This was simply one of the most memorable weddings I’ve ever been part of!
Davina and Daniel are a powerhouse couple of award-winning, International wedding photographers from my hometown of Montreal.
Davina and I met at Marie-Eve and Mike’s wedding almost ten years ago, and Davina was their photographer. Upon completing the bridal party’s hair and makeup, I offered her a quick little touch-up and we became fast friends. We had the good fortune of working on many other weddings together in Montreal following that, and I also became friends with another lovely couple whom we both collaborated with.
When it came time for Davina and Daniel’s wedding in Mexico, I was bummed that I could not go to do her hair and makeup myself, however, I was happy that I could at least offer Davina a bridal makeup lesson, as a gift to her for her big day. It was a hot sunny day in August and Davina came over to my place in Montreal and we went through how to create the smokey eye she wanted and how to enhance her natural glowing skin. As great a student as she is an artist, my mission was accomplished!
Fast forward a few months to New Year’s Eve 2010 and I got a call from Daniel, asking me if it was ok that he booked a flight to Mexico for me for the week of their wedding, because he wanted to offer my makeup and hair services to his wife to be on her wedding day! Obviously, I had to DOUBLE CHECK my schedule (!) but quickly told him it was ok.
Flying to Mexico with a group of close friends, including two of the couples whose weddings we had collaborated on together as well as family and friends was the start of an unforgettable week. Together we flew through O’Hare and landed in sunny Mexico a few hours later.
Everything about Puerto Vallarta was beyond what I had imagined. The villa at the top of the hill where everyone stayed was exquisite, with a view of the ocean and the boardwalk below and cascading flowers at every turn. The town was bustling, the guacamole so intensely delicious the old stones and new sculptures merging the historic and modern at the foot of the water, effortlessly.
The week leading up to the wedding and after it were so full of fun, friends and tender moments, it was really a great reminder that doing everything with love, can only create more of it in the world. Truly grateful and honoured to know these people and to have been included in their celebrations. Thanks D+d, much love to you always!
All Photos courtesy of Chrisman Studios, unless otherwise indicated! Thanks Ben!
All hair and makeup by Maya Goldenberg.
