If you are a wedding photographer and you enjoy working with a couple who is game for absolutely anything then talk these two into having renewals of their vows. Annually. Maybe even bi-annually. I know I would be game. On my life, this is the best couple I've been with for awhile for brave fun in wedding photography. And, if I may, I have to say it came as a bit of a surprise. Rich, who I dealt with for the most part prior to the wedding, redefines organized and stayed right on me and the scheduling. (Not in a bad way and as an artist, not just a technician with a camera, I'm here to tell you this is an OK thing. A welcome thing), but I will admit, I did not expect him to be the laid back little camper he was during the wedding. Amparo is sweet, kind, and at first, rather demure. LIES!!! Nothing of the sort.

Goes to show you that I know absolutely nothing. They were SO into the photos. It was incredibly fun. I know many photographers do not like Asian weddings due to the extensive time between the ceremony and the reception, but I love it. Especially when the clients want to go to different locations. And then we have this amazing group of people (the entire wedding party mirrored the couple's disposition) who want to go to all the classic places but are not remotely interested in doing anything standard and then we have AMPARO who turns out to be this tiny little athlete.

"So, how about we take a few shots with the lion?"

"OK, do you want me to climb up on the lion?"

Now, understand that the lion is 8 feet tall, made of rough concrete and my bride is in heels and a wedding dress. I'm famous for getting my brides (oh, that sounds so manipulative - let me re-phrase that to say I attract the daring and willing) to do things, but this was precarious to say the least and I've never been one to want to have to explain to the wedding guests that I put the bride in traction, sorry... won't be here... my bad. I have tried to skip that.

Suffice to say that Amparo is now known in my studio as "the Monkey". Not only did she readily climb up there, she did it in heels and with grace and style. This was a dream wedding for me to shoot as a wedding photographer. They love to play and they love to play with each other above and beyond anyone else. BUT I got to be party to that and it was absolutely awesome to do their wedding photography.

The whole day was amazing to me. I felt tremendously appreciated for what I do as an artist and wow, wow, wow its not very often you get a couple who wants to have you participate so much in your artistic opinion. Nor is it often you meet people who are this kind - across the board, very, very kind people. They had their wedding up here for Grandma (Who is absolutely adorable, btw). And they clapped for me. Do you know how that made me feel? There are not words for that. Ever since I think I look like Brad Pitt, wellll.... can I just lay in bed and remember the clapping and have a Angelina moment? I know, I'm an idiot, but that was so big. They clapped for ne abd what I do.

These two are tremendous human beings and if you happen to be somewhere and meet a couple name Rich and Amparo - make every effort to spend as much time as you can with them because, just because, they might be two of the most unexpected and greatest free spirits you will ever have the chance to meet.