The Making of a Bride (Houston, Texas)

I have seriously disappeared, I know.  I have a good reason, I promise...

Isn't that a beautiful dress?  Wait until you see the girl who went in it...

Maybe you remember the engagement pictures I shared a few months back, maybe you don't.  Being asked to take the engagement pictures was an honor, but being a part of the wedding day is much more special!  I was a bridesmaid AND I had the privilege of taking the "before" pictures.

Hair is done, card has been written and delivered to the groom, and it is time for make-up...

Querubia's mother passed away a couple of years ago and her father was unable to get a visa from Brazil in time to come to the wedding, but her sister was there to share the day with her.  I was blessed to be able to witness many special moments between them during the few days I was there, like this one.

Despite many loved ones so far away, she was not alone.  About 200 people were in attendance and over 200 people watched the wedding via the internet in Brazil.  Two of her bridesmaids came straight from Brazil, two came from New Jersey, and four came from California.  She is well loved and well supported.  What a great send off into a new life!

But if you knew her, you wouldn't be surprised.  Not only is she stunning on the outside, but she is on the inside as well.  I have never cried as many tears at any wedding as I did at this one.  Everything was beautiful, from the bride down to the dress, the vows, and everything in between.   


(Four of the eight bridesmaids, ready to help her finish up and send her on her way!)

So, yes, I was gone.  But I told you had a good reason ;)

A Little Bit of Sweet Lovin'... (Houston, Texas)

I know, I know... this has been more of a photography blog than a food/life blog this past week.  But my guess is that you will be able to find it deep in your heart to forgive me when you see how adorable my friends are.  (And besides, you are probably too busy with Easter stuff right now to even really care about tuna casserole with spinach or something like that, right?  Right.)

These pictures were actually taken back in January, but were under lock and key until my friends made them public, which they just did.  Finally!  I have been itchin' to share them. 

And wouldn't you know it... Train's "Marry Me" just came on Pandora.  Perfect!

Let me tell you about these two lovebirds.  Querubia is one of my very closest friends.  You might have already read about her and her amazing turkey-sandwich smoothies.  But what you don't know is that she is the one who introduced me to my husband.  Via an MSN instant messenger conversation.  She says she was trying to get Paulo someone to practice English with, but I am not so sure... ;) 

She was my very first Brazilian friend, and she has remained one of my very best of all friends throughout the years.  The past few years have seen her here in America and back home in Brazil for periods of time, but throughout it all, no matter where we were at physically, we have remained connected -- both through good times and very difficult life situations.  That is real friendship, right?

But right now we celebrate one of those really good, no, GREAT times.  She has found the love of her life, and I must say -- after spending this weekend with them in Texas, he gets my full approval! 

I feel very honored to not only have been selected as one of the bridesmaids, but to have them ask me to come out to do their engagement pictures.  I will be heading back out in a few short months to spend a few days with them, celebrating that sweet love that they publically declare their love in front of all of their friends, family, and God.  And I can't wait!