It's been a while, too long, actually, since I've blogged. From moving from Chapel Hill to Dallas, traveling here, there, + everywhere, and finally getting used to this sweltering concrete jungle, it was time I took you back to the MOST. BEAUTIFUL. SPRING. DAY. EVER.

As mottled light danced around the ceremony, a cool April breeze caught Rachel's veil. Her brothers gracefully led their little sister down the aisle of this simple + romantic garden wedding, while tears delicately flowed from her groom's eyes. As prayers were said, followed by "I do's," Colin whisked Rachel into his arms for their first kiss as man + wife.

Both fellow Tar Heels, I was beyond blessed when Rachel reached out to me to photograph their wedding. Who could pass up this beautiful, laid back, brunch-loving couple who's hearts are bigger than the night sky? We first met for their engagement session the summer before their wedding at Jordan Lake + Merritt's Pasture. I was instantly blown away by the sweet, loving way Colin looked as his future bride. That look, so warm + endearing, only grew stronger as their wedding day approached. On April 23rd, the love between Rachel + Colin was (and still is!) so strong, it embraced everyone, bringing all the guests to tears. It truly is a phenomenal moment when a couple's love is so strong it envelopes everyone on a wedding day.

Their wedding was as fresh + simple as a spring day in Chapel Hill. Rachel + Colin didn't need extravagant decorations to express who they are or how much they love each other because, believe me, their love seeped into every person + soul present. Their families + friends traveled from near + far to bless them with their graces through their ceremony, their super delicious + fun brunch reception which included some intense games of corn hole and bubble popping, as well as a short-lived April shower. They say rain on your wedding day is good luck! This bride + groom's caring hearts made sure that everyone had a memorable, beautiful day before they took off in a dried lavender "toss" (maybe douse is the correct word?) exit.

Rachel + Colin, I am honored to call you friends, but I am more honored that you gave me the opportunity to photograph your love. It is inspirational, fulfilling, and I could not be more happier for the both of you. I wish the Doctor, Mrs., and Brody all the best on y'all's journey together as man + wife (and dog!)!

Ceremony + Reception: Rock Quarry Farm
Caterer + Bartender: Acme Food & Beverage Co.
Cake: Laura Exum (Bride's Aunt)
Florist: Knots N Such
Hair + Make Up: Salon 135
Musicians: WestWend
Dress: Nicole Miller
Suit: Peter Millar

One by one, we all flew in. From Texas, North Carolina, Boston, Chicago, San Fransico, Albuquerque, Miami, we all landed in the steamy, palm tree-laden town of Puerto Vallarta to drink lots and lots of tequila...but I'll come back to that at a later post.

After 14 years, we finally returned to Mexico. While we didn't head off to our normal spot, the ranch in Tamaulipas, we headed to Jalisco to go to two small mountain towns, Mascota and Navidad. This trip was to meet my grandma's paternal side of the family, the Quintero's, who graciously welcomed their crazy American family into their homes to eat, drink, sing + dance.

After climbing up through the Sierra Vista, spiraling back down cliffside, finding a mariachi band stuffed in a Suburban with a beautiful blue Volkswagen Thing nearby, and trudging on our bus through jungles with many topes, speed bumps, we arrived hungry and sweaty to hugs and kisses in Mascota.

Angelita and her husband Sergio brought us to their bright yellow Mascota house, which Sergio built into a mountain with two other men. After touring their garden and home, we settled in their "play room" a large covered patio with an outdoor kitchen, and open-air dance floors, and devoured fresh mango, papaya, coconut, cucumber and jicama with chili limón. The breeze was cool as we sat surrounded by Sergio's family farm heirlooms on his handmade property.

As the afternoon winds brought in a cooling rain, the rest of the Quintero's and their families arrived for a huge fiesta. Silvia, Irma, and David dropped in from Guadalajara, and Anna Rosa from Mascota. Chorizo and chicken were grilled, beans were smashed, and tortillas were toasted...then all quickly consumed with a side of tequila, raicilla, and salsa.

And in typical Flores-Dueñas fashion, the music started. Little did we know, however, the Quintero's were going to bring out their rancheros and corridos! Los primos sang and danced, shared traditions, and drinks all night long. Music is such a huge part of our family, passed down through my great grandfather who played the trombone in a big band, and will forever be a tradition. It's evident when you look at both sides of our families that music tells our stories.

The day after the family fiesta, we drove up the mountain to a small town called Navidad. Yes, Christmas town. No, Santa does not live there. My great grandpa, however, is from this colorful village known for it's huge festivals in July. We first stopped by the cemetery to look at old family graves, then headed into town to explore the square, the church, and the home where my great grandpa grew up.

On the way back down, we were determined to find some Raicilla, or as we like to call it, Mexican Moonshine. Made from agave, but different than tequila. It's smokier and until recently, illegal. We asked a gentleman on the street where to get some, and he pointed us to some houses, which led us to some other folks, who then led us to the house who made raicilla. Very strong and not to shabby, actually. And I don't know how it made it home, but it did.

When I was asked what was my favorite part about my trip to Mexico, it was a no brainer. Family is my favorite part. It's who we are. It's our heritage and the sense of togetherness. It's the notion that no matter what, even if you just met, someone will always have your back. I'm so very glad to have finally met that side of my crazy large family, and it's a side I do not want to forget. Thank you for all the memories, Quintero crew! Here's to a trip back, soon!