I first met Jailin and Gemil around a year ago when we met up for their engagement session in Downtown Orlando, and I remember how fun and cute their relationship dynamic was, especially when I gave them my usual pose of “Alright, now let’s have you both slowly make your way towards the camera while dancing together,” and Jailin was like, “Oh we’re definitely going to dance!” And Gemil twirled Jailin around and around as they laughed and bounced hips towards my camera. That energy definitely radiated and transferred over to their wedding, which was definitely a beautifully elegant (because just look at how stunning they are!), wild (because people definitely came down on the dance floor to the Dominican music), and intimate one, despite the number of guests (because of the amount of love and tears that never stopped throughout the day).

When I first got to the venue (Dr. Phillips House), I was in awe of how gorgeous the place was. There was an abundance of pretty backdrops, from the ceremony space, the gardens, to the front of the historic home itself, and plenty of getting ready space due to the number of rooms in the historic house.

Something you’ll learn about me is that during your getting ready portion of the day, I’m no longer just your wedding photographer but also the person who will help you with your hair, putting on your shoes, your dress, WHATEVER you need – I still laugh thinking about when Jailin had said, “You’re gonna see just how extra I am,” as she put on the crinoline (the slip you put under the dress to make it extra poofy), and I helped her lace the back of her dress, attach her veil and LASTLY clip on her dramatically long cape to finish off the full bridal look. She looked absolutely stunning as she walked out for the first time to do a first look with her bridesmaids (they all cried) and her father and brothers (they also cried).

If you’re not interested in having a first look with your partner, I highly recommend the alternative of having first looks with your bridesmaids (even if they went dress shopping with you!) or your family members because it gives you that precious moment of them seeing you for the first time all to yourself.

Gemil’s getting ready moments also had their own precious touches, such as his aunt pinning a memorial pin of his mom onto his tuxedo, which was a very special moment for him.

My favorite moment to capture of this day was Gemil and Jailin’s first touch. I didn’t understand a lick of Spanish, but no amount of translation was needed for me to understand that it was such a beautiful moment and so powerful hearing the emotion of these two reading their private vows together. Just thinking about that moment again sends chills down my body – and I may or may not have teared up while editing these…

This ceremony has got to be one of the most emotional ones I’ve had the pleasure to photograph. As soon as Jailin got on top of those stairs to descend onto the aisle, everyone cried – EVERYONE. All her brothers who were part of the bridal party, her parents, Gemil’s parents, all the bridesmaids, (me), etc. It was so wonderful to be a part of this key memory for the couple and their loved ones.

Reception:

Vendors:

Photography: Jasmine Yab Photography

Venue and Catering – Dr. Phillips House

Rentals: Mens Wearhouse

Makeup Artist and Hair stylist: MoonStone Artistry

DJ: Dfiestainc

Dress: MDP Bridal Boutique