The nice thing about photographing the wedding of someone close to you is the added bonus time at additional wedding events, such as the bridal shower! I’ll be shooting Marina and Matt’s wedding next month but yesterday we had some pre-wedding fun at her bridal shower fiesta! Marina spent some time working in Mexico and loved every minute of it! Her amazing bridesmaids thought a “Mexican Themed Bridal Shower” would be most appropriate. They booked the room at El Rodeo and set-up for an afternoon of spicy fun! I took a seat and captured some of the excitement of gift opening! I have a feeling Marina’s wedding photos are going to be just as fun as these are! She’s a cutie and full of personality!

Enjoy a few from the fiesta!

The girls did a great job playing with the colors of the restaurant.  If you’ve never been to El Rodeo, it’s a fun place!  Color everywhere!  The Gerber Daisies where a great touch and an excellent shower favor!

Marina also has some talented bridesmaids!  One of her ladies made this cake!  Nice job Justine!

Now Marina wasn’t 100% surprised.  Since she doesn’t live locally they had to be somewhat honest in getting her to come home for the weekend.  She knew she was heading to her shower, but the location and awesome fiesta details were a surprise!

Okay, let the present opening begin!  I love how she was excited and surprised and loved every gift she opened!  Some of her expressions are priceless!

Funny story – the coffee pot that was on her registry apparently doesn’t exist anymore (at least where she’s registered)  unfortunately that was an item Matt really wanted…  fortunately her bridesmaid did some research and hunting around (after visiting 13 Targets) and found one very similar to the one she (well Matt) wanted…

Hey!  No boys allowed!    Matt stopped in to make sure everything was under control (and to load the goods!)

So the story continues…  remember how I said the coffee pot was no longer available on the registry, well Matt’s mother also took the steps necessary to find a suitable replacement…

Now Matt has two coffee pots – he’ll be able to stay up for weeks at a time!

As with any event, there’s some cake-cutting…  Marina took the opportunity to practice for the big day!

One final group shot, here’s Marina with her bridesmaids… what a lovely bunch!

Marina, Ashley, Justine and Kristin – I can’t wait to work with you all again!  It was a pleasure meeting each of you and I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of fun come the big day in May!

Matt – I didn’t forget you!  I’m also looking forward to meeting your groomsmen and sharing in your special day!  Both of you enjoy the next month and get ready for the fun and excitement of your wedding!  Love ya!