Melissa and Alfonso have been together for over 6 years now. From their first date at Uptown Kitchen to Alfonso proposing on February 15th, (when Melissa thought she was getting a puppy). 🐶 Melissa loves how sincere Alfonso is and that he truly loves her with all that he is. Alfonso loves how honest and open Melissa is and of course, beautiful.

Their wedding day looked like it was going to be a wash out but the cloud cover was actually a blessing for the outdoor ceremony. The temperature was cooler too so it was a real win-win. I arrived first at the hotel where the girls were getting ready. Melissa and her bridesmaids already had their hair and makeup done and the bridesmaids were just putting on their dresses. Melissa’s wedding dress was the perfect backdrop for the invitation. And that ring… WOW! 🤩

We hopped in our cars and drove to the Blue Heron. It was a team effort to get the dress on as it had a faulty zipper. I put the camera down, and with the help of the bridesmaids, we got it zipped! Sometimes you just need another helping hand. 😉

The best part though was the moment that Melissa shared with her girls. ❤️

I loved the belt Melissa added to the dress. It pulled in the rose gold theme perfectly. 😊

Beautiful ladies all in pink!

Our gorgeous bride! 😍

The boys arrived shortly after and jumped in on the fun!

Our handsome groom! 😎

First look! Alfonso had the biggest smile on his face. ❤️🙂

We did their bridal portraits next and these two were beaming from ear to ear!

I always love the Blue Heron for its gorgeous outdoor spaces. So much color and room to explore.

LOVE! ❤️

Ceremony time!

Melissa’s dad had a hard time giving her away. ❤️

Melissa and Alfonso said their vows that they wrote themselves.

Exchanging of rings. 💍

It’s official!!! 🥳

Mr and Mrs Cardenas!

Their families join us up at the front for family formals. Perfect weather for family photos!

This wedding party knows how to have fun! 🤣🙂

Reception time! 🥳

The ballroom was decorated with rose gold accents and silk flowers. Grace, Lexi (Blue Heron owner) and myself all chipped in make sure the decor was exactly how Melissa envisioned it.

Our newlyweds! ❤️

Melissa and Alfonso went right into their first dance. The giggles were non-stop! 😉🙂😊

It’s easy to see how much these two truly care for each other. 🙂

Both dads took a moment to congratulated the happy couple.

After a very yummy dinner, Terry, Melissa’s maid of honor, gave her toast about being each other’s partners in crime and the shenanigans they get themselves into.

Alfonso’s brother, Felipé, was next. He talked about how great Alfonso was at soccer when they were growing up and that he’s always looked up to him. ❤️

Let them eat cake! 🍰

The cake was hard to cut into so Alfonso decided to stab it. It worked and got a huge laugh in the process. 🤣

Time for parent dances! Melissa and her dad were up first. 😊

Then Alfonso had a short dance with his mother. ❤️

The dance floor is open! 💃🕺

Alfonso went searching for the garter and Melissa tossed the bouquet.

Right afterwards, the DJ had the two people that caught each do a ‘reversal’. Which means he had to put the garter on her. The crowd went wide. 🤣🤣🤣

As the evening drew to a close, I took Melissa and Alfonso outside for their evening portraits. The sky was a mix of blue and purple which made for the perfect backdrop.

The perfect end to the perfect day! ❤️

To Melissa and Alfonso – Thank you for such a fun day and for trusting me to capture these memories for you! You both light up when the other one comes in the room and I know you’ll have a long and very happy life together. Enjoy your honeymoon and have an umbrella drink for me! 😉🍹

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Venue & catering: The Blue Heron at Blackthorn

DJ, uplighting and photo booth: South Bend Premiere DJ

HMU: Ashley White Studio

Cake: Mimis Cupcakes

Floral: bride