Porter Family - First Family Portrait - Albuquerque

November 24, 2015 Morgan Petroski

I was thrilled to photograph the beautiful Porter family for their first official family portrait. They asked if they could also bring their dog Dottie along, as she is part of the family as well. We took a walk along the Bosque to catch the remaining fall colors. Between the falling leaves entertaining their daughter and the space to dash about for Dottie, it was a fun time for all!

Jesse & Kenny's Wedding - Chief Hosa Lodge, Golden, Colorado

November 22, 2015 Morgan Petroski

On a beautiful October day in Golden, Colorado, Jesse and Kenny tied the knot at Chief Hosa Lodge just outside of Denver. Surrounded by friends and family, the day was full of love, laughter, and later in the evening, some amazing dancing. They met each other swing dancing at a weekend event on the east coast a few years ago. But as fate would have it, Kenny had plans to travel through Europe pretty much right after they met so a long distance correspondence (aided by technology & cute handwritten postcards) began their relationship. Now, together, they run Swingin' Denver and teach others how to dance.

Chief Hosa Lodge, surrounded by trees and a view of the mountains, was an amazing venue for an amazing day. Even when their rings fell during the ceremony and rolled away precariously close to the edge of the ceremony site, it didn't put a damper on the day as a bridesmaid was quick to catch them. After a pause for some laughter, the ceremony went on.

Their reception had some delicious and unique food. Check out the smoking popcorn! The band was amazing and everyone had a blast dancing the night away. Jesse, Kenny, and their friends are amazing dancers and the dance floor was packed until the very end of the night. Enjoy the photos!

denver wedding-0519

Laurel & Aaron's Albuquerque Wedding

July 14, 2015 Morgan Petroski

Laurel and Aaron's Albuquerque wedding was held in May at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Words can not express how much joy and excitement was shared amongst Laurel, Aaron, and all of their guests. How many brides and grooms brew their own beer and root beer? And have a belly dancer? And a fire dancer? And some crazy good dance moves? These two are one of a kind and together make one powerful team. They met and were dating by the time I met them eight years ago. I would like to say all of their closest friends knew they'd end up together, but I've never taken an official poll on that. Based on the toasts (and roasts) during their reception I think it's a pretty safe conclusion to make though.

Their Albuquerque wedding was a true expression of themselves. Held at their church, they managed to work in bits of vintage style here and there, their love of home-brewed beer (and root beer), bright colorful accents, and friends that were there to perform to make the night a real celebration. Dinner was some delicious New Mexican enchiladas and tamales. Throughout the afternoon and night, swing and blues music filled the air when the live jazz band wasn't performing.

The night ended on a high note with a spectacular fire dance and a sparkler send off under a full moon. There couldn't have been a more perfect way to end the celebration.

Every time I look through these photos (and I've look at them a lot since the wedding) I can't help but smile as I see two of my best friends on the happiest day of their lives.

Robin & Faye's Florida Wedding

July 7, 2015 Morgan Petroski

I had the great privilege of not only photographing Robin and Faye's wedding in June but surprising them as well! Yes, they had no idea I was going to be there or photographing their wedding. It was a huge surprise that my parents and I had planned for months. These two wonderful women have been part of my life since I was young. They have been part of my extended family, rooting me on and encouraging me through the years. They were finally able to get married this year in Florida, their home state.

They decided to rent a gorgeous riverside house for the week and hold their ceremony on the back patio overlooking the river. Their casual Florida wedding was filled with laughter, happiness, and tears of joy, as family and friends gathered to celebrate their marriage. Stones customized with their initials that they had everyone hold during the ceremony and then toss into the river with a wish, birds flying overhead, and stunning sunsets were just some of small pieces that made up their incredible day.

Santa Fe Vintage Engagement Session - Aaron & Laurel

March 31, 2015 Morgan Petroski

Meet Aaron and Laurel, two of my best friends. I've known them since I moved to Albuquerque almost eight years ago. They have been together even longer than that and are finally getting married! Wahoo! Together they make up such a strong team that nothing, not even cancer, stands a chance at weakening their relationship. They are both vintage aficionados so naturally a vintage engagement session was right up their alley. We decided that the train depot in Santa Fe was the place to start. It was a FREEZING cold Saturday in late February but you can't tell from the photos. They were troopers and really didn't let the cold bother them. We did make sure to bundle them up in between shots. Luckily (for us) the Santa Fe Southern Railway service is currently suspended (perhaps because it's winter?), which meant the beautiful teal train that can be ridden for tours and events, was parked in place and not going anywhere. It made the perfect spot for their photos. We were very lucky. Laurel even brought along a vintage suitcase as a prop! We really hadn't planned everything so down to the detail, but everything fell into place better than we could have imagined.

During the shoot we all needed a break from the cold and wind and wandered into the Sanbusco mall nearby. There I spied a local bookstore with piles of books. Laurel is a constantly hungry book worm, so I knew this would be a great spot for some photos. With the store's permission we did a few quick photos in there too. Thank you op.cit. books! We made a few more stops around the area after we had thoroughly defrosted, including outside the Jean Cocteau Cinema and an art gallery with a beautiful blue LOVE art piece out front. Our final stop was to Kakawa Chocolate House for some hot chocolate to warm up. It was a great afternoon with some very dear friends.

Congrats again to you two and can't wait for your big day! Love you both so much! ♥