Monika and Josue // Ama La Vita in Longview, TX

You know the quote from Anne of Green Gables, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” –well it was written about October 23,2021.. literally Monika and Josue couldn’t have asked for a prettier day to get married at Ama La Vita in Longview, Texas. It was beyond perfect. This beautiful couple has been together for 8 years, so this wedding has been a source of anticipation. Where do I even begin? 

The wedding day: 

We arrived and immediately began photographing Monika’s perfectly curated details. I swear she thought of everything. The venue offers a unique experience where the bride and groom get ready in what was formerly horse stables. The majority of the celebration happened in an open air covered space between the stables and a large room where they served dinner. Before the wedding started, the bride’s brother gave her  a beautiful embroidered handkerchief with a letter written to her on it. There wasn’t a dry eye in the bridal suite when that occurred. Then the girls all took a shot of tequila together before the ceremony.

The wedding began with a beer guy dancing down the aisle passing out beers which led to a light hearted mood and created many smiles throughout the audience. Monika and Josue participated in the wedding lasso tradition that symbolizes their eternal union and status as one in the eyes of the Lord. Such a beautiful moment shared together. Then their friends shot confetti canons as they were pronounced man and wife. The parents prayed over the couple and they walked down the aisle grinning from ear to ear. 

After a slew of photos, the wedding party made their grand entrance followed by the most incredible mariachi band. Can more weddings please have mariachi bands?! I LOVED it! Dinner was serenaded by the mariachi band too. Cake was cut and the kindest toasts about the bride and groom were made. The bride and groom followed me outside for portraits together and we were met with the prettiest cotton candy colored skies. 

Guests took photos in the fun photobooth and quite literally danced the night away. So much dancing! A wonderful time was had by all and the newly married couple ended the night under the bright moon. 

A word of thanks:

Monika + Josue, what a joy to photograph your wedding day! Thank you for immense honor of documenting your love for each other and those who care for you the most! I had the best time celebrating y’all and it is evident you both are head over heels with one another and deeply loved by those in attendance to your wedding. Wishing you both all the happiness in the world, Emilee

Vendors:

Cake: A Piece of Cake  // Appetizers: The Fruit Ladies // Bartending: East Texas Mobile Bartending // Catering: Blanca// Venue: Ama La Vita// Florist: Las Magnolias// Hair: Kaylee Whyte // Make-up: Make-up by Nayeli // DJ: DJ Lunatic // Videographer: Luis Lopez // Jeweler: Lollar’s Jewelry // Dress: Azarue’s Bridal Salon// Mariachi: Mariachi Nueva Era ETX//Photo booth: Serendipity Moments LLC  // Wedding Planner: Jaime Winters (Assistant Michelle stood in for her on the big day) // Second Shooter: Constance Mendez

See more weddings that I have photographed here!