We woke up to a truly beautiful day and got packed up and ready to shoot Mike & Rosio’s wedding. Branden and I drove the hour and a half to Coachella and got there early enough to have a quick lunch before the wedding day began. We stepped out of the car and into 106 degrees. We melted. Instantly. Just when I thought the 100 degree weddings were over for the year we were slapped with the sticky, wet, stifling hand of the desert. Blinded by the glare of the intense sun in the colorless flatland we ate our lunch and proceeded to the hotel to meet our couple. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Melissa, shouldn’t you be talking about nicer things in this wedding post?” And I promise, there’s a point to my hot hot story!
We arrived to find our incredibly beautiful bride and handsome groom in great moods and excited to get their special day started. When we got to the ceremony site, I swear the place sucked in the heat and it had to be around 110. It was one of those days I don’t know why I bothered with makeup because it literally dripped off of my face. We wilted just like the poor flowers in the heat. It was literally one of the hottest experiences of my life. Two of my lenses broke that day because of the heat (thank God for backup equipment!). I still need to get them fixed. The videographer and a bridesmaid were feeling faint. Everyone struggled to keep hydrated while folding fans rapidly whipped through the air searching for the slightest wind to cool guests’ faces during the full sun ceremony. What I’m trying to say is that it was HOT. Crazy hot. If my wedding day would have been that hot, I don’t know how I would have handled it…
Rosio and Mike though, they were the picture of perfection. They weren’t going to let anything ruin the day they’ve been waiting for. They showed such grace and joy, just being so happy to finally get married that everyone was able to put their heat flashes aside and instead of baking in the heat, we all were able to bask in the love of Rosio & Mike. I really admire the two of them and how they were able to make the absolute most of their wedding even though everyone was a sweaty mess. You could feel the love all around. It was stronger than the heat! Their friends and family love them so much that they didn’t care how hot and sticky it was! They danced the night away and had a blast! Even though I hate the heat (clearly) I’m so glad I got to be a part of their amazing wedding day. It wasn’t perfect. The maid of honor misplaced the bride’s vows but she winged it like a champ. The cupcakes melted but people still ate them. In spite of everything that went awry, Rosio and Mike’s smiles never wavered. I love them for that. I love how they love each other. These two have that something special that’s going to make their marriage a lasting, happy one. I’m looking forward to watching them grow into a family. Mr & Mrs Mendoza are truly an amazing pair and I’m honored to have been a part of this amazing wedding. Enough chit-chat, onto the photos!
I’ve been excited for this dress all year. So different, I love it!
Mike, showing off his Burberry tie.
Rosio was trying to hard not to cry walking down the aisle.
But as soon as they were next to each other they were all smiles.
Mr & Mrs Mendoza!
I loved the mariachi band!
These flowers sure didn’t wilt! They will always be beautiful!
Finally, a little alone time : )
Easily one of my favorites from the day.
The candy bar made its home in one of the cool little cabanas the Corona Yacht Club has all around the little lake.
A little extra something sweet.
Loved this grand entrance so much!
He’s pretty darn good at making Rosio laugh. I love it.
Branden captured this shot of their dip and I love it.
They even let me pull them away for a few minutes for some cool night shots.
Here are some more details from the stunning Mendoza wedding. I’m particularly fond of the gold succulents. LOVE them.
Want to see more? Click HERE to view the slideshow!
A perfect wedding recipe:
Photography: Me! And my wonderful husband-slash-second-shooter, Branden
Venue: Corona Yacht Club
Officiant: Mr. Gerald Parsek
Floral & Decor: Ooh La La Designs
Caterer: Kitty’s Catering
Cake: Bristol Farms
Gown Boutique: Jinny’s Bridal
Hair: Darling Bride (562) 505-1512
Makeup: Elysia Moon
Videography: Jakfoto Productions
Event Coordinator: Katie Chestnut (714) 931-2023
CONNECT WITH MELISSA about shooting your wedding or portrait session
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11 comments
Rosio, these pics are fabulous! Gorgeous bride, gorgeous family, gorgeous pics. You look stunning. Great photographer by the way, I’ve seen her work before. Love it. Congratulations to Mr.Mendoza for snagging the cutest bride. So happy for you both!
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Absolutely Stunning! Melissa, You’re one hell of a photographer! So happy to be a part of this amazingly special day! Love to the Mendozas!
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Thanks RsShell!
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Rosio’d dress is too die for and Melissa these pics are off the chart AMAZING
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These pictures caught the beauty and fun. Amazing.
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The pictures are exactly what I knew they would be…. Absolutely beautiful. I still feel so honored to have been part of such an amazingly joyful day. I love you both with all my heart.
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I am speechless these pictures are amazing.
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BEAUTIFUL PICTURES, seriously stunning.
Megan
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These pics are absolutely amazing…such great moments captured through them…thanks for sharing!
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Rosio and Mike you two take the most beautiful pictures. Melissa you definitely have a talent when it comes to taking pictures. I can not decide which one I love the most, all I know is I love them all. Congrats once again, you guys are the best and i love the two of you.
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Absolutely beautiful! Those night shots, with the back lighting, are breath taking!
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