Love + Warmth: Katrina and Myriam’s Wedding

Feb 14

LGBT wedding at the Cooper Estate in Homestead, Florida

As I write this, there are two things going on.

First, today is Valentines Day. I love love, don’t you? Second, it’s cold here in East Tennessee. I hate cold, how ‘bout you? So, today I want to remember a time spent photographing love in a warmer climate.

Which brings me to Katrina and Myriam’s beautiful wedding at The Cooper Estate in Homestead, Florida.

Now that venue is certainly beautiful. At 100+ years old, it is a souvenir of bygone days in Florida and brings a sense of Hollywood glamor to any event there. Lush tropical plants and a magnificent hall for a reception – just wonderful.

And the weather that day in October was beautiful. Warm, but not too warm, and high cirrus clouds that nicely diffused the sunlight, so people were marvelously comfortable.

But what really made it beautiful was a kickass couple surrounded by some of the most loving family members and friends, with no drama – just people happy to be together to celebrate these two fine women. And with both of them coming from energetic Cuban-American families, the party was lit.

There were moments when I wanted to put down my camera and start hugging people. When Myriam was getting ready and her Dad was helping her with her tie – then later him unabashedly crying as his daughter married. Katrina surprising Myriam with a flamenco performance during the reception (which was so wonderful it deserved its own blog post). Grandmothers leaving their seats to salsa, salsa, grab a drink – and then salsa some more! Impromptu sing alongs on the dance floor. Conga line!

Here's the thing: weddings are fun but sometimes I think guests come to have a good time for themselves. I mean, sure, they sent in an RSVP to the couple but I get the sense that they would have the same attitude whether they were at any party where there was food, drinks, and music. Myriam and Katrina’s wedding felt different – everyone was having a good time but doing so because they were at Katrina and Myriam’s wedding. In other words, if these ladies had their wedding in a VFW hall with a footlong from Subway and a boombox, there would have still been the same joy I felt coming from their families and friends.

And if that ain’t love, tell me, what is?

So, I hope everyone is enjoying their Valentines Day and join me in looking back to Myriam and Katrina’s wedding.