To say that Dwelle-Muñoz wedding was just an average wedding would be a bit of an understatement. An old Catholic church, a packed party bus, a beautiful reception venue, and a couple hundred of your closest friends and family… topped off with a mariachi band. You guys missed out!
I met Denay and Omar through Denay’s brother, Dale. I’ve known Dale for something like 13 years – and he’s quickly setting the record the the Most Weddings We’ve Been In Together. I actually am part of a couple weddings a year with Dale I think – clearly it means we both know everyone. hahaha!
Denay and Omar contacted me and asked about my availability to come up to the Bay and shoot for them in San Jose. It was incredibly sweet to be referred by an old friend to his younger, and only, sister. And I all I kept hearing about Denay from everyone I talked to was “she’s so nice!”.
I met up with Denay and Omar several months before their wedding – after booking and working out the details. This was my chance to sit and talk to them a bit and get to know them. Turns out they’re big Disney fans and had seen my Engagement shoot with the Nguyen’s at Disneyland a long time before planning their own wedding. We went over a number of ideas and talked about different stories. Cassandra, a close friend and photographer who would be assisting me, came along to meet them too. When we left we were both excited to be working with such a wonderful couple and looked forward to when their wedding weekend would finally arrive.
Denay and Omar were married on a Friday at St. Joseph’s in Downtown San Jose. It was the same church that I shot the Nguyen wedding in last year, so not only was I familiar with the venue and the lighting, but the Dwelle and Muñoz families would have a small idea what the images might turn out like. Win-Win.
My day started with the bride and her girls, as always. The difference with this wedding is that I wasn’t going to have to break away and try to meet up with the guys while they got ready. This worked out great for many reasons. One of them is that Denay and Omar each had eight people in their wedding party. The other reason is it turned out Omar was busy running around most of the morning with errands. As a surprise to Denay he went about bought roses to decorate their room with rose petals for later that night – and had to squeeze that into all the other things he had to do that morning.
It also turned out that the hair and makeup for so many girls went later than planned – so it was great that Cassandra was spending the morning with the guys. However, even as we were running behind and Denay was ready to bolt out the door I was still able to take a few minutes and create some gorgeous bridal portraits of her . But believe me, she hauled ass down the hallway when we were done, and when we got to the limo she turned around asked where all the girls were.
The ceremony was beautiful – as I said I’ve shot there before and it really is a pretty church. But, the majority of the cermony was in Spanish. Between my incredibly broken Spanish left over from what I learned in high school and having shot several full-mass weddings, I was able to follow along pretty well.
After the ceremony we had a TON of family portraits to get through before piling onto the buses and heading to Gilroy for the reception. But we stopped at 7-11 first to get drink for everyone. The singing alone was worth the trip on the bus though, hahaha!
The reception was great, and I think the only thing that Omar and Denay would have changed would have been if they could have somehow stopped and talked to everyone that was there. I have a ton of photos from everything and I will talk more about the reception through the captions – so click down below for those.
Overall I had a great time and am incredibly pleased with the images that we created. Denay was an absolutely stunning bride. Omar even joked with Cassandra “Yeah, I thought she was going to dump me after like a year!” when explaining how amazing his wife is to him. Omar was looking damn sharp that day, too. My only regret for the wedding is that I didn’t get to spend nearly the amount of time getting to know Omar and his boys as I did getting to know Denay and her girls.
Click the break below to read on about my weekend with the Dwelle and Muñoz families! I have over 225 images from the day. I hope you all enjoy and laugh as much as I did.
To Denay and Omar,
I had an amazing time and both your families are wonderful. You two brought so much energy and love to your images it’s hard to not look at them and smile. Even people that have never met you have already been sending me messages online about the previews I’ve shared so far. Thank you for letting us be part of such an important day.
Arriving at the church for rehearsal. I haven’t been here since Chris and Christine’s wedding
The church coordinator walking Denay and her Dad down the aisle while explaining how things were going to go for the ceremony
Omar dipped Denay for their practice kiss at the end of rehearsal. The coordinator said “Now, do you want to practice the kiss? You don’t have to.” To which Omar replied “Oh, no, I can do that…” and pulled this out of nowhere.
You guys would be amazed the Facebook love this shot got when I posted it later that night to share.
Heading down the street for a drink with everyone after rehearsal
Toasts to the bride and groom!
The next morning the girls were all having coffee and chatting. Denay laughs about stories with her Aunt Debbie who came in from Minnesota.
Denay, showing off the wedding rings to Zulema
Tools of the trade for hair stylists
The makeup artists getting started on Natalie and Ashlee
Denay’s hair is almost finished. Just a few more pins and probably some more hairspray
Denay sat and talked with flower-girl Katarina who was patiently waiting for her turn to have her hair done.
Aunt Debbie and Mom to the rescue! The flowers were setup with the wrong kind of clips and had to be taken apart and redone just two hours before the wedding so they could be used at the church and work with the chairs.
Denay had a beautiful dress
After seeing other custom hangers and wanting one for herself, Omar special ordered Denay one for her wedding day, too!
Makeup time for Denay is about to get started
It was funny listening to Denay and the MUA’s chat. Denay is an aesthetician herself, so their conversation was hilariously accurate of what Denay wanted done with her makeup.
Denay’s “Something Blue” along her with her throwing garter
The rings
The room was crowded as all the girls were started go get dressed and ready for the ceremony
As I mentioned on FB, Denay has beautiful bone structure. I’m sure MUA’s love models like her just as much as photographers love working with them
The girls had a lot of gear broken out for everyone that morning. And I think they used a little of everything
Denay, chatting with the ladies and making sure people were getting ready. We were starting to run low on time but had to wait and get dressed last regardless.
Little Katarina getting her makeup done.
A quick touchup on her lips and then Denay would be ready to get dressed
With her dress on it was just a matter of a few adjustments, buttons and zipper to get it adjusted on her figure.
Mom stepped in for the final zipping. And young Katarina watching the whole time, wide-eyed.
Natalie adjusting the front for Denay, it was a sweetheart cut so you gotta make sure you look good! Haha.
Lots of smiles from ladies as they all get a look at Denay once she’s completely set.
Mom was having a hard time keeping it together. She hugged Denay as Denay laughing threatened her “don’t cry!” since she didn’t want to start crying either
I’m so happy Denay still gave me five minutes to do portraits despite being late
What a beautiful bride, right? Omar is going be amazed
Rushing out to meet the limo! I had to run to catch up
Are we all here? Who’s missing?
Champagne on the way to the church
This was too good NOT to photograph, hahaha! Getting her bustle undone.
“Sorry if I show you guys my butt…” -Denay
“Um, should I step out of the limo?” -Me
“No, you can’t see anything.” -Natalie
“Oh, well in that case I’m taking a picture.” -Me
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Fortunately that morning Cassandra was at the guy’s house with them getting ready these are some of her shots from the guy’s prep
Tequila for celebratory shots – I’m told they finished it off
Toasts and drinks! As I had mentioned Omar was late since he was running around doing errands for Denay
Salud!
ANOTHER ONE!
Best man and brother Aaron helping Omar with his corsage
The guys heading to the church
And quite possibly my favorite photo of Denay’s brother Dale opening the champagne! hahaha!
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By the time I arrived at the church with the girls the men had been there a while. Denay stayed hidden in the limo, I ran through traffic to get across the street… then had to wait for the cars to all clear out. haha
Getting close to starting time and I honestly feel like I’m running around crazy trying to think of what I might need to shoot.
Me and Cassandra, ready for a long busy ceremony
All the guys grouped up and chatting in the final minutes before things get started
Conversely the women were all lined up in order, in a row, and ready to go. Haha!
I ran out to get a shot with Denay before she would be walkin down the aisle.
Denay climbing out of the limo as it’s almost time to walk. It was great having Cass to get these shots since I was already inside shooting Omar walk down the aisle and escort his parents
As Denay gets ready outside, Omar walks his mom and dad to the front of the church
Ready…
Gameface. Let’s do this.
I do wonder what they’re thinking at this point
Omar’s first look at his bride
Handing off his daughter
The priest came down and greeted Omar and Denay, too
Getting things started with an opening prayer
Telling secrets, obviously. Ha!
Young Justin sits with Denay’s half-brother Alan waiting to deliver the rings
As the priest talks about how Denay and Omar met, and how Omar eventually proposed, Denay reaches over and grabs Omar’s hand and smiles
Exchanging of vows.
Omar and Denay had to memorize what they were going to say
Alan brings up the rings for a blessing before they’re handed to Omar and Denay
Exchanging of rings
A traditional Wedding Lazo was placed over Denay and Omar
It’s two rosaries that become one at the cross to symbolize their union
Holding his bride’s hand Omar leads them back up to the alter
Leaving flowers for the Virgin Mother
One final prayer and blessing! They’re almost there!
First kiss!
I’m so glad the priest stepped to the side before announcing them so I could get this shot
Then Denay went in for a bigger kiss! Haha!
Many congratulations from everyone as we crowd into the hall.
Mr. and Mrs. Munoz!
As we headed out the couple wanted a quick shot out in front of the church
And then it was time to start piling on to the bus
More kissing! Sheesh!
It took MAYBE a block before the guys stood up and started dancing
Gianni was in charge of pouring the vodka for everyone… from a HUGE bottle into these little tiny cups… on a moving bus
To the bride and groom!
Once we arrived at Eagle Ridge, the DJ came out to collect us and show us around real quick.
Omar was just was just so excited at how everything looked
Their first look at their wedding cake
The dip!
I’ve done this with almost every couple I’ve shot. The colors and location worked beautifully for this shot.
While we were getting ready to do some more group shots one of the golfers came by and offered us his cart to take a photo. “You’re on a golf course! You gotta do one in a cart!” he laughed
We took a few more group shots with the ladies
And apparently while I was busy with the bride and groom, Cass was shooting these with the guys goofing off
Cassandra took over the girls so I could do the individual shots of Omar with each of his groomsmen
Jumping back over to me and the guys, though, I was actually busy shooting the men quite literally jumping. They were so amped to do a jump shot I could help but laugh
Also had to do a serious one. Omar’s drink was too perfect for it, too
“Now wonder he was heavy. Everyone was too busy posing for the picture that a few of us got stuck carrying the load! Hahahaha.” said Javier when he saw this photo!
Denay wanted to get a shot being held up, too
Cassandra snapped this of me with them as I set the girls up
Then the girls came over and wanted a shot holding up Omar! You show off that bling, brotha!
The part of this photo I love the most is Dale’s expression (far right). I did the exact same thing when my little sister got married for a like this with the bride/groom kissing
All the ladies putting their shoes back on after photos so we can go in and get ready for introductions
People are all starting to pile in and the only empty tables are those reserved for the bridal and groom parties
They did a wonderful job with the decorations and detail
And I LOVED their wedding colors. But I’m hugely partial to green
Their cake looked amazing
The mariachi band was awesome!
Outside in the hall everyone was lining up and getting ready for introductions
Nephew and Niece, Justin and Katarina walk in arm-n-arm during introductions!
Last, and most important though were Mr. and Mrs. Munoz!
The room was packed with family members who came out to celebrate with everyone
Married!
The rings
Denay and Omar had really cute little favors of honey jars with the wedding date on them
Aaron gives the first speech as best man
Then Maid of Honor Ashlee gives her speech next
Mom and Dad Dwelle did their best to hold it together when they came up to speak
Then Denay’s older brother Dale got up to speak.
And he went on to say how he wasn’t surprised at all to hear that Omar went with Denay nearly every weekend to Disneyland when they were living in SoCal.
Omar’s parents (middle), Godfather (left) and Uncle (right) were the last to say a few words
Omar’s young cousin Danielle was standing next to me with her eyes locked on Denay. I turned and said “You want to say hi to Denay?”.. she nodded. So I said “well just go up there!”
She got a hug and everything! It was super cute
We had to cut walking tables short so Denay and Omar could stay on schedule and get to their first dance.
First dance as husband and wife
Couples are always in their own little world during this part of night. So sweet
Everyone shooting and watching! Gotta post to Facebook ;-) These guys were beating me to posting! Ha!
After the first dance was the Daddy-Daughter dance
Dale, standing with their Mom snapping photos of his little sister dance with their Dad
Soon Omar joined them on the dance floor with his new Mother in Law
Next up was the Mother-Son dance
It’s always very sweet watching a Mother watch her little boy when they dance at his wedding
Denay, dancing with her Father in Law
And shortly after it was time to break it down as everyone joined them on the dance floor.
Group shot with Denay, Cassandra, me, and Omar. I didn’t realize how far I bent down in this photo til I edited it. haha!
Omar takes a moment to thank everyone before they cut the cake
Woo hoo!
Omar, trying to get a piece of cake out!
They were polite and used forks
After cake everyone went back to the dance floor.
Sibling love!
After the money dance to help them on their honeymoon in Europe!
Bouquet toss
Those girls were ready!
Before the garter toss Cassandra helped Denay put on the throwing garter. As all the girls were running out of the apartment earlier that afternoon I noticed the throwing garter was on the table and made sure to grab it! Whew!
Omar, getting ready for his turn in the spotlight
As he stepped backward he hit the fireplace and fell all the back back onto the logs!
The DJ told Omar before he removed the garter he would have to give Denay a dance
So, Denay got a lapdance from her new husband!
She couldn’t keep a straight face after that!
Omar removed the garter, without too much trouble, with his teeth!
And those guys were ready to fight for that garter, too!
Omar and groomsmen Jorge
Denay and Omar also wanted to do a traditional Vibora de la mar dance, or “snake dance”
Denay breaking it down with cousin Danielle
A shot from Disney’s Animal Kingdom on their trip to Disneyworld two years ago where Omar proposed to Denay
Hmm, I took a picture of the guestbook but forgot to sign it! Whoops.. Oh well, I think they’ll remember that I was there
Denay spent most of the night dancing with everyone
..and Omar was there just about as long dancing with his wife and friends, too
Really cute moment when Tina’s husband came over to see how she how is his pregnant wife was doing when she was taking a break from the dance floor
Aaron pulled Danielle back out to dance with him and Omar
OPPA GANGNAM STYLE!!
She knew the dance!
As the night winded down a bit Omar spent more and more time with Denay in his arms dancing
Last kisses on the dance floor as the last songs approached for the evening
The evening finishes and the DJ thanks everyone for attending
Everyone surrounds Denay and Omar as they thank everyone one last time for joining them and being part of their wedding
A little help from Mom with her shoes as Denay gets ready to leave and head home with her new husband.
Whew! What a wedding, right?
I hope you enjoyed the photos as much as I enjoyed creating them. I still have a lot more to go through before sending everything off to Denay and Omar, at which point you guys can just start asking them to see more. Haha!
Thanks for reading, and if I missed people’s names please let me know!