Sonora Wedding Photographer | Don Pedro Hacienda Wedding | Christine Dibble Photography

Peter and Chrissy were married at the Don Pedro Hacienda on what was then the hottest day of the year. They chose to have a morning wedding, which meant the getting ready part started at 4:30am! But this group ran pretty much on schedule, and their first look was held at the large cross at the altar just as the sun rose over the horizon and bathed everything in beautiful golden light for photos. I really think a first look helps calm everyone’s nerves, and it allows the bride and groom to relax together, have a few private moments to really take in what the day is about, and it lets them actually spend the day together. After couple portraits, a quiet prayer together, and group portraits (where the selfie stick made several appearances!), the ceremony took place on the lawn. Both Peter and Chrissy are sign language interpreters, so there were a number of deaf guests in attendance, and there were a few interpreters on hand to sign everything that happened. During the reception, Peter switched places with an interpreter, and she spoke as he signed, explaining that he would serenade his bride with a signed song. I had asked him if he ever felt that some of the emotion was lost through a signed conversation when there was no voice inflection to help a listener along, and he said he believed the opposite was true, that the face could show so much more when it was not busy speaking and that made sign language much more emotional than the spoken word. After watching him “sing” Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” I have to agree. Watching his face as he “sang” was pretty incredible. Guests dined on a taco bar from Victoria’s Taquizos. Chrissy planned a nice practical joke for the garter toss. The best man shaved one of his legs and wore a garter. Unsuspecting Peter was blindfolded and directed to the leg next to Chrissy’s! Between the emotion, the heartfelt prayers, and the laughs these two shared, I know they have a long and happy marriage ahead!