out for a minute there.

yesenia and jose could not have picked a better day to get married. it was a perfect san diego day...

for a perfect couple.

a quick toast and off they went to the reception.

with the guests distracted, we tip toed away to get a few more shots at the reception site, the Rancho Bernardo Courtyard.

yesenia looked too bonita to pass up a closeup.

a little dancing. a little night life.

muchas gracias yesenia and jose. sharing this day with you was an incredible experience for me. i can not thank you enough. congratulations to you both. may you share a lifetime of blessings together.